A fast belt of westerly winds that helps shape summer weather across South America, southern Africa, Australia, and Oceania is now sliding toward the South Pole and blowing harder.



New research shows that about half of this shift in the Southern Hemisphere’s eddy‑driven jet (EDJ) comes straight from global warming, while the other half traces to a cluster of interacting climate drivers.



By sorting those influences and testing models against real‑world data, scientists have sharpened near‑term forecasts for the next decade. 



The work was led by Julia Mindlin and colleagues at the <a href="https://www.physes.uni-leipzig.de/en/institute-for-meteorology">Institute for Meteorology at Leipzig University</a>, within the university’s <a href="https://www.physes.uni-leipzig.de/en/institute-for-meteorology/research/arbeitsgruppe-klimakausalitaet">Climate Causality working group</a>, headed by Professor Marlene Kretschmer.



“The aim of our research is to better understand climate risks and reduce the uncertainties of regional predictions and projections when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/">extreme weather</a> and climate events,” Kretschmer said.



The researchers focused on the summertime EDJ, which steers storms and controls heat and rainfall across the Southern Hemisphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-decades-of-wind-shifts">Tracking decades of wind shifts</h2>



Prompted by recent changes seen in Southern Hemisphere wind patterns, the researchers began by examining historical climate observations back to 1950.



They confirmed two clear trends: summer EDJ wind speeds have increased, and the jet’s core latitude has crept steadily poleward.



To untangle why, they turned to a statistical framework known as causal inference, which helps isolate the influence of individual drivers - even when those drivers co‑vary in the climate system.



They then linked the causal results to a “storyline” approach - a way of tracing climate changes as chains of cause and effect. Storylines help explain why different climate models can yield different futures and give researchers a structured way to explore uncertainty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-behind-the-jet-stream-shift">Forces behind the jet stream shift</h2>



Combining the two approaches produced a clean attribution. Roughly 50 percent of the observed poleward shift in the Southern Hemisphere summer jet is directly attributable to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-volcanic-past-reveals-the-shocking-reality-of-global-warming/">global warming</a>.



The remaining half reflects the combined push of several other climate‑related changes: warming of the upper tropical atmosphere, strengthening winds in the stratosphere, and warming in the tropical Pacific.



Some of these influences are themselves partly driven by human‑caused climate change; others are harder to pin down. The same mix of factors also explains the measured acceleration of the jet, with global warming contributing to the rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-developed-to-measure-the-wind/">wind speeds</a>.



“The findings show how complex the jet stream’s reaction to climate change is, especially in terms of how rapidly the winds are strengthening,” Mindlin said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-the-next-decade">Forecasting the next decade</h2>



Because climate models often disagree - especially over short horizons - the team next asked which models best mirrored the real atmosphere.



The researchers compared simulations to observed EDJ behavior to see which captured core features such as latitude, variability, and sensitivity to the identified drivers.



By giving more weight to models that get those pieces right, they narrowed the plausible range of jet changes expected over the coming ten years. That tighter range is critical for planners in agriculture, water management, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-are-changing-the-quality-of-our-air/">wildfire</a> preparedness, energy, and infrastructure.



“In the past, research primarily focused on long-term climate developments. Recently, however, short-term developments have taken center stage, as they are increasingly relevant for decision-makers. The methods we suggest can be used to improve climate predictions for the next ten years,” Mindlin said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-a-shifting-jet-stream-means">What a shifting jet stream means</h2>



When the EDJ edges poleward, the storm tracks it helps steer often shift with it. Regions on the jet’s equatorward side can see fewer frontal systems, bringing a tendency toward drier summers and greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/">drought</a> risk.



Farther south, where the jet now spends more time, stronger winds can intensify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-moisture-can-predict-severe-storms/">storms</a>, enhance ocean mixing, and reshape sea ice and marine ecosystems. 



These downstream changes matter for crop yields in southern Australia and reservoir inflows in Chile and Argentina. They also affect fire weather in South Africa and coastal infrastructure exposed to more frequent wind-driven extremes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causal-tools-reveal-the-truth">Causal tools reveal the truth</h2>



Many large‑scale climate drivers occur together: greenhouse warming, tropical Pacific sea surface shifts, and stratospheric circulation changes often overlap in time. Traditional correlations blur their separate roles.



Causal inference lets researchers ask counterfactual questions - what would the jet have done without the tropical Pacific warming, for instance? - and assign shares of responsibility.



Coupling those answers to storylines makes the science more usable, because decision‑makers can follow the chain from driver to local impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-models-to-history">Matching models to history</h2>



No single climate model is perfect, but each gets some features right. By comparing existing models to observed EDJ behavior, Mindlin’s team effectively filtered out poor performers and leaned on those that reproduce the jet’s history.



These findings will help water agencies, grid operators, and insurers work with narrower, more actionable climate windows for the coming decade.



The team is extending this framework to related wind belts over the Pacific and the coupled Atlantic‑Indian sector. The researchers want to see how shifts in these jet streams link to regional heatwaves and multi‑year droughts - events that strain societies and ecosystems. 



As causal‑storyline methods mature, they could become standard practice for translating global climate signals into the local risk information that communities need.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500697122">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Why the Southern jet stream is shifting - and what it means

A fast belt of westerly winds that helps shape summer weather across South America, southern Africa, Australia, and Oceania is now sliding toward the South Pole and blowing harder. New research shows that about half of this shift in the Southern Hemisphere’s eddy‑driven jet (EDJ) comes straight from global warming, while the other half traces to a cluster of interacting climate drivers. By sorting those influences and testing models against real‑world data, scientists have sharpened near‑term forecasts for the next decade. The work was led by Julia...

Human beings are known for their complex social behavior, diverse communication skills, and highly developed tool use. Researchers have long been fascinated by the evolution of these traits, and a recent study from the <a href="https://www.mpi.nl/">Max Planck Institute</a> has now offered a unique perspective on the matter.&nbsp;



The study proposes that human evolution might resemble the process of animal domestication, where less aggressive animals are favored through natural selection. In a similar vein, human evolution may be the result of selecting for more prosocial and cooperative individuals, who are more likely to interact with others and form complex communities where learning from one another is possible.



