<p>Methane traps more than 25 times as much heat as carbon dioxide over a century, so even modest changes in its release can tilt the climate balance.</p>



<p>Scientists already recognize Arctic and sub‑Arctic lakes as natural methane vents, where gas bubbles up from sediments laid down over millennia. But the exact processes controlling how much is produced and how fast it escapes have remained poorly understood.</p>



<p>Now, a new study led by PhD researcher Marie Bulínová from <a href="https://en.uit.no/startsida">UiT The Arctic University of Norway</a> offers fresh insight into these dynamics, revealing how lake productivity plays a central role in methane release.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-life-more-methane">More life, more methane</h2>



<p>Bulínová and an international team cored sediments and analyzed pore‑water chemistry in ten <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-produce-less-methane-than-previously-thought/">lakes</a> scattered across Svalbard and Arctic Scandinavia. </p>



<p>They then modeled how methane diffuses from the mud into the overlying water and, ultimately, into the air. The surprise wasn’t that methane was present - every lake emitted some - but that the same factors consistently drove those emissions.</p>



<p>“We were surprised by how clearly the productivity of the ecosystem was linked to methane production,” Bulínová said.</p>



<p>The researchers found that lakes with thicker mats of algae, more aquatic plants, lush shore vegetation, and shallower depths generated the most methane in their sediments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-arctic-methane-begins">Where Arctic methane begins</h2>



<p>Across the lakes, production peaked within the upper decimeter of sediment. That thin layer is rich in freshly fallen, easily digestible organic matter and pulsing with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-activities-underground-revealed-by-new-technology/">microbial activity</a>. Beneath it, older, nutrient‑poor mud yields much less gas.</p>



<p>By combining concentration profiles with mass‑transfer equations, the researchers estimated diffusive fluxes between - 0.46 and 3.1 millimoles of methane per square meter per day.</p>



<p>Those numbers match earlier spot measurements in boreal and Arctic water bodies and are far lower than typical tropical or temperate values. Yet, given the sheer abundance of lakes across high‑latitude landscapes, the regional methane budget remains formidable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-vary-in-emissions">Lakes vary in emissions</h2>



<p>When the team compared their data with more than sixty published estimates from lakes worldwide, a striking pattern emerged. Arctic lakes as a group emit less per unit area than tropical ones, but individual northern lakes vary wildly.</p>



<p>“Some release much more methane than others, depending on local factors like vegetation cover, lake shape, or sediment composition,” Bulínová noted. </p>



<p>Machine‑learning models confirmed that climate variables - especially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/">temperature</a> and precipitation - rank alongside primary productivity and basin morphometry as key predictors. </p>



<p>The upshot is that Arctic methane output will not rise evenly. Hot spots will appear where warming and wetter weather most strongly boost in‑lake photosynthesis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-lakes-drive-feedbacks">Living lakes drive feedbacks</h2>



<p>The findings dovetail with satellite observations of a “greening” Arctic: longer ice‑free seasons and warmer waters spur algae blooms, while shrubs and grasses spread along shorelines.</p>



<p>More plant growth means more organic carbon raining onto lake bottoms, where microbes convert it into methane. That methane, in turn, accelerates warming, potentially creating a feedback loop.</p>



<p>“Our work suggests that increases in ecosystem productivity - something we could think of being positive - can also increase methane release and further accelerate warming,” Bulínová warned.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-methane-escapes-in-many-ways">Arctic methane escapes in many ways</h2>



<p>The study focused on diffusion, one of several pathways methane follows from mud to sky. Bubbling, or ebullition, can deliver large, sudden pulses when gas pockets overcome sediment pressure. </p>



<p>Plant stems can vent methane directly, and spring ice‑out may release winter stores in a burst. Accounting for these modes will refine regional budgets. </p>



<p>But diffusion is a baseline flux that operates almost continuously - and scientists can model it more easily across thousands of lakes once they understand the main controls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-to-study-more-arctic-lakes">Need to study more Arctic lakes</h2>



<p>Because each Arctic lake tells a slightly different story, the authors emphasize breadth as well as depth. “That’s why it’s essential to study a wide range of lake types if we want to understand the Arctic’s role in future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-in-crisis-have-we-reached-a-climate-tipping-point/">climate</a> feedbacks,” Bulínová explained.</p>



<p>Their random‑forest approach shows promise for up‑scaling. Feed the algorithm satellite data on lake size, depth, productivity proxies, and local climate, and it can predict methane diffusion with reasonable accuracy.</p>



<p>The same framework could extend to boreal or even temperate basins. This would help Earth‑system models gauge how global lake emissions will shift under various warming scenarios.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-researchers-must-do-next">What researchers must do next</h2>



<p>The study demonstrates that tallying greenhouse gases in the Arctic requires looking beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-becoming-a-source-of-global-warming/">thawing permafrost</a> soils to include seemingly placid waters.</p>



<p>Policies aimed at limiting methane rise might need to consider land‑use changes that alter nutrient runoff into lakes or protect certain high‑productivity basins from additional disturbance. </p>



<p>For scientists, the next steps include year‑round monitoring to capture seasonal swings, experiments that manipulate nutrient inputs, and integration of ebullition measurements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-face-a-warming-future">Lakes face a warming future</h2>



<p>As climate change redraws the Arctic map, lakes will likely become more productive biological engines. Paradoxically, they may also become more potent methane releasers.</p>



<p>The research led by Bulínová offers a first quantitative framework to anticipate that transformation. </p>



<p>It reminds us that in the delicate dance of climate feedbacks, what looks like a burst of life on a warming tundra can carry an invisible, high‑powered greenhouse cost.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2024JG008508" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences</em></a>.</p>



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Microbes in Arctic lakes are fueling a large methane surge

Methane traps more than 25 times as much heat as carbon dioxide over a century, so even modest changes in its release can tilt the climate balance. Scientists already recognize Arctic and sub‑Arctic lakes as natural methane vents, where gas bubbles up from sediments laid down over millennia. But the exact processes controlling how much is produced and how fast it escapes have remained poorly understood. Now, a new study led by PhD researcher Marie Bulínová from UiT The Arctic University of Norway offers fresh insight into these dynamics,...

<p>Killer whale mothers can live up to ninety years in the wild, and most of them live an average of 22 years after menopause. Since only six species – humans and five species of toothed whales – experience menopause, scientists have long wondered what is the evolutionary purpose of females spending a significant portion of their lives not reproducing.</p>



<p>In previous research, experts have found evidence that, after having their last calf, killer whale mothers continue to help their families by sharing the fish they catch. Now, a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00824-2"><em>Current Biology</em></a> has discovered that these mothers also provide social support to their sons by protecting them from being injured by other orcas.</p>



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



<p>“The motivation of this project was really to try and understand how these post-reproductive females are helping their offspring,” said lead author Charli Grimes, an animal-behavior scientist at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/">University of Exeter</a>. “Our results highlight a new pathway by which menopause is adaptive in killer whales.”</p>



<p>The scientists studied southern resident orcas that live off the Pacific Northwest coast in matriarchal social units consisting of a mother, her offspring, and the offspring of her daughters. While male orcas often breed outside their pods, both males and females continue to live in their unit of birth for life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The scientists looked for evidence of scarring by examining data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whaleresearch.com/">Center for Whale Research’s&nbsp;</a>annual photographic census of the orca population.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The investigation revealed that, if a given male’s mother was still alive but no longer reproducing, the male has fewer tooth marks than his motherless peers or other peers with mothers that were still reproducing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since killer whales have no natural predators besides humans, tooth marks able to puncture their skins are most likely inflicted by other orcas. These findings suggest that, instead of competing with their daughters to breed, post-menopause killer whales have evolved to pass on their genes by helping their children and grandchildren.</p>



<p>“It was striking to see how directed the social support was,” said senior author Darren Croft, an expert in Animal Behavior at Exeter. “If you have a post-reproductive mother who’s not your mother within the social group, there’s no benefit. It’s not that these females are performing a general policing role. These post-reproductive mothers are targeting the support they are giving to their sons.”</p>



<h2 id="h-captivating-insights">Captivating insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Grimes, females focus their efforts on protecting their sons because males can breed with multiple females and so they have more potential to pass on their mother’s genes. Moreover, since they breed with females outside their social group, the burden of raising the calves falls on another pod.</p>



<p>“The similarities with humans are intriguing,” said Croft. “Just as in humans, it seems that older female whales play a vital role in their societies – using their knowledge and experience to provide benefits including finding food and resolving conflict."</p>



<p>“Our findings offer captivating insights into the role of post-menopausal killer whale mothers,” added co-author Dan Franks, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.york.ac.uk/">University of York</a>.</p>



<p>“They perform protective behavior, reducing the incidence of socially inflicted injuries on their sons. It’s fascinating to see this post-menopausal mother-son relationship deepening our understanding of both the intricate social structures in killer whale societies and the evolution of menopause in species beyond humans,” he concluded.</p>



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



<p>Killer whale mothers, play a significant role in the social structure of their pods. Here are some interesting facts about them:</p>



<h3 id="h-longevity">Longevity</h3>



<p>Female killer whales are known to live significantly longer than males, sometimes reaching ages over 100. Despite experiencing menopause in their 30s to 40s, they continue to play a pivotal role in their pods.</p>



