<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the spiral galaxy IC 5332, which is located over 29 million light-years away from Earth and spans approximately 66,000 light-years in diameter. This makes it notably smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, which is about a third larger.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-look-at-ic-5332">Unprecedented look at IC 5332</h2>



<p>In a stunning photo release by NASA and ESA in 2022, the spiral galaxy IC 5332 was presented in an unprecedented level of detail in images captured by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-incredible-new-image-of-uranus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.</p>



<p>This feat was made possible through the use of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which captures images in the mid-infrared spectrum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-perspective-from-earth">Unique perspective from Earth</h2>



<p>One of the most striking features of IC 5332, as revealed by these observations, is its almost perfect face-on orientation relative to Earth. </p>



<p>This unique perspective allows astronomers to clearly observe and admire the symmetrical arrangement of its spiral arms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-unveils-ic-5332-in-new-light">Webb unveils IC 5332 in new light</h2>



<p>The clarity of these images represents a significant advancement over previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope, which imaged IC 5332 in ultraviolet and visible light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While Hubble’s images revealed the galaxy’s symmetrical spiral arms, James Webb’s MIRI has unveiled these structures as a complex web of gas that emits infrared light at various temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-miri-instrument-on-james-webb-nbsp">The MIRI instrument on James Webb&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Capturing this range of infrared light is no simple task. It requires highly specialized instruments that must be maintained at extremely cold temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The MIRI instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope is specifically designed for this purpose and performs exceptionally well. Its capabilities allow astronomers to see aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that are otherwise hidden in other wavelengths.</p>



<p>The detailed images provided by MIRI offer more than just a visual spectacle; they provide valuable data about the composition and temperature of the gases that make up the spiral arms of IC 5332. This can help scientists understand the processes of star formation within the galaxy and how these processes compare to those in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-finds-hidden-features-of-the-universe-nbsp">Webb finds hidden features of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, the images of IC 5332 serve as a critical test of the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities in observing the universe in infrared light. As astronomers continue to deploy Webb’s full suite of instruments to explore the cosmos, it is expected that many more hidden features of the universe will be revealed.</p>



<p>The information provided by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-discovers-second-most-distant-galaxy-in-pandoras-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also enhances our appreciation for the complex and beautiful structures that exist in our universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We can anticipate many more insights from Webb that will deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes governing galaxies and the broader universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-spiral-galaxies-like-ic-5332">More about spiral galaxies like IC 5332</h2>



<p>Spiral galaxies are some of the most visually striking objects in the universe, characterized by their rotating arms that extend from a central nucleus, giving them a distinct spiral appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These galaxies are primarily made up of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. These are often surrounded by a much fainter halo of stars, many of which reside in globular clusters.</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies differ from other galaxy types, such as elliptical and irregular galaxies, in their structure and content. The spiral arms are sites of ongoing star formation and are brighter than the rest of the disk because of the young, hot stars that are typically found there. The arms appear distinct because of their density waves, which compress the gas and dust, leading to star formation.</p>



<p>The rotation of the spiral arms also contributes to the galaxy's flat shape due to the centrifugal forces acting on the disk. The central bulge can vary in size and often contains older, red stars.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Barred spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Some spiral galaxies have a bar-shaped structure that extends from the central bulge, making them barred spirals. This bar affects the motion of stars and gas within the galaxy and can influence star formation activity.</p>



<p>The Milky Way, where our solar system resides, is an example of a barred spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are an important focus of study because they contain a significant amount of visible matter and play a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their distinct features also make them particularly useful for studying the laws of physics under extreme conditions, such as high densities and velocities.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST and PHANGS-HST Teams</p>



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Webb unveiled spiral galaxy IC 5332 in new light

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.</p>



<p>Collectively, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine glaciers</a> of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-archives-of-past-climate">Natural archives of past climate </h2>



<p>"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said NASA.</p>



<p>"In just over two decades, Corbassière has shrunk in area and surface mass. The glacier was darker in 2023 due to lack of snow, and the glacier’s tongue had retreated."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-from-the-corbassiere-glacier">Ice cores from the Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>To reconstruct past concentrations of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-aerosols-impact-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, a team of scientists analyzed ice cores that were collected from the Corbassière glacier in 2018 and 2020. </p>



