Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Lake Hamun, a seasonal lake in the Sistan region on the Afghanistan-Iran border. The lake and surrounding wetlands have been shrinking as a result of persistent drought, leading to reduced vegetation and exposed dust. These changes have transformed the basin into a major source of dust storms.



"While dust storms are most common in the summer, they happen year-round as long as the lake is dry and the winds are strong. That was the case on January 12, 2023, when the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite captured this image of dust streaming from the dry lake bed," says NASA.



In January 2023, a team of experts led by UCLA reported that airborne dust has likely increased by 55 percent on a global scale since pre-industrial times. The researchers said this is largely due to more frequent dust storms in Asia and North Africa.&nbsp;



The team estimates that the cooling effect of airborne dust has likely masked about eight percent of the warming caused by greenhouse gases since the preindustrial era.



“Our findings imply that greenhouses gases alone could cause even more climate warming than models currently predict,” said UCLA atmospheric physicist Jasper Kok. “This is of tremendous importance because better predictions can inform better decisions of how to mitigate or adapt to climate change.”



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Lake Hamun is a major source of dust storms

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Typhoon Mawar, also known as "Betty," which is the first typhoon of the season in the northwest Pacific. The intense storm struck Guam and the Philippines before heading toward Taiwan and southern Japan.



"With sustained winds that reached 295 kilometers (185 miles) per hour on May 25, the super typhoon grew to be one of the strongest May storms on record," says NASA.&nbsp;



"The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this natural-color image of Mawar at 05:20 Universal Time on May 30, 2023. Though the storm appeared to be bearing down on Taiwan, it was in the process of turning north and away from the island."



"After rapidly intensifying between May 24 and 25, Mawar then weakened significantly as it encountered cooler water temperatures and less favorable wind shear conditions as it neared Taiwan."



NASA reports that although Mawar did not strike the Philippines or Taiwan directly, the outer bands of the storm brought heavy rains to northern Luzon and rough seas to the eastern coast of Taiwan.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Typhoon Mawar is one of the strongest May storms on record

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Messina Strait, a channel in the Mediterranean Sea that separates Sicily and Calabria. The photograph was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station



The Messina Strait is 20 miles long with a depth of 820 feet, and joins the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and the Ionian Sea to the south.&nbsp;



"Waves that follow the tide from west to east are visible in the right half of the photo. These are caused by internal waves, a process where stratified water layers of changing density and increasing depth horizontally propagate beneath the water surface. The waves are illuminated by sunglint—an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is directly reflected off the water and into a satellite’s sensor, or in this case, the astronaut’s camera," explains NASA.



"Alternating currents, relatively low water temperature, and high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen contribute to the region’s aquatic biodiversity. The strait hosts several deep-sea fish species such as Sloane’s viperfish (a predatory dragonfish) as well as commercially valuable fish like yellowtail and snapper. On the left side of the image, thin, white lines are likely ship wakes, some of which may belong to fishing boats."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Messina Strait in the Mediterranean Sea

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Amazon River in Brazil. This particular stretch of river is located near the port city of Parintins.



"The river is the largest on Earth and allows seagoing ships to reach Parintins even though it is 800 kilometers (500 miles) inland from the Atlantic Ocean," says NASA.



"Seagoing ships can progress 3,600 kilometers (2,200 miles) up the Amazon River - more than halfway across the South American continent - to the port of Iquitos in Peru."&nbsp;



The muddy color of the river is tied to the Andes Mountains, a major source of sediments and mineral nutrients. According to NASA, the sediment erodes from the Andes Mountains located to the west and is carried generally eastward toward the ocean.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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 lower Amazon River in Brazil

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, a group of islands located in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico.&nbsp;



"Sunglint reflects off the water surface, accentuating wave movement, ship wakes, and cloud shadows," said NASA. "The islands appear rust-colored due to previous tectonic and volcanic activity that deposited layers of black lava and pink volcanic ash."



"The Baja Peninsula acts as a natural wind and wave break that protects islands in the Gulf of California from erosion. Slowed erosion has resulted in the preservation of rock shelters and caves."



