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As a serial entrepreneur, Eric Ralls has long aspired to merge technology with a love for nature and our planet. Founder at Earth.com, EarthSnap, PlantSnap, redOrbit.  "My goal has always been to bring people back to nature, to help them realize that humanity is a part of nature, not 'apart' from nature," says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Ralls</a>, Founder and CEO of EarthSnap. "Homosapiens are only one species out of over 8 million species of life with whom we share this planet. Yet humanity treats the earth like it is ours alone to do with as we please, even though we've only been here for a few hundred thousand years out of the 3.5 billion years that this beautiful blue marble has been zipping through the universe."
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At 9:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time on June 1, 2025, instruments registered a geomagnetic K-index of 8, creeping toward 9 - a level rarely reached outside the most intense solar episodes. 



Such readings signal strong electric currents racing through Earth’s magnetic shield - the first sign that a severe solar storm disturbance has arrived.



Power operators, satellite controllers, and frequent flyers have good reason to pay attention. The disturbance is expected to last through at least June 3, bringing elevated radiation, intermittent radio dropouts, and a possible encore of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-new-ezie-mission-will-study-earths-auroras-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dazzling aurora</a> that spilled far south earlier this spring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-storms-in-the-forecast">Solar storms in the forecast</h2>



The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center classifies the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/g4-severe-conditions-observed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing episode as G4</a>, the second-highest rung on its five-step geomagnetic scale. 



A glance at the agency’s three-day outlook shows just how busy the next 48 hours could become: the greatest expected three-hour Kp for June 1–3 averages 7.67, with individual windows pushing well into G4 territory. 



Forecasters concede there is a chance - though a small one - that conditions might briefly spike to G5, the extreme category reserved for once-in-a-decade storms.



Potential impacts stretch across many modern conveniences. Power grids poleward of about 45° geomagnetic latitude may wrestle with unwanted currents that trip protective hardware. Pipelines could pick up extra voltage, accelerating corrosion. 



High-frequency radio links, relied on by emergency responders and transoceanic pilots, may fade out for hours at a time. 



Even the navigation apps in our pockets are not immune; satellite-based positioning can degrade or go dark until the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetosphere</a> settles down.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-sun-is-active">Why the sun is active</h2>



Blame an active region numbered 4100. Over the past day, it unleashed a cluster of medium-strength M-class flares, the biggest erupting at 8:05 PM EDT on May 30 with an M8.1 rating. 



That flash produced a full-halo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-dances-with-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejection</a> (CME) racing outward at an estimated 1,938 km/s - about 1,204 mi/s - fast enough to cross the 93 million-mile gulf between the Sun and Earth in roughly two days. 



Modeling suggests the leading edge slammed into the magnetosphere around midday on June 1, aligning with the observed jump in geomagnetic indices.



Behind the main blast, solar-wind speeds had already been brisk thanks to a negative-polarity coronal-hole stream, easing from about 800 km/s on May 31 to 650 km/s just before the CME struck. 



With additional flares still possible, <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> rates the probability of minor solar-radiation storms at 75 percent each day through June 3 and pegs the odds of R1-to-R2 radio blackouts at 65 percent, with a 25 percent chance of stronger R3 events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ground-impacts-of-g4-solar-storms">Ground impacts of G4 solar storms</h2>



During a severe geomagnetic storm, long transmission lines effectively turn into giant antennas. Extra current can flow through transformers, heating them and forcing operators to shed load or, in a worst-case scenario, shut down sections of the grid. 



The June 1 bulletin specifically warns of “widespread voltage control problems” and the possibility that automated protection could “mistakenly trip out key assets.” 



Satellite owners, meanwhile, must contend with surface charging, unexpected drag on craft in low Earth orbit, and orientation glitches that make it harder to keep antennas aimed at home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-storms-bring-auroras">Solar storms bring auroras</h2>



One of the perks of a strong storm is an expanded auroral oval. Forecasts hint that curtains of green and red could wander as far south as Alabama and northern California tonight and tomorrow night, weather permitting. 



For many Americans, that means simply stepping outside after dark could reveal rippling colors usually reserved for Arctic latitudes. 



The best views often come after local midnight, when Earth’s night side lines up with the prevailing solar-wind flow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



NOAA’s hour-by-hour breakdown shows Kp values flirting with 8 or higher through the late afternoon of June 1, settling toward G2 conditions by midday June 3. Even after the peak passes, residual turbulence in the solar wind can keep magnetometers lively. 



