Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Amundsen Gulf in northern Canada, where ice is typically covered with ice that is fastened to surrounding coastlines. According to NASA, the breakup of this ice tends to be rapid when the melting season arrives in spring.



"Patches of fast ice remained in the eastern part of the gulf in late May, but summer weather will ultimately clear it away as well. The Amundsen Gulf, the western entrance to the Northwest Passage, is usually ice-free by August," says NASA.



Walt Meier, a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, said that winds play an important role in the breakup of the ice. He noted that an area of low pressure centered south of the gulf prior to the breakup fueled strong easterly winds and large waves that broke up the ice and sent chunks of it drifting west.&nbsp;



This year's spring breakup occurred earlier than usual, which aligns with the overall trend in the Beaufort Sea region in recent decades, noted NASA.



“Over a period of two decades, the Amundsen Gulf had the highest interannual variability of anywhere across the entire Northwest Canadian Arctic,” said Eleanor Wratten, a researcher at Northumbria University and the lead author of an analysis of decades of MODIS observations of fast ice in the Northwest Canadian Arctic.&nbsp;



“We saw the timing of breakup change considerably from one year to the next, but the general pattern looked similar to what you see here. Ice usually remains in the southern bays the longest, with breakup veering toward the strait in the southeastern portion of the gulf.”



The image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on May 30, 2023.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Spring ice breakup in the Amundsen Gulf

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 Nova Scotia, where unusually large fires have led to the evacuation of thousands of people. The photograph, which was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station, shows smoke rising from a fire near the town of Shelburne on May 29, 2023.



"By the morning of May 31, after four days of burning, the fire had scorched 17,000 hectares (66 square miles) near the southern tip of Nova Scotia," says NASA. "It became the largest forest fire in the province’s history, according to CBC Nova Scotia, exceeding the area burned by a fire in Guysborough County over six days in June 1976."



"Fires have burned in Canada for weeks, as the western part of the country experienced a record-breaking streak of hot weather in mid-May."&nbsp;



"Several regions in Canada also had an abnormally dry spring; Nova Scotia received about half of the usual amount of rainfall in April. Authorities classified both the Halifax and Shelburne County fires as uncontrolled on May 31 and expected the fires to grow as dry and windy conditions continued."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke rises from fires in Nova Scotia

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 <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

Obesity is known to negatively impact a variety of bodily systems, including the brain, with many studies providing neuroscientific evidence of accelerated brain aging in obese individuals.&nbsp;



Recently, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/Pages/default.aspx">Ben-Gurion University of the Negev</a> in Israel has tested the effect of weight loss following 18 months of lifestyle intervention in a sub-study of 102 participants from the large-scale, long-term clinical trial The Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial Polyphenols Unprocessed Study (DIRECT-PLUS).&nbsp;



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



The analysis revealed that&nbsp;as little as one percent of body weight loss induced by following a “Green Mediterranean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-can-lead-to-longer-life/">diet</a>” resulted in an 8.9 months’ reduction of brain age, which was significantly associated with improved liver biomarkers and decreased liver fat.



DIRECT-PLUS is the first study to examine how a green-Mediterranean, high polyphenols diet impacts brain health in a cohort of 300 participants followed during a period of 18 months. This diet is distinct from the traditional Mediterranean one due to its more abundant dietary polyphenols (secondary metabolites of plant compounds providing a variety of health benefits) and lower red and processed meat.&nbsp;



Besides a daily intake of 28 grams of walnuts, the green-Mediterranean dieters had to consume 3-4 cups of green tea and one cup of Wolffia-globosa (Mankai) plant green shake of duckweed per day during the length of the study. According to the scientists, this aquatic green plant can be a better substitute for meat since it contains high amounts of bioavailable iron, B12 vitamin, 200 kinds of polyphenols, and protein.



<h2 id="h-weight-loss-and-brain-age">Weight loss and brain age</h2>



In the sub-study investigating the relationship between diet-induced weight loss and brain age, the participants received a brain scan at the beginning and end of the trial, along with other tests and measurements capturing biological processes affected by obesity, such as liver health.&nbsp;



The investigations revealed that a diet-induced reduction in body weight of one percent led to the participants’ brain age – a measurement showing how old their brain appears on detail scans, regardless of its chronological age – being nearly nine months younger than at the beginning of the study. This attenuated aging was linked to changes in other biological measures, such as decreased liver enzymes and liver fat.