"Exploration and excavation of these shelters contribute to understanding the geomorphology, geology, and ancient human patterns on the islands. Archeologists have found human artifacts artifacts dating back approximately ten thousand years, providing evidence of human activity on the islands."



The Espíritu Santo Archipelago is part of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and consists of several islands, the largest and most well-known of which is Isla Espíritu Santo. The other main islands in the archipelago are Isla Partida, Los Islotes, and a few smaller islets.



Espíritu Santo and its surrounding islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The region is home to a rich diversity of marine life, including sea lions, manta rays, whale sharks, and various species of whales and dolphins. It also supports a variety of bird species, such as blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and pelicans, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.



The Espíritu Santo Archipelago has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Mexican Protected Natural Area, which helps to preserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Ecotourism is popular in the area, with visitors participating in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and wildlife watching.



The islands are accessible by boat from the nearby city of La Paz, which is the capital of Baja California Sur. There are numerous tour operators that offer day trips and multi-day excursions to the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, allowing visitors to explore the islands and their remarkable natural features.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Espíritu Santo Archipelago in the Gulf of California

Scientists at <a href="https://duke.edu/">Duke University</a> and the University of California, Santa Barbara have identified a climate feedback loop involving widely distributed yet underappreciated microbes like plankton that could quicken the pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-affects-ground-squirrels-in-unexpected-ways/">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



However, this discovery comes with a silver lining: a potential early warning sign that might help us brace for the tipping point.



The researchers have been studying microscopic organisms called mixotrophs. These versatile organisms have two metabolic modes, allowing them to photosynthesize like plants or consume food like animals, depending on their environment. Daniel Wieczynski, a postdoctoral associate at Duke and the first author of the study, calls them the "Venus fly traps of the microbial world."



<h2 id="h-using-a-computer-model-to-predict-behavior">Using a computer model to predict behavior</h2>



A computer model was used by the team to demonstrate the potential impact of these tiny organisms on the global climate. The researchers discovered that rising temperatures can cause these creatures to shift from absorbing carbon dioxide - a potent greenhouse gas - to emitting it. This shift results from the effects of global warming on their metabolism.



The release of carbon dioxide could potentially lead to increased temperatures, creating a dangerous positive feedback loop. In this scenario, minor degrees of warming could result in a disproportionate impact, accelerating climate change.



Jean P. Gibert, a senior author of the study from Duke, emphasized the role mixotrophs play in regulating the climate, despite their absence in most climate change models. Mixotrophs are abundant in oceans, lakes, and damp soils, forming a significant part of plankton communities and peatlands ecosystems.



“Mixotrophs can both capture and emit carbon dioxide, they're like ‘switches’ that could either help reduce climate change or make it worse,” explained study co-author Holly Moeller, assistant professor at UC Santa Barbara.



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



To examine how these effects could escalate, a mathematical model was developed. This model predicted how mixotrophs might shift between different modes of metabolism as global warming continues.&nbsp;



The model was run under a temperature range of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius (66-73 degrees Fahrenheit), in line with projected global temperature surges of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels within the next five years, with the potential to exceed 2 to 4 degrees by century's end.



The model revealed that as temperatures increase, mixotrophs are more likely to consume food rather than rely on photosynthesis, leading to an imbalance in carbon absorption and emission. This could eventually push the microbes past a tipping point, shifting from carbon sink to carbon source and thereby contributing to global warming rather than mitigating it.



The scientists warned that reverting from this tipping point would require a significant decrease in temperatures, more than one degree Celsius, a challenge that highlights the seriousness of the situation.



<h2 id="h-the-research-team-found-a-ray-of-hope-amidst-the-gloom">The research team found a ray of hope amidst the gloom</h2>



However, there's a glimmer of hope. The study suggests that by carefully observing mixotroph abundance, scientists may be able to anticipate this crucial tipping point.&nbsp;



"Right before a tipping point, their abundances suddenly start to fluctuate wildly," Wieczynski said. “If you went out in nature and you saw a sudden change from relatively steady abundances to rapid fluctuations, you would know it’s coming.”



An additional factor identified by the study is nutrient pollution. The researchers found that increased levels of nutrients, like nitrate and phosphate, released from wastewater treatment facilities, farms, and lawns could cause the warning signs of rapid fluctuations to disappear, allowing the tipping point to arrive unannounced.