<h3 id="h-matriarchal-societies">Matriarchal societies</h3>



<p>Killer whale societies are matriarchal, meaning that older, post-reproductive females often lead the pods. These matriarchs pass on knowledge and wisdom, such as hunting techniques and navigational routes, to the younger members of the group.</p>



<h3 id="h-calf-rearing">Calf rearing</h3>



<p>Orca calves have a strong bond with their mothers. The mother will feed, protect, and teach the calf for at least the first two years of its life. Even after weaning, offspring frequently stay close to their mother for life, especially in "resident" orca communities.</p>



<h3 id="h-post-menopausal-leadership">Post-menopausal leadership</h3>



<p>Even after they stop giving birth, killer whale females continue to play a key role in their pods. Researchers believe that this is because older females are the most knowledgeable about where to find food, particularly during times of scarcity. This phenomenon is known as the "grandmother hypothesis."</p>



<h3 id="h-teaching-dkills">Teaching dkills</h3>



<p>Killer whale mothers teach their offspring vital skills. This includes how to hunt and use unique tactics that vary from group to group. They even exhibit cultural learning, as these hunting techniques differ among different orca communities and are passed down through generations.</p>



<h3 id="h-shared-care">Shared care</h3>



<p>In some orca populations, not only the mother, but also siblings and other pod members, participate in caring for calves in a behavior known as alloparenting. This shared care helps younger or less experienced whales learn parenting skills.</p>



<p>Killer whale social structure and behavior offer a fascinating insight into the lives of these marine mammals, highlighting the important role that mothers play within their communities.</p>



<p>-—</p>



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



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Killer whale mothers protect their sons from injury in the years post menopause

Killer whale mothers can live up to ninety years in...

<p>A study from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/">University of Colorado Boulder</a> has uncovered a new perspective on the environmental benefits of reducing food waste. Contrary to long standing beliefs, curbing food waste may not deliver the anticipated environmental impact, although it could potentially improve global food security.</p>



<p>The reduction of food waste has been widely recognized as a crucial step in mitigating the environmental impacts of our food system. For instance, food loss and waste in the supply chain contribute to an astounding 24 percent of global food system greenhouse gas emissions and six percent of total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-emissions-from-fertilizers-could-be-cut-by-80-percent/">emissions</a> worldwide. That's not even accounting for the average of 527 calories wasted per person per day on a global scale.</p>



<p>However, the study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-023-00792-z"><em>Nature Food</em></a>, suggests that the environmental benefit of reducing food waste might be less pronounced than previously assumed. Instead, the real impact could be a significant drop in food prices, causing a surge in consumption rates.</p>



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



<p>The research was led by a team from the <a href="https://cires.colorado.edu/">Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences</a> (CIRES), using a holistic approach to examine the implications of reducing food loss and waste.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This incorporated guidelines set out by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2021, focusing on food loss occurring on the supply side (food spoiled or damaged before reaching retailers) and food waste happening on the demand side (food discarded by consumers or retailers).</p>



<p>Margaret Hegwood, the study's lead author and a CIRES/CU Boulder PhD candidate, emphasized the necessity of understanding the full repercussions of reducing food waste and loss. She argued that increasing the available food supply would lead to lower prices, sparking predictable shifts in consumer behavior.</p>



<p>“Let's say the price of cereals goes down because of improvements in food system efficiency, now you can afford to eat the same amount more often. Consumers respond to these price decreases, purchasing more than they had before, which offsets some of the benefits of reducing the food loss and waste," explained Hegwood.</p>



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



<p>In order to understand this interplay between supply and demand, the authors developed a simple model to observe the consequences of waste and loss reductions.</p>



<p>“Our model basically formalized ECON 101: reducing food loss and waste shifts the supply and demand curves, respectively,” said study co-author Professor Matt Burgess. “How sensitive supply and demand are to prices - which we get from previous research - then determines how much we project food prices and consumption will change.”</p>



<p>The results revealed that a significant offset exists, with a complete reduction in food loss and waste slicing away from half to two-thirds of the expected environmental benefits.</p>



<p>While the research simulated scenarios of reduced food waste and loss, the authors refrained from making specific assumptions about how these reductions would be achieved. Such strategies depend heavily on a plethora of variables including food type, regional factors, consumption habits, access to technology, political context, and dietary needs.</p>



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



<p>This research stands out in the academic landscape, marking the first of its kind to scrutinize the impacts of decreased food loss and waste on a global scale. Previous studies have mostly confined their focus to regional or national levels.</p>



<p>Hegwood hopes that their findings will prompt a reevaluation of the discourse surrounding food waste and loss, shifting the emphasis from environmental impact towards food security.</p>



<p>“And I think likely, at least to some extent, that this could mean that our efforts to reduce food loss and waste could actually not be as beneficial for the environment as we think they could be, but it’s super beneficial in terms of food security,” said Hegwood. “And I think that is very important for people to think about.”</p>



<h2 id="h-what-types-of-food-are-often-wasted">What types of food are often wasted?</h2>



<p>Food waste is a significant issue globally. It not only represents a waste of resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some types of food that are commonly wasted:</p>



<h3 id="h-fruits-and-vegetables">Fruits and vegetables</h3>



<p>These are among the most frequently wasted foods. This is often because of their relatively short shelf life, and also because cosmetic standards can lead to the rejection of perfectly good produce.</p>



<h3 id="h-bread-and-bakery-items">Bread and bakery items</h3>



<p>Bread and other bakery items are often wasted because they have a short shelf-life and may not be consumed before they go stale or moldy.</p>



<h3 id="h-dairy-products">Dairy products</h3>



<p>Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products are often thrown away when they are not consumed by their sell-by or use-by dates. The same goes for cheese, which can go bad if not properly stored or consumed in a timely manner.</p>



<h3 id="h-meat-and-fish">Meat and fish</h3>



<p>These are commonly wasted both at the retail level and in households. This may be due to over-purchasing, improper storage, or not being consumed by the expiration date.</p>



<h3 id="h-prepared-foods-and-leftovers">Prepared foods and leftovers</h3>



<p>A significant amount of food waste comes from both homes and restaurants in the form of prepared foods that are not eaten in time. This includes leftovers from meals that are not consumed.</p>



<h3 id="h-grains-and-pasta">Grains and pasta</h3>



<p>While these items often have a longer shelf life, they can still contribute to food waste, particularly when cooked in too-large quantities that are not consumed.</p>



<h3 id="h-eggs">Eggs</h3>



<p>These can be wasted if they're not used by their sell-by date or if they break during transport or storage.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Reducing food waste: Greater food security, less environmental benefits

A study from the University of Colorado Boulder has uncovered...

Portrait,Of,Primeval,Caveman,Wearing,Animal,Skin,And,Fur,Hunting

<p>By analyzing a 300,000-year-old hunting weapon discovered in 1994 in Schöningen in Germany, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> in the UK has shed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-impacted-earth-than-previously-thought-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new light on early humans</a> as woodworking masters. </p>



<p>According to the experts, this double-pointed wooden throwing stick was scraped, seasoned, and sanded before being used as a hunting weapon for animals. This suggests that early humans’ woodworking techniques were much more sophisticated than previously thought. </p>



<p>The painstaking creation of such lightweight weapons may have enabled group hunts of small and medium animals, and is likely to have involved entire communities, including children.</p>



<h2 id="h-early-human-hunting-weapons">Early human hunting weapons</h2>



<p>“Discoveries of wooden tools have revolutionized our understanding of early human behaviors. Amazingly these early humans demonstrated an ability to plan well in advance, a strong knowledge of the properties of wood, and many sophisticated woodworking skills that we still use today,” said study lead author Annemieke Milks, an archeologist at Reading.</p>



<p>“These lightweight throwing sticks may have been easier to launch than heavier spears, indicating the potential for the whole community to take part. Such tools could have been used by children while learning to throw and hunt.”</p>



<p>“The Schöningen humans used a spruce branch to make this <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Schonigen-double-pointed-wooden-throwing-stick_Credit-Volker-Minkus.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerodynamic and ergonomic tool</a>. The woodworking involved multiple steps including cutting and stripping off the bark, carving it into an aerodynamic shape, scraping away more of the surface, seasoning the wood to avoid cracking and warping, and sanding it for easier handling,” added co-author Dirk Leder, an expert in Paleolithic Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution at the <a href="https://www.lower-saxony.de/tourism_and_culture/culture/heritage_conservation_archaeology/-99329.html">Lower Saxony State Office for Cultural Heritage</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-hunting-weapons-discovered-in-schoningen">Hunting weapons discovered in Schöningen</h2>



<p>The 77-centimeter-long stick is one of several tools discovered in Schöningen, including throwing spears, thrusting spears, and another similarly sized throwing stick. </p>



<p>The double-pointed throwing stick was likely used by early humans to hunt both small prey such as difficult-to-catch hares or birds and medium-sized game like red and roe deer. </p>



<p>Such sticks would have been launched rotationally, like a boomerang, instead of overhead such as a modern-day javelin, and could have enabled hunters to throw as far as 30 meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although this weapon is lightweight, the high velocity with which it can be launched would likely result in deadly high-energy impacts. </p>