<p>Aerosols are tiny airborne particles that are deposited in the ice. "Such information from glaciers around the world can provide clues about past environmental conditions thousands of years ago," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Ice cores contain ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions - signatures of aerosols lacing the snow that’s deposited on glaciers year after year. Ion concentrations are lower in winter than in summer because less polluted air can rise from the valley when the air is cold."</p>



<p>When the researchers analyzed the ice core from 2018, they found seasonal fluctuations in the amount of ion deposits - which is what they expected to find.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But when we went to core the glacier in 2020, we noticed melting on the surface right away,” said Margit Schwikowski, an environmental chemist at <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> in Switzerland.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-surface-melting-on-corbassiere-glacier">Rapid surface melting on Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. "This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.</p>



<p>Schwikowski has joined a team of other experts in an effort to preserve cores from the last remaining glaciers. Led by the <a href="https://www.ice-memory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Memory Foundation</a>, the goal of the project is to obtain ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers around the world in 20 years and collect them in a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-has-a-history-of-rapid-and-unexpected-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate archive</a>.</p>



<p>“Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and we may find similar issues at other sites,” said Schwikowski. She added that even at the highest altitudes in the Alps, "glaciers are on the verge of becoming unsuitable as natural paleo-archives."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



<p>The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. This glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.</p>



<p>A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. </p>



<p>This bridge not only enhances the experience for visitors but also serves as a crucial observation point for scientists studying glacier dynamics and the effects of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Swiss Alps&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Swiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a> are a majestic and expansive mountain range that stretches across the southern part of Switzerland, forming a part of the greater Alpine region that spreads across several countries in Europe. </p>



<p>Renowned for their stunning beauty and formidable peaks, the Swiss Alps are not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural symbol of Switzerland, epitomizing its identity as a nation of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure.</p>



<p>The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. Among these peaks are some of the highest in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa massif, which is the highest point in Switzerland. </p>



<p>The Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss mountains, is celebrated for its unique, pyramid-like shape and is a magnet for climbers and tourists alike.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Corbassière glacier: Earth's climate archives are melting away

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features dust streaming from Lago Colhué Huapi, a shallow endorheic lake located in the Chubut Province in southern Argentina.</p>



<p>"Strong northwesterly winds often race down the eastern side of the Andes Mountains and whip across the central Patagonian Desert. In the process, they sometimes lift dust from Argentina’s drying Lago Colhué Huapi, fueling intense dust storms," said NASA.</p>



<p>"Lago Colhué Huapi is a particularly rich source of dust because the shallow lake regularly grows and shrinks with variations in the flow of the Senguer River and the pace of evaporation. When lake water levels are low, as they were when MODIS captured this image, fine-grained, lightweight particles are easily transported by the wind."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-activity-from-lago-colhue-huapi">Dust activity from Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dust storms</a> in this region are most common during the summer months from December to March. There are 15 to 30 dust storms in a typical year. </p>



<p>"Dust storms are frequent and persistent enough in this area that they have exposed an open-air archaeological site along the lake’s edge," said NASA.</p>



<p>"The Puesto Roberts 1 site, located in an old floodplain on the southeast side of Lago Colhué Huapi, was first identified in 2019 when archaeologists noticed that winds had exposed a five-centimeter layer of sandy loam soil littered with stone tools and the bones of a wild species of llama called guanaco."</p>



<p>"Archaeologists identified 427 artifacts at the site - including stone cutting blades, milling tools, scrapers, and egg-shaped bola stones used for hunting - spread across 15 square meters, according to a 2022 study led by Heidi Hammond, an archaeologist at the National University of the Patagonia San Juan Bosco."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lago-colhue-huapi">More about Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<p>This lake is an interesting geographical feature primarily because it acts as a seasonal sink for the Senguerr River, which in turn gathers waters from various smaller streams in the region.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



<p>Due to its shallow nature, the size of Lago Colhué Huapi can vary significantly with the seasons and the amount of water it receives from its sources. During times of drought or reduced rainfall, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-lakes-to-their-boiling-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> can shrink considerably, affecting the local ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate">Climate</h3>