<h2 id="h-investing-in-early-detection-is-crucial">Investing in early detection is crucial</h2>



While these model predictions require validation through real-world observations, they underscore the importance of investing in early detection.&nbsp;



“Tipping points can be short-lived, and thus hard to catch,” Gibert said. “This paper provides us with a search image, something to look out for, and makes those tipping points -- as fleeting as they may be – more likely to be found.”



The research team is hopeful that these findings can contribute to the broader climate science community and help focus efforts on preventative measures. By understanding the role these tiny mixotrophs play in our climate and detecting these fluctuations early, we may be able to implement solutions before reaching these potentially irreversible tipping points.



The research paper, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14350">Functional Ecology</a>, combines a fascinating look into the world of microbial activity with critical insights into climate change. The researchers’ efforts underline the complexity and interconnectedness of our ecosystem and the urgency of monitoring even the tiniest contributors to our climate.



This important work was made possible through the support of the Simons Foundation (grant number 689265), the National Science Foundation (grant number 1851194), and the U.S. Department of Energy (grant number DE-SC0020362). As the world continues to grapple with climate change, studies like this remind us of the importance of research and the potentially game-changing insights it can provide.



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



Plankton is a broad term used to describe the wide range of tiny organisms that drift within oceans, seas, and other bodies of water. The term "plankton" comes from the Greek for "drifter" or "wanderer." They can't swim against the current, but some can move up and down in the water column.



There are two main types of plankton: phytoplankton and zooplankton.



<h3 id="h-phytoplankton">Phytoplankton</h3>



These are the plant-like members of the plankton community, and they're photosynthetic. They're mostly single-celled organisms like cyanobacteria (formerly called blue-green algae) and diatoms but can also form colonies.&nbsp;



Phytoplankton serve as the base of the aquatic food web, providing an essential ecological function for all aquatic life. In addition, phytoplankton is responsible for producing approximately half of the oxygen on Earth through photosynthesis.



<h3 id="h-zooplankton">Zooplankton</h3>



These are the animal-like members of the plankton community, which range from tiny protozoans to large jellyfish. Zooplankton are generally larger than phytoplankton, and they often feed on phytoplankton. There are many types of zooplankton, including single-celled dinoflagellates, tiny crustaceans like copepods and krill, and the larvae of larger animals such as fish and crabs.



It's also important to mention mixotrophs, organisms that can switch between photosynthesis (like phytoplankton) and predation (like zooplankton) depending on their environment. Some dinoflagellates and other types of plankton fall into this category.



Plankton play an essential role in the carbon cycle. Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to produce carbohydrates for growth. When they die, some of their organic matter sinks to the deep ocean, effectively transferring carbon from the atmosphere to the ocean floor. This process is known as the "biological carbon pump."



<h2 id="h-influence-of-plankton-on-the-environment">Influence of plankton on the environment</h2>



Plankton populations can greatly influence weather patterns and climate. For example, phytoplankton blooms can influence cloud formation, because the particles they release can form nuclei around which water droplets condense to make clouds. In addition, because of their role in the carbon cycle, changes in plankton populations can impact atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, influencing global temperatures and climate.



Plankton populations can also serve as an indicator of environmental changes or disruptions. For example, changes in sea temperature, nutrient availability, or water acidity can all impact plankton populations. Scientists often monitor these populations to understand more about current conditions or future trends in the Earth's climate system.



Image Credit: Daniel J. Wieczynski, Duke University



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Rising temperatures may flip plankton into carbon emitters

Scientists at Duke University and the University of California, Santa...

The adage "You are what you eat" has never rung more true. The foods we consume shape our health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hibernation-may-be-key-to-extraordinary-longevity-in-bats/">longevity</a>, echoing through the course of our lives.&nbsp;



A direct correlation exists between nutritional needs associated with age and our metabolic health. In essence, our age-specific nutritional balance significantly influences our overall wellness.



Indeed, nutrition that aligns perfectly with our age can sustain our metabolic health, leading to a superior health span - the portion of our life unmarred by disease - and eventually lengthening our lifespan. Previous research has indicated that altering nutritional interventions with diverse calorie and protein intake can bolster the health and lifespan of rodents and primates.