<p>Moreover, its carefully shaped points and polish resulting from handling suggest that the stick was a weapon with repeated use rather than a quickly made tool that was carelessly discarded after hunts.</p>



<h2 id="h-valuable-insights-on-early-human-woodworking">Valuable insights on early human woodworking</h2>



<p>“The systematic analysis of the wooden finds of the Schöningen site financed by the <a href="https://www.dfg.de/en/">German Research Foundation</a> provides valuable new insights and further exciting information on these early wooden weapons can be expected soon,” concluded senior author Thomas Terberger, an expert in Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology at the Lower Saxony State Office for Cultural Heritage.</p>



<p>An in-depth description of the tool – which is currently on display at the <a href="https://forschungsmuseum-schoeningen.de/home">Forschungsmuseum</a> in Schöningen - and its uses was published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287719"><em>PLoS ONE</em></a><em>.</em>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-early-hunting-tools-and-woodworking">More about early hunting tools and woodworking</h2>



<p>Wooden tools and evidence of advanced woodworking have been in use for thousands of years, dating back to early human history. They are typically associated with the Stone Age, a prehistoric period during which stone was widely used to make tools.</p>



<p>However, it is important to note that due to the nature of organic materials, very few early wooden tools have survived to the present day, making it hard for archaeologists to definitively state when or how they were used.</p>



<h3 id="h-digging-sticks">Digging sticks</h3>



<p>One of the earliest forms of wooden tools likely included sharpened sticks used for digging. They could have been used to dig for water, roots, and tubers, or to prepare the ground for planting.</p>



<h3 id="h-spears">Spears</h3>



<p>Early wooden spears would have been used for hunting. The Schöningen spears, discovered in Germany and dating back nearly 400,000 years, are an example of early wooden hunting tools.</p>



<h3 id="h-fire-making-tools">Fire-making tools</h3>



<p>Wood was instrumental in the creation of early fire-making tools, such as the hand-drill and the bow drill.</p>



<h3 id="h-clubs-and-batons">Clubs and batons</h3>



<p>Wood would have been used to create blunt-force weapons or tools, such as clubs. Batons might have been used for various purposes like signalling, ceremonial purposes, or possibly for processing food.</p>



<h3 id="h-canoe-paddles-and-boats">Canoe paddles and boats</h3>



<p>Evidence of early wooden boats or canoes have been found dating back thousands of years. The Pesse canoe, discovered in the Netherlands, is thought to be one of the world's oldest known boats.</p>



<h3 id="h-tool-handles">Tool handles</h3>



<p>While stone, bone, and later metal might have been used for the business end of a tool, wood was often used to form the handle due to its shapeability and relative ease of use.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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



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Early humans were masters at woodworking and crafting wooden hunting weapons

By analyzing a 300,000-year-old hunting weapon discovered in 1994 in...

<p>A recent study led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/">Durham University</a> has revealed an intriguing yet concerning phenomenon regarding how European breeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diving-birds-face-a-greater-risk-of-extinction/">birds</a> have adapted to climate change over the past three decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Contrary to initial expectations, these avian species have exhibited a slower response to climate shifts, offering a potential insight into the challenges and intricacies of species migration and survival in a rapidly changing environment.</p>



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



<p>The researchers discovered that the geographical range of European breeding birds has shifted at an average rate of 2.4km per year over the last 30 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding is particularly significant when considering that the predicted shift based on climate changes alone should have been approximately 50 percent faster. These results, therefore, underscore the extent to which the migration of these species has deviated from the theoretical predictions.</p>



<p>The methodology of the study involved analyzing data from two Europe-wide bird distribution atlases published 30 years apart.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An intriguing finding from the study was that local colonization and extinction events among species were not strongly impacted by the climatic changes between the two survey periods. Instead, they were predominantly influenced by the climatic conditions at the time of the first surveys.</p>



<h2 id="h-fascinating-responses">Fascinating responses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Stephen Willis from Durham University’s Department of Biosciences, one of the study leaders, provided a comprehensive interpretation of these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our results possibly indicate two fascinating responses to recent climate change," Willis explained. "On one hand, we see ‘colonization lags’ where species fail to follow improving climates, potentially due to the unavailability of suitable habitats or prey in new locations. On the other hand, we witness fewer extinctions in areas where we anticipated them, potentially indicating ‘extinction debts.’”</p>



<p>Willis further elaborated on the concept of "extinction debts," referring to situations where species persist in areas with unfavorable climatic conditions, due to time lag effects in their preferred habitats changing.</p>



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



<p>A significant revelation from the study was the importance of maintaining networks of local populations, both to minimize extinctions and to make populations more resilient to the impacts of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The significant role of non-climatic factors in altering range changes illustrates that climate is just one factor impacting populations of European breeding birds," said study first author Dr.&nbsp; Christine Howard. She also warned against factors like persecution, which are still causing major issues for many species.</p>



<p>Dr. Sergi Herrando, who spearheaded the collation of data for the most recent distribution atlas, remarked on the invaluable contribution of coordinated survey data across many countries. “The work presented here underscores the ways in which such data, collected from a staggering number of 120,000 field workers, can be utilized to better comprehend the causes of species losses and gains,” Dr. Herrando said.</p>



<p>The findings from this research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/ncomms/"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>, are not only enlightening for the scientific community but also carry far-reaching implications for conservation efforts. Funded in part by the National Environment Research Council, the study forms a vital part of UK Research and Innovation, contributing to our understanding of how climate change is influencing biodiversity.</p>



<h2 id="h-european-breeding-birds">European breeding birds</h2>



<p>There are numerous species of breeding birds in Europe, from the common to the rare and endangered. They encompass a wide variety of habitats including forests, wetlands, grasslands, mountains, and even urban areas.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-well-known-examples">Well-known examples&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-european-robin">European Robin</h4>



<p>This is one of the most famous European birds. They are small, often found in gardens, and are identifiable by their distinctive red breast.</p>



<h4 id="h-barn-swallow">Barn Swallow</h4>



<p>Known for their long migrations, Barn Swallows breed across Europe and fly south to Africa for the winter. They have a beautiful blue-black back and a reddish-brown throat.</p>



<h4 id="h-common-chaffinch">Common Chaffinch&nbsp;</h4>



<p>These are common garden birds throughout Europe. The males are brightly colored, with a blue-grey cap, pink cheeks and breast, and a greenish rump.</p>



<h4 id="h-european-goldfinch">European Goldfinch&nbsp;</h4>



<p>These are small birds with a distinctive red face, black and white head, warm brown upperparts and white underparts with buff flanks and breast patches.</p>



<h4 id="h-blue-tit">Blue Tit&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Known for their blue and yellow plumage, these are popular garden birds that are often seen at bird feeders.</p>



<h4 id="h-common-blackbird">Common Blackbird&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>



<p>These birds are entirely black in males with a yellow eye-ring and bill, while females are brown. They are common in gardens and woodland areas.</p>



<h4 id="h-eurasian-sparrowhawk">Eurasian Sparrowhawk</h4>



<p>A small bird of prey, it's found in woodland and sometimes in gardens. Males have bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on their chest and belly, while females are larger with brown back and wings.</p>



<h4 id="h-white-stork">White Stork&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Famous for their nesting habits, they build large stick nests in trees or on buildings and other structures. They are white with black flight feathers and a red bill and legs.</p>



<h4 id="h-european-bee-eater">European Bee-eater&nbsp;</h4>



<p>A brightly colored bird found in southern Europe, they nest in sandy banks, usually near river shores, where they dig a tunnel and lay their eggs.</p>



<h4 id="h-atlantic-puffin">Atlantic Puffin&nbsp;</h4>



<p>This seabird breeds in large colonies on coastal cliffs or offshore islands, laying its eggs in burrows or crevices.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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European breeding birds adapt to climate change at a slower pace

A recent study led by Durham University has revealed an...

<p>Scientists from globally renowned institutions in Ireland, China, and the UK have unearthed new insights into the parenting habits of the prehistoric flying reptiles, the pterosaurs. These creatures roamed the skies during the era of the dinosaurs, and their parental instincts have long intrigued the scientific community.</p>



<p>A collaboration between researchers at <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Cork (UCC)</a>, <a href="https://www.nju.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing University</a>, <a href="http://english.ynu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunnan University</a>, the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, and <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University</a> of London has led to the surprising conclusion that pterosaurs did, in fact, exhibit parental care, but only within the larger species.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.1102" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> offer solutions to an ongoing mystery. In order for both birds and pterosaurs to take flight soon after birth, they require sufficiently developed wings. </p>



<p>Earlier studies of smaller, Jurassic-era pterosaurs revealed that hatchlings were born with large wings. This equipped them to flutter into the air within days of emerging from their eggs.</p>



<p>However, this finding raised questions about the pterosaurs' later relatives. They evolved to be considerably larger. </p>



<p>In the Cretaceous period, pterosaurs typically bore wingspans of about 5 meters. Some even boasted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jurassic-park-was-wrong-about-how-fast-pterosaurs-could-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wingspans between 10 and 15 meters</a>, which is roughly the size of a small glider.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-study-pterosaur-parenting">How to study pterosaur parenting</h2>



<p>Conducting this research was no small feat, according to the project's lead, Dr. Zixiao Yang from UCC. The team had to find examples of pterosaur parenting in which at least one very young or newly hatched specimen could be compared to adults to study their growth rates. However, infant pterosaurs are incredibly rare.</p>