<p>The lake's surroundings are characterized by a semi-arid climate, which influences the type of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in the area. Despite the harsh conditions, the region around Lago Colhué Huapi supports a variety of bird species, making it a site of interest for birdwatchers and naturalists.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges">Environmental challenges </h3>



<p>In recent years, Lago Colhué Huapi has faced environmental challenges, including the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, which has led to lower water levels and increased salinity. These changes pose threats to the lake's ecological balance and the species that inhabit its waters and shores. The situation at Lago Colhué Huapi serves as a reminder of the broader environmental issues facing water bodies in arid and semi-arid regions around the world.</p>



<p>The image was captured on March 29, 2024 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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

Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<p>By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



<p>"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said ESA.</p>



<p>"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby Universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."</p>



<p>"This concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



<p>NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>. </p>



<p>NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies, which includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



<p>Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.</p>



<p>“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.</p>



<p>"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-star-formation">More about star formation </h2>



<p>Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. Elements heavier than helium are created in the cores of stars and spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material, either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-star-formation">Process of star formation</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



<p>The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



<p>As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion, the process that powers stars, to occur.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



<p>Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



<p>Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our Sun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



<p>The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. </p>



<p>Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope</p>



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NGC 604 is home to hundreds of hot, massive stars

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features thick haze over Thailand during the fire season. The photograph was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite on March 16, 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waves-of-smoke-and-haze">Waves of smoke and haze</h2>



<p>"Each year in January and February, satellites begin to detect waves of smoke and fire in Southeast Asia, particularly in highland forests in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Fire activity continues to increase through March and April, reaches a peak during the height of the dry season, and then fades in May with the start of the rainy season," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Individual fires are usually small and short-lived. But they are often so numerous that smoke, along with air pollution from rural and urban areas, mixes to produce thick layers of haze that blanket the landscape." </p>



<p>"Such hazes contain mixtures of small airborne particles called aerosols and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone that degrade air quality and have harmful health effects."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-in-thailand-nbsp">Haze in Thailand&nbsp;</h2>



<p>An international field campaign - the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) - was recently launched to investigate the haze in Thailand.</p>



<p>"During the last two weeks of March 2024, NASA’s DC-8 and Gulfstream III aircraft flew several flights over Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and rural areas surrounding the cities to sample air quality with several sensors. At the same time, satellites observed the haze from above," said NASA.</p>



<p>James Crawford, ASIA-AQ’s principal investigator, said the team is collaborating closely with national and local government entities in Thailand.</p>



<p>“The goal is to take as many simultaneous measurements of pollutants as possible from the ground, air, and space,” said Crawford. The team will use the data to gain a better understanding of how the haze forms, evolves chemically over time, and moves throughout the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-and-public-health-in-thailand">Haze and public health in Thailand </h2>



<p>According to media reports, nearly 200,000 people have been hospitalized this year due to air quality in the region, with over 1.3 million people falling ill since January.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-root-causes">Root causes</h3>



<p>The root causes of the haze include agricultural burning, particularly of corn fields, as part of slash-and-burn practices to prepare land for the next planting cycle. This is exacerbated by the dry season when there's little rain to wash the pollutants away. </p>



<p>The situation is worsened by industrial emissions and vehicle fumes, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions-are-needed">Sustainable solutions are needed</h3>



<p>Efforts to address the crisis have been complex, involving local and transboundary issues. Much of the agricultural burning occurs not only within Thailand but also in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos, contributing to the transboundary nature of the haze. </p>



<p>Activists and local communities have called for sustainable solutions that do not exacerbate the poverty of smallholder farmers, emphasizing the need for affordable and realistic alternatives to burning​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-measures-nbsp">Mitigation measures&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The Thai government has implemented a no-burning rule until the end of April to combat wildfires and haze, but enforcement and effectiveness remain challenges​​. </p>



<p>Some measures taken to mitigate the immediate effects of pollution in urban areas include spraying water and seeding clouds to encourage rain, although these have had limited success​​.</p>



<p>This ongoing environmental crisis has sparked widespread concern among citizens, who are increasingly using public interest litigation to hold companies and the government accountable for environmental commitments. </p>