Moreover, the latest research has drawn links between dietary macronutrients - proteins, carbohydrates, fats - and cardio-metabolic health and aging in mice. But the enigma persists: what is the precise amount of protein we should eat to maintain metabolic health?



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-team-solved-the-puzzle">How the research team solved the puzzle</h2>



A study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00797-3">GeroScience</a> attempts to solve this puzzle. Led by Professor Yoshitaka Kondo from <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en">Waseda University</a>, a research team delved into the dietary protein quantity required to boost metabolic health in mice advancing in age.



The researchers gathered young (6 months old) and middle-aged (16 months old) male C57BL/6NCr mice for their investigation. They nourished these rodents with isocaloric diets encompassing variable protein content (5 to 45 %) over a two-month span.&nbsp;



The effect of diverse protein diets was then evaluated based on skeletal muscle weight, liver and plasma lipid profiles, and self-organizing map (SOM) cluster analysis of plasma amino acid profiles.



"The optimal balance of macronutrients for ideal health outcomes may vary across different life stages," explained Kondo. "Previous studies show the possibility of minimizing age-specific mortality throughout life by changing the ratio of dietary protein to carbohydrates during approach to old age in mice. However, the amount of protein that should be consumed to maintain metabolic health while approaching old age is still unclear.”



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



The observations were riveting. A low-protein diet culminated in the development of a mild fatty liver, with elevated levels of hepatic lipids in middle-aged mice compared to their younger counterparts.&nbsp;



On the other hand, a diet with moderate protein resulted in diminished blood glucose concentrations and lipid levels in both liver and plasma. These results signified that a moderate-protein diet (25% and 35%) kept mice - both young and middle-aged - in a metabolically healthier state.



The researchers further scrutinized the impact of varying protein diets on plasma amino acid concentrations in mice of both age brackets. They discovered that the plasma concentration of individual amino acids fluctuated with age and varying dietary protein content.&nbsp;



This revelation was further substantiated using SOM analysis of the plasma amino acids. Additionally, the plasma amino acid profiles, as revealed through SOM analysis, displayed a correlation between differing protein intake and the varying quantities of hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol levels.



"Protein requirements change through the course of life, being higher in younger reproductive mice, reducing through middle age, and rising again in older mice as protein efficiency declines. The same pattern is likely to be observed in humans," said Kondo.



"Therefore, it could be assumed that increasing daily protein intake in meals could promote metabolic health of people. Moreover, ideal dietary macronutrient balance at each life stage could also extend health span.”



<h2 id="h-the-secret-has-been-under-your-nose-the-entire-time">The secret has been under your nose the entire time</h2>



Summing it up, the study presents the fascinating proposition that the secret to a long, healthy life might be hidden in our plates - in balanced servings of protein, to be precise. With dietary moderation and age-specific nutrition as guiding principles, maintaining metabolic health might be an achievable feat.



The breakthrough understanding that the optimal balance of dietary protein can minimize age-specific mortality provides an encouraging blueprint for future research in this field. As our understanding deepens, we can hope to see more precise dietary recommendations for different stages of life.



For now, the takeaway message from Kondo and his team's study is clear: a balanced diet with moderate amounts of protein could indeed be a critical key to unlocking a long, healthy life. So, remember, the next time you plan your meal, a dash of protein might just add years to your life.



<h2 id="h-more-about-anti-aging-research">More about anti-aging research</h2>



Anti-aging research is a broad and rapidly expanding field focused on understanding the biological mechanisms that lead to aging and developing interventions to slow down or even reverse these processes. The aim is to extend both lifespan (how long we live) and healthspan (how long we live without disease).



<h3 id="h-telomeres">Telomeres</h3>



One significant area of anti-aging research is the study of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes. Every time a cell divides, its telomeres shorten, and when they become too short, the cell can no longer divide and becomes senescent or dies. Researchers are studying ways to extend the length of telomeres or delay their shortening to promote cellular health and longevity.