<p>In collaboration with fellow researchers Professor Baoyu Jiang, Professor Michael Benton, Professor Xu Xing, and Professor Maria McNamara, Dr. Yang undertook the investigation. </p>



<p>With a mix of classic specimens from the Jurassic period in Europe and the Cretaceous period in North America, along with fresh finds from China, the team began their detailed study. They measured the skulls, backbones, wings, and hind legs of their samples.</p>



<h2>The allometry of flying reptiles</h2>



<p>The scientists focused on analyzing the allometry of these creatures. This refers to how their physical traits changed as they grew larger. </p>



<p>The concept of allometry is common in many animals, including humans, where babies, puppies, and kittens have relatively larger heads, eyes, and knees. As they mature, the rest of the body grows at a faster pace to achieve adult proportions.</p>



<p>"Our findings show that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-pterosaurs-were-fierce-competitors-in-the-late-cretaceous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small, bird-sized Jurassic pterosaurs</a> were born flight-ready, equipped with large wings and robust limbs," Dr. Yang explained. "Throughout their growth from infancy to adulthood, their limbs displayed negative allometry—meaning they started off large but grew slower compared to the rest of their bodies."</p>



<p>The story for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-pterosaurs-had-colorful-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous-era giant pterosaurs</a>, however, was different. These creatures also began life as tiny hatchlings, but the growth of their key limb bones showed positive allometry, pointing to a contrasting developmental model.</p>



<h2>Larger pterosaur species were better at parenting</h2>



<p>In essence, this suggests that the giant pterosaurs had to give up low-energy parenting for the ability to grow to considerable sizes as adults. While minimal childcare might have been an energy-saving tactic in the early evolution of these ancient reptiles, the larger pterosaurs faced a unique challenge. </p>



<p>Larger pterosaur species took longer to mature. Consequently, their parents had to protect them from potential accidents. Due to the constraints of egg size, all pterosaur hatchlings, irrespective of whether they were large or small, began life as tiny creatures.</p>



<p>"To allow for the evolution of truly massive sizes, pterosaurs compensated for their investment in childcare by birthing non-flying infants," Dr. Yang clarified. This behavior is mirrored in certain birds and mammals today. Species like cattle and antelopes are mobile from the day they're born, while some birds can fly at a very young age.</p>



<p>While this behavior may pose risks to the young—due to their vulnerability to predators and their clumsiness—it's also costly for the mother, who must ensure that their offspring have well-developed limbs at birth. As with modern animals, extinct pterosaurs faced similar trade-offs. "They were restricted in maximum body size until the end of the Jurassic, at which point their parental care behavior changed, and then they could achieve huge sizes," Dr. Yang concluded.</p>



<h2>More about pterosaurs</h2>



<p>Pterosaurs, often referred to as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-pterosaur-bones-found-in-australia-date-back-107-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterodactyls</a>, were an order of flying reptiles that lived from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period. They are notable for being among the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight, existing from about 228 to 66 million years ago.</p>



<p>Here's a more in-depth look at these fascinating prehistoric creatures:</p>



<h3>Classification and diversity</h3>



<p>Pterosaurs are part of the Archosauria group, which also includes dinosaurs, crocodiles, and birds. However, pterosaurs are not dinosaurs themselves, but a separate and distinct group. They were incredibly diverse, with over 130 known species varying widely in size and form.</p>



<h3>Size</h3>



<p>The size of pterosaurs ranged from the very small to the gigantic. The smallest pterosaurs like Nemicolopterus were about the size of a sparrow, with a wingspan around 25 centimeters (10 inches). </p>



<p>The largest known pterosaurs, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-flying-dinosaur-jumped-before-takeoff/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quetzalcoatlus</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hatzegopteryx-ancient-t-rex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hatzegopteryx</a>, had wingspans up to about 10-11 meters (33-36 feet), roughly the size of a small airplane.</p>



<h3>Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>Pterosaurs had a number of unique physical traits. One of the most notable was their wings, which consisted of a membrane of skin, muscle, and other tissues stretching from the ankles or elongated fourth finger to the body. </p>



<p>Unlike bats, which have fully webbed fingers, pterosaurs had a single large wing finger. Pterosaurs also had hollow bones, a trait they shared with the theropod dinosaurs and which greatly reduced their weight.</p>



<h3>Flying reptiles</h3>



<p>Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to achieve true powered flight, meaning they could flap their wings to fly rather than just gliding. Their wing structure was complex and highly adapted for flight, with a large surface area that allowed them to create lift.</p>



<h3>Diet and lifestyle</h3>



<p>Pterosaurs had a wide range of diets and lifestyles. Some were fish eaters, catching their prey while flying low over water. </p>



<p>Others were adapted to eat insects, small dinosaurs, or scavenged carrion. Some fossils even suggest that certain types of pterosaurs may have had a primarily terrestrial lifestyle. Finally, as we learned above, larger pterosaurs spent much of their lives parenting to help their offspring survive and thrive.</p>



<h3>Fossil record</h3>



<p>Pterosaur fossils are rare because their bones were hollow and fragile, making them less likely to fossilize well. Despite this, fossils have been found all over the world on every continent.</p>



<h3>Extinction</h3>



<p>Pterosaurs went extinct at the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-pterosaur-from-the-cretaceous-found-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous period</a>, about 66 million years ago. This coincides with the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that also wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. </p>



<p>It's generally believed that a combination of environmental changes, possibly triggered by a large asteroid or comet impact, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">led to their extinction</a>.</p>



<h3>Parental care</h3>



<p>Recent studies suggest that at least some pterosaurs may have provided parental care to their young, similar to modern birds. However, as with many aspects of pterosaur biology, this is still a topic of ongoing research and debate.</p>



<p>Despite sharing the skies with the ancestors of modern birds, pterosaurs were a unique lineage of flying animals, distinct from both birds and bats. Today, they continue to fascinate scientists and the public alike as we learn more about their biology and place in Earth's history.</p>

Pterosaurs had good parenting skills, but only the larger species

Scientists from globally renowned institutions in Ireland, China, and the...

Red-haired,Sexy,Girl,In,A,Cafe,Dressed,In,Casual,Clothing

<p>Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes were once considered as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. Now, officials from the <a href="https://www.heart.org/">American Heart Association</a> (AHA) warn that vaping and second-hand vaping may be as hazardous to cardiovascular health as their tar-filled counterparts. </p>



<p>This cautionary message, one of the most forceful from a medical association in recent years, aligns with the mounting evidence of potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-lockdown-cost-heart-attack-patients-up-to-two-years-of-life/">heart</a> and lung damage linked to vaping.</p>



<p>Adding to the growing concerns surrounding vaping, a recent study unveiled another disconcerting fact. E-cigarette devices have hooked over 2.5 million American youth on nicotine.</p>



<p>E-cigarettes, introduced to the U.S. in the early 2010s, rapidly gained popularity as they appeared to offer a less harmful means of satisfying nicotine cravings. However, the AHA asserts that these vaping devices contain a mixture of nicotine, solvents, thickeners, and flavorings that could pose serious risks to heart health akin to traditional cigarette smoking.</p>



<h2 id="h-lack-of-long-term-scientific-data">Lack of long-term scientific data</h2>



<p>Dr. Jason Rose is a professor at the <a href="https://umd.edu/">University of Maryland</a>’s School of Medicine and chair of the AHA’s scientific statement writing committee. "Because e-cigarettes and other vaping systems have only been in the U.S. for about 15 years, we do not yet have enough information on their long-term health effects, so we must rely on shorter-term studies, molecular experiments, and research in animals to try to assess the true risk of using e-cigarettes," explains Dr. Rose.</p>



<p>Furthermore, e-cigarettes with high nicotine concentrations contain other compounds. Lab studies have shown that these compounds can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases in animals, warranting more comprehensive research into their long-term impacts, particularly as more than 2.5 million young individuals currently vape.</p>



<p>In spite of their popularity, e-cigarette companies' claims about their products being a safer way to quit smoking lack substantial evidence, beyond any temporary benefits, according to the AHA's deputy chief science and medical officer, Dr. Rose Marie Robertson.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-doctors-do-not-recommend-vaping-to-quit-nicotine">Doctors do not recommend vaping to quit nicotine</h2>



<p>"The lack of long-term scientific safety data on e-cigarette use, along with the potential for the addiction to e-cigarette products seen among youth, are among the reasons the American Heart Association does not recommend e-cigarette use for cessation efforts," says Dr. Robertson.</p>



<p>The AHA recommends that those keen to quit nicotine should opt for FDA-approved methods such as nicotine replacement gum or patches, acknowledging the challenges that lie in the journey to overcoming addiction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"And all of this needs to be undertaken with the understanding that quitting often takes many tries, and any failures should be seen as just episodes to learn from on the road to finally beating a powerful addiction for good," says Dr. Robertson.</p>



<p>Scientists also need to conduct further research into the impact of e-cigarettes on individuals who use both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. Doctors call them "dual users". </p>



<p>While the vapor emitted by these devices is free of the acrid smoke and tar produced by traditional cigarettes, the long-term effects remain largely unknown.</p>



