<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 Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is a tributary of the Congo River, one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-rivers-keep-antimicrobial-resistant-genes-at-bay/">rivers</a> in the world by discharge and depth. </p>



<p>The Ruki River, previously known as the Busira, merges with the Momboyo River near the town of Basankusu to become the Lulonga River, which eventually flows into the Congo River at the town of Lisala.</p>



<p>"If the appearance of the muddy Amazon River evokes a coffee cut with cream, the Ruki River, coursing gently through the Congo Basin, is like a dark tea," said NASA.</p>



<p>"On its slow path through mostly untouched lowland rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the water leaches organic material from vegetation, prompting some researchers to think it is one of the darkest blackwater rivers on Earth. The dissolved material in this distinctive water, scientists are finding, offers clues into the carbon cycle of tropical forests."</p>



<p>In a recent study, researchers measured the chemical composition and flow of the Ruki for the first time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The study reported that, as the water color suggests, the Ruki is rich in dissolved organic carbon compounds. It contains four times as much organic carbon as the Congo River and 1.5 times as much as the Rio Negro, the world’s largest blackwater river and a major tributary of the Amazon," said NASA.</p>



<p>Due to this heavy carbon load, the researchers concluded that “tropical forests like those around the Ruki might not accumulate quite as much carbon as we once thought.”</p>



<p>The region around the Ruki River is rich in biodiversity, hosting various species of flora and fauna. It is part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest area in the world, which is a critical habitat for endangered species and a significant carbon sink.</p>



<p>The river is vital for the livelihoods of local communities. Fishing is a crucial activity, with many people depending on it for sustenance and income. The river also supports agriculture along its banks, where communities grow crops.</p>



<p>In many parts of the DRC, rivers like the Ruki are crucial transportation corridors due to the challenging and often nonexistent road infrastructure. The river enables the movement of people and goods, facilitating trade and access to markets, health care, and education.</p>



<p>The region faces several challenges, including deforestation, overfishing, and environmental degradation, which threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of people who depend on it. Efforts to manage and conserve the river's resources are vital for sustainable development.</p>



<p>Understanding and protecting the Ruki River and its surroundings are crucial for the DRC's environmental sustainability, economic development, and the well-being of its communities.</p>



<p>The image was captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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The Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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/">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/">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.&nbsp;</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. </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/">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/">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 <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>



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

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

<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 delta of the Ebro River on the northeast coast of Spain, captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ebro-river">Ebro River</h2>



<p>“Stretching across 910 km of northern Spain, the Ebro River is the second-longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. In the image, it can be seen as a green line winding its way through the peninsula before flowing into the Mediterranean, shaping the Ebro Delta,” noted ESA.</p>



<p>“The Ebro River discharges more water into the sea than any other river in Spain. As suspended sediment flows from the river’s mouth, it tints the coastal waters with a turquoise hue.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ebro-delta">Ebro Delta</h2>



<p>The Ebro Delta is one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wetland-methane-emissions-have-surged-at-high-latitudes/">wetland areas</a> in the western Mediterranean region. The river's basin is the largest in Spain, covering about 85,000 square kilometers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-significance-nbsp">Historical significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, the Ebro River has been significant in numerous battles, including the famous Battle of the Ebro during the Spanish Civil War, which was one of the war's longest and deadliest conflicts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-significance-nbsp">Economic significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Economically, the Ebro plays a crucial role in agriculture, particularly in regions like La Rioja and Navarre, which are known for their vineyards. Additionally, the river supports various industries and hydroelectric power generation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-significance">Ecological significance</h2>



<p>The Ebro Delta is ecologically rich, providing habitat for diverse bird species. It is also a vital area for rice cultivation in Spain.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-reserve">Nature reserve</h3>



<p>“Most of the delta comprises the Ebro Delta Nature Reserve. With its protected wetlands, beaches, marshes, salt pans and estuaries, this reserve provides a natural habitat for numerous migratory birds and waterfowl,” said ESA.</p>