“Our study highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including lower consumption of processed food, sweets, and beverages, in maintaining brain health,” said lead author Gidon Levakov, who conducted the study during a doctoral studentship in Cognitive and Brain Sciences at Ben-Gurion.



<h2 id="h-more-research-is-needed">More research is needed</h2>



These findings provide clear evidence that lifestyle interventions which promote weight loss can have a highly beneficial impact on the aging trajectory of the brain witnessed in obesity. With rates of obesity rising worldwide, identifying efficient interventions to promote brain health in obese individuals could have major clinical, educational, and social impacts.&nbsp;



However, further research is needed to examine to what extent slowing down obesity-driven brain aging can result in better clinical outcomes for patients. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.83604">eLife</a>.



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



The human brain is an incredibly complex organ that changes throughout our lives. However, as we age, our brains undergo a variety of alterations that can affect our cognitive abilities, memory, and other mental functions.&nbsp;



Brain aging is a natural process, but its impact can vary greatly between individuals due to factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Here's a brief summary of what happens to the brain as we age:



<h3 id="h-shrinkage">Shrinkage</h3>



Starting around the age of 60, the brain tends to lose volume, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are areas involved in higher cognitive function and encoding new memories. The ventricles, which are fluid-filled spaces in the brain, also tend to enlarge.



<h3 id="h-reduced-blood-flow">Reduced blood flow</h3>



Aging can result in reduced blood flow to the brain, limiting the supply of oxygen and nutrients.



<h3 id="h-neurotransmitter-changes">Neurotransmitter changes</h3>



Levels of certain neurotransmitters - the chemicals that transmit signals between neurons - change as we age. This can affect a wide range of functions including sleep, mood, and mental alertness.



<h3 id="h-neuron-loss">Neuron loss</h3>



Neurons, or nerve cells, do not regenerate as other cells in our body do. With age, we may lose neurons in certain parts of the brain, which can affect various cognitive functions.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-synaptic-density">Changes in synaptic density</h3>



Synapses are the points of communication between neurons. Synaptic density, or the number of synapses, tends to decline with age, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. This could potentially contribute to declines in cognitive function.



<h3 id="h-increased-inflammation-and-oxidative-stress">Increased inflammation and oxidative stress</h3>



Aging is associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which can damage cells.



<h3 id="h-buildup-of-protein-aggregates">Buildup of protein aggregates</h3>



Proteins such as beta-amyloid and tau can build up in the brain, forming "plaques" and "tangles," respectively. While these are most commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease, some degree of these changes are often found in the brains of older adults with no cognitive impairment.



<h3 id="h-white-matter-changes">White matter changes</h3>



White matter in the brain is composed of myelinated axons, which facilitate the communication between different brain regions. Aging is associated with changes in white matter, including loss of myelin, which can slow down the speed of communication between neurons.



However, it's important to note that brain aging isn't synonymous with cognitive decline or dementia. Many people maintain their cognitive function well into old age, thanks to factors like cognitive reserve (the brain's resilience to damage) and neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections).&nbsp;



Additionally, there are strategies to promote healthy brain aging, including maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical and mental exercise, adequate sleep, and social engagement.



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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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A healthy diet can reduce brain aging

Obesity is known to negatively impact a variety of bodily...

Man,,Chess,And,Hands,With,Bishop,On,Board,,Strategy,Challenge

Do you ever wonder if smart people think quicker? Well, wonder no longer, because we have the answer. A surprising finding has emerged from the laboratories of the <a href="https://www.bihealth.org/">Berlin Institute of Health</a> (BIH) and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in collaboration with a team member from Barcelona. Contrary to popular perception, intelligent individuals don't necessarily think faster.&nbsp;



In fact, the researchers discovered that those with higher intelligence scores were only quick at handling simple tasks, whereas they took more time in solving complex problems than subjects with lower IQ scores.



<h2 id="h-study-used-personalized-brain-models">Study used personalized brain models</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38626-y">Nature Communications</a>, was focused on personalized brain simulations. The researchers used data from 650 participants to delve into the decision-making mechanics of our grey matter.&nbsp;



The experts found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/differences-in-the-mammalian-and-reptilian-brain-revealed/">brains</a> with less synchrony among various regions were prone to making hasty decisions without waiting for upstream brain regions to process the necessary information for solving the problem. However, for those with higher intelligence, their brain simulations took longer to solve the tougher tasks but committed fewer errors.