<h2 id="h-health-problems">Health problems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2019, we observed a troubling trend: a surge in acute lung injuries linked to vaping. More than 2,800 hospitalizations recorded, including 15% in under-18s. This led to a stern warning from the American Medical Association against e-cigarette use and a call for a blanket ban on all unapproved products.</p>



<p>E-cigarettes, apart from carrying the addictive substance nicotine (often up to five percent), contain potentially harmful additives such as flavoring agents, glycerol, and metals released when the battery heats the liquids.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Doctors have found associations between long-term exposure to flavoring additives like diacetyl and acetyl propionyl and respiratory issues. These include shortness of breath, chronic cough, asthma, and obstructed airways.</p>



<p>Additionally, exposure to the glycerol in e-cigarettes can cause health problems. The AHA experts stated, "Glycol mixtures are used to create theatrical fog and smoke, and long-term occupational exposure is associated with higher reports of wheezing and chest tightness. Short-term exposure to glycol mixtures is associated with acute dry cough and throat irritation, as well as decreased lung function in individuals with higher exposures."</p>



<h2 id="h-second-hand-vaping">Second-hand vaping</h2>



<p>In another alarming discovery, doctors are now warning about the dangers of second-hand vaping, which releases 22 times the safe level of potentially poisonous microscopic toxins known as particulate matter, capable of causing respiratory issues and potentially entering the bloodstream.</p>



<p>Once thought to be harmless due to the absence of pungent smoke, these findings reveal that e-cigarettes, even when used for less than 10 minutes in a closed car, can significantly increase the concentration of dangerous particulate matter, underlining the pressing need for stringent regulations and extensive research into the impact of vaping on public health.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Dangers of vaping and second-hand vaping are greatly underestimated 

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes were once considered as a safer...

Big,Sun,Eruption,-,Elements,Of,This,Image,Furnished,By

<p>In an unusual space weather event, Earth is bracing for a "cannibal" coronal mass ejection, or CME, from the Sun, a large cloud of magnetized plasma that could potentially trigger minor geomagnetic storms and power outages. The term for this solar storm, which may sound harrowing, describes a relatively rare cosmic phenomenon that scientists are still striving to fully understand.</p>



<p>Typically, our planet gets hit by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) - massive bursts of gas and magnetic field released from the Sun's corona - fairly frequently. Yet, this incoming wave of energy is anything but typical.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today's CME is classified as a "cannibal" due to its formation following a series of solar storms and a peculiar "dark eruption." This CME distinguished itself from regular ones as it absorbed a preceding ejection, essentially "eating" it to create a much larger and more powerful cloud of gas.</p>



<h2 id="h-blackouts-are-possible-from-cmes">Blackouts are possible from CMEs</h2>



<p>According to scientists, this cannibal CME, despite its ominous name, is unlikely to pose a significant threat to our electronic systems, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-detect-methane-emission-from-cow-burps/">satellites</a>, or power grids. However, there is the possibility of minor outages and blackouts as the CME strikes Earth today.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"These storms manifest as major disturbances in Earth's magnetic field, potentially causing various space weather effects," says Sean Elvidge, an associate professor of space environment at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a>. While on one hand, they can disrupt communication systems by causing radio blackouts, on the other, they can lead to spectacular natural light shows in the form of auroras, he explains.</p>



<h2 id="h-cannibalistic-plasma-wave">"Cannibalistic" plasma wave</h2>



<p>Four days ago, a solar flare distinguished by unusually cool plasma, hence termed a "dark eruption," was launched in tandem with a CME. Within 24 hours, another, much faster CME erupted from a separate, larger sunspot. This second, speedier CME eventually caught up with the first, creating the "cannibalistic" plasma wave that we now anticipate.</p>



<p>Forecasts by the Space Weather arm of the Met Office and the US-based Space Weather Prediction Center predict unsettled to active geomagnetic activity at first, with the chance of minor geomagnetic storms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such impacts are fairly infrequent because they necessitate successive CMEs traveling at specific speeds and in perfect alignment. However, a similar event took place just two years ago, prompting a major geomagnetic storm.</p>



<p>These storms are categorized according to the G-scale, with G-1 being the weakest, causing mild power grid fluctuations and minor impact on satellite operations. The scale progresses through to G-5, the most extreme level, which can instigate blackouts, damage transformers, and make it difficult to control satellites in low-Earth orbit. The storm anticipated for today is predicted to be of the G-1 type.</p>



<h2 id="h-solar-storm-peak-in-2025">Solar storm peak in 2025</h2>



<p>While cannibal CMEs are quite rare, they become increasingly more common as the sun nears the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. This cycle peak, the next of which is due in 2025, coincides with a greater instability in the Sun's magnetic field, thereby increasing the number of sunspots from which CMEs can erupt.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although initial predictions suggested the 2025 peak would be weaker than past solar maximums, recent research posits that it may be stronger and could even occur earlier than expected.</p>



<h2 id="h-northern-lights-over-britain">Northern Lights over Britain&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the "cannibal" solar storm arriving today might hold a pleasant surprise for skywatchers, particularly in the Northern parts of Britain. They could have the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, a stunning natural light display triggered by geomagnetic storms.</p>



<p>As the CME sweeps into Earth, it's predicted to escalate the geomagnetic activity from unsettled to minor or moderate by tomorrow. Consequently, between 9pm GMT and midnight, auroras are likely to be visible, especially from darker, rural areas of Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.</p>



<p>However, predicting the precise location for observing the Northern Lights can be a challenge, as the conditions can rapidly change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"To predict exactly where you can see the northern lights is difficult as conditions can change quickly," said Professor Don Pollacco from the Department of Physics, <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk/">University of Warwick</a>. Nonetheless, he suggests looking towards the northern horizon from a dimly lit rural environment, preferably away from city lights.</p>



<p>Though the geomagnetic activity is predicted to diminish after this period, the spectacle of auroras could still be observed in the far North of the UK on the following Saturday evening. It's an extraordinary instance of nature's power and beauty, reminding us of the immense energy of our Sun, and the effects that this distant star can have on our planet.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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"Cannibal" CME from the sun is headed our way, watch for auroras tonight

In an unusual space weather event, Earth is bracing for...

<p>In the mysterious world of neuroscience, researchers have long grappled with a baffling disorder. Called unilateral neglect, it befalls over a quarter of all stroke victims, damaging their consciousness. This syndrome leads individuals to lose conscious awareness of half of their visual field.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, after a stroke affecting the right half of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-watching-movies-affect-our-brain/">brain</a>, a person might only eat what's on the right side of their plate, or see only the right half of a photograph, oblivious to the left half of their environment.</p>



<p>Intriguingly, despite their conscious disregard for one half of their surroundings, these stroke victims still exhibit emotional reactions to the entire scene. It appears that their brains are processing the whole picture, yet they remain consciously aware of only half of their world.</p>



<p>Unilateral neglect illuminates an enduring question in brain science: what separates the act of perceiving something from being consciously aware of that perception?&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, you might not consciously register passing a shoe store while scrolling through Instagram, but you suddenly start searching for shoe sales online. It's clear that your brain is recording things that don't reach your conscious awareness.</p>



<h2 id="h-compelling-new-insights">Compelling new insights</h2>



<p>On this subject, a new study led by neuroscientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/">University of California, Berkeley</a> provides some compelling insights.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts claim to have identified the brain region responsible for holding sustained visual images during the brief moments we perceive them. The findings were recently published in the scientific journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112752"><em>Cell Reports</em></a>.</p>



<p>"Consciousness, and in particular, visual experience, is the most fundamental thing that everyone feels from the moment they open their eyes when they wake up in the morning to the moment they go to sleep," stated Gal Vishne, a graduate student at Hebrew University and lead author of the paper. "Our study is about your everyday experience."</p>



<p>While these findings don't yet fully explain the disconnect between perception and conscious awareness, they could have practical implications for future medical treatments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, doctors might be able to discern, based on brain activity, whether a coma patient is still aware of the outside world and potentially able to improve. Unraveling the mysteries of consciousness could also pave the way for treatments for other disorders.</p>



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



<p>Study senior author Leon Deouell is a Hebrew University professor of psychology and member of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Research. He drew inspiration for his work from stroke patients suffering from unilateral neglect.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"That actually triggered my whole interest in the question of conscious awareness," said Professor Deouell. "How is it that you can have the information, but still not acknowledge it as something that you're subjectively experiencing, not act upon it, not move your eyes to it, not grab it?"&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study focused on understanding the link between brain activity and our conscious awareness. The researchers conducted tests on 10 patients undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy, measuring their brain activity while showing them different images for various durations.</p>



<p>The traditional methods for recording human neural activity, such as functional MRI (fMRI) or electroencephalography (EEG), can only provide detailed data on where or when the brain activity is occurring, not both. By utilizing electrodes implanted inside the skull, the experts overcame this limitation.</p>



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



<p>Through the use of machine learning to analyze the collected data, the researchers discovered that the brain retains information about perceptions for much longer than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike some earlier studies, they found that the prefrontal and parietal cortexes at the front of the brain only become active when something new is perceived, with information disappearing entirely within half a second.</p>



<p>However, the experts also found that the occipitotemporal area of the visual cortex at the back of the brain remains active, albeit at a lower level, for a significant period as a person views an image. This finding suggests a neural basis for stable perception over time.</p>