However, according to study first author Limor Raviv, the theory of self-domestication is difficult to prove. "This is because only one other species besides humans has been argued to be self-domesticated: bonobos."&nbsp;



Raviv and her colleagues sought to explore whether elephants could serve as the first non-primate animal model for self-domestication. In doing so, they investigated similarities between elephants, bonobos, and humans, and conducted genetic analyses to identify potential underlying mechanisms.



The research team discovered that elephants exhibit many of the hallmarks of domestication. Like humans and bonobos, elephants display low levels of aggression, high levels of empathic and prosocial behavior, an extended juvenile period, and increased playfulness and curiosity.&nbsp;



Elephants are known to form coalitions, "babysit" calves, provide protection and comfort to others, and aid dying or ill members of their herds - and even occasionally outsiders. Elephants also demonstrate self-awareness and sensitivity to the needs and wants of others.



Another key aspect of domestication is the ability to learn from one another. In elephants, behaviors that are often innate in other animals - such as diet selection or raising offspring - are socially transmitted. Elephants also possess a sophisticated multimodal communication system with a wide-ranging vocal repertoire, including trumpets, roars, and low-frequency rumbles.&nbsp;



For instance, elephants in Kenya have different alarm calls for humans and bees, and their diverse and combined calls even exhibit signs of grammar. Additionally, the researchers identified several candidate genes associated with domestication in elephants.



Raviv and her team speculate that self-domestication in elephants could be linked to their enormous size and relative strength. "This means that elephants are generally less worried about evading or fighting other animals for their survival," explained Raviv. "This kind of 'safe environment' could relax selective pressures for aggression, free cognitive resources, and open up more opportunities for exploration, communication, and play."



The findings have important implications for future research in other species. "Our hypothesis of self-domestication in elephants has exciting potential for future research in other species," said Raviv. "It can inform our understanding of the evolution of prosocial behavior across evolutionarily distant species, providing important insights into convergent evolution."&nbsp;



The identification of elephants as a possible model for self-domestication broadens our understanding of the factors that contribute to the development of prosocial behaviors and offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of complex social structures.



About elephants



Elephants are the world's largest land mammals, and their unique characteristics have captured the interest of scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.&nbsp;



Anatomy



Elephants possess several distinctive features:



<ol>
<li>Trunk: The trunk, or proboscis, is a fusion of the upper lip and nose. It is a highly flexible and muscular organ used for various purposes such as breathing, smelling, drinking, and grasping objects.</li>



<li>Tusks: The tusks are elongated incisor teeth, which continue to grow throughout an elephant's life. They are used for digging, stripping bark from trees, and as weapons in fights or defense.</li>



<li>Ears: Elephant ears are large and thin, helping with thermoregulation by dissipating heat. The ears also play a role in communication, as elephants can detect low-frequency sounds through the skin and bones of their skull.</li>



<li>Size: Elephants are massive, with the African Elephant reaching up to 13 feet in height and weighing up to 14,000 pounds, while the smaller Asian Elephant can reach 11 feet in height and weigh up to 11,000 pounds.</li>
</ol>



Behavior



Elephants are known for their complex social structures, intelligence, and emotional depth. They live in matriarchal family groups called herds, led by the eldest female. Elephants exhibit remarkable memory and are known to mourn the death of their kin. They communicate using a wide range of vocalizations, including infrasound, which can travel over long distances.



Diet



Elephants are herbivores, feeding on a diverse diet of leaves, grasses, fruits, and bark. They consume up to 300-600 pounds of food per day and need to drink large quantities of water, up to 50 gallons, to stay hydrated.



Conservation Status



Elephant populations are under threat due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks. The African Elephant is listed as Vulnerable, the African Forest Elephant is classified as Endangered, and the Asian Elephant is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and raising awareness about the importance of elephants to their ecosystems.



Conclusion



Elephants are fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in their ecosystems. By understanding their taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, and conservation status, we can better appreciate the unique qualities that make them the gentle giants of the animal kingdom.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2208607120">PNAS</a>.



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Elephant behavior provides new insights into human evolution

Human beings are known for their complex social behavior, diverse...

Dogs, known as man's best friend, can provide their owners with immense joy and companionship. Unfortunately, when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-for-dogs-given-the-thumbs-up-by-scientists/">dogs</a> are in pain, they are unable to verbally communicate their distress. This can make it challenging for owners to determine when their pets need medical attention.&nbsp;



However, a recent study conducted by a team of researchers from <a href="https://en.ankara.edu.tr/">Ankara University</a> in Turkey has shed light on the ways dogs express their pain, giving their owners a "sixth sense" to better understand their pets' needs.



The experts surveyed 124 dog owners, asking them about their perceptions of their dogs' pain and any associated behaviors. Of the 35 behavioral indicators examined, 13 were significantly more prevalent in dogs thought to be experiencing chronic pain. Moreover, specific positions, such as lowering their tails and ears when jumping on or off furniture, were more commonly observed in dogs suffering from pain.



The authors of the study highlighted the importance of recognizing pain-related behaviors and postures in dogs, suggesting that "simple pain scales which can be filled by owners and include basic parameters such as movement-based behaviors and ear-tail positions in daily contexts can be developed to evaluate chronic pain in dogs."&nbsp;



Early identification of pain can improve a dog's quality of life, reduce financial burdens associated with delayed treatment, and protect the well-being of both dogs and their caregivers.



Detecting pain in pets can be difficult, as dogs and cats often attempt to hide their pain as a protective mechanism. Nonetheless, owners can play a vital role in early diagnosis by observing changes in their pets' behavior at home. Despite this, the researchers found limited existing research on how dogs perceive chronic pain.



To address this gap, the experts aimed to identify the most noticeable pain-related gestures and behavioral changes in dogs.&nbsp;



After analyzing the survey results, the team divided the dogs into two groups: those with chronic pain and those without. Among the dogs in pain, most suffered from orthopedic pain, but other types included neurological pain, gastro-abdominal pain, and excessive itching.