<p>With recent political changes, there is hope that the new administration will take more decisive action against the haze, possibly through more stringent regulations and international cooperation​​.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-haze">Health impacts of haze</h2>



<p>Haze poses several health hazards for those exposed to it, particularly when it contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Here are some of the main health risks associated with exposure to haze:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiratory-problems">Respiratory problems</h3>



<p>Haze can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/">particles</a> can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and reducing lung function.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiovascular-issues-and-haze">Cardiovascular issues and haze</h3>



<p>Exposure to fine particulate matter can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Particles can affect blood vessel function and promote the formation of blood clots.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-irritation">Eye irritation</h3>



<p>Haze can cause eye irritation, leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or exacerbated symptoms in people with existing eye conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-problems">Skin problems</h3>



<p>For some people, exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">polluted air</a> can cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-immune-function">Reduced immune function</h3>



<p>There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-mental-health">Impact on mental health</h3>



<p>There are growing concerns about the impact of air pollution on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-multiple-chronic-health-conditions/">mental health</a>, with studies suggesting a link between exposure to polluted air and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-women-and-children">Pregnant women and children</h3>



<p>Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of haze. There may be increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies, and children may experience delayed development and reduced lung function.</p>



<p>The health impacts of haze can be mitigated by staying indoors on days when air quality is particularly poor, using air purifiers, wearing masks designed to filter out fine particles, and following local health advisories.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp">&nbsp;</h3>

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

<p>In a focused effort to reduce carbon emissions across the U.S. to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-pricing-will-help-achieve-net-zero-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net zero</a>, researchers have united from various Department of Energy national laboratories. </p>



<p>This comprehensive initiative is led by teams at the <a href="https://www.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oak Ridge National Laboratory</a> and includes collaboration from Pacific Northwest, Brookhaven, Argonne, Lawrence Berkeley, Ames, and <a href="https://www6.slac.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SLAC National Accelerator laboratories</a>. Together, the experts are targeting some of the most carbon-intensive sectors of the economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovering-carbon-from-existing-processes">Recovering carbon from existing processes </h2>



<p>Traditionally, efforts to mitigate carbon emissions have focused on capturing or sequestering carbon - known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decarbonization</a>. </p>



<p>However, a new strategy, which the researchers refer to as "defossilization," seeks to minimize the need for extracting new fossil fuels. Instead, it emphasizes recovering and repurposing carbon from existing processes and products. </p>



<p>Stephen Streiffer, the director of ORNL, highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort: "Carbon is a vital part of many of today’s products and processes, and we must be creative in how to address its use in the face of global climate change," said Streiffer.</p>



<p>The proposed "circular economy" would aim to reclaim much of the carbon already present in areas like power generation and materials difficult to recycle, such as biomass, municipal waste, biomethane, carbon dioxide, and plastics. </p>



<p>By reusing carbon where possible, this approach could significantly reduce new emissions, particularly in sectors like transportation and industry, which together account for over 50% of the U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-carbon-footprint-urban-farms-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a> and are notoriously hard to transition to electricity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Need for defossilization&nbsp;to reduce carbon emissions </h2>



<p>“Electrifying with carbon-free energy sources will be a critical component of decarbonization. However, several segments of our economy, including the manufacturing of chemicals and polymeric materials, will continue to need carbon,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“In addition, segments of our transportation economy will also be difficult to electrify due to the size and weight of the batteries that would be needed, including aviation, long-haul, heavy-duty, and marine transportation. Together, these ‘hard-to-electrify’ segments contribute to ~20% of the overall US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Although efforts are being made to decarbonize parts of these segments, they are unlikely to completely transition from carbon. We can reduce carbon use by increasing efficiency and reducing waste, but that approach alone will not be sufficient to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We therefore posit that defossilization, or removing fossil fuels while still using carbon in our economy, is a critical part of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions for difficult-to-electrify sectors.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-translating-discoveries-into-applications">Translating discoveries into applications</h2>



<p>Achieving the ambitious goal of a circular carbon economy requires a rapid advancement in scientific and technological innovation.</p>