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



<p>The river and its delta face environmental challenges such as pollution, water extraction for irrigation, and the impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-may-have-altered-river-flow-worldwide/">climate change</a>, which threaten its ecosystem and the sustainability of its water resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-northeast-coast-of-spain">The northeast coast of Spain</h2>



<p>The northeast coast of Spain is a vibrant and diverse region, characterized by its rich history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes. </p>



<p>It includes the autonomous communities of Catalonia, which features the dynamic city of Barcelona, and part of the Valencian Community. This area is also part of what is known as the Costa Brava, which stretches from the town of Blanes up to the French border.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geography">Geography</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-impacts-97-percent-of-the-worlds-coastline/">coastline</a> is renowned for its rugged beauty, with rocky cliffs, secluded coves, and small beaches. The interior regions feature mountains such as the Pyrenees, which offer skiing in winter and hiking in the summer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-heritage">Cultural heritage</h3>



<p>The area has a strong cultural identity, particularly in Catalonia, where there is a significant movement for independence. The Catalan language is widely spoken alongside Spanish. The region is also known for its festivals, architecture (notably the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona), and traditional dances like the Sardana.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuisine">Cuisine</h3>



<p>The cuisine is a delightful mix of fresh seafood from the Mediterranean, traditional Catalan dishes like "pa amb tomàquet" (bread with tomato), and rice dishes such as paella in the Valencian region. The area is also famous for its wines, including the sparkling wine Cava.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tourism">Tourism</h3>



<p>The northeast coast attracts millions of tourists each year due to its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant cities. Barcelona, in particular, is a major tourist destination with attractions like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the bustling La Rambla.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economy">Economy</h3>



<p>The economy of the northeast coast is one of the most dynamic in Spain, with Barcelona serving as a major hub for trade, education, entertainment, and technology.</p>



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



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The Ebro River on the northeast coast of Spain

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features smoke streaming from a fire near the border of Oaxaca and Chiapas in southern Mexico.</p>



<p>"As Mexico entered peak fire season in March 2024, dry and warm conditions helped fuel the flames of more than 100 active blazes across the country," said NASA.</p>



<p>"According to Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), there were 120 actively burning fires across Mexico on March 27. Preliminary data indicated that fires that day affected more than 7,000 hectares (27 square miles) across 19 of Mexico’s 31 states."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-season-in-mexico-nbsp">Fire season in Mexico&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fire season in Mexico is a period marked by a heightened risk of wildfires, primarily occurring from January through June, with the peak usually observed between March and May. This timing is largely due to the country's climatic patterns, where the end of the dry season and the beginning of the warmer spring months create conditions ripe for fires.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These conditions include dry vegetation, which serves as ample fuel for wildfires, and the onset of warmer temperatures, which can exacerbate the risk of fires starting and spreading.</p>



<p>Mexico's varied topography and climatic zones mean that fire risk and behavior can differ significantly across the country. However, areas with extensive forest cover, such as the pine-oak forests in the northern and central regions, are particularly vulnerable during the fire season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Human activities, including agricultural practices such as the clearing of land through burning (known as "slash and burn"), contribute significantly to the ignition of these wildfires. Additionally, accidental fires caused by campfires, cigarettes, or even deliberate arson add to the annual fire count.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-fire-seasons-across-the-globe-nbsp">Intense fire seasons across the globe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The phenomenon of more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-wildfire-years-are-just-getting-started/">intense fire seasons</a> across the globe is a complex and multifaceted issue that intertwines with climate change, land management practices, and human activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the past decades, several regions around the world have experienced unprecedented wildfires in both frequency and intensity. These fires have resulted in devastating impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">air quality</a>, and human settlements.</p>



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



<p>In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, fire seasons have become significantly longer and more destructive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The combination of prolonged droughts, higher temperatures, and an increase in the amount of dead and dry vegetation has turned vast areas into tinderboxes, ready to ignite with a single spark.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, the wildfires in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-the-devastating-2020-fire-season-in-california/">California</a> have set records for their sheer size and the amount of destruction they've caused, burning millions of acres and destroying thousands of homes.</p>