Owners of dogs in pain reported reduced general activity and excessive licking of body parts in 70.3% and 64% of cases, respectively. Decreased social behaviors, such as tail wagging and delays in welcoming owners at the door, were also observed in dogs experiencing pain. Interestingly, this finding contradicted the expectation that dogs would mask their pain in social situations for potential benefits or perceived threats.



The study revealed that certain behaviors were more common in senior dogs, while others were more prevalent in young adult and mature adult dogs. In particular, young adult dogs exhibited the most behavioral changes, possibly because difficulties are highly unexpected at this age. Only four behavioral changes were found to be more significant in senior dogs with chronic pain.



Significant differences in ear and tail positions during specific activities were also observed between dogs in pain and those not in pain. According to the researchers, "ear and tail positions can give clues to predict emotions and such as pain, stress, and fear that the dog experiences." Dogs in pain tended to lower or partially lower their ears during activities like getting up, going up or down stairs, and jumping on or off furniture.&nbsp;



In contrast, dogs not in pain maintained neutral ear positions during these activities. Similarly, dogs in pain were more likely to point their tails down during these activities, while healthy dogs kept their tails in a relaxed or upward position.



This groundbreaking research is the first to demonstrate that owners can recognize pain-related behavioral changes in their dogs. The authors stress the importance of owners having a solid understanding of these behaviors, as they must explain their concerns to veterinarians.&nbsp;



The study's findings could potentially be used to develop a chronic pain scale for dogs, focusing on behavioral indicators that can be easily understood and used by owners to help their furry friends.



Dogs and humans have shared a close bond for thousands of years. The domestication of dogs is believed to have begun between 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Genetic evidence suggests that modern dogs diverged from a now-extinct population of wolves, with whom they share a common ancestor.



The exact circumstances surrounding the initial domestication of dogs are still debated among researchers. However, a widely accepted theory is that the process began when wolves were attracted to human campsites due to the availability of food, such as leftover scraps. Over time, humans and wolves developed a mutually beneficial relationship, with the wolves helping humans in hunting and providing protection, while humans offered food and shelter in return.



As the relationship between humans and wolves evolved, selective breeding took place, resulting in tamer, more docile wolves that eventually became the first domesticated dogs. These early dogs played various roles in human societies, including hunting, herding, and companionship.



The strong bond between humans and dogs has continued to develop over the millennia, and today, dogs are not only valued as working animals but also as beloved pets and members of the family. This unique bond is a testament to the deep connection and shared history between our two species.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-veterinary-behavior">Journal of Veterinary Behavior</a>.



—-



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Study reveals body positions that indicate your dog is in pain

Dogs, known as man's best friend, can provide their owners...

By studying over 220 different wheat and barley varieties from over half a century of plant breeding, a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university">University of Bonn</a> has discovered genetic variants in these crops that help improve nitrogen utilization.&nbsp;



“We studied a large number of wheat and barley genotypes under different nitrogen supply conditions and analyzed their root architecture and nitrogen accumulation in the plants,” said study lead author Md. Nurealam Sidiqqui, an expert in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Bonn.



At the University of Bonn’s agricultural research campus Klein-Altendorf, the experts studied these different varieties on plots with both high and low nitrogen levels and, for each variety, analyzed root trait characteristics and the nitrogen content of leaves and grains, while performing genetic analyses to find links between DNA sequences and various traits.



The investigations revealed that certain variants of a specific gene called NPF2.12 caused plants to develop larger root systems when facing deficiencies in soil nitrogen supply. 



“It is likely that the gene, or rather the protein it encodes, acts as a sensor that needs to be switched off when nitrogen levels in the soil are low in order to indirectly increase the messenger nitric oxide as part of a signaling cascade, which in turn induces root growth, thereby improving nitrogen utilization,” explained senior author Agim Ballvora, an expert in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at Bonn.



“Under low nitrogen conditions and in the presence of certain variants of the NPF2.12 gene, increased nitrogen content in leaves and grains is detectable compared to high nitrogen availability.”&nbsp;



By analyzing wheat plants with a defect in the NPF2.12 gene, the scientists discovered that, when nitrogen supply was poor, these plants behaved like cultivars inherently possessing this helpful genetic variant. 



“These results show that NPF2.12 is a negative regulator, whose reduced expression in corresponding cultivars results in more root growth and higher nitrogen content in the shoot through a sophisticated mechanism,” said co-author Gabriel Schaaf, a professor of Plant Nutrition at the same university.



In the future, a better understanding of the genetic and molecular function of nitrogen sensing could accelerate the breeding of varieties with improved efficiency.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nph.18820">New Phytologist</a>.



—



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



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Genetic variants help plants adapt to nitrogen deficiency

By studying over 220 different wheat and barley varieties from...

In the world of dating, personality has become a more significant factor than finances, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.york.ac.uk/">University of York</a> and the University of Essex.&nbsp;



The study analyzed over a million lonely hearts ads from various major news outlets in Canada, France, India, and the USA to see how partner preferences have changed over time. They collected data from publications dating back from 1950 to 1995, and also looked at ads from 41 regional newspapers in Canada and the USA in 1995.



The researchers analyzed the language used in these ads and grouped them into four distinct categories: economic, personality, physical, and taste preferences. The economic category focused on a potential partner's financial situation, while personality covered traits such as openness or extroversion.&nbsp;



The physical category expressed a preference for body types, while the taste category covered issues like hobbies or habits. This allowed the researchers to identify broader trends of how partner preferences changed over time in a range of countries.



The study found that in Western countries such as the USA, France, and Canada, personality played a much greater role in partner preference between 1950 and 1995, while economic factors declined in importance, particularly after the 1960s. On the other hand, in India, finances remained a key issue for people searching for love, becoming more prominent after 1970, while personality factors remained stable.