Because the timing and strength of CME impacts hinge on the magnetic orientation of the cloud, forecasters caution that confidence in exact numbers is lower than usual.



The present solar cycle is only midway to its expected summit, and activity has already outpaced early predictions. 



As the Sun moves toward maximum, bursts like this one will become more common, offering both scientific bonanzas and practical headaches. 



Utilities have hardened equipment since the famous March 1989 blackout in Québec, yet the number of satellites, drones, and cable-linked infrastructure has soared. Every severe storm serves as a stress test - and a reminder - to keep contingency plans up to date.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-technology-during-the-storm">Protecting technology during the storm</h2>



Individuals can take simple steps while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geomagnetic field</a> roils. Unplugging non-essential electronics during the most intense intervals reduces the chance of burnout from voltage spikes. 



Amateur radio operators should expect HF quiet zones and can switch to lower-frequency or digital modes until propagation rebounds. 



Farmers and surveyors who depend on high-precision GPS may want to delay fieldwork, as centimeter-level fixes can wobble by several yards when space weather flares.



Professional networks rely on well-timed data to synchronize transactions, steer trains, and balance grids. When navigation satellites falter, those systems fall back on atomic clocks and fiber connections. 



Engineers run drills for exactly this scenario, but the real-world rehearsal now unfolding will reveal whether procedures hold up under G4 stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-alert-and-watch-the-night-skies">Stay alert and watch the night skies</h2>



A single full-halo CME has turned an otherwise quiet Sunday into a laboratory for space-weather science and risk management. 



With K-index readings near 8, solar-radiation storm chances at 75 percent, and radio-blackout odds topping 65 percent, the next two days demand attention from anyone who depends on reliable power, navigation, or radio links - which is to say, almost everyone. 



Once the magnetosphere calms, researchers will sift through data to refine models, but for now the message is simple: stay informed, stay prepared, and, if clouds cooperate, enjoy the show lighting up the night.



Check in with the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Weather Prediction Center</a> for updates and more information.



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NOAA issues a 'Severe' solar storm alert, auroras expected across most of the U.S.

At 9:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time on June 1, 2025,...

Medical,Cbd,Candies.cannabis,Infused,Gummy,Bears.cannabis,Edibles,,Medical,Marijuana,candies,Infused

Marijuana has long been debated as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. Some people view it as a benign stress-reliever with fewer hazards than tobacco products. 



Evidence from a recent study challenges that assumption.



The research was led by first author Leila Mohammadi, MD, PhD, and senior author Matthew L. Springer, PhD, at the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Francisco</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-users-and-heart-damage">Cannabis users and heart damage</h2>



A study followed 55 participants who were already cannabis users or individuals who did not use any nicotine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-changes-from-cannabis-last-at-least-one-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>. Each cannabis user had a habit of consuming it at least three times a week for at least one year.&nbsp;



The group included smokers who averaged around 10 years of use and those who used <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tetrahydrocannabinol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tetrahydrocannabinol</a> in edible form with around five years of use. 



The nonsmoking control group showed healthier cardiovascular indicators than any of the cannabis-using groups.



Researchers uncovered decreased blood vessel function in participants who either smoked marijuana or took edibles containing the psychoactive compound in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cannabis-sativa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cannabis sativa</a>. 



They found vascular function in those using either type of cannabis was roughly half that of nonusers. This was linked to higher chances of <a href="https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/endothelial-dysfunction.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endothelial dysfunction</a>, which refers to impaired operations of the cells lining blood vessels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-linked-blood-vessel-damage">Cannabis-linked blood vessel damage</h2>



When blood vessels lose flexibility or responsiveness, that can heighten the likelihood of conditions such as heart attacks and hypertension. 



Some previous <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.103.23.2805" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> have also associated marijuana use with possible triggers for cardiovascular complications. The current study adds more data to consider for those who routinely depend on cannabis for relaxation or pain relief.



The potential link between endothelial dysfunction and cannabis use raises concerns about early development of vascular disease. 