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



<p>Australia's fire season during 2019-2020, known as the Black Summer, was one of the most severe in the country's history. A prolonged drought and extreme heatwaves contributed to widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/">bushfires</a> that burned through millions of hectares, destroyed over 3,000 homes, and led to the loss of at least 33 lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The environmental impact was catastrophic, with significant losses to wildlife and biodiversity, including an estimated billion animals killed.</p>



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



<p>In the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the Earth's lungs, there has been an alarming increase in fires. These are largely attributed to deforestation and agricultural practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fires not only contribute to the global carbon emissions but also result in the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of vital ecosystems that are crucial for global climate regulation.</p>



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



<p>Europe has not been spared either, with countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain experiencing deadly wildfires that have been linked to heatwaves and changing precipitation patterns. The Mediterranean region, in particular, is becoming more susceptible to wildfires as temperatures rise and summers become drier.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-siberia-fires">Siberia fires</h3>



<p>Russia's Siberia has also seen an increase in fire activity, with massive wildfires engulfing vast areas of forest. The smoke from these fires has reached as far as the United States and Canada, highlighting the global impact of such events. These fires not only release significant amounts of carbon dioxide but also thaw permafrost, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.</p>



<p>The increasing intensity and frequency of fire seasons around the world underscore the urgent need for global action on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/">climate change</a> and more sustainable land management practices. As temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns become more extreme, the challenge of managing wildfires and mitigating their impacts becomes increasingly daunting.</p>



<p>The image was captured on March 27, 2024 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.</p>



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



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Intense fire season in Mexico is part of a worldwide trend

<p>Visual perception is deeply linked to the act of blinking. So<strong>,</strong> have you ever wondered why we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blinking-stability-vision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blink</a> so much? While it may seem minor, blinking significantly affects our waking hours by impacting our vision.</p>



<p>Humans spend 3 to 8 percent of their time awake with their eyes closed. More than just moisturizing the eyes, blinking plays a critical role in how we see the world.</p>



<p>This connection was the focus of a pivotal study by researchers from the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>. Their findings, published in the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>, reveal that blinking is crucial for processing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visual-masking-your-brain-can-see-things-without-your-knowledge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual information</a>, highlighting its essential role in our visual experiences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-impact-of-blinking-on-vision">Surprising impact of blinking on vision</h2>



<p>The study team, led by Michele Rucci, a professor in the <a href="https://www.sas.rochester.edu/bcs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences</a>, investigated the effects of blinking on visual perception. </p>



<p>"By modulating the visual input to the retina, blinks effectively reformat visual information, yielding luminance signals that differ drastically from those normally experienced when we look at a point in the scene," explains Rucci. </p>



<p>As a result, this modulation allows our brains to receive and interpret visual stimuli in a uniquely beneficial way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-blinking">New insights into blinking</h2>



<p>Rucci and his team used eye-tracking technologies and computer models to study how blinking affects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our vision</a>.</p>



<p>Consequently<strong>,</strong> their findings challenge the traditional view that blinking only serves to moisten the eyes. Instead, they found that blinking crucially enhances our perception of larger, gradual changes in our environment.</p>



<p>This occurs because the rapid motion of the eyelid during a blink alters the patterns of light reaching the retina. This creates a unique visual signal that aids in processing the overall 'big picture' of what we see.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blinking-as-a-beneficial-vision-disruptor">Blinking as a beneficial vision disruptor</h2>



<p>The notion that blinking might disrupt visual continuity is a common assumption. However, the research findings suggest otherwise.</p>



<p>"We show that human observers benefit from blink transients as predicted from the information conveyed by these transients," says Bin Yang, a graduate student in Rucci's lab and the first author of the paper. </p>



<p>This suggests that blinks actually improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-carrots-and-colorful-veggies-really-can-improve-your-eyesight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual processing</a> by providing critical information that compensates for any loss in stimulus exposure during the blink.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vision-a-sensory-process-aided-by-movement">Vision: a sensory process aided by movement</h2>



<p>The implications of Rucci's research extend beyond blinking. They contribute to a broader understanding of how vision operates similarly to other senses, such as smell and touch. In these senses, body movements assist in interpreting spatial information.</p>