In the sample of ads from Canada and the USA, by 1995 around 40-45% of the words used by women to describe their ideal partner related to personality criteria. At the same time, only around 10% mentioned finances. Similarly, 35-40% of words in lonely hearts ads placed by men by 1995 focused on personality traits, while only 5% were related to economic factors.



The researchers found that up until the 1970s, the share of words relating to finances in Indian ads remained stable at around 35%, but after the 1970s, this started to rise. By 1995, this had increased to around 60%. The data also showed some gender disparity in the importance of economic factors in the ads, with a greater rise in the importance of economic factors in ads placed by women than those placed by men.



Study co-author Khushboo Surana suggested that the data supports Maslow's theory of the hierarchy of needs, where material needs have to be satisfied before focusing on immaterial ones, such as personality traits. "It is possible that unlike in the west, people's first-order needs still haven't been satisfied, which is why we see a focus on economic criteria," said Surana.



"Our study shows personality becoming more and more important in western countries such as the United States, but we don't see the same trend in India. Once India's economy develops further, and the current generation is more financially secure, they may show a change in preference for personality factors as well. This would align them with the trends we see in the western countries we sampled," said study co-author Quentin Lippmann.



Overall, the study highlights the changing partner preferences over time in different countries and underscores the importance of factors such as economics and personality in the dating world.



How dating apps helped spark this change



Dating apps have fundamentally changed the dating landscape by making it easier for people to connect and meet potential partners. Here are some ways in which dating apps have changed dating:



<ol>
<li>Increased accessibility: Dating apps have made it possible for people to meet and connect with others from all over the world. With just a few taps on a mobile device, users can browse through profiles, chat with potential matches, and arrange dates.</li>



<li>Greater convenience: Dating apps allow users to connect with potential partners on their own time, from anywhere. They don't have to wait until they're at a bar or party to meet someone new.</li>



<li>More options: Dating apps provide users with access to a much larger pool of potential partners than they would have otherwise. This makes it easier for users to find someone who shares their interests and values.</li>



<li>Changing dating norms: Dating apps have also played a role in changing societal attitudes towards dating. The stigma around online dating has largely disappeared, and more people are open to the idea of meeting a partner online.</li>



<li>Focus on physical appearance: One downside of dating apps is that they can place a greater emphasis on physical appearance. Users often make decisions based on a few photos and a brief bio, which can lead to more superficial judgments.</li>
</ol>



Overall, dating apps have made it easier for people to connect and find potential partners, but they have also changed the way we approach dating and relationships.



—--



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Personality is more important than finances when it comes to dating

In the world of dating, personality has become a more...

Autumn,Forest,On,A,Sunny,Day.,Autumn,In,The,Park.

Many studies have argued that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-time-in-nature-improves-physical-and-mental-health/">spending time in nature</a> provides numerous psychological, emotional, and physical benefits. Now, by examining the attitudes, beliefs, and actions of a group of elders (people over 65) who regularly spent time in a nature area, an international team of scientists has found that fostering social connections around nature-based activities may improve health and quality of life.



In Japan, the term “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing” refers to spending time in nature while engaging all of one’s senses. For elders who encounter difficulties in hiking over difficult trails, forest bathing could be an enjoyable and safe alternative to spend time in nature. In fact, this activity has become increasingly popular among older adults not only in Japan, China, and Taiwan, where this practice originated, but also more recently in the United States.



Between April and June 2022, the scientists surveyed a cohort of 292 older visitors to the Xitou Nature Education Area, a natural preserve in Taiwan. The participants – who were over 65 and visited the park at least once a week – were asked a variety of questions, such as whether they felt supported by others, how much they thought about their futures, and how much purpose they felt their lives had. The analysis revealed that those who discussed their experiences in nature with others had a greater sense of attachment to forest bathing and a stronger sense of purpose in life – factors which, according to previous research – are associated to better physical and mental health and higher quality of life.



These findings could help leisure-service providers working in community recreation departments or retirement villages facilitate leisure activities for the elderly. “Elders can access community and state parks where it is safe for them to spend time in nature: places with walkable paths and convenient, accessible parking, are helpful,” said study co-author John Dattilo, a professor of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management at the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/">Pennsylvania State University</a>.&nbsp;



“Better yet, leisure-service providers could arrange transportation and then afterwards facilitate social interactions among participants. Enabling people to get out into nature to experience their surroundings is one aspect of forest bathing. Part of what we found is the linkage between positive social relationships and spending time in nature. So, if leisure-service providers create opportunities for elders to return from an experience, meet over a warm beverage and talk about their experiences, there will be value in these connections for people’s sense of purpose.”



“Forest bathing seems to connect people to the moment and the world. When elders use that same experience to develop social connections and support, they may experience a broad range of benefits associated with physiological functioning as well as cognitive health. These are associations, not cause and effect, but the potential consequences are exciting to consider,” concluded lead author Liang-Chih Chang, a professor of Living Sciences at the <a href="https://www106.nou.edu.tw/~eng/">National Open University</a> in Taiwan.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2023.2174217">Leisure Sciences</a>.



—-



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



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Nature improves the life quality of older adults

Many studies have argued that spending time in nature provides...

Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, are the leading cause of death globally, and were responsible for nearly 18 million deaths in 2019, while cancers caused 9.6 million deaths in 2017. Many studies have shown that moderate-intensity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/any-type-of-physical-activity-can-help-protect-the-brain/">physical activity</a> – such as brisk walking, hiking, dancing, riding a bike, or playing tennis – significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.&nbsp;



Although UK’s <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/">National Health Services</a> (NHS) has recommended that adults perform such activities at least 150 minutes a week, a recent review study conducted by the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge</a> has found that even half of this amount – 75 minutes a week or 11 minutes a day – would be sufficient to significantly lower the risk of such diseases, and could help prevent one in ten early deaths.



To clarify the amount of physical activity necessary to reduce the risk of a variety of chronic diseases and early death, the experts carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of 196 peer-reviewed articles, covering over 30 million participants from 94 large study cohorts.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that accumulating 75 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week reduced the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 17 percent, cancer by seven percent, and early death by 23 percent. For some types of cancers – including head and neck, myeloid leukaemia, myeloma, and gastric cardia cancers – the reduction in risk was even greater (14-26 percent).