<p>Michelle K. Kidder, a distinguished researcher and program manager at ORNL, emphasized the urgency of this task. "Maintaining today’s 15- to 20-year discover-design-develop-deploy cycle will not allow us to slow, stop, or even reverse climate impacts in time to meet aggressive 2030 and 2050 U.S. targets," said Kidder. </p>



<p>"We must instead find new ways to approach fundamental advancements in science and more quickly translate discoveries into applications that can make significant impact on emissions reductions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-barriers-to-reduce-carbon-emissions">Overcoming barriers to reduce carbon emissions</h2>



<p>Hundreds of scientists and technical experts from across the national laboratory system are diligently working to overcome longstanding scientific and technological barriers.</p>



<p>ORNL's research, for instance, combines advanced tools such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-pinpointed-a-catalyst-for-co2-conversion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> and machine learning with chemistry to develop new materials. </p>



<p>This effort is bolstered by Frontier, the world’s fastest supercomputer, which supports essential high-performance computations for developing new energy technologies. These include advanced nuclear reactors and potential fusion solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions.</p>



<p>As these scientific endeavors progress, it is crucial to integrate techno-economic and lifecycle analyses. This approach is vital for identifying the potential environmental and social impacts of new technologies, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also equitable. </p>



<p>"Even as we look for alternatives to reusing and keeping carbon in play, defossilization must allow equitable and ecological solutions for everyone," explained Kidder. "If we can bring this vision to fruition at the urgent pace needed, we also can reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> and its consequent impact on the environment while ensuring that no community is left behind."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-effort-to-reduce-carbon-emissions">A collaborative effort to reduce carbon emissions</h2>



<p>The roadmap laid out by these researchers offers a promising path toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. By fostering collaboration and accelerating the pace of innovation, there is hope for significantly reducing the U.S. carbon footprint, closing the carbon cycle, and achieving the net-zero emissions necessary to combat climate change effectively. </p>



<p>This ambitious endeavor not only seeks to safeguard the planet but also to ensure a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41570-024-00587-1.epdf?sharing_token=PUggHP_nq8r_hrAIep2o49RgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0PYLMGfmgLY4H7W4X3IBUuVZbR3_VV9dyRQYLo943vVN07-OKCQlFHAYuzHwW5rjH0CQqN5e6fVhv6iQLUZrR7rs3u9ESakdwiIyGOA5oTrFv9bwv6bcAjrqOc8Q-sq6yw%3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Chemistry</a></em></em>.</p>



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Circular economy needed to reduce America's carbon emissions

In a focused effort to reduce carbon emissions across the...

Somewhere,In,The,Universe.,Space,Landscape.,Curvature,Of,Space-time.,Elements

<p>Researchers have stumbled upon a phenomenon that could rewrite our understanding of the universe's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-living-things-are-affected-by-gravitational-tides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational forces</a>. Known as the "cosmic glitch," this discovery highlights anomalies in gravity's behavior on an immense scale, challenging the established norms set by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity.</p>



<p>For over a century, general relativity has served as the backbone for our understanding of cosmic phenomena, ranging from the dynamics of the Big Bang to the intricacies of black holes. The theory posits that gravity influences not only the three spatial dimensions but also time itself. </p>



<p>Validated through numerous tests and observations, general relativity has been a robust model that physicists and astronomers worldwide rely on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-einstein-s-legacy">Challenging Einstein's legacy</h2>



<p>However, when applied to the vast scales of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> and beyond, this model begins to show cracks. </p>



<p>Robin Wen is the project's lead author and a recent graduate in Mathematical Physics from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a>. "At these colossal distances, general relativity starts to deviate from what we observe. It’s as if gravity’s influence weakens by about one percent when dealing with distances spanning billions of light years," explained Wen.</p>



<p>This observation has puzzled scientists for more than twenty years. Considerable efforts have been made to address these discrepancies and better understand the anomalies observed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cosmic glitch adds a footnote to general relativity </h2>



<p>Niayesh Afshordi, a professor of Astrophysics at the University of Waterloo and a researcher at the Perimeter Institute, shared insights on the universe's expansion. </p>



<p>"Almost a century ago, astronomers discovered that our universe is expanding,” said Professor Afshordi. "The farther away galaxies are, the faster they are moving, to the point that they seem to be moving at nearly the speed of light, the maximum allowed by Einstein’s theory. Our finding suggests that, on those very scales, Einstein’s theory may also be insufficient.”</p>