<p>Thus, this challenges the previously held belief that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-delays-visual-inputs-by-15-seconds-to-keep-us-stable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision</a> was fundamentally different because spatial information is explicitly available in the image on the retina.</p>



<p>"Our results suggest that this view is incomplete and that vision resembles other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visual-perception-speed-varies-greatly-among-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory</a> modalities more than commonly assumed," Rucci adds. This new perspective underscores the dynamic interaction between sensory input and motor activities in shaping how we perceive the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-the-blink">Embracing the blink</h2>



<p>In summary, the act of blinking, which may seem like a vulnerability in our visual system, is actually a beneficial process that enhances our ability to perceive and process visual information. </p>



<p>By reformatting visual input and providing the brain with information about the overall scene, blinking plays a crucial role in our visual perception. </p>



<p>This research challenges the common assumption that vision is fundamentally different from other senses and highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between sensory input and motor activity in human perception.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2310291121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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Blinking plays a crucial role in vision and human perception

Visual perception is deeply linked to the act of blinking....

<p>Recent research reveals a concerning escalation in the simultaneous occurrence of heatwaves and extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-levels-ocean-heat-and-emissions-hit-record-highs-last-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rises</a> along coastlines worldwide. This phenomenon, known as Concurrent Heat Wave and Extreme Sea Level (CHWESL) events, has experienced a significant uptick in frequency between 1998 and 2017. </p>



<p>This increase is highly notable when compared to the preceding two decades. A recent study detailed in <em>Communications Earth &amp; Environment</em> highlights this alarming trend and includes projections that suggest an even more drastic increase under future high emissions scenarios.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-tide-and-temperature">Tracking the tide and temperature</h2>



<p>Shuo Wang and Mo Zhou conducted the research, focusing on CHWESL events from 1979 through 2017. They also projected future occurrences from 2025 to 2049, using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s high emissions pathway, the SSP5-8.5 scenario.</p>



<p>Their analysis shows that CHWESL events have already affected roughly 88% of the world’s coastlines during the study period.</p>



<p>Additionally, about 39% of these coastlines have experienced a noticeable increase in the frequency and duration of these events over the last two decades. Tropical regions have suffered most from this escalation.</p>



<p>The researchers found a strong correlation between the intensity of heatwaves and the increased likelihood of concurrent sea level rises. </p>



<p>Specifically, a 1% increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heat-waves-are-persisting-in-the-u-s-even-in-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat wave intensity</a> leads to a 2% increase in the likelihood of a CHWESL event occurring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-chwesl-events-and-their-impacts">Escalating CHWESL events and their impacts</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the study forecasts that global coastal areas might endure, on average, 38 days of CHWESL conditions each year. This projection covers the period between 2025 and 2049.</p>



<p>Consequently, this represents a staggering increase of 31 days compared to the historical period of 1989–2013.</p>



<p>Such a surge in CHWESL events poses severe risks. The intensified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-century-heatwave-may-soon-happen-every-other-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> directly impacts human health, and heightened sea levels compound these effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-resilience-against-climatic-threats">Strengthening resilience against climatic threats</h2>



<p>"The significant rise in both the occurrence and intensity of these events, especially in tropical areas, calls for an urgent need to develop robust risk mitigation strategies," explained Shuo Wang. </p>



<p>"Countries, particularly those with low to middle incomes in these regions, are likely to face <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frequent-heatwaves-have-become-the-norm-in-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe challenges</a> in coping with these dual threats," he adds.</p>



<p>Mo Zhou further emphasized the importance of preparedness. He stated, "It is crucial that we prioritize and refine our strategies for dealing with these events. Developing comprehensive risk mitigation plans is imperative for enhancing resilience against future CHWESL occurrences."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-collaboration-to-combat-chwesl-events">Global collaboration to combat CHWESL events</h2>



<p>The findings from Wang and Zhou’s study serve as a crucial call to action for policymakers, researchers, and community leaders globally.</p>



<p>Furthermore, as the planet warms and sea levels rise, experts project that the frequency and severity of CHWESL events will increase. </p>