<h3 id="h-aging-at-the-molecular-level">Aging at the molecular level&nbsp;</h3>



Another important area of research involves studying the biology of aging at a molecular level. This includes investigating the roles of specific genes and proteins in aging, exploring how DNA damage and repair affect aging, and how cellular processes such as autophagy (the process by which cells remove and recycle their own components) contribute to aging.



<h3 id="h-reducing-calories">Reducing calories</h3>



Caloric restriction (reducing daily calorie intake without causing malnutrition) has been shown in multiple organisms, from yeast to primates, to extend lifespan. The mechanisms are not entirely understood, but they may involve changes in metabolism and stress responses. There's also ongoing research into developing drugs that could mimic the effects of caloric restriction without the need for reduced food intake.



<h3 id="h-ability-of-cells-to-divide-senescence">Ability of cells to divide (senescence)</h3>



Furthermore, research into senescence - the state in which cells lose their ability to divide and function correctly - is another promising area. Senescent cells accumulate with age and are thought to contribute to aging by causing inflammation and tissue dysfunction. Drugs that can selectively eliminate these senescent cells (known as senolytics) or rejuvenate them are currently under study.



<h3 id="h-age-related-disease">Age-related disease</h3>



Age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, heart disease, and cancer, are also a significant focus of anti-aging research. By understanding how these diseases develop and progress, researchers hope to develop preventative measures and treatments to extend healthspan.



<h3 id="h-lifestyle-factors">Lifestyle factors</h3>



Lastly, research on lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep is essential. These factors have been shown to significantly influence lifespan and healthspan, and researchers are interested in understanding why and how these factors have such profound effects on aging.



It's important to note that while this research is incredibly promising, aging is a complex process involving many interconnected biological systems. Therefore, it's unlikely that there will be a "silver bullet" for aging. Instead, anti-aging research will likely lead to a range of interventions that can be used together to extend healthspan and lifespan.



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Eat well, live longer: A dash of protein could add years to your life

The adage "You are what you eat" has never rung...

Codfish have been telling a story of rapid evolution, reshaped by human activity more swiftly than previously assumed, reveals a cutting-edge study led by <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/">Rutgers University</a>.



This evolutionary tale, illuminated during the latter half of the twentieth century, signifies the impact of human-driven overfishing. The findings suggest that evolutionary changes, once thought to span millions of years, can be catalyzed within mere decades.&nbsp;



The report, sharing the first genomic evidence of such accelerated evolution in Atlantic cod, has recently been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2022.0190">Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a>.



<h2 id="h-breaking-new-ground-with-modern-technology">Breaking new ground with modern technology</h2>



"We broke new ground," explained study senior author Malin Pinsky. Leveraging modern technology, the researchers unearthed the genetic code of codfish caught over a century ago, unveiling subtle genetic shifts.&nbsp;



Pinsky, an associate professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), emphasizes that these new techniques played a pivotal role in the discovery.



By the turn of the 20th century, many overfished cod seemed to have cultivated a survival edge. They matured at a younger age, and their smaller size made them less noticeable to fishing efforts, thus increasing their chances of reproducing before capture. The researchers, in their quest to understand this apparent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodile-evolution-was-influenced-by-environmental-factors/">evolution</a>, searched for key gene mutations, but this proved fruitless.



<h2 id="h-small-setback-spawned-a-new-approach">Small setback spawned a new approach</h2>



Undaunted by initial setbacks, the team adopted a different approach. They theorized that if changes were spread across a multitude of genes, rather than confined to a select few, their analysis might yield different results. Driven by this hypothesis, and empowered by novel technology, the team discovered the intricate genetic dance of the codfish.



"We have now been able to demonstrate that many genes throughout the genome did shift in the same way in cod from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean over the past 100 years," said study first author Brendan Reid.



This indicates that, rather than an isolated genetic aberration, small changes in numerous genes triggered the cod's evolution. Reid, a postdoctoral associate at SEBS, considers this finding a first of its kind for any overfished species.



Renowned for their mild flavor and flaky flesh, Atlantic cod inhabit the deep-sea regions of the North Atlantic. They have been a staple ingredient in traditional dishes like fish and chips, and their livers are used to produce vitamin-rich cod liver oil. However, during the 1990s, decades of unrelenting overfishing pushed their population down to just 1% of historical levels.