This condition involves impaired nitric oxide production and reduced elasticity in the arteries, both of which influence how well blood moves around the body. If this process falters too much, people may face a spike in heart-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-reduces-the-unwanted-side-effects-of-thc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risks</a> over the years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-cannabis-and-heart-health">Smoking cannabis and heart health</h2>



Investigators noticed that marijuana smokers had distinct changes in their blood serum that were harmful to cells lining blood vessels. Those taking edibles, however, did not display the same harmful shift in serum properties.&nbsp;



This might indicate that the act of burning and inhaling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-potency-cannabis-use-linked-to-epigenetic-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> smoke triggers certain biochemical pathways not activated by ingesting THC in food or beverage form. 



Both methods still resulted in diminished vessel function, but the underlying mechanisms appeared to vary.



This discovery opens the door for closer evaluation of how inhaled cannabis influences nitric oxide and other chemicals in the bloodstream. 



Experts have tried to pinpoint how THC might harm vessels, but these findings suggest there are yet-to-be-mapped pathways involved. 



They highlight the need for more research to understand how different routes of use impact the cardiovascular system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-cannabis-and-heart-health">Eating cannabis and heart health</h2>



Some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12412838/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a> have drawn parallels between marijuana smoking and tobacco use when it comes to cardiovascular strain. 



Both involve inhaling combusted materials that may generate oxidizing particles and other toxins. 



This study found that while chronic users of edibles also showed diminished endothelial function, it did not seem tied to changes in blood serum.



Experts have suggested that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-reduces-the-unwanted-side-effects-of-thc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a> may cause adverse cardiovascular effects through interactions with cannabinoid receptors in the heart or blood vessels. 



Edible users might be experiencing those effects in a way that bypasses the bloodstream’s immediate signaling changes linked to smoking. 



The findings also hint that inhalation may carry a bigger immediate impact on serum factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



Many people view <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medicinal-cannabis-helped-patients-feel-better-for-a-full-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">edibles</a> as a safer alternative to smoking. Edibles do avoid the dangers of inhaling combusted matter, yet the overall vascular function among both smoking and non-smoking users in the study was still notably reduced compared to nonusers. 



That’s a cautionary sign for anyone who feels that avoiding smoke means avoiding all serious health risks.



Medical or recreational users might want to stay alert to these issues. Some individuals turn to cannabis for relief from pain or anxiety, but this research indicates a need for awareness about cardiovascular health. 



Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider could be wise, especially for those with a family history of heart disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-health-cannabis-and-the-future">Heart health, cannabis, and the future</h2>



The study team noted that the specific mechanisms behind THC’s effect on blood vessels remain somewhat unclear. They observed that smoking marijuana affects blood vessel function in ways distinct from ingesting THC. 



This means new research should aim to pin down which components of smoke, vapor, or other byproducts may be most harmful.



Scientists are likely to explore whether occasional marijuana use carries the same risk as chronic use. More data on dosage levels and individual differences could help the medical community develop more precise guidelines. 



Current work sets the stage for larger population studies that can track cardiovascular parameters over longer timeframes.



Cardiovascular health is a lifelong matter. This research shows that both edible users and smokers should keep an eye on how cannabis might impact their heart and blood vessels. 



Caution makes sense until medical professionals reach a clearer understanding of how best to reduce any risks linked to routine use.



The study is published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2834540" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Cardiology</a>.



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Cannabis use in any form directly linked to significant risk of heart damage

Marijuana has long been debated as a safer alternative to...

Nearly every culture claps. We clap to express joy, encourage performers, or show unity. But a new study reveals something deeper: clapping is not just social, it’s a scientific event with unique sound properties.



Published in the journal Physical Review Research, the research combines real-life data, high-speed imaging, lab experiments, and simulations to explain how claps produce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-mind-when-the-inner-voice-fades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sound</a>.



This collaboration between Cornell University and the <a href="https://olemiss.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mississippi</a> unlocks the physics behind an everyday act.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-clapping-makes-sound">How clapping makes sound</h2>



Likun Zhang, co-author of the study, is an associate professor of physics and senior scientist at the <a href="https://olemiss.edu/ncpa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Physical Acoustics</a>.



“This is the first time we have had a systematic study where we integrate physical experiments and theoretical modeling, and it’s only possible because of the collaboration between our universities,” said Zhang. 