<h2 id="h-theories-of-consciousness">Theories of consciousness&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings for theories of consciousness remain open to interpretation. Some researchers suggest that conscious awareness might arise when the prefrontal cortex accesses the sustained activity in the visual cortex. Others, like Deouell, believe that consciousness arises from connections among many areas of the brain.</p>



<p>The study's results have been affirmed by the Cogitate Consortium, a group that held an event in New York City to debate two leading theories of consciousness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With over 20 current theories of consciousness, Deouell cautions that the multitude of theories indicates our lack of understanding.</p>



<p>However, it's believed that this study, along with ongoing research funded by the Templeton Foundation, could eventually lead to a true, testable theory of consciousness.</p>



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



<p>While both theories tested in the study had some accurate predictions, none of the current theories completely explain consciousness, Vishne noted.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"With so much still unknown about the neural basis of consciousness, we believe that more data should be collected before a new phoenix can rise out of the ashes of the previous theories."</p>



<p>Looking to the future, Deouell and his co-author, Robert Knight, a UC Berkeley professor of psychology, plan to explore the electrical activity associated with consciousness in other regions of the brain, such as the areas that deal with memory and emotions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As researchers continue to piece together the puzzle of consciousness, it's clear that there are many more exciting discoveries on the horizon.</p>



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



<p>Understanding human consciousness is one of the great unsolved mysteries in science and philosophy. The broad consensus among researchers is that consciousness is the state of being aware or perceptive of one's surroundings, thoughts, feelings, and experiences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the exact nature, origin, and mechanisms of consciousness are the subject of much debate and research.</p>



<p>Here are some key points to understand about consciousness:</p>



<h3 id="h-levels-of-consciousness">Levels of consciousness</h3>



<p>Consciousness isn't binary (either on or off); it has various levels. These range from full alertness and wakefulness to different stages of sleep and unconsciousness. Some altered states of consciousness can be achieved through meditation, hypnosis, or the use of certain substances.</p>



<h3 id="h-consciousness-and-the-brain">Consciousness and the brain</h3>



<p>Consciousness is believed to arise from complex and synchronized activity among several areas of the brain, in what's known as the global workspace theory. This theory proposes that different sensory stimuli compete for attention in the brain, and the "winning" stimuli enter our conscious awareness.</p>



<h3 id="h-subjective-experience">Subjective experience</h3>



<p>Consciousness is often associated with subjective experiences or qualia, which refer to individual perceptions of the world, such as how we uniquely experience the color red or the taste of an apple.</p>



<h3 id="h-self-awareness">Self-awareness</h3>



<p>A key aspect of human consciousness is self-awareness or self-consciousness - the ability to reflect on our own thoughts and emotions. This is a characteristic that sets humans and some animals apart from other species.</p>



<h3 id="h-stream-of-consciousness">Stream of consciousness</h3>



<p>This term describes how our thoughts, perceptions, and feelings seem to flow from one moment to the next, creating a continuous narrative or "stream" that reflects our experience of the world.</p>



<h3 id="h-consciousness-and-cognition">Consciousness and cognition</h3>



<p>Consciousness is intertwined with other aspects of cognition, such as memory, attention, and decision-making. For instance, we often become conscious of things that we pay attention to, and our conscious experiences shape our memories.</p>



<h3 id="h-theories-of-consciousness-1">Theories of consciousness</h3>



<p>There are numerous theories about the nature and origins of consciousness, ranging from dualism (the belief that mind and body are distinct entities) to physicalism (the view that consciousness is a physical phenomenon). Some leading theories in neuroscience include the Integrated Information Theory, the Global Workspace Theory, and the Orchestrated Objective Reduction theory, among others.</p>



<h3 id="h-neuroscience-and-consciousness">Neuroscience and consciousness</h3>



<p>Studies using neuroimaging technologies like fMRI and EEG have shed light on the brain areas and networks involved in conscious awareness. This includes the prefrontal cortex, the posterior cortical areas, and the thalamus.</p>



<h3 id="h-disorders-of-consciousness">Disorders of consciousness</h3>



<p>Certain conditions, such as vegetative states, coma, and brain death, are characterized by different levels of impaired consciousness. Understanding these conditions can help shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying conscious awareness.</p>



<h3 id="h-artificial-consciousness">Artificial consciousness</h3>



<p>The field of artificial intelligence has raised questions about whether machines could ever achieve consciousness. Some researchers argue that complex computational systems could, in theory, develop a form of consciousness, while others maintain that consciousness is uniquely human and biological.</p>



<p>While we have made significant strides in understanding consciousness, it remains a largely mysterious phenomenon. The so-called "hard problem" of consciousness, as posed by philosopher David Chalmers, refers to the question of why and how physical processes in the brain give rise to subjective experiences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This question remains unanswered. Researchers from diverse fields such as cognitive science, neuroscience, philosophy, and even quantum physics continuing to explore this fascinating subject.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Where in the brain does consciousness reside? Scientists think they might know

In the mysterious world of neuroscience, researchers have long grappled...

<p>The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Preserve in central Belize covers about 267 miles of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-around-the-world-are-turning-brown-during-summer/">forests</a>, savannas, streams, rocky mountains, and caverns that are very difficult to access. In this type of terrain, tracking elusive animals like jaguars is extremely challenging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.uc.edu/">University of Cincinnati</a> has devised a novel and noninvasive technique for identifying the landscape use and conservation needs of elusive wildlife such as jaguars.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-follow-the-feces">Follow the feces</h2>



<p>By applying genetic and isotopic analyses of jaguar scat – detected by two dogs named Billy and Bruiser – the experts investigated the habitat needs of these big cats that share their environment with a variety of other species, including pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Jaguars tend to stay away from people and are typically found at more remote sites. You have to be extremely lucky to see one in the wild,”&nbsp;said study co-author Claudia Wultsch, a wildlife biologist at the <a href="https://www.cuny.edu/">City University of New York</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Earth-Day-success.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p>According to Wultsch and her colleagues, a good alternative to study solitary, wide-ranging, nocturnal, and difficult to capture animals such as the majestic jaguar is a combination of genetic and isotopic analyses of their scat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The former technique, known as molecular scatology, can help identify not only different species but also the individual cats that produced each sample, while the latter can offer reliable clues about where the animals hunted based on the geology and vegetation of the area.</p>



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



<p>Larger than leopards, jaguars are powerful apex predators and opportunistic hunters that consume a wide variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. In Belize, where they are protected and live in a network of dedicated reserves, they even eat armadillos, deer, and coatis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2000, researchers found that jaguars inhabiting this region had a large enough population to maintain genetic diversity, but they also detected some habitat loss and fragmentation in parts of their historical range.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned.</h2>



<p>The current study revealed that jaguars hunted their prey in the reserve’s pine forest savanna rather than in forests or agricultural areas, with male jaguars controlling (overlapping) territories of over 60 square miles. Moreover, the scientists found evidence that the jaguars were avoiding regions where prey was scarce due to recent wildfires, corroborating a previous camera trapping study.</p>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/0kbyAmopnWc
</div></figure>



<p>“Some forested areas in Belize have become more fragmented and isolated over the last 50 years, so one of the objectives of our research is to assess how jaguars are doing at several protected areas across Belize,” Wultsch said.</p>



<p>Better understanding these animals’ habitat use and hunting techniques could help devise better conservation strategies to protect them, the authors concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10344-023-01701-2"><em>European Journal of Wildlife Research</em></a><em>.</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Jaguars (Panthera onca) are one of the big cat species in the Panthera genus, which also includes lions, tigers, and leopards. Jaguars are native to the Americas, where they primarily live in rainforests, swamps, and grasslands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Jaguars are considered near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), largely due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Here are some key points about jaguars:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>Jaguars are well-known for their powerful build, and they're the third-largest big cat species, after tigers and lions. They have a distinct coat pattern, featuring a yellow or tan base color with black spots, often forming a rosette pattern. Some jaguars are melanistic, which means they appear almost entirely black.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-and-diet">Hunting and diet</h3>



<p>Jaguars are apex predators with a wide diet. They are known for their strength and agility, and they can take down prey ranging from small rodents to large animals like caimans and tapirs. A distinguishing feature of the jaguar's hunting style is its ability to deliver a powerful bite directly through the skull of its prey, killing it instantly.</p>



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



<p>Jaguars are found primarily in Central and South America, with a few remaining populations in the southwestern United States. They prefer dense rainforests, but can also be found in grasslands, woodlands, and swampland.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h3>



<p>Female jaguars usually give birth to two to four cubs after a gestation period of around 100 days. The cubs are born blind and gain their sight after two weeks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



<p>The jaguar is a near-threatened species and its numbers are declining. Threats include loss and fragmentation of habitat, conflicts with humans, and illegal trade in jaguar parts. Various conservation initiatives are in place to protect and preserve this majestic species.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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



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

Experts are tracking the elusive jaguar by studying its poop

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Preserve in central Belize covers...