&nbsp;“If you are someone who finds the idea of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week a bit daunting, then our findings should be good news. Doing some physical activity is better than doing none. This is also a good starting position – if you find that 75 minutes a week is manageable, then you could try stepping it up gradually to the full recommended amount,” said study senior author Soren Brage, an expert in the benefits of physical activity at Cambridge.



“Moderate activity doesn’t have to involve what we normally think of exercise, such as sports or running. Sometimes, replacing some habits is all that is needed. For example, try to walk or cycle to your work or study place instead of using a car, or engage in active play with your kids or grand kids. Doing activities that you enjoy and that are easy to include in your weekly routine is an excellent way to become more active,” concluded lead author Leandro Garcia, a lecturer in Complexity Science in Public Health at <a href="https://www.qub.ac.uk/">Queen’s University Belfast</a>.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-105669">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>.



—



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



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A quick daily walk reduces the risk of early death

Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, are the...

In the culinary world, adjusting the proportions of ingredients in a recipe can lead to the creation of entirely new flavors. Similarly, the binding of CO2 in the sea is sensitive to changes in the substances found in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-water-reservoir-found-on-the-moons-surface/">water</a>. 



This acid-binding capacity, also known as alkalinity, is primarily produced by the weathering of rocks and their subsequent introduction into the ocean. An increase in erosion on land results in a higher rate of weathering of silicates and carbonates, which in turn contributes to the ocean's alkalinity.



A team of researchers led by Nele Lehmann from the Hereon Institute for Carbon Cycles, in collaboration with the Alfred Wegener Institute <a href="https://www.awi.de/">Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung</a> (AWI), sought to identify the factors contributing to alkalinity using a statistical model, with funding provided by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).&nbsp;



"The model we used is a statistical, not a mechanistic model. We applied it to identify the factors influencing alkalinity based on our compiled data set and to describe their interdependencies,"explained Lehmann.



The model identified several factors that influence alkalinity, including the degree of erosion, area fraction of carbonate, temperatures, catchment size, and soil thickness. The study found that the ocean's ability to sequester CO2 would be significantly affected by climate change.&nbsp;



If global warming progresses slowly, alkalinity could drop by as much as 68 percent by 2100, depending on the watersheds. However, rapidly advancing warming would lead to higher temperatures and increased precipitation in temperate climate zones, which could boost alkalinity by up to 33 percent.



Lehmann cautions that this increase in alkalinity does not imply that higher emissions are beneficial for the climate. "The impact of alkalinity is small compared to the amounts of man-made CO2 emitted around the world. The process of weathering unfolds its effects over much longer periods of time," she said.



To conduct their study, the researchers first searched for existing data, specifically targeting alkalinity measurements near erosion measurement sites. They then investigated the factors influencing alkalinity using their new model.&nbsp;



A significant limitation of their study is the scarcity of erosion rate measurements, particularly in higher latitudes, due to the complexity and expense of obtaining such data. Consequently, the research is primarily focused on mid-latitudes.



Lehmann's next objective is to examine alkalinity and erosion rates in the Arctic, where data is sparse and climate change is making a noticeable impact. It is possible that the most significant changes in alkalinity flux may occur in this region. A critical question that remains to be answered is whether erosion itself is being altered as a direct result of climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37165-w">Nature Communications</a>.



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Does dissolved rock affect CO2 sequestration in the ocean?

In the culinary world, adjusting the proportions of ingredients in...

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.009">Cell</a> on March 30, researchers from Israel have discovered that stressed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/">plants</a>, specifically tomato and tobacco plants, emit ultrasonic noises resembling the sound of bubble-wrap being popped. 



These sounds, which are comparable in volume to normal human conversation, are beyond the range of human hearing but are likely detectable by insects, other mammals, and possibly even other plants. The research sheds new light on the largely unexplored world of acoustic communication among plants and other organisms.



"Even in a quiet field, there are actually sounds that we don't hear, and those sounds carry information," explained senior author Lilach Hadany, an evolutionary biologist and theoretician at <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/">Tel Aviv University</a>. "There are animals that can hear these sounds, so there is the possibility that a lot of acoustic interaction is occurring."



While ultrasonic vibrations have previously been recorded in plants, this study provides the first evidence that these sounds are airborne, making them more relevant to other organisms within the environment. "Plants interact with insects and other animals all the time, and many of these organisms use sound for communication, so it would be very suboptimal for plants to not use sound at all," said Hadany.



To conduct the study, the researchers recorded both healthy and stressed tomato and tobacco plants using microphones. They first placed the plants in a soundproofed acoustic chamber before moving them to a noisier greenhouse environment.



The plants were subjected to stress through two methods: stem severing and dehydration by withholding water for several days. After obtaining the recordings, the researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to differentiate between unstressed, thirsty, and cut plants.



The study's results revealed that stressed plants emit significantly more sounds than their unstressed counterparts. The sounds produced by these plants resemble pops or clicks, with a single stressed plant emitting approximately 30–50 clicks per hour at seemingly random intervals. By contrast, unstressed plants produce far fewer sounds. "When tomatoes are not stressed at all, they are very quiet," said Hadany.



Water-stressed plants emit noises before they show visible signs of dehydration, and that the frequency of these sounds peaks after five days without water before decreasing as the plants dry up completely. Furthermore, the types of sounds produced vary depending on the cause of stress. The researchers employed a machine-learning algorithm that was able to accurately differentiate between dehydration stress and stress caused by cutting, as well as discern whether the sounds originated from tomato or tobacco plants.



While the study focused primarily on tomato and tobacco plants due to their ease of cultivation and standardization in a laboratory setting, the research team also recorded sounds from a variety of other plant species. "We found that many plants - corn, wheat, grape, and cactus plants, for example - emit sounds when they are stressed," said study senior author Lilach Hadany.