The team tested real human claps and silicone replicas to understand not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberry-claws-the-hermit-crab-that-sings-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acoustics</a>, but also details of flow, pressure, and collision. The goal was to see how all parts interact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clap-sound-comes-from-escaping-air">Clap sound comes from escaping air</h2>



Most people think the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-and-evolution-shape-the-unique-sounds-of-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sound</a> of a clap comes from hands hitting each other, but the researchers found that this is not true. The main noise comes from a small pocket of air squeezed between your palms.



“This is something that is so ubiquitous, but not well understood,” said Yicong Fu, doctoral student at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell</a> and lead author of the study. 



“We clap all the time, but we haven’t thought deeply about it. That’s the point of the study - to explain the world with deeper knowledge and understanding."



“It’s work driven by curiosity. We want to simplify a problem and explain it to the world in a way that’s eloquent and accurate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hands-act-like-musical-instruments">Hands act like musical instruments</h2>



The compressed air behaves like a Helmholtz resonator. This is the same principle behind blowing across a bottle’s mouth. The palms create a cavity, and the gap near the thumb acts like a neck.



The paper shows powder tests and airflow analysis. They confirm that air escapes through the purlicue (the opening between thumb and index finger). This air jet vibrates, creating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-heard-making-screaming-sounds-stress-induced-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sound</a> waves.



Each clap sounds different based on hand shape, skin softness, and speed. The team used silicone hand replicas with different volumes, outlet sizes, and neck lengths. The study shows how these variations create different frequencies.



Larger cavities produced lower sounds. Smaller outlets and stiffer materials created higher pitch and sharper notes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-material-and-motion-matter-too">Material and motion matter too</h2>



“Traditional Helmholtz resonators have rigid walls – think of the glass walls of a bottle,” Zhang said. “This produces a long-lasting sound that attenuates very slowly because most of the energy contributes to the acoustic signal.



“But when we have elastic walls – let's say our hands – there's going to be more vibration of the solid material, and all of that motion absorbs energy away from the sound.”



That’s why handclaps are short and sharp. They decay quickly, usually within 10 milliseconds, because the soft skin walls lose energy fast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finger-grooves-add-higher-frequencies">Finger grooves add higher frequencies</h2>



Some people’s claps include two tones. That second, higher-frequency tone often comes from finger grooves acting like open-ended pipes. 



The study explains that these act like small flute tubes and add detail to each person’s clapping profile.



Controlled lab tests using replica fingers confirmed this pipe-mode contribution. Each finger groove created a pitch that aligned with its length, which was consistent with the theory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-a-hand-clap-identify-you">Can a hand clap identify you?</h2>



Each person’s handclap carries a unique combination of cavity shape, skin elasticity, and rhythm. This may make it useful in identity recognition.



“One of the most promising applications of this research is human identification,” said Guoqin Liu, a graduate researcher in the acoustics center. “Just through the sound, we could tell who made it.”



The research shows a clear relationship between clap speed and volume. Faster claps compress the air more, creating stronger air jets and louder pops. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-sound-fast-decay">Short sound, fast decay</h2>



The researchers also developed equations showing a quadratic link between clapping speed and internal pressure. Despite loudness, most of the energy still goes into moving air, not making sound.



Clapping sounds vanish fast because human hands are soft and constantly changing shape. Unlike rigid musical instruments, hands lose energy quickly.



The quality factor (Q), which measures how long a sound lasts, is much lower in clapping than in solid resonators. The research showed that outlet deformation increases with clap speed, further reducing sound duration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-research">Significance of the research</h2>



The research goes beyond music and performance. Clapping can be used in architectural acoustics, biometric identification, and even language learning.



“This is the science behind our daily lives,” Liu said. “Everyone uses handclaps, but at the same time, it is interesting that every person’s clapping has a different sound, a different frequency and a different resonance."



“We all clap, sometimes on a daily basis. But understanding the science behind it is something new, and that’s what we were trying to do.”



The study, supported by <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a> Grant CBET-2401507, reveals how much physics exists in a single clap. From ancient traditions to scientific models, a simple handclap proves to be far more complex than it seems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.7.013259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Research</a>.



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What really happens when you clap your hands will surprise you

Nearly every culture claps. We clap to express joy, encourage...

Tiny floating organisms known as plankton hold a key position in the oceans. They help sustain marine life and have a big hand in regulating the planet’s climate by storing carbon.