<h2 id="h-a-new-hope-in-the-fight-against-overfishing">A new hope in the fight against overfishing</h2>



Commercial fishing practices underwent a radical transformation in the 1970s, with powerful trawlers equipped with sophisticated radar and sonar systems. These technologies expanded fishing reach, both in terms of depth and duration.&nbsp;



Unfortunately, this resulted in accelerated depletion of cod stocks, culminating in the fishery's collapse and, as the Rutgers research suggests, the cod's swift evolution.



This research brings not just fascinating insights but also glimmers of hope for the beleaguered codfish. Their population, which has been slowly recovering since fishing pressure lessened, could potentially regain its former glory.



"Since evolution in response to fishing happened through lots of small changes in many genes rather than large changes in one or two genes, and cod have maintained most of their genetic diversity, it will be easier for cod to evolve back towards their previous pattern of slower growth at large sizes,” said Reid.



The scientist also notes encouraging signs in the cod population, suggesting the possibility of a return to previous growth patterns and, with proper management, the restoration of a sustainable fishery.



This research, a testament to international collaboration, also included contributions from Bastiaan Star of the University of Oslo in Norway.



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



Overfishing, or the practice of depleting a fish population to below its natural ability to reproduce and replenish, has far-reaching implications for both the environment and humanity. Its impacts are numerous and interconnected, affecting ecosystems, economies, and global food security.



<h3 id="h-ecosystem-disruption">Ecosystem Disruption</h3>



Overfishing is one of the primary threats to ocean biodiversity. The removal of a significant number of a particular fish species can unbalance the marine ecosystem.&nbsp;



Predatory fish like sharks, tuna, and cod, which are often targeted by commercial fishing, play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of marine life. Their decline can trigger a cascading effect through the food chain, allowing other species to become overly abundant and destabilizing the marine ecosystem.&nbsp;



For instance, the decline in large predator fish can lead to an overabundance of smaller fish or invertebrates, which can then over-consume vegetation and other smaller organisms, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.



<h3 id="h-loss-of-livelihood">Loss of Livelihood</h3>



Overfishing not only affects the health of our oceans but also the livelihood of millions of people. According to the United Nations, over 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.&nbsp;



When fish stocks collapse, the fishing industry - including all those involved in the supply chain, such as boat operators, processors, sellers, and other associated jobs - can be severely impacted. In many developing countries, where alternatives for income are limited, the effects can be particularly devastating.



<h3 id="h-threat-to-food-security">Threat to Food Security</h3>



Fish is a crucial source of protein and nutrition for billions of people around the world. Overfishing threatens this vital food source, particularly in poorer countries where people are more dependent on fish for dietary needs.&nbsp;



As per the Food and Agriculture Organization, fish provide more than 20 percent of animal protein for about 3.2 billion people. Depleting fish stocks can thus pose a serious risk to global food security.



<h3 id="h-harm-to-coral-reefs">Harm to Coral Reefs</h3>



Overfishing can also harm coral reefs, which are critical habitats for many fish species. Certain types of fishing, such as blast or cyanide fishing, directly destroy coral habitats. Also, the removal of herbivorous fish can lead to the unchecked growth of algae, which can smother coral reefs and disrupt the ecosystem's balance.



<h3 id="h-economic-implications">Economic Implications</h3>



Overfishing can have significant economic repercussions. The World Bank estimates that the mismanagement of fisheries results in an annual loss of $83 billion globally. Ensuring sustainable fishing practices can thus lead to economic benefits as well as ecological ones.



In summary, overfishing is a pressing global issue that extends beyond just the depletion of fish stocks. It has wide-reaching impacts on the marine ecosystem, global economies, and human livelihoods and food security.&nbsp;



Addressing overfishing requires coordinated global efforts to implement sustainable fishing practices, enforce regulatory measures, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine biodiversity.



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Fish evolution takes place in decades - not millions of years

Codfish have been telling a story of rapid evolution, reshaped...

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Today’s Video of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center</a> and features a look at how to safely watch a solar eclipse.
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  By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a>
  Source: <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center</a>

How to safely watch a solar eclipse