Decoding the brain, with its estimated 100 billion neurons and a thousand connections for each neuron, is no small feat. It's this complexity that both accounts for our brain's astounding capabilities and makes it so challenging to understand.



Professor Petra Ritter, who leads the Brain Simulation Section at BIH and the Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, is at the forefront of this investigation. The current project, she says, aims to comprehend how the brain's decision-making processes function and why people make varying decisions.



The team employed digital data from brain scans, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mathematical models grounded in theoretical knowledge about biological processes. From this, they developed a "general" human brain model, which they then refine using individual data to create "personalized brain models."



The data for this particular study was sourced from the Human Connectome Project, an American initiative that has been studying neural connections in the human brain since September 2010. Professor Ritter explained that it's the "right excitation-inhibition balance of neurons that influences decision-making and more or less enables a person to solve problems."



<h2 id="h-artificial-brains-behave-like-biological-brains">Artificial brains behave like biological brains&nbsp;</h2>



The team successfully reproduced the activity of individual brains, finding these "in silico" brains behaved differently from each other, mirroring their biological counterparts. The simulated brains accurately represented the intellectual performance and reaction times of the original human brains.



Interestingly, both in the human subjects and the brain models, the "slower" brains exhibited more synchrony. The researchers found that greater temporal coordination within the brain allowed the decision-making circuits in the frontal lobe to deliberate longer, as compared to less synchronized brains. The latter would often "jump to conclusions" during the decision-making process.



<h2 id="h-gathering-information-to-make-correct-decisions-takes-time">Gathering information to make correct decisions takes time</h2>



The participants were asked to identify logical rules in a series of patterns, with the tasks becoming progressively complex. In the context of everyday life, a simple task would be stopping at a red light, while a complex task would involve figuring out the best route on a map.



As per the model, decision-making involves a competition among different neural groups, with those having stronger evidence prevailing. However, in complex decisions, clear evidence may not be readily available, forcing the neural groups to make hasty conclusions.



Michael Schirner, the study's lead author, explained that the synchronization or formation of functional networks in the brain changes the properties of working memory. This alteration in turn affects the ability to endure prolonged periods without making a decision.&nbsp;



"In more challenging tasks, you have to store previous progress in working memory while you explore other solution paths and then integrate these into each other," said Schirner.



Professor Ritter expressed satisfaction that the outcomes observed in the computer-based "brain avatars" aligned with those seen in "real" healthy subjects. Her primary focus is on aiding patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease.



Professor Ritter explained that the digital simulation technology used in the study has made considerable advancements, opening doors to enhanced personalized medical interventions. This could include the planning of surgical and drug treatments, and even therapeutic brain stimulation.



<h2 id="h-digital-simulation-technology-holds-real-world-promise">Digital simulation technology holds real-world promise</h2>



The technology holds the promise of tailor-made solutions for individual patients. As Ritter elaborated, a physician could potentially use these computer simulations to decide which treatment or medication might work best for a specific patient and would cause the least side effects.



In essence, the simulations can be designed to mirror the patient's brain activity and could even predict the patient's response to a given treatment. This, Ritter believes, will prove immensely useful in managing neurodegenerative diseases and improve patient outcomes.



In other words, the research does not merely challenge the common perception of the link between intelligence and speed of thought. It also gives us a glimpse into the potential future of personalized medicine, where individual treatment plans are designed based on a deep, simulated understanding of a patient's unique brain.



While the human brain's vast neural network and its complexities continue to pose significant challenges to scientists, these findings signal a key breakthrough. With each new insight, we get closer to understanding this intricate organ's functionality, ultimately leading to more refined treatments for various brain-related conditions.



As the exploration of the brain's vast and complex networks continues, we are reminded of the intricate interplay between intelligence, decision-making, and problem-solving. These are not just matters of mere speed, but of careful coordination and balance within our brain's neural circuits.



<h2 id="h-more-about-human-intelligence">More about human intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



Human intelligence is an intricate and multidimensional concept that encompasses several mental capabilities, including problem-solving, reasoning, learning, adaptation to environment, abstract thinking, comprehension of complex ideas, and creativity.&nbsp;



It's a combination of various cognitive abilities, not just a single monolithic entity. Despite extensive research, understanding the complete picture of what determines human intelligence remains a work in progress.