Their ability to adjust cell membranes has long been studied in labs. Now, large datasets collected in real-world conditions show how these organisms can alter their <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Cell-Membrane-Plasma-Membrane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cell membrane</a> makeup in response to changing light and nutrients.



Dr. Weimin Liu from the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen (<a href="https://www.marum.de/en/MARUM-as-a-workplace/welcome.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MARUM</a>) helped direct this new global study. The project used open-access data and fresh analytical methods to uncover connections between chemical changes and local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darkening-oceans-are-shrinking-vital-marine-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plankton-power-ocean-food-chains">Plankton power ocean food chains</h2>



Plankton include both <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Phytoplankton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> and <a href="https://www.marinebio.org/creatures/zooplankton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a>, each with specific roles in the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life/aquatic-food-webs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food web</a>. Phytoplankton capture sunlight and convert carbon dioxide into energy, giving other creatures a stable supply of food.



Once they adjust their chemistry, it can affect how they share important compounds with other organisms. These small transformations might influence fisheries and other parts of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-at-risk-global-warming-threatens-the-oceans-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> economy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plankton-adjust-their-cells-to-survive-nbsp">Plankton adjust their cells to survive&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers tracked <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24425-lipids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lipids</a>, a major part of membranes that maintain cell structures. Some plankton increase the number of molecules with shorter fat chains in cooler areas, keeping cells flexible when temperatures dip.



“Using new methods on open-access data, we uncovered previously hidden patterns of plankton adaptation,” said Dr. Liu. Others replace phosphorus-containing lipids with <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature07659" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-phosphorus lipids</a> to handle scarce nutrients.&nbsp;



In warmer open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seas</a>, certain plankton produce lipids loaded with saturated fatty acids. These changes appear to handle differences in nutrient availability at the surface.



Another portion of the study found that at deeper levels, increased production of unsaturated fatty acids helps with light limitations. These findings highlight how plankton have a wide menu of adjustments to maintain cell function in various conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-conditions-and-plankton-fats">Ocean conditions and plankton fats</h2>



Some plankton rely on short-chain fats to keep membranes fluid in the cold. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33760330/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> suggest that psychrophiles naturally have shorter chains.



In hot tropical waters, cells need different setups. One area with extremely low phosphate, the Sargasso Sea, drives plankton to drop phosphorus-based molecules and use other chemicals instead.



Regions below the surface can have dimmer light, so some cells crank up the production of unsaturated fats. By making these adjustments, they manage to survive changes in brightness and nutrient chemistry.



“This study shows the value of open science,” said Dr. Liu. The team has highlighted the importance of sharing data for broader collaboration in ocean research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-chemistry-impact-food-chains">Changes in chemistry impact food chains</h2>



Plankton responses can shift what nutrients are available for other organisms, including fish. This chain reaction might have long-term impacts on how carbon is taken up and stored. It could also play a role in cycling major elements in the ocean.



When certain species gain an edge due to shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-large-water-body-on-earth-does-not-touch-land-known-as-the-sargasso-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>, it reshapes predator-prey interactions. Such rearrangements might change populations of larger animals that rely on stable plankton groups.



Recent <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assessments</a> show warming oceans might affect mixing patterns and nutrient flows. Changes in plankton membrane composition hint at broader reactions to the environment, possibly guiding shifts in biodiversity.



Some experts say cell-level changes can trigger ecological adjustments on a grander scale. This makes sense, given that phytoplankton are at the starting point for ocean productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-effects-on-resources">Potential effects on resources</h2>



Fish populations often rely on a steady stream of certain fatty acids made by phytoplankton. Shifts in temperature and nutrient limitation might reduce or reshape these <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6471065/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fatty acids</a>. Research suggests commercial fisheries could notice a difference in the future.



If the plankton community composition tilts toward those that form lower-quality fats, fish might face nutritional deficits. This could lead to a ripple effect up the food chain, affecting those who rely on fish protein.



Measuring lipids in the field can be a challenge, and large datasets are important for spotting the patterns. Improved technologies and cross-institution efforts could reveal finer details about who changes their chemistry, and why.



Better understanding of these chemical changes might help resource managers plan for shifting conditions. It may also shape conservation strategies for crucial marine habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-biology-and-ecological-shifts">Marine biology and ecological shifts </h2>



Large stretches of open ocean serve as the planet’s biggest habitat, and the variety in plankton adaptation is huge. By examining how these floating drifters respond to temperature, light, and nutrient shifts, researchers stand to learn more about carbon cycling and climate patterns.