The exact mechanism behind the production of these noises remains unclear, but the researchers propose that it may be related to the formation and bursting of air bubbles within the plant's vascular system, a process known as cavitation.



The question of whether plants produce these sounds with the intent to communicate with other organisms is still up for debate, but the mere existence of these sounds holds significant ecological and evolutionary implications.&nbsp;



"It's possible that other organisms could have evolved to hear and respond to these sounds. For example, a moth that intends to lay eggs on a plant or an animal that intends to eat a plant could use the sounds to help guide their decision," said Hadany.



It is possible that other plants are also "listening in" and benefiting from these sounds. Prior research has demonstrated that plants can respond to sounds and vibrations. Hadany and several other members of the research team had previously shown that plants increase the sugar concentration in their nectar when they "hear" sounds made by pollinators.&nbsp;



Moreover, other studies have revealed that plants alter their gene expression in response to sounds. "If other plants have information about stress before it actually occurs, they could prepare," explained Hadany.



The sound recordings of plants have potential applications in agricultural irrigation systems. The authors suggest that these recordings could be used to monitor crop hydration status and, in turn, help distribute water more efficiently across the fields. By understanding the acoustic cues related to plant stress, farmers may be able to optimize water use and maintain healthier crops.



“We know that there’s a lot of ultrasound out there - every time you use a microphone, you find that a lot of stuff produces sounds that we humans cannot hear - but the fact that plants are making these sounds opens a whole new avenue of opportunities for communication, eavesdropping, and exploitation of these sounds,” said co-senior author Yossi Yovel, a neuro-ecologist at Tel Aviv University.



“So now that we know that plants do emit sounds, the next question is - ‘who might be listening?’” said Hadany. “We are currently investigating the responses of other organisms, both animals and plants, to these sounds, and we’re also exploring our ability to identify and interpret the sounds in completely natural environments.”



This groundbreaking research opens the door to further investigation into plant communication and its potential impact on the interactions between plants and other organisms in their surrounding ecosystems. Understanding the role of these sounds in the plant world could eventually lead to new insights in agriculture, pest management, and the broader understanding of the complex relationships between plants and their environments.



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Breakthrough: Plants emit sounds when they are stressed

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Cell on...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/">University of California, San Francisco</a> (UCSF) has shed new light on the causes of a peculiar outbreak of acute severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-cases-of-hepatitis-detected-in-the-us-and-europe/">hepatitis</a> that surfaced in otherwise healthy children after Covid-19 lockdowns eased in the United States and 34 other countries in the spring of 2022. With around 1,000 cases reported so far, 50 children have needed liver transplants and at least 22 have died, making this mysterious outbreak highly alarming to healthcare professionals.



The scientists found that the disease was linked to co-infections from multiple common viruses, especially a strain of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2), which do not usually cause hepatitis on its own, but require “helper” viruses - such as adenoviruses causing colds and flus - to replicate in the liver. When children returned to school, they became more vulnerable to infections with these common pathogens, and for a small group of these children, getting more than one infection at the same time made them more susceptible to severe hepatitis.



“We were surprised by the fact that the infections we detected in these children were caused not by an unusual, emerging virus, but by common childhood viral pathogens,” said study senior author Charles Chiu, a professor of Medicine and Clinical Microbiology at UCSF.



“That’s what led us to speculate that the timing of the outbreak was probably related to the really unusual situations we were going through with Covid-19 related school and daycare closures and social restrictions. It may have been an unintended consequence of what we have experienced during the last two-to-three years of the pandemic.”



The researchers used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) along with various metagenomic sequencing and molecular-testing methods to examine plasma, whole blood, nasal swabs, and stool samples from 16 pediatric cases in six U.S. states, and compared them with 113 control samples. The analyses detected AAV2 in 93 percent of the cases, and human adenoviruses (HAdVs) in all the cases, with additional co-infections with Epstein-Barr, herpes, and enterovirus discovered in 85.7 percent of cases.



Since AAVs are not considered pathogenic on their own, more research is needed to establish a direct causal link with the severe acute hepatitis. However, the findings suggest that co-infections may trigger more severe hepatitis, especially in vulnerable young children whose immune systems lacked their usual “training” through frequent exposure to pathogens due to lockdowns.



Although the clusters of acute severe hepatitis in children have recently declined, frequent handwashing and staying home when sick are still advised to protect children from this developing this frequently debilitating disease.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05949-1">Nature</a>.



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



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Severe hepatitis outbreak linked to common viruses

A recent study led by the University of California, San...

A groundbreaking research initiative, led by the Institute for the Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics (iCOUP), is poised to revolutionize the way we deal with plastic waste. This <a href="https://www.energy.gov/">Department of Energy</a> (DOE) Office of Science Energy Frontier Research Center combines the expertise of chemists and materials scientists from national labs and universities across the United States. The collective goal is to develop innovative chemical pathways that empower companies to transform plastic waste into valuable commodities.



It's no secret that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/">plastic</a> recycling presents a formidable challenge. The inherent nature of plastic, consisting of long chains of molecules called polymers, makes it difficult to recycle. Polymers give plastic its strength and durability; however, once these chains are broken, they are nearly impossible to reassemble, leading to degraded properties. 



Recycling processes that involve melting and remolding often result in the breaking of polymer chains, producing plastic of lower quality than the original material. Moreover, since most plastics are derived from inexpensive petrochemicals, the cost of manufacturing new plastics is typically lower than that of recycling. The durability of plastics means they can linger for more than 1,000 years in a landfill before breaking down. But what if we could prevent plastics from ending up in landfills altogether?



Aaron Sadow, the director of iCOUP and a chemist at Ames Lab, envisions a future in which science propels technologies that address the growing issue of plastic waste accumulation. "At iCOUP, we are developing the science needed to advance technologies that can address the plastic waste accumulation problem," he said.&nbsp;



If successful, a new carbon cycle could emerge that repurposes the carbon in plastics for other chemicals and materials, ultimately incorporating plastics into a circular economy and eliminating the need for landfills.