<p>According to neuroscientist Rachel Taylor, who recently collaborated with the outdoor retailer <a href="https://www.tog24.com/">TOG24</a> to promote the benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-living-near-the-seaside-enjoy-better-health/">seaside</a> strolls, exposure to sea air has a variety of health benefits. Sea air improves our brain functioning and helps our body produce the necessary chemicals we need to keep us balanced, well, and healthy.</p>



<p>“When people breathe in sea air, the ions contained in it help boosting&nbsp;the electrical functionality of the brain by 47 percent as well as creating new neural pathways, which - simply put - allows you to think with more clarity,” she explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-oxytocin-boost-from-seaside-strolls">Oxytocin boost from seaside strolls</h2>



<p>Walking by the sea in social groups could also promote the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a significant role in social bonding, trust, and love.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Walking in the fresh air raises oxytocin levels, the in-group hormone,” Taylor said. “If you feel you don’t belong or are not part of something, you don’t produce oxytocin. A family walk by the sea will release oxytocin and make everyone feel they belong.”</p>



<h2 id="h-mental-health-benefits-of-sea-air">Mental health benefits of sea air</h2>



<p>Moreover, a trip to the beach is likely to instill a positive sense of awe and wonder, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with low self-esteem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Looking around and connecting to the vastness of the sea could help people see their own problems and worries from a larger perspective, which can increase their wellbeing, and potentially inspire their creativity too. As Taylor puts it, “the sea air blows the sulks as well as the cobwebs away!”</p>



<p>Finally, science has proven that feeling the sand beneath our feet and between our toes reduces inflammation in the body and brain. In addition, gazing at the sky can make us feel energized by providing a signal from the eyes to the brain to wake up. Thus, seaside strolls can have multiple benefits for both bodily and mental health and well-being.</p>



<h2 id="h-electrical-signals-and-brain-functioning">Electrical signals and brain functioning</h2>



<p>The brain is a complex organ that carries out a vast range of functions using a combination of electrical and chemical processes. Here's a basic overview of how electrical functionality in the brain works:</p>



<h3 id="h-neurons-and-synapses">Neurons and synapses</h3>



<p>Approximately 86 billion neurons make up the brain. Specialized cells known as neurons transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle cells, or gland cells. Synapses connect neurons to each other.</p>



<h3 id="h-electrical-signals-important-for-brain-functioning">Electrical signals important for brain functioning</h3>



<p>A neuron carries information in the form of electrical signals. A sensory input or another neuron generates these electrical signals when they stimulate a neuron.</p>



<p>An electrical charge is created by the flow of ions (charged atoms) across the cell membrane. This is often called an action potential.</p>



<h3 id="h-transmission-of-the-signals">Transmission of the signals</h3>



<p>Once an action potential has been generated, it travels along the axon of the neuron until it reaches the end. Here, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemical signals.</p>



<h3 id="h-communication-between-neurons">Communication between neurons</h3>



<p>The neurotransmitters cross the synapse, the tiny gap between neurons, and bind to receptors on the next neuron. This can either trigger or inhibit a new action potential in that neuron, depending on the type of neurotransmitter and the type of receptor.</p>



<h3 id="h-neural-networks-and-brain-functioning">Neural networks and brain functioning</h3>



<p>Through the process of transmitting signals from neuron to neuron, complex networks of neural pathways are formed. These are the basis for everything our brains do, from basic bodily functions to complex cognition.</p>



<h3 id="h-plasticity">Plasticity</h3>



<p>The connections between neurons aren't fixed. They can be strengthened, weakened, created, or removed over time, a property known as neuroplasticity. This is the fundamental mechanism behind learning and memory.</p>



<h3 id="h-electricity-and-brain-waves">Electricity and brain waves</h3>



<p>The collective electrical activity from millions of neurons contributes to the brain's electric field and can be detected outside the skull. These patterns of activity are what we refer to when we talk about brain waves, which can be measured with an electroencephalogram (EEG).</p>



<p>Overall, the electrical activity of the brain is crucial for its functions, from the simplest reflex to the most complex thoughts.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-benefits-of-seaside-strolls">More about the benefits of seaside strolls&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Seaside strolls or walks along the beach can have numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here are some of them:</p>



<h3 id="h-improved-cardiovascular-health">Improved cardiovascular health</h3>



<p>Like any form of aerobic exercise, beach walking can help improve heart health by increasing our heart rate and enhancing circulation.</p>



<h3 id="h-vitamin-d-absorption">Vitamin D absorption</h3>



<p>A walk along the beach is an excellent opportunity to get some sun, which promotes the body's production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and it can also enhance the immune system.</p>



<h3 id="h-mental-health-benefits-of-sea-air-1">Mental health benefits of sea air</h3>



<p>The relaxing sounds of waves crashing, the visual appeal of the horizon, and the scent of the sea air can provide a relaxing and stress-relieving experience, which can help reduce anxiety and boost mood.</p>



<h3 id="h-improved-respiratory-health">Improved respiratory health</h3>



<p>Seaside air is often fresher and cleaner with higher levels of oxygen, which can be beneficial for individuals with respiratory issues.</p>



<h3 id="h-strength-training">Strength training</h3>



<p>Walking on sand requires more effort compared to walking on solid ground. This extra effort can help strengthen your muscles, particularly your legs and core.</p>



<h3 id="h-low-impact-exercise">Low-impact exercise</h3>



<p>Walking on sand is softer on the joints compared to walking on concrete or asphalt. This makes beach strolls an excellent exercise option for people with joint conditions or those recovering from injury.</p>



<h3 id="h-improved-sleep-from-seaside-strolls">Improved sleep from seaside strolls</h3>



<p>Regular exercise like beach walking can promote better sleep. Additionally, spending time outdoors and soaking in natural light helps regulate your body's circadian rhythms, contributing to healthier sleep patterns.</p>



<h3 id="h-increased-creativity">Increased creativity</h3>



<p>Being in a natural, relaxing environment can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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



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

Seaside strolls have a variety of health benefits and boost brain functioning

According to neuroscientist Rachel Taylor, who recently collaborated with the...

<p>Welcome to the innovative world of robotics, where one innovative creation is making waves...under the sand. This unique robot, created by a team of scientists at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a>, can "swim" under the sand's surface and dig itself back out when needed, similar to a sea turtle hatchling.</p>



<p>This new robot can swim under sand thanks to a pair of front limbs modeled after the oversized flippers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-sea-turtles-have-returned-to-the-same-place-to-eat-for-3000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea turtle</a> hatchlings. In an awe-inspiring feat of engineering, this robot is the first of its kind able to navigate sand at a depth of five inches.</p>



<p>While it may seem slow, traversing at a speed of 1.2 millimeters per second or around 13 feet per hour, it's worth noting that this is on par with the speed of other subterranean creatures such as worms and clams.</p>



<p>Apart from its turtle-inspired limbs, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/swimming-turtle-robot_credit-David-Baillot_2medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the robot</a> is furnished with force sensors at the ends of these flippers, empowering it to detect obstacles while moving. Furthermore, you can operate it without physical constraints and control it remotely via WiFi.</p>



<h2 id="h-sand-robots-have-significant-hurdles">Sand robots have significant hurdles</h2>



<p>Robots designed to swim under sand encounter numerous hurdles. The forces they face are much greater than those met by robots navigating air or water, and they can sustain damage more readily.</p>



<p>Nonetheless, overcoming these challenges could offer significant advantages such as inspecting grain silos, taking soil contaminant measurements, engaging in seafloor digging, assisting in extraterrestrial exploration, and aiding in search and rescue operations.</p>



<p>Devising this sand-swimming robot involved a series of meticulous experiments aimed at better understanding the complex nature of sand and how to enable robotic locomotion through it.</p>



<p>Sand presents a particular challenge due to the large forces caused by the friction between grains, difficulty in sensing obstacles, and its variable behavior. Sand can act like a liquid or a solid depending on the situation.</p>



<h2>Biomimicry -- copying sea turtle hatchlings</h2>



<p>The team found inspiration in nature, studying the movement of various animals to develop their sand-swimming robot. They found their solution in the sea turtle hatchlings, whose large front fins enable them to surface after hatching. </p>



<p>Replicating these flippers in the robot not only generates large propulsive forces but also enables the robot to steer and potentially detect obstacles.</p>



<p>Yet, the mystery of how robots equipped with flipper-like appendages move in sand persists. "We needed to build a robot that is both strong and streamlined," said Shivam Chopra, the lead author of the paper describing the robot, published in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems.</p>



<p>Extensive simulations and testing by the UC San Diego team resulted in the adoption of a tapered body design and a shovel-shaped nose.</p>



<p>By monitoring torque changes caused by its flipper movement, the robot can identify obstacles above it as it swims under sand. However, it cannot yet detect obstacles below or directly in front of it.</p>



<p>To counterbalance this, the robot features a unique design addition: two foil-like surfaces, dubbed "terrafoils," mounted on the sides of the bot's nose, enabling it to maintain a consistent depth in the sand and avoid always heading upwards.</p>



<p>Researchers tested this revolutionary robot in a lab setting and at La Jolla Shores, a beach close to the UC San Diego campus. The trials showed that the robot's speed reduced in wet sand due to the greater resistance it offered.</p>



<p>Future advancements will focus on increasing the robot's speed and enhancing its burrowing capabilities, allowing it to dig into the sand as well as dig itself out. This study marks an exciting step forward in robotic locomotion through challenging terrains.</p>