Strong data-sharing networks can help scientists collaborate across countries. That could provide a clearer look at changes in different water masses and depths.



The latest findings underscore how living things respond to local conditions in ways that ripple across entire ecosystems. Some changes might look small, but they add up when considering the massive scale of the oceans.



Researchers are using new analytical tools to handle bigger datasets and discover potential surprises in how plankton function. This knowledge may improve our view of marine biology and ecological shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-plankton-to-guide-ocean-planning">Tracking plankton to guide ocean planning</h2>



Science groups suggest linking these lipid measurements with surveys of ocean chemistry and biology. This approach might reveal connections between plankton adaptions and the health of fish communities.



Going forward, it seems vital to keep tracking how these lipid changes vary by region. With ocean conditions shifting, the next decade may bring more twists in plankton biochemistry.



Plankton do more than feed fish. They also help draw carbon from the atmosphere, which can reduce heat-trapping gases. When their cell membranes shift, it can alter how efficiently they take in and move this carbon into the depths.



If certain lipid strategies prove more common in warming waters, that could change future carbon storage. Some shifts may help certain species thrive and expand in places they couldn’t before. For coastal communities, any trend that influences fisheries or climate could matter economically.



Human activity and rising temperatures add pressure on natural systems. Research on plankton adaptation might guide smarter conservation steps.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads4605" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



Image Credit: NOAA



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Plankton change their cell chemistry to survive warming oceans

Tiny floating organisms known as plankton hold a key position...

nueva gasolinera mostoles - 1

The oldest known depiction of our galaxy may come from a coffin that once held an ancient Egyptian priestess. Thousands of years ago, early observers around the Nile watched the night sky and recorded what they saw in ways that still surprise people today.



Their cosmic understanding went beyond casual observation, given the care they took in mapping stars and planetary positions. 



These efforts shaped myths and religious beliefs that included powerful deities who represented the sky itself.



The presence of such a depiction was proposed by <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/or-graur" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Or Grauer</a> from the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>. 



He explored museum collections for images of Nut, the Egyptian goddess of the sky, and found an unexpected detail on a coffin belonging to <a href="https://www.academia.edu/83189270/Inner_coffin_of_Nesitaudjatakhet_from_the_collection_of_the_National_Museum_of_the_Republic_of_Tatarstan_Kazan_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nesitaudjatakhet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egyptians-and-the-night-sky">Egyptians and the night sky</h2>



Ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-high-tech-machinery-used-to-build-egypt-step-pyramid-djoser-study-claims/">Egyptian</a> society thrived along the banks of the Nile, where seasonal floods influenced farming and daily life. 



The night sky became a reference point for these rhythms, prompting the Egyptians to begin making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-high-tech-machinery-used-to-build-egypt-step-pyramid-djoser-study-claims/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detailed observations</a> of celestial patterns.



Priests tracked the rising and setting of stars to guide religious events, marking out constellations with local symbolism. 



Astrophysicists and historians now suggest these same patterns shaped how the Egyptians understood their gods and the wider firmament.



In one striking coffin scene, <a href="https://egyptianmuseum.org/deities-nut" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nut’s figure</a> arches over the earth, with an undulating curve traced from her fingertips to her toes. This dark curve cuts through the stars on her body, leaving some above and others below.



“A comparison with a photograph of the Milky Way shows the striking similarity between the wavy curve that runs through Nut’s body and the wavy curve created by the dark nebulae that make up the Great Rift,” said Dr. Grauer. 



It appears to match <a href="https://epod.usra.edu/blog/2024/04/the-great-rift.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Great Rift</a>, which is the band of interstellar dust that seems to bisect the Milky Way. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deepening-our-view-of-nut">Deepening our view of nut</h2>



While Nut was often pictured as the entire Egyptian night sky, she did not always show a visible reference to the Milky Way. Many coffin artworks depict her naked or clothed but typically avoid that wavy band.



The feature in Nesitaudjatakhet’s coffin stands out because the curve is thick, dark, and divides her starry form. This is why some experts now consider it the earliest known artistic sign of the Milky Way in <a href="https://fisher.library.utoronto.ca/fisher-blog/iconography-ancient-egyptian-funerary-objects-cartonnage-papyri-fisher" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Egyptian funeral iconography</a>.