<p>This trend underscores the urgent need for proactive approaches in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ignoring-climate-change-will-lead-to-ultra-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> adaptation and disaster preparedness.</p>



<p>Consequently, the intersection of intensifying heatwaves and rising sea levels presents a formidable challenge to coastal communities worldwide.</p>



<p>Therefore, addressing this dual hazard requires a concerted effort to integrate scientific research with effective policy and community engagement. </p>



<p>Such collaboration ensures that all nations, especially the most vulnerable, are equipped to manage and mitigate the risks of future CHWESL events.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01274-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a></em>.</p>



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



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CHWESL events: When sea levels rise in response to heatwaves

Recent research reveals a concerning escalation in the simultaneous occurrence...

Artistic Composition of DESI Year-One Data Slice Above the Nicho

<p>In an extraordinary feat of cosmic exploration, astronomers are embarking on a five-year journey to create the most extensive 3D map of the cosmos ever conceived. The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (<a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/projects/desi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI</a>) is at the forefront of this endeavor, and its initial findings are already reshaping our understanding of the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-universe-s-expansion-with-dark-energy">Measuring the universe's expansion with dark energy</h2>



<p>Using spectra from nearby galaxies and distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quasar-j0529-4351-brightest-object-ever-seen-eats-one-star-per-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasars</a>, astronomers from the DESI collaboration have measured the expansion history of the universe with unparalleled precision.</p>



<p>By analyzing the survey's first-year data, which contains the largest extragalactic spectroscopic sample ever collected, researchers have achieved a precision better than 1% over the last 11 billion years.</p>



<p>"We're incredibly proud of the data, which have produced world-leading cosmology results," said Michael Levi, DESI director and LBNL scientist. </p>



<p>"So far we're seeing basic agreement with our best model of the Universe, but we're also seeing some potentially interesting differences that could indicate dark energy is evolving with time," Levi continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-cosmos-at-an-unprecedented-rate">Mapping the cosmos at an unprecedented rate</h2>



<p>DESI's ability to collect light from millions of galaxies across more than a third of the entire sky is truly remarkable. </p>



<p>By breaking down the light from each galaxy into its spectrum of colors, DESI can determine how much the light has been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-claims-our-universe-is-27-billion-years-old-double-the-current-age-estimate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">redshifted</a>, or stretched to a longer wavelength, by the expansion of the Universe during its billions of years of travel before reaching Earth.</p>



<p>Equipped with 5000 tiny robotic 'eyes,' DESI can perform this measurement at an unprecedented rate. In its first year alone, DESI surpassed all previous surveys of its kind in terms of quantity and quality, bringing new insight to one of the biggest mysteries in physics: dark energy.</p>



<p>"The DESI instrument has transformed the <a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/programs/kitt-peak-national-observatory/nicholas-mayall-4m-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayall Telescope</a> into the world's premier cosmic cartography machine," says Pat McCarthy, Director of NOIRLab. </p>



<p>"The DESI team has set a new standard for studies of large-scale structure in the Universe. These first-year data are only the beginning of DESI's quest to unravel the expansion history of the Universe and they hint at the extraordinary science to come," McCarthy concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baryon-acoustic-oscillations-the-cosmic-ruler">Baryon Acoustic Oscillations: The cosmic ruler</h2>



<p>DESI's first-year data have allowed astronomers to measure the expansion rate of the universe out to 11 billion years in the past, when the universe was only a quarter of its current age. </p>



<p>They accomplished this feat by using a feature of the large-scale structure of the universe called Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO).</p>



<p>BAO are the leftover imprint of pressure waves that permeated the early Universe when it was nothing but a hot, dense soup of subatomic particles. </p>



<p>As the universe expanded and cooled, the waves stagnated, freezing the ripples in place and seeding future galaxies in the dense areas.</p>



<p>With DESI's unique ability to map millions of objects both near and far, the BAO pattern can be used as a cosmic ruler. </p>



<p>By mapping nearby galaxies and distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasars</a>, astronomers can measure the spread of the ripples across several periods of cosmic history to see how dark energy has stretched the scale over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desi-s-quest-continues-on-its-5-year-odyssey">DESI's quest continues on its 5-year odyssey</h2>