<h2>More about sea turtle hatchlings</h2>



<p>Sea turtle hatchlings are young sea turtles that have recently emerged from their eggs. They represent an important life stage of all seven existing species of sea turtles: the Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Flatback, Olive Ridley, Kemp's Ridley, and Leatherback.</p>



<p>Here's an overview of their life, their challenges, and their role in the larger ecosystem.</p>



<h3>Life cycle</h3>



<p>The mother turtle typically lays sea turtle eggs in clutches on sandy beaches.She will come ashore during the night, dig a hole with her flippers, lay her eggs, cover the hole with sand, and then return to the sea. The number of eggs in a clutch varies by species, but it can be anywhere from 50 to 200 eggs.</p>



<p>After being laid, the eggs incubate in the warmth of the sand for about 60 days, though this can vary depending on the species and the temperature. Warmer sands tend to speed up the incubation process, and interestingly, they also influence the sex of the hatchlings. Warmer conditions generally produce more female hatchlings, while cooler conditions result in more males, a phenomenon known as temperature-dependent sex determination.</p>



<h3>Emergence and journey to the sea</h3>



<p>When the hatchlings finally emerge from their eggs, they dig their way up through the sand in a group effort, usually at night when the temperatures are cooler and predators are less active. This emergence is known as a "boil." Once they reach the surface, they use visual cues to find the sea, often navigating by the natural light on the ocean horizon.</p>



<p>This journey from the nest to the sea is fraught with danger. Predators such as birds, crabs, and other animals are a major threat. Human-made obstacles and artificial lights can also confuse or misdirect hatchlings, leading them away from the sea.</p>



<h3>The lost years</h3>



<p>Once they reach the ocean, the hatchlings begin what is often referred to as the "lost years" — a period ranging from a few years to a decade where they live in the open ocean.</p>



<p>During this time, their whereabouts and habits are largely unknown to scientists due to tracking difficulties. They drift with the currents and forage for food, growing until they reach a certain size and maturity.</p>



<h3>Sea turtle hatchling survival</h3>



<p>Survival rates for sea turtle hatchlings are tragically low. It's estimated that only about one in 1,000 to 10,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood. Natural predators, human activities, marine pollution, habitat loss, and climate change all contribute to the high mortality rate.</p>



<h3>Significance in the ecosystem</h3>



<p>Despite their small size and vulnerable status, sea turtle hatchlings play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They are a part of the food web, serving as a food source for various predators. They contribute to the nutrient cycle, both on land and in the sea.</p>



<p>For example, unhatched eggs and hatchlings that don't make it to the sea provide nutrients that enrich coastal vegetation.</p>



<p>Furthermore, their journey from nest to sea helps aerate the sand. This can benefit beach ecosystems.</p>



<p>By adulthood, depending on the species, sea turtles also play roles in controlling jellyfish populations, grazing on sea grass and keeping it healthy, and even helping to shape the physical environment in the case of species that use sponges or corals as food.</p>



<p>Protection and conservation efforts worldwide are continuously working towards ensuring the survival and health of sea turtle hatchlings, and thus, the continuance of these vital marine creatures.</p>

Scientists invent robot that can swim under sand like sea turtle hatchlings

Welcome to the innovative world of robotics, where one innovative...

Close,Up,On,A,Sick,Man,Hand,Transmitting,Virus,By

<p>A new study titled "Understanding atmospheric intercontinental dispersal of harmful microorganisms" paints an intriguing and concerning picture of our global atmosphere as a freeway for the international spread of deadly microbes.</p>



<p>Research shows that the atmosphere, particularly a region called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/layers-of-earths-atmosphere_illustration_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free troposphere</a>, serves as an open highway for a myriad of microbes.</p>



<p>This natural phenomenon has serious implications for global health and requires urgent attention, as climate change and human activities such as deforestation are amplifying its impact.</p>



<p>This interesting study is the result of a fusion between microbiology and Earth system dynamics. It highlights the critical role of the intertropical convergence zone in this microbial traffic.</p>



<p>This zone, stretching both above and below the equator, is characterized by powerful warm air updrafts and the convergence of winds from both the northern and southern hemispheres.</p>



<h2 id="h-deadly-microbes-hitching-a-ride">Deadly microbes hitching a ride</h2>



<p>The mechanism at play is quite fascinating. Intense rising winds within this region draw up vast amounts of aerosolized particles, predominantly marine, fire, and desert dust. These particles act as a vehicle for microorganisms that latch onto them and ascend into the free troposphere.</p>



<p>Due to their inherent characteristics and adaptive mechanisms, these microbes can travel thousands of kilometers, scattering across the globe. Their journey is facilitated by constant and long-range air currents that convene in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highly-reactive-chemicals-discovered-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upper air layers</a> and the substantial particle injection that occurs in the intertropical zone.</p>



<p>Climate change and human intervention, such as deforestation and the drying of large wetlands, are exacerbating this phenomenon. Increasing arid areas and desertification result in more dust and, consequently, a rise in airborne microorganisms, including pathogens.</p>



<p>Climate change is also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-is-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altering global air currents</a>. This allows microbes to reach places they previously could not, hence affecting the dynamics of ecosystems worldwide.</p>



<p>The study also offers insights into the type of microorganisms that hitch a ride on these atmospheric particles. These microbes must be able to attach and ascend, as well as endure the harsh conditions of the upper atmosphere.</p>



<h2>What types of microbes use this sky highway?</h2>



<p>DNA analysis reveals that while most are harmless, and some even beneficial for ecosystem dynamics, others are harmful.</p>



<p>Among the most detected harmful microorganisms are those that damage plants, followed by those that afflict fish, amphibians, and other animals. Last but not least, some can cause human diseases.</p>



<p>Allergens and antibiotic-resistant microbes have also been found among these atmospheric travelers, stressing the need for a global and systemic approach to mitigate the spread of diseases and preserve ecosystem health.</p>



<p>The lead author of the article, researcher Emilio O. Casamayor from the <a href="https://www.csic.es/en/investigation/institutes-centres-units/centre-advanced-studies-blanes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blanes Centre for Advanced Studies (CEAB-CSIC)</a>, underscores the necessity for a global approach in his statement:</p>



<p>"Situations that are occurring in remote places have effects in any corner of the planet. Especially these areas in the south of the Sahara, which are judged to be of little floristic and faunal interest, should be taken care of, for the common good, because they are areas of high aerosol emission that have effects on different ecosystems that are far away”.</p>



<h2>Three step process used by the research team</h2>



<p>The research involved a three-step process. First, scientists collected microorganism samples from the upper layers of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-uncover-new-way-that-earth-cleans-its-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a> over seven years. </p>



<p>Next, they analyzed the DNA of the deadly microbes. Finally, they examined data provided by NASA satellites on the movement of large air masses and aerosols.</p>



<p>All the gathered data was then processed through biocomputation. This is a cutting-edge technological process that allows scientists to identify patterns and draw the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0958166923000551?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study's conclusions</a>.</p>



<p>The AEROSMIC project, funded by the State Research Agency (AEI) and the long-term ecological monitoring network (LTER), supported this study. The project synergizes various disciplines, such as microbiology, physics, and meteorology, aiming to deepen our understanding of the long-range dispersal mechanisms of microorganisms.</p>



<h2>More about the troposphere</h2>



<p>The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere and contains approximately 75-80% of the atmosphere's mass and 99% of its water vapor. It extends from the Earth's surface to an altitude of about 8 to 15 kilometers, although this height varies with latitude and season. In general, the troposphere is higher at the equator and lower at the poles.</p>



<p>The word "troposphere" is derived from the Greek word "tropos," meaning "turning" or "change." This is apt, as it reflects the fact that this layer of the atmosphere is a dynamic and active region, experiencing a lot of turbulent mixing and weather phenomena.</p>



<p>The weather conditions we experience daily occur in the troposphere. This includes the movement of air masses, the formation and dissipation of clouds, and various weather events such as rain, snow, storms, and tornadoes. This layer is also where the majority of the Earth's biological life is found.</p>



<h3>Conditions in the troposphere</h3>



<p>Temperature in the troposphere decreases with altitude, with the warmest temperatures found at ground level and cooling as you ascend. This trend is due to the heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun, which in turn warms the air close to the surface. </p>



<p>This decrease in temperature with height is known as the environmental lapse rate, which averages about 6.5°C per kilometer (about 3.6°F per 1,000 feet) of altitude.</p>



<p>The troposphere is bounded above by the tropopause, a boundary marked by the cessation of decreasing temperature with increasing height. Above the tropopause lies the stratosphere, the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere.</p>



<p>While the troposphere is generally a well-mixed region due to turbulent air currents, it can still harbor pollution, such as smog near the ground. Also, as we learned above, it transports deadly microbes around the world.</p>



<p>Also, it is within the troposphere that we see the effects of climate change, including global warming, which is driven by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.</p>



<p>Conclusively, while it's the thinnest of all the atmospheric layers, the troposphere is vitally important to life on Earth. It's where weather happens, where planes fly, and it provides the air we breathe. Understanding it is key to understanding many aspects of Earth's climate system.</p>

How do deadly microbes travel around the world so quickly?

A new study titled "Understanding atmospheric intercontinental dispersal of harmful...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved"><strong>Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</strong></h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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