<p>Furthermore, the research team has developed a new model that modifies and extends Einstein’s equations to better fit these cosmic observations. </p>



<p>This doesn’t just patch a hole; it enhances our overall understanding of gravity without compromising the successful applications of general relativity that are crucial in other scientific fields.</p>



<p>Robin Wen describes this update as a critical clarification to Einstein’s original theory: "Think of it as a footnote - once you reach a cosmic scale, additional terms and conditions apply."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unraveling the mysteries of gravity</h2>



<p>Using this model that modifies general relativity could be the breakthrough that unlocks further mysteries of the cosmos. "This might just be our first clue in solving a larger cosmic puzzle that spans the vast expanses of space and time," noted Afshordi.</p>



<p>As the scientific community continues to test and refine this new approach to understanding gravity, the anticipation grows. </p>



<p>The implications of the research are far-reaching, potentially leading to new theories that offer a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the fundamental forces that govern our universe.</p>



<p>This discovery challenges long-held scientific views and is a vibrant example of how scientific inquiry continuously evolves, each solution prompting new questions in the relentless quest for deeper truths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Theory of general relativity</h2>



<p>The theory of general relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein in 1915, describes gravity not as a conventional force, but as a curvature of space-time caused by mass and energy. This marked a profound departure from Newtonian physics, where gravity was considered a force acting at a distance.</p>



<p>Einstein's theory suggests that objects such as planets and stars alter the geometry of space-time around them, and this curvature influences the motion of other objects. This is often visualized as a heavy object placed on a stretched rubber sheet, causing it to deform, and smaller objects rolling towards it due to the deformation.</p>



<p>One of the most famous predictions of general relativity was the bending of light by gravity, which was confirmed during a solar eclipse in 1919, when stars near the Sun appeared slightly displaced from their expected positions. </p>



<p>This phenomenon, known as gravitational lensing, along with the precise precession of Mercury's orbit, and the redshift of light escaping gravitational fields, serve as key evidences for the theory.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1475-7516/2024/03/045">Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics</a></em></em>.</p>



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'Cosmic glitch' discovered in gravity's behavior challenges Einstein's general relativity theory

Researchers have stumbled upon a phenomenon that could rewrite our...

<p>While the benefits of exercise on overall health are broadly recognized, the intricate biological responses triggered at a cellular level by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-aging-physical-activity-has-a-direct-impact-on-life-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> have only recently been explored in depth. </p>



<p>A landmark study involving an array of scientific experts from various U.S. institutions has significantly advanced our understanding of this complex phenomenon.</p>



<p>The scientists employed a range of sophisticated techniques to investigate the molecular changes that occur across different organs during periods of intense exercise. </p>



<p>The study revealed that physical activity influences a multitude of cellular and molecular mechanisms across all 19 organs analyzed in the rats used for the experiment. </p>



<p>The findings show that the body's adaptation to exercise extends well beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-molecule-that-helps-grow-stronger-and-bigger-muscles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle growth</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-cardiovascular-benefits-of-exercise-are-unlimited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular health</a>, encompassing significant changes in organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-the-molecular-benefits-of-exercise">Insights into the molecular benefits of exercise</h2>



<p>The study was a part of an ambitious initiative, the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC), which began in 2016. </p>



<p>This project brings together researchers from prestigious institutions such as the <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard</a>, <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a>. </p>



<p>The consortium involved leading scientists who envisioned a comprehensive analysis of exercise's effects at the molecular level. The project was originally conceived of by&nbsp;Steve Carr, senior director of Broad’s Proteomics Platform.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Focus of the research</h2>



<p>“Regular exercise provides wide-ranging health benefits, including reduced risks of all-cause mortality, cardiometabolic and neurological diseases, cancer and other pathologies,” wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>“Exercise affects nearly all organ systems in either improving health or reducing disease risk, with beneficial effects resulting from cellular and molecular adaptations within and across many tissues and organ systems.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Various ‘omic’ platforms (‘omes’) including transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics and metabolomics, have been used to study these events. However, work to date typically covers one or two omes at a single time point, is biased towards one sex, and often focuses on a single tissue, most often skeletal muscle, heart or blood, with few studies considering other tissues.”</p>