Much of Nut’s representation involved the path of the Sun and stars as she swallowed them at dusk and birthed them at dawn. 



Egyptians also described the sky in texts that link it to a “Winding Waterway,” which some believe could be a name for our galaxy.



The faint dust clouds that form the Great Rift are easy to notice under dark skies, so it is possible that ancient astronomers saw this feature splitting the glow of the Milky Way. 



Whether they specifically labeled it as a cosmic river or associated it with Nut’s form remains a point of discussion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-religion-and-astronomy">Connecting religion and astronomy</h2>



The knowledge carved and painted into these burial items reflects a society that saw religion and astronomy as one connected system. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-lotus-unraveling-an-egyptian-psychedelic-mystery/">Egyptian</a> night sky lore spanned the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, with deities representing cosmic forces.



Nut’s cosmic curve is just another reminder of how carefully people watched the heavens in earlier times. Today, it serves as both a historical clue and a symbol of human curiosity.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/egyptian-sarcophagus_Ramesses-VI_oldest-milky-way-drawing_credit-Francis-Dzikowski_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/egyptian-sarcophagus_Ramesses-VI_oldest-milky-way-drawing_credit-Francis-Dzikowski_1s.webp" alt="The Book of the Day from the tomb of Ramesses VI (KV 09). Note the undulating yellow curve that runs above Nut’s back, from her head to her rear. An identical curve runs along the back of the second depiction of Nut. The astronomical ceiling from the tomb of Seti I (KV 17). Note the undulating black curves between rows of yellow half-circles that border the two halves of the ceiling. Credit: Theban Mapping Project, Photographer, Francis Dzikowski" class="wp-image-1972047"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Book of the Day from the tomb of Ramesses VI (KV 09). Note the undulating yellow curve that runs above Nut’s back, from her head to her rear. An identical curve runs along the back of the second depiction of Nut. The astronomical ceiling from the tomb of Seti I (KV 17). Note the undulating black curves between rows of yellow half-circles that border the two halves of the ceiling. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Theban Mapping Project, Photographer, Francis Dzikowski</figcaption></figure>



Elsewhere, other civilizations also likened the Milky Way’s cloudy band to rivers and pathways. In classical Greece, it was called the “Galaxy,” rooted in legends of milk sprayed across the sky.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-egyptian-mummies-still-carry-their-original-scents/">Egyptian</a> approach put the galaxy within a goddess’s silhouette, linking cosmic wonder to stories of birth and rebirth. This bond between visual art and faith explains why coffins became a central place for these images.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Experts point to the 21st and 22nd Dynasties as times of vibrant coffin designs, combining older funerary customs with new artistic ideas. 



Burial sets often had layers, each with religious scenes that showed various deities and protective formulas.



A person like Nesitaudjatakhet, who served as a musician and chantress, held a high rank in temple society. The images around her final resting place likely merged theology with cosmic symbolism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egypt-and-the-ancient-night-sky">Egypt and the ancient night sky</h2>



Those who research early astronomy continue to wonder if Egyptian priests fully understood the galaxy’s shape or only noticed its brighter patches. 



The presence of the Great Rift suggests they recognized distinct zones in the band of light crossing the night sky.



This raises the question of whether the “<a href="https://grahamhancock.com/phorum/read.php?1,71210,71223" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winding Waterway</a>” refers to that dark split within the glowing path. Though we may never know their exact thoughts, the coffin detail hints that they observed far more than modern assumptions might suggest.



Even without telescopes, ancient stargazers formed complex ideas about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-ever-recorded-planetary-engulfment-event-captured-by-webb/">planetary</a> alignments and seasonal changes. They excelled at linking natural cycles to myths, weaving them into every aspect of life and the afterlife.



Nut’s starry figure and that striking curve demonstrate how ancient theology and observation blended into a single story. It is an unusual view of the sky that still holds our attention today.



The study is published in the <a href="https://dds.sciengine.com/cfs/files/pdfs/view/1440-2807/CF0632CF1DDF408F8BA140B965EF95B6.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage</a>.



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Oldest depiction of the Milky Way galaxy discovered in an Egyptian sarcophagus

The oldest known depiction of our galaxy may come from...

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