<p>While the expansion history of the universe may be more complex than previously imagined, confirmation of this must await the completion of the DESI project. </p>



<p>By the end of its five-year survey, DESI plans to map over 3 million quasars and 37 million galaxies. As more data are released, astronomers will further improve their results.</p>



<p>"This project is addressing some of the biggest questions in astronomy, like the nature of the mysterious dark energy that drives the expansion of the Universe," says Chris Davis, NSF program director for NOIRLab. "The exceptional and continuing results yielded by the NSF Mayall telescope with DOE DESI will undoubtedly drive cosmology research for many years to come."</p>



<p>"We are delighted to see cosmology results from DESI's first year of operations," said Gina Rameika, associate director for High Energy Physics at the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Energy</a>. "DESI continues to amaze us with its stellar performance and how it is shaping our understanding of dark energy in the Universe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-energy-and-the-expansion-of-the-universe">Dark energy and the expansion of the universe</h2>



<p>A main component of the DESI project, dark energy, a perplexing and invisible force, permeates the universe and plays a crucial role in its accelerating expansion. </p>



<p>Scientists first discovered evidence for dark energy in the late 1990s when they observed that distant supernovae were dimmer than expected, suggesting that the universe's expansion was speeding up rather than slowing down.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nature of dark energy</h3>



<p>Despite its significant influence on the universe's evolution, the nature of dark energy remains one of the greatest enigmas in modern cosmology. Researchers have proposed several theories to explain its existence, including:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>The cosmological constant</strong>: This theory suggests that dark energy is an inherent property of space itself, with a constant density throughout the universe.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Scalar fields</strong>: Some scientists propose that dark energy arises from scalar fields, such as quintessence, which can vary in space and time.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Modified gravity</strong>: This theory posits that dark energy is not a separate entity but rather a manifestation of modifications to Einstein's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theory of general relativity</a> on cosmic scales.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dark energy's impact on the universe</h3>



<p>Dark energy's presence has a profound impact on the universe's evolution and ultimate fate. As dark energy continues to drive the universe's accelerating expansion, it counteracts the attractive force of gravity. This has several consequences:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Galaxy clusters</strong>: Dark energy's repulsive force makes it more difficult for galaxy clusters to form and grow over time.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>The Universe's fate</strong>: If dark energy continues to dominate, the universe may eventually experience a "Big Rip," where galaxies, stars, and even atoms are torn apart by the ever-increasing expansion.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>The observable Universe</strong>: As the universe expands faster, more distant objects will move beyond our cosmic horizon, limiting the observable universe from our perspective.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desi-dark-energy-and-the-future-of-cosmology">DESI, dark energy, and the future of cosmology</h2>



<p>In summary, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has embarked on an awe-inspiring journey to unravel the mysteries of the universe. </p>



<p>With its unparalleled precision, innovative technology, and the tireless efforts of an international collaboration, DESI is reshaping our understanding of dark energy and the cosmos as a whole. </p>



<p>As the survey progresses, astronomers eagerly anticipate the stunning discoveries that will emerge from DESI's ever-expanding 3D map of the Universe. </p>



<p>This monumental endeavor showcases the power of human curiosity and scientific advancement while promising to redefine our place in the grand cosmic tapestry for generations to come.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00391-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224003919%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Expansion rate of the universe measured out to 11 billion years ago using dark energy

In an extraordinary feat of cosmic exploration, astronomers are embarking...

<p></p>
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<p><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">When will we have drugs to treat COVID-19? Today&#8217;s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from the </span><a href="https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Chemical Society</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> explains what is going on with the search for antiviral drugs capable of curing COVID-19.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experts describe the challenges of developing safe drugs to target viruses, which grow inside human cells. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the researchers, in order to stop the virus from replicating without causing damage to cells, there is a specific enzyme that can be targeted. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without this enzyme, called RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the coronavirus cannot replicate itself and spread infection. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8212;</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chrissy Sexton</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earth.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staff Writer</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video Credit: ACS</span></i></p>