<p>“Accordingly, a comprehensive, organism-wide, multi-omic map of the effects of exercise is needed to understand the molecular underpinnings of exercise training-induced adaptations.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormously-valuable-resource">Enormously valuable resource </h2>



<p>The expansive study not only scrutinized tissues from various organs but also revealed how these organs contribute to regulating immune response, stress reactions, and even pathways related to chronic conditions like inflammatory liver disease and heart disease.</p>



<p>"It took a village of scientists with distinct scientific backgrounds to generate and integrate the massive amount of high quality data produced,” said Carr.</p>



<p>“This is the first whole-organism map looking at the effects of training in multiple different organs. The resource produced will be enormously valuable, and has already produced many potentially novel biological insights for further exploration.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-changes-from-exercise">Molecular changes from exercise </h2>



<p>One of the more significant revelations was the discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stanford-blood-test-measures-the-molecular-effects-of-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular changes</a> that might explain why the liver becomes less fatty during exercise. Such insights could pave the way for new treatments for conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.</p>



<p>In addition, the research team hopes their findings can eventually be used to personalize exercise plans based on an individual's health status or to develop therapeutic strategies that mimic the benefits of physical activity for those unable to exercise regularly.</p>



<p>The data from this extensive study have been made available in an <a href="https://motrpac-data.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online public repository</a>, allowing other researchers to access and utilize this information for further study. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exercise-impacts-thousands-of-molecules">Exercise impacts thousands of molecules</h2>



<p>The collective effort of the teams involved required significant coordination, as highlighted by Clary Clish, one of the lead researchers. “The amount of coordination that all of the labs involved in this study had to do was phenomenal.” </p>



<p>This meticulous planning allowed for nearly 10,000 assays, resulting in approximately 15 million measurements on blood and solid tissues.</p>



<p>Through these efforts, the researchers have observed that exercise impacts thousands of molecules, with notable changes occurring in the adrenal gland, which plays a crucial role in regulating immunity, metabolism, and blood pressure. </p>



<p>Additionally, the study uncovered sex-specific differences in immune response, providing a nuanced understanding of how exercise affects males and females differently over time. Most immune-signaling molecules unique to females showed changes in levels between one and two weeks of training, while those in males showed differences between four and eight weeks, noted the experts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundation-for-future-research">Foundation for future research </h2>



<p>As research continues, these insights offer a promising frontier for enhancing human health through a more refined understanding of the molecular benefits of exercise. </p>



<p>The pioneering study not only furthers our understanding of the biological responses to physical activity but also sets the stage for tailored health interventions that could one day revolutionize personal health and wellness.</p>



<p>"Altogether, this multi-omic resource serves as a broadly useful reference for studying the milieu of molecular changes in endurance training adaptation and provides new opportunities to understand the effects of exercise on health and disease," concluded the researchers.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06877-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em></em>.</p>



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Metamorphosis: Exercise triggers molecular changes in major organs

While the benefits of exercise on overall health are broadly...


<div class="vdb_player vdb_591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49"><script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b/vid=592ddc18f5bcb176bb33b6f6/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js"></script></div>
<p>Nutrient pollution from farm and lawn fertilizer, pet and livestock waste, runoff from roads and houses, faulty septic systems, and treated sewage, can turn waters green with algae and pollute waters for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can prevent this from happening to your favorite water body by taking care not to over fertilize your lawn; picking up pet waste and properly managing waste from livestock; using green practices such as rain barrels, rain gardens and permeable pavements; maintaining your septic system; and encouraging your community to invest in its wastewater infrastructure.</p>
<p>This video is intended to illustrate what can happen during a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB). Cyanobacteria blooms can have a similar appearance and are often associated with layers of green slime and clumps of algae floating on the surface of the water. This reenactment was designed to help raise awareness about the problem of nutrient pollution and its potential impacts on human health and the aquatic environment. However, no humans were put at risk during production, and there were no real warnings or restrictions posted at this particular waterbody.</p>


The Choice is Yours: Clean or Green Water