<h3 id="h-nature-vs-nurture">Nature vs. nurture</h3>



A significant part of human intelligence is believed to be inherited, with twin and adoption studies showing that genetics play a crucial role. However, environmental factors such as socio-economic conditions, education, and cultural influences also significantly impact intelligence.



One key aspect of intelligence is "fluid intelligence," the ability to reason and solve novel problems independent of acquired knowledge. This aspect is closely related to working memory capacity and speed of information processing, which are believed to be influenced by the number and efficiency of neural connections in the brain.



Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques like MRI have helped us understand the neurological basis of intelligence. It appears that the brain's overall structure, as well as the connectivity and efficiency of specific neural networks, contribute to intellectual abilities.



<h3 id="h-certain-brain-regions-play-key-roles">Certain brain regions play key roles</h3>



Several brain regions have been identified as critical for intellectual function. The frontal lobes, specifically the prefrontal cortex, are involved in higher-order cognitive functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, and social behavior. The parietal lobes are associated with spatial skills and mathematical abilities.



Furthermore, the strength of connections between different brain areas seems to play a critical role in intelligence. Greater connectivity between the frontal and parietal lobes, for instance, has been associated with higher intelligence.



<h3 id="h-neural-connections-and-connectivity">Neural connections and connectivity</h3>



However, intelligence is not simply a matter of having more neural connections. Some research suggests that more intelligent brains may be more selective in their neuronal connectivity, focusing on the most efficient pathways rather than maintaining an extensive but less efficient network. This principle is known as "sparse connectivity," and it's thought to allow for faster and more effective information processing.



The brain's plasticity, its ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences, is another important factor. It enables the development of new neural pathways and the strengthening of existing ones, which in turn can enhance cognitive abilities.



Despite these advances in our understanding, human intelligence remains a deeply complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and many questions about its nature and origins are still unanswered. Future research, combining genetics, neuroscience, and psychology, promises to reveal more about the fascinating puzzle that is human intelligence.



—-



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Intelligent minds take longer to solve difficult problems

Do you ever wonder if smart people think quicker? Well,...

The bountiful region of central Texas, already renowned for its diverse biological landscape, has just revealed an even more astonishing secret.&nbsp;The diligent efforts of Dr. JoVonn Hill, Director of the Mississippi Entomological Museum (MEM) at <a href="https://www.msstate.edu/">Mississippi State University</a>, and his team have led to the discovery of this incredible revelation after conducting scientific expeditions in the area for the past five years.



Unveiling an extraordinary treasure trove, the team successfully discovered seven distinct species of flightless grasshoppers that had not been previously identified. Six out of these seven species are endemic to the Edwards Plateau, a stark testimony to the exceptional biodiversity this region holds.



<h2 id="h-honoring-legendary-texas-musicians">Honoring legendary Texas musicians</h2>



In homage to the rich musical heritage of Texas, Dr. Hill chose to name two of these newfound grasshopper species after the legendary musicians Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker. His intent, he explains, was to honor their "immense contributions" and eternalize the lasting legacy of these musicians within the biodiversity of Texas.



"Melanoplus nelsoni and Melanoplus walkeri, the newly named species, symbolize the enduring impact of these musicians and their intrinsic connection to Texas," said Dr. Hill.



Akin to the sentiments expressed by Willie Nelson himself, Dr. Hill admits that after these extensive years of field studies, he too carries "a little Texas in [his] soul." His personal connection to Texas, as well as his scientific journey, was documented in his study recently published in the academic journal, <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1165.104047">ZooKeys</a>.



In regards to Melanoplus walkeri, Dr. Hill recalls the significant influence of Walker's music on his team during their field explorations. According to him, Walker's songs such as Hill Country Rain, Leavin' Texas, and Sangria Wine have been the source of joy and positivity while journeying between field sites and have greatly contributed to the overall experience of the Edwards Plateau.



With the study additionally revealing the close proximity of the newly discovered species to the location of one of Walker's most influential albums, the bond between art, science, and nature seems to become even more apparent.



<h2 id="h-paying-tribute-to-comanche-and-tonkawa-tribes">Paying tribute to Comanche and Tonkawa tribes</h2>



In another heartening gesture, the team pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Comanche and Tonkawa tribes, the original inhabitants of the region, by naming two species, Melanoplus commanche and Melanoplus tonkawa.