To achieve this ambitious goal, the team is working on novel chemical recycling methods that will not only create sustainable, high-quality plastic materials but also convert plastic into valuable chemical products. These products include lubricants and surfactants, which serve to reduce the surface tension of a liquid.



Massimiliano Delferro, a chemist at Argonne and the deputy director of iCOUP, is optimistic about the long-term impact of their research. "In 20 or 30 years, we want to use the technology we develop at iCOUP to make new products from plastic waste that is currently lost in the environment," he said. However, he acknowledges the scientific hurdles ahead, admitting that the task is a "big challenge."



The researchers have had a stream of recent successes. One notable achievement is the development of a method to make plastics easier to recycle. The team successfully broke up plastics and transformed them into a new biodegradable polymer, which is simpler to recycle. This innovative chemical recycling method resulted in plastic products with quality comparable to the original plastic waste. Remarkably, the process allows plastics to be recycled repeatedly without compromising their quality.



Another significant breakthrough came in the form of a new catalyst. The researchers created a zirconia-based catalyst capable of separating polymers in plastic waste. Current catalysts often rely on expensive rare earth metals, such as platinum. Zirconia serves as an effective, relatively inexpensive, and abundant alternative. By suspending ultrasmall zirconia nanoparticles in silica, the scientists managed to separate the long plastic polymers at specific intervals, producing new high-value chemicals at a low cost.



The experts also focused on developing a more efficient way to produce a particular catalyst that transforms plastic waste into lubricants. Originally created by their partners at Northwestern University, this catalyst is highly effective but challenging and costly to produce. The iCOUP researchers discovered a simpler and less expensive chemical technique for producing large quantities of the catalyst, paving the way for potential commercial applications in the future.



In their most recent accomplishment, the team found a method to add functionality to plastic polymers once they are broken apart. This process involves chemically modifying the plastic waste to make it suitable for use in more valuable products, such as surfactants or emulsifiers, which help keep two liquids mixed.



“In this latest round of research, the APS successfully delivered molecular-level information about the newly developed catalysts, elucidating how they function and providing a technical clue toward higher performance,” explained Byeongdu Lee, a physicist at Argonne and a group leader at the APS. ​“This work shows how the knowledge collected from this powerful X-ray facility can be put to use to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, such as plastic pollution.”



With a focus on bringing their technology to market, the researchers have already begun collaborating with companies, including Chevron Philips and a startup launched by their former iCOUP post-docs, to commercialize their technologies. As they continue to develop innovative ways to upcycle plastics, these partnerships may pave the way for practical solutions to the global plastic waste challenge.



“Our goal now is to create a product that companies can use in a way to make a profit,” said Magali Ferrandon, a chemist at Argonne and part of the iCOUP team. ​“We want to make it cheaper and easier for companies to be able to do this commercially.”



As the experts continue to make strides in addressing plastic waste, their efforts could have far-reaching implications for the environment, the economy, and the future of our planet. In time, their work may contribute to a world where plastic waste no longer poses a threat, and instead becomes a valuable resource for new materials and applications.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41929-023-00910-x">Nature Catalysis</a>.



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Upcycling plastic waste into valuable products 

A groundbreaking research initiative, led by the Institute for the...

Diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, has long been a crucial tool in monitoring human and animal health. However, for researchers studying wild populations, administering these common tests can be challenging.&nbsp;



In an effort to overcome this obstacle, a collaborative project has been initiated by scientists at the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) and colleagues at the Cincinnati Zoo &amp; Botanical Garden, as well as other zoos and aquariums. The team is currently testing the use of thermal video and image analysis to measure heart and respiration rates in a variety of animals in a controlled environment.&nbsp;



The ultimate goal of this research is to advance the development of non-invasive techniques for assessing the health of animals in the wild, particularly threatened and endangered species for which more invasive diagnostic procedures might carry prohibitive risks.



A new paper detailing the team's work was published today in the journal <a href="https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/">BMC Biology</a>. The study highlights the importance of understanding an animal's metabolic rate, or energetic expenditure, as it provides crucial insight into a species' reproductive and survival chances.&nbsp;



Unfortunately, collecting these benchmark measurements from wild populations is logistically complex and frequently invasive. Even more straightforward tests, such as obtaining heart and respiration rates, often necessitate immobilizing the animal, which can pose its own risks. Additionally, attaching tracking devices can be both expensive and invasive.



The research, led by MIT-WHOI graduate student Caroline Rzucidlo, is investigating the potential of infrared thermography (IRT) combined with Eulerian video magnification (EVM) software to measure the vital rates of exotic wildlife species.&nbsp;



Eventually, the team wants to apply this technique to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weddell-seals-sacrifice-diving-energy-to-give-iron-to-their-pups/">Weddell seal</a> populations in Antarctica, assessing whether these animals will be physiologically prepared to survive and reproduce in rapidly changing environments.



"Heart and respiration rates are often used as proxies for determining metabolic rate," explained Rzucidlo. "Thermal cameras can detect changes in skin temperature associated with blood flow and changes in air temperature associated with exhalation. Thus, determining if thermal cameras could non-invasively capture these temperature changes in animals was the first step."



While thermal video cameras can easily measure heat and body temperature, as evidenced by the technology used to screen humans for fever at airports, the question remained whether this approach could be applied to exotic animals. Taking their work directly into the field was not feasible, as the researchers first needed to validate the accuracy and precision of the method, which required a controlled setting.&nbsp;



"We had no idea how effectively we could measure temperature fluctuations with the thermal camera, including how close or far away from the animal we needed to be, and how fur, fat, or scale thickness would affect the readings," explained Rzucidlo.



The Cincinnati Zoo &amp; Botanical Garden offered the perfect setting for testing various animals under diverse conditions, allowing researchers to refine their methods. Collaborating with Erin Curry, a reproductive physiologist, and other animal care specialists, Rzucidlo dedicated months to collecting thermal video data on an array of terrestrial and marine creatures at the facility.&nbsp;



The study also encompassed work conducted at other locations, such as the Louisville Zoo (Kentucky), Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Ohio), and the Salisbury Zoo (Maryland). Overall, 58 individual animals, ranging from Komodo dragons to polar bears, participated in the research.



“Being able to monitor individual animals under human care created a controlled setting to validate this technology that is impossible to replicate in the wild,” said Rzucidlo.



“Zoos offer a unique setting to develop technologies that can contribute to the conservation of wildlife populations. Animals in zoos have regular veterinary check-ups and some individuals are even trained to participate voluntarily in wellness exams, so using a stethoscope to obtain true heartrates while concurrently collecting infrared video of a variety of species was a very achievable goal,” added Curry.



It soon became obvious to the team that the thermal video alone wasn’t enough. “Capturing heat and temperature is one step, but we needed the EVM computer software to amplify changes&nbsp; in temperature associated with respiration rate and heartbeat,” explained Rzucidlo. “Using the two together was the winning combination and offered us an unprecedented view of animal health.”&nbsp;



While thermal cameras have previously been employed to obtain vital rates in a select few species (primarily hairless ones), this groundbreaking study represents the first application of this technology to an extensive array of exotic animals. Additionally, the research identifies the specific traits that render a species suitable for acquiring measurements through thermal imaging.&nbsp;



“This new study takes thermal imaging data in a controlled setting and allows us to build benchmarks across a suite of species. Having developed and fine-tuned these methods in the zoological setting, we can then take these imaging techniques and apply it to answer much broader ecological questions in the wild,” said Michelle Shero, an associate scientist at WHOI.



“We’ve even been using this method in Antarctica to study energy dynamics in Weddell seal populations. We can use these newly developed methods to start asking how an animal’s energetic expenditure may change if environmental conditions change, or what the energetic demands are for reproduction.”



“What’s more, is that using non-invasive and quickly acquired imagery tools will allow us to make better measurements with less disturbance, and for a lot more animals than would ever have been possible using traditional techniques. This is what is really needed to start asking questions about population health.”



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Thermal imaging can help monitor animal health in the wild 

Diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, has long...

New research published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad060">European Journal of Preventive Cardiology</a> indicates that physical activity may counteract some of the negative effects associated with both too little and too much sleep on life expectancy.&nbsp;



The study, conducted by scientists at the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in China, involved more than 90,000 adults and employed accelerometer technology to provide more reliable and objective measurements of physical activity and sleep duration.



Lead author Dr. Jihui Zhang explained the study's findings, stating that "increased physical activity levels weakened the mortality risks associated with short or long sleep duration." This suggests that even though both adequate sleep and exercise are vital for longevity, engaging in physical activity can help mitigate the potential health consequences of poor sleep habits.



While the relationship between sleep, exercise, and health has long been studied, the specific interaction between physical activity and sleep duration had not yet been fully understood.&nbsp;



One key limitation of prior research was the reliance on self-reported data for physical activity and sleep, which can be subjective and prone to inaccuracies. In order to address this issue, the current study utilized accelerometer wristbands to measure participants' movement, offering a more reliable and objective assessment of activity levels and sleep duration.



This groundbreaking research is the first to examine the combined effects of physical activity and sleep duration on mortality risk using accelerometry. The study included a diverse group of 92,221 adults aged 40 to 73 from the UK Biobank cohort, who wore the accelerometer wristbands for a week between 2013 and 2015.&nbsp;



Sleep duration per night was categorized as short (less than six hours), normal (six to eight hours), or long (more than eight hours), and physical activity was divided into tertiles (low, intermediate, high). The researchers also classified moderate to vigorous physical activity as meeting or not meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.



Over a median follow-up period of seven years, 3,080 of the participants died – 1,074 from cardiovascular disease and 1,871 from cancer. The study's primary outcome was all-cause death, with secondary endpoints being death due to cardiovascular disease and death due to cancer.



The analysis reveals that engaging in physical activity can help reduce the mortality risks associated with both short and long sleep duration. The researchers aimed to understand how physical activity influenced the impact of sleep on mortality by examining the volume of activity and moderate to vigorous physical activity levels.&nbsp;



The study accounted for factors that could potentially influence the relationship, such as age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, education level, season of sleep measurement, body mass index, diet, smoking, alcohol intake, and shift work.



The experts found that among participants with low amounts of physical activity, short and long sleep were associated with a 16 and 37 percent increased risk of all-cause death, respectively. However, in those with intermediate amounts of exercise, only short sleep duration was detrimental, raising the likelihood of all-cause death by 41 percent.&nbsp;



Among participants with a high amount of exercise, sleep duration was not linked to an increased risk of death. When it came to cardiovascular death, short sleepers with a low volume of exercise faced a 69 percent elevated risk, which disappeared when exercise increased to moderate or high volumes. For cancer death, long sleepers with low amounts of exercise had a 21 percent increased risk, which disappeared with moderate or high volumes of exercise.



Similar results were observed for moderate to vigorous physical activity. In participants not meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, short and long sleep were associated with 31 and 20 percent increased risks of all-cause death, respectively.&nbsp;



These risks disappeared in those who met the WHO recommendations. For cardiovascular death, short sleepers who did not meet the exercise intensity advice faced a 52 percent elevated risk, which disappeared in those achieving the recommendations. For cancer death, long sleepers not meeting the advice had a 21 percent increased risk, which disappeared in those following the WHO guidance.



"Our findings suggest that health promotion efforts targeting both physical activity and sleep duration may be more effective in preventing or delaying premature death in middle-aged and older adults than focusing on one behavior alone," said Dr. Zhang. He emphasized the importance of achieving healthy amounts of both sleep and physical activity, but acknowledged that the study indicates that "getting sufficient exercise may partially offset the detrimental impact of missing a good night's sleep."



The results of this research underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes both sufficient sleep and regular physical activity. Further, they highlight the potential for physical activity to help mitigate some of the negative effects of inadequate or excessive sleep on life expectancy. As our understanding of the complex interplay between sleep and exercise continues to grow, these findings offer valuable insights for individuals looking to optimize their health and well-being.



—



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Exercise counteracts negative effects of sleep deprivation

New research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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