"These designations are an acknowledgement of the tribes' significant historical and cultural contribution to the region," said Dr. Hill.&nbsp;



"These seven newly described species, along with two preexisting ones, form a cohesive species group, which spotlights their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships."



According to Dr. Hill, the discovery of this new species group adds substantial value to our understanding of the diverse ecosystems prevalent in central Texas. He further asserts that these findings accentuate the ecological distinctiveness of the region.



Dr. Hill and his colleagues at the Mississippi Entomological Museum continue to reaffirm their commitment to the exploration and understanding of science, the conservation of biodiversity, and inspiring a sense of wonder and appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world. The unearthing of these seven flightless grasshopper species is just another testament to their dedication.



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



Grasshoppers are insects that belong to the order Orthoptera, which also includes crickets and katydids. They are typically characterized by their powerful hind legs adapted for jumping, wings for flying, and a body structure featuring a head, thorax, and abdomen. Grasshoppers are most commonly recognized for their ability to produce sounds by rubbing their hind legs against their wings, a process known as stridulation.



<h3 id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical Characteristics</h3>



Grasshoppers are usually green, brown, or grey, which aids in camouflage within their environment, although some tropical species can be brightly colored. They have a pair of large compound eyes for good vision, two antennae that are typically shorter than their body, and a mouth adapted for biting and chewing vegetation.



Adult grasshoppers have two sets of wings. The front pair is narrow and hard, serving to protect the broader and more flexible hind wings. The hind legs are large and muscular, enabling them to leap distances many times their body length.



<h3 id="h-life-cycle">Life Cycle</h3>



Grasshoppers undergo incomplete metamorphosis in their life cycle. This cycle begins with eggs, which are laid in the ground or on vegetation. When these hatch, they produce nymphs - smaller, wingless versions of the adult grasshoppers. These nymphs will then shed their exoskeletons multiple times in a process known as molting, growing larger each time until they become adults. Unlike complete metamorphosis seen in insects like butterflies, there is no pupal stage in a grasshopper's life cycle.



<h3 id="h-diet-and-habitat">Diet and Habitat</h3>



Grasshoppers are primarily herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plants. Some species are known to be more selective, feeding on single plant types, while others have a more varied diet. However, under extreme conditions, some grasshoppers may resort to cannibalism.



These insects are found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields, basically anywhere with ample vegetation for food. They are found worldwide except for extremely cold regions like the poles.



<h3 id="h-ecological-role-and-human-impact">Ecological Role and Human Impact</h3>



Grasshoppers play a significant role in ecosystems. They serve as a food source for various animals, including birds, reptiles, rodents, and other insects. Through their feeding habits, they also contribute to the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems.



On the downside, they can become agricultural pests, especially in the form of locust swarms. Locusts are a type of grasshopper known for their swarming behavior, which can lead to significant crop damage and contribute to famine.



<h3 id="h-cultural-significance">Cultural Significance</h3>



Grasshoppers have cultural importance in many societies. They have been symbols of good luck, abundance, and freedom in various cultures. In some regions, they are also utilized as a food source, contributing to the practice of entomophagy (the consumption of insects).



Overall, while they may seem like simple creatures, grasshoppers are fascinating insects with complex behaviors and significant roles in their ecosystems.



Image Credit: JoVonn Hill



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New grasshopper species named after Willie Nelson

The bountiful region of central Texas, already renowned for its...

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What causes glaciers to melt from below? Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> explains why many of Greenland&#8217;s glaciers are melting from below.
Scientists with the Oceans Melting Greenland (OMG) mission have been surveying more than 200 glaciers over the past five years. 
The researchers found that glaciers in deep fjords come into contact with more warm water, which causes undercutting. During this process, warm seawater melts the base of the glacier and causes the ice to break apart.  A glacier is a persistent body of dense ice that is constantly moving under its own weight. A glacier forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years. Also  Glaciers slowly form and flow under stresses induced by their weight, creating crevasses, seracs, and other distinguishing features. They also abrade rock and debris from their substrate to create landforms such as cirques, moraines, or fjords. Glaciers form only on land and are distinct from the much thinner sea ice and lake ice that forms on the surface of bodies of water. So you ask What causes glaciers to melt from below? Its from the climate and warm weather.
Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 
&#8211;&#8212;
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer