A new study from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">Ohio State University</a> reveals what is going on inside of your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-brain-interactions-have-an-influence-on-diseases/">brain</a> when you get lost in a fictional fantasy. The experts discovered that the more immersed we become in the lives of our favorite characters of fiction, the more our brain activity reflects how much we identify with them.
&#8220;When they think about a favorite fictional character, it appears similar in one part of the brain as when they are thinking about themselves,&#8221; said study lead author Timothy Broom.
The research was focused on self-described fans of the HBO series &#8220;Game of Thrones.&#8221; The individuals were instructed to think about themselves, nine of their friends, and nine characters from the drama series. The participants also reported on which character they felt closest to and liked the most.
According to Broom, Game of Thrones was ideal for this study because it attracted a devoted fan base and the large cast presented a variety of characters that people could become attached to.
One of the key findings involved participants who scored highest on &#8220;trait identification.&#8221; These individuals agreed most strongly with statements like &#8220;I really get involved in the feelings of the characters in a novel.&#8221;
&#8220;People who are high in trait identification not only get absorbed into a story, they also are really absorbed into a particular character,&#8221; said Broom. &#8220;They report matching the thoughts of the character, they are thinking what the character is thinking, they are feeling what the character is feeling. They are inhabiting the role of that character.&#8221;
The researchers used an fMRI machine to measure activity in various parts of the brain through small changes in blood flow. As the participants&#8217; brains were scanned, they were evaluating themselves, their friends, and Game of Thrones characters. 
A part of the brain called the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) is known to show increased activity when people think about themselves and, to a lesser extent, when they think about close friends.
While in the fMRI, the individuals were shown a series of names &#8211; including themselves, friends, or characters &#8211; along with a trait, such as lonely, sad, trustworthy, or smart. The participants simply said &#8220;yes&#8221; or &#8220;no&#8221; to imply whether the trait fit the person.
As expected, the vMPFC was most active when people were evaluating themselves, less active when they evaluated friends, and least active when they evaluated characters from Game of Thrones.
However, among those who were high in trait identification, the vMPFC was more active when they thought about the fictional characters than it was for participants who identified less with the characters. This region of the brain was particularly active when the individuals evaluated the character they identified with the most.
Study co-author Dylan Wanger said the findings help explain how fiction can have such a big impact on some people.
&#8220;For some people, fiction is a chance to take on new identities, to see worlds though others&#8217; eyes and return from those experiences changed,&#8221; said Wagner.
&#8220;What previous studies have found is that when people experience stories as if they were one of the characters, a connection is made with that character, and the character becomes intwined with the self. In our study, we see evidence of that in their brains.&#8221;
The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/scan">Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience</a>.
&#8211;&#8212;
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

What happens in your brain while you're lost in fiction

A humble voyager from NASA was launched on October 14, 2024 for its longest journey yet. The valiant vessel, known as the Europa Clipper, was catapulted from the constraining clutches of Earth's gravity.



Now it's moving at a speed of 22 miles per second (35 kilometers per second), away from the Sun, and towards a new horizon. 



Europa Clipper is the largest spacecraft that has ever been developed by NASA for a planetary mission. The voyager has its sights set on Jupiter’s frosty moon Europa, which is one of the most intriguing targets in the search for extraterrestrial life within our solar system.



As space agencies worldwide keenly watch its progress, Europa Clipper will cover hundreds of millions of miles in its quest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-epic-journey-into-space">An epic journey into space</h2>



The spacecraft will ultimately <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">venture</a> an astounding 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers) away from home.



The voyager is expected to reach Jupiter in 2030. The following year, it will begin carrying out a series of 49 flybys over Europa.



The main objective of the mission is both simple and captivating. The goal is to accumulate data that will reveal whether this icy moon and its hidden ocean possess the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/europa-clipper-mission-set-to-search-for-life-on-jupiters-ocean-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">necessary conditions</a> to harbor life.



Europa is believed to have a vast subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. This ocean contains more water than all of Earth's oceans combined, offering a potential environment for life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-inside-the-mission">A look inside the mission</h2>



Currently, the information the mission teams are receiving from the spacecraft is purely data about its operational status.



Dr. Jordan Evans, Europa Clipper's project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, noted that all of the systems are working in an impeccable manner.



“It’s an exciting time on the spacecraft, getting these key deployments done,” said Dr. Evans. "Most of what the team is focusing on now is understanding the small, interesting things in the data that help them understand the behavior of the spacecraft on a deeper level. That’s really good to see.”



As the Clipper moves farther into space, its next pit stop is Mars. Predicted to reach Mars' orbit by March 1, 2025, the spacecraft will harness the planet's gravity to gain speed.



Scientists plan to test Clipper's thermal imager by capturing multi-colored snapshots of Mars during this period. The data gathered using the radar instrument will also ensure the machinery's efficacy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-gravity-boost-for-europa-clipper">Earth gravity boost for Europa Clipper</h2>



In an intriguing maneuver, the Clipper will gain another gravity boost in December 2026 - courtesy of our very own planet, Earth.



It will make a fleeting visit before taking off again towards the Jupiter system. During this "visit," the spacecraft's magnetometer will gauge Earth’s magnetic field, which will fine tune the instrument.



Stepping back to view the broader picture, the Europa Clipper has three main scientific goals. The first is to determine the thickness of Europa’s icy shell, and to investigate its interaction with the ocean beneath. 



Clipper will also scrutinize the composition of Europa and study its geology. This thorough examination of Europa will equip scientists with crucial insights into the potential for habitable worlds existing beyond our own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europa-clipper-s-future-exploration">Europa Clipper's future exploration</h2>



The Europa flybys will take place over several years. Each encounter will provide fresh data about the moon's constituents, geological structure, and potential habitability.



The success of this undertaking could open doors to further exploration. It may possibly pave the way for future missions that would involve physically landing on Europa's icy surface to collect more detailed samples.



The insights will broaden our understanding of Jupiter's intriguing moon and contribute to the vast knowledge about life beyond Earth. This mission is indeed a giant leap in our pursuit to unravel the mysteries of our solar system and to discover hospitable worlds beyond our own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-minds-behind-the-mission">The minds behind the mission</h2>



Several prestigious institutions have come together to execute the Europa Clipper mission.



Guided by the <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Institute of Technology</a> in Pasadena, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) took the lead in developing the mission. The team also included experts from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland.



The main spacecraft body was a collective effort by APL, <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.



Image Credit: NASA



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Europa Clipper is on a 1.8-billion-mile journey to Jupiter's moon

A humble voyager from NASA was launched on October 14,...

Water,Fills,The,Tulare,Lakebed,Following,Recent,Floodwaters,,Illustrating,The

For the first time in about 130 years, Tulare Lake reappeared in California's San Joaquin Valley, stirring both wonder and concern among locals and experts alike as it submerged almost 100,000 acres of privately owned farmland.



Vivian Underhill, a researcher formerly at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a>, has been studying this unexpected phenomenon. 



"Tulare Lake was the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi River. It's really difficult to imagine that now," she says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tulare-lake-returns">Tulare Lake returns</h2>



Often dubbed the "ghost lake," Tulare Lake vanished about 130 years ago due to extensive human intervention. 



But in the spring of 2023, after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consecutive-atmospheric-rivers-cause-far-more-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive winter storms</a> and significant snowmelt from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/record-snowpack-in-the-sierra-nevada-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sierra Nevada</a>, the lake roared back to life. 



The water overwhelmed human-made systems designed to drain the basin, submerging thousands of acres of fertile farmland that once produced pistachios, almonds, cotton, and safflower.



The reborn lake stretches out with a seemingly endless blue horizon. Yet, unlike Lake Tahoe's cool breezes and recreational appeal, Tulare Lake offers little respite from the heat. The air is still, and a thin layer of high clouds does little to shield the sun.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-reclaims-the-land">Nature reclaims the land</h2>



Despite the challenges, the lake's return has revitalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-pollutes-local-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local ecosystems</a>. Ducks, egrets, and other waterfowl have flocked to its shores. 



Frogs now wade at the water's edge, ready to dive in at the slightest disturbance. Tule grass has begun to sprout along the shoreline, signaling a revival of plant life that hasn't been seen here in generations.



Underhill notes the historical significance, saying, "Once, there was so much water that a steamship could carry agricultural supplies from the Bakersfield area up to Fresno and then up to San Francisco." 



That's nearly 300 miles of navigable waterways that connected communities and supported commerce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tulare-lake-hidden-in-plain-site">Tulare Lake hidden in plain site</h2>



To travelers passing through the arid San Joaquin Valley today, the existence of such a vast lake seems almost mythical. 



"It's hard to imagine such a large body of water co-existing alongside such an arid landscape," Underhill remarks. Yet, in the 1800s, "Fresno was a lakeside town."



Back then, Tulare Lake was fed primarily by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada. 



"There's no natural outlet within the valley," Underhill explains, "so the water collects to form a lake." The indigenous Tachi Yokut tribe called it "Pa'ashi," and it was central to their way of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-of-tulare-lake">Human impact of Tulare Lake</h2>



The disappearance of Tulare Lake began in the late 1850s and early 1860s. 



"The state of California's desire to take public land and put it into private ownership propelled the lake's decline," Underhill explained.



"When we say 'public land,' that is historically indigenous land that the state of California blanket-proclaimed as 'public.'"



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tulare-lake_june4-2023_june4-2024_comparison_modis_nasa_1m.webp" alt="The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired a false-color image of Tulare Lake on June 4, 2024, and a second one of the same region on June 3, 2023. Each image can be viewed by clicking on the respective date. This makes it easy to compare the change in the lake level over time. This type of false-color image helps separate water, which appears blue, from vegetation (bright green) and open land (tan). Deeper water appears darker blue and very shallow water looks pale blue. In contrast, snow (frozen water) looks bright electric blue. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1952049"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired a false-color image of Tulare Lake on June 4, 2024, and a second one of the same region on June 3, 2023. Each image can be viewed by clicking on the respective date. This makes it easy to compare the change in the lake level over time. This type of false-color image helps separate water, which appears blue, from vegetation (bright green) and open land (tan). Deeper water appears darker blue and very shallow water looks pale blue. In contrast, snow (frozen water) looks bright electric blue. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



This process, known as "reclamation," aimed to convert inundated or desert land into arable farmland. 



"If people could drain that land," Underhill says, "they would be granted ownership of parts of that land. So there was a big incentive for white settlers to start doing that work." 



This led to the construction of hundreds of irrigation canals crisscrossing the valley, diverting water away from the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-day-concerns">Modern-day concerns</h2>



Today, the reemergence of Tulare Lake poses new challenges. The floodwaters have engulfed private lands, turning fields into vast stretches of water. 



Signs warning against trespassing dot the shoreline, reminding everyone that wading or boating is technically prohibited.



More troubling is what's hidden beneath the surface. The waters have submerged storage sheds containing fertilizers and chemicals, manure piles, electrical wires, and sharp farm machinery. 



These hazards not only pose risks to anyone venturing into the lake but also raise environmental concerns about contamination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-future-of-tulare-lake">Uncertain future of Tulare Lake</h2>



Local officials now speculate that this latest incarnation could also take years to fully recede.



"California just got inundated with snow in the winter and then rain in the spring," Underhill points out. 



Such weather patterns accelerate snowmelt, causing rapid runoff into the basin where Tulare Lake sits.



"All that snow and rain in the Sierra still runs into the depression where Tulare Lake once sat," she adds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reflecting-on-the-past">Reflecting on the past</h2>



The story of Tulare Lake is not just about water returning to a dry basin; it's a narrative intertwined with history, culture, and environmental change. 



The lake's disappearance was a result of deliberate actions to reshape the land for agriculture, often at the expense of indigenous communities and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-ecosystems-constantly-share-energy-to-achieve-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural ecosystems</a>.



Underhill emphasizes the colonial undertones of this transformation. "It was a deeply settler colonial project that proceeded in fits and starts," she says. 



The push to privatize land and the incentives offered for reclamation led to dramatic alterations of the landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter-0">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



As Tulare Lake reclaims its historic footprint, it serves as a reminder of nature's resilience and the lasting impacts of human intervention. 



The revival has brought back species that haven't been seen in the area for decades, offering a glimpse into what the region might have looked like before extensive farming took over.



At the same time, the challenges posed by the lake's return highlight the complexities of balancing human needs with environmental stewardship. 



The submerged farmlands represent significant economic losses, and the potential environmental hazards lurking beneath the water pose risks that will need to be addressed.



As Underhill aptly puts it, witnessing the lake's return is both surprising and profound. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the land and the long-term consequences of our actions.



The full report by Underhill is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://openrivers.lib.umn.edu/article/the-return-of-paashi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Rivers</a>.&nbsp;



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Ghost lake returns after 130 years and buries 94,000 acres of farmland

For the first time in about 130 years, Tulare Lake...

As urban populations swell and climate change accelerates, the cooling effects of green spaces in cities become increasingly vital. 



A recent study has identified a significant gap in green space - and therefore cooling capacity - between cities in the Global South and those in the Global North. 



Utilizing NASA satellite data, the research underscores the urgent need for equitable urban planning to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-urban-heat">Health risks of urban heat</h2>



Cities are often hotter than surrounding rural areas due to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/urban-heat-island/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban heat island</a> effect. Dark surfaces like roads, buildings, and sidewalks absorb and retain heat from the sun, raising temperatures in urban environments. 



This exacerbated heat poses serious health threats to city dwellers, including dehydration, heat stroke, and increased mortality rates. Greenery provides natural cooling through shade and the release of moisture into the air, helping to reduce these risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-capacity-of-green-spaces-in-cities">Cooling capacity of green spaces in cities</h2>



An international research team led by Yuxiang Li, a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.nju.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing University</a>, analyzed the 500 largest cities globally to compare their cooling capacities. 



The experts employed data from the Landsat 8 satellite, managed by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>, to assess land surface temperatures during the hottest months from 2017 to 2019. 



The team used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to quantify the amount of healthy vegetation in each city. NDVI measures the difference between absorbed red light and reflected infrared light to determine vegetation density from satellite images.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparities-between-global-north-and-south">Disparities between Global North and South</h2>



The study revealed that cities in the Global South have only 70% of the greenery-related cooling capacity found in cities in the Global North.&nbsp;



On average, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-green-spaces-are-urgently-needed-across-the-global-south/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green spaces</a> in Global South cities lower temperatures by about 4.5°F (2.5°C), whereas those in Global North cities achieve a reduction of 6.5°F (3.6°C). 



This disparity intensifies existing problems, as many Global South cities are situated closer to the Equator and are expected to face more frequent and severe heat extremes due to climate change.



“It's already clear that Global South countries will be impacted by heat waves, rising temperatures, and climatic extremes more than their Global North counterparts,” said Chi Xu, a professor of ecology at Nanjing University and co-author of the study.&nbsp;



The capacity to adapt to heat is also lower in the Global South, where air conditioning is less common and power outages are more frequent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-luxury-effect-across-cities">The "luxury effect" across cities</h2>



Cities in the Global South generally have less green space, reflecting a pattern known as the "luxury effect," where wealthier areas possess more greenery than poorer ones.&nbsp;



This trend is observed both within cities and on a global scale. “Wealthier cities also have more urban green spaces than the poorest cities,” Chi noted.



Bridging the gap between cities like Mogadishu, Somalia (the study's lowest-performing city), and Charlotte, North Carolina (the highest-performing city), is challenging.&nbsp;



Factors such as dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eurasian-otters-threatened-by-urban-development-in-hong-kong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban development</a> and arid climates limit vegetation growth in some regions. However, cities can learn from regional leaders in cooling capacity. 



By identifying top-performing cities within their regions, urban planners can set realistic goals to enhance their own green spaces and cooling effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-cities-with-green-spaces-nbsp">Cooling cities with green spaces&nbsp;</h2>



Increasing green space is one strategy among many to improve a city's cooling capacity.&nbsp;



“How you utilize green space is really going to vary depending on the climate and the urban environment you're focused on,” said Christian Braneon, a climate scientist at NASA's <a href="https://www.giss.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Institute for Space Studies</a> who was not involved in the study.



Other methods include creating water bodies, installing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cool-roofs-on-city-buildings-secret-to-beating-urban-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green roofs</a>, and using lighter-colored materials for roofs and pavements to reflect more sunlight. 



While greener cities in the U.S. and Canada often have lower population densities, this isn't inherently better for the environment, as it can lead to increased car reliance and larger, less efficient homes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-future-urban-development">Implications for future urban development</h2>



The global insights from this study enable urban planners to compare and adopt strategies suitable for cities with similar climates or densities.&nbsp;



“For newly urbanized areas that aren't completely built out, there's a lot of room to still change the design,” Braneon emphasized.



By proactively integrating green spaces and other cooling measures into urban planning, especially in rapidly developing regions, cities can significantly enhance their resilience to rising temperatures.&nbsp;



Addressing the disparities in urban green spaces is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations in the face of escalating climate challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51355-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Cities in the Global South have far less green space

As urban populations swell and climate change accelerates, the cooling...

Earth experienced its hottest recorded year in 2023, with temperatures soaring 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average, surpassing the previous record set in 2016. The ten warmest years on record have all occurred in the past decade.&nbsp;



With 2024 already witnessing the hottest summer and single hottest day, it is on track to set yet another alarming record.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-regional-heat-waves">Extreme regional heat waves</h2>



While the steady increase in global average temperatures may not surprise everyone, a striking new phenomenon is emerging: certain regions are experiencing repeated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves</a> so extreme that they far exceed what any global warming model can predict or explain. 



In a new study, researchers have created the first <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/1050937" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worldwide map </a>of the regions experiencing unprecedented heat, which appear on every continent except Antarctica like vast, alarming hotspots. 



In recent years, these heat waves have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, devastated crops and forests, and ignited catastrophic wildfires.



“The large and unexpected margins by which recent regional-scale extremes have broken earlier records have raised questions about the degree to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate models</a> can provide adequate estimates of relations between global mean temperature changes and regional climate risks,” the authors explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-heat-waves">Decades of heat waves</h2>



“This is about extreme trends that are the outcome of physical interactions we might not completely understand,” said lead author Kai Kornhuber, an adjunct scientist at the Columbia Climate School's <a href="https://lamont.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory</a>. “These regions become temporary hothouses.” 



The researchers examined heat waves over the past 65 years. It identifies areas where extreme heat is accelerating much faster than moderate temperatures, often resulting in record-breaking maximum temperatures by astonishing amounts.



For example, a nine-day heat wave that struck the U.S. Pacific Northwest and southwestern Canada in June 2021 shattered daily records in some locations by 30 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit).&nbsp;



This included Canada's highest ever recorded temperature of 121.3 F in Lytton, British Columbia. Tragically, the town burned to the ground the next day in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> fueled largely by dried vegetation from the extreme heat. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regions-affected-by-unprecedented-heat">Regions affected by unprecedented heat</h2>



In Oregon and Washington state, hundreds of people died from heat stroke and other health conditions. These extreme heat waves have predominantly occurred in the last five years, though some happened in the early 2000s or earlier.&nbsp;



The most affected regions include populous areas of central China, Japan, Korea, the Arabian Peninsula, eastern Australia, and scattered parts of Africa.&nbsp;



Other impacted areas include Canada's Northwest Territories and High Arctic islands, northern Greenland, the southern tip of South America, and scattered regions of Siberia. Parts of Texas and New Mexico also appear on the map, though they are not among the most extreme areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europe-s-vulnerability-to-unprecedented-heat-nbsp">Europe's vulnerability to unprecedented heat&nbsp;</h2>



According to the report, the most intense and consistent signals come from northwestern Europe, where successive heat waves contributed to approximately 60,000 deaths in 2022 and 47,000 deaths in 2023.&nbsp;



These events occurred across Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and other countries. In recent years, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-just-experienced-its-hottest-day-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hottest days</a> are warming twice as fast as average summer temperatures in this region. 



Europe is particularly vulnerable because, unlike places like the United States, few people have air conditioning due to traditionally milder climates.&nbsp;



The heat waves have continued; as recently as this September, new maximum temperature records were set in Austria, France, Hungary, Slovenia, Norway, and Sweden.



Researchers refer to these statistical trends as “tail-widening” - the unusual occurrence of temperatures at the extreme upper end, or beyond, anything expected from simple upward shifts in mean summer temperatures.&nbsp;



However, this phenomenon is not universal; the study shows that maximum temperatures in many other regions are actually lower than what models would predict.&nbsp;



These areas include vast parts of the north-central United States and south-central Canada, interior regions of South America, much of Siberia, northern Africa, and northern Australia. While heat is increasing in these regions, the extremes are rising at similar or lower rates than changes in average temperatures would suggest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-extreme-heat-events">Causes of extreme heat events</h2>



Overall rising temperatures make heat waves more likely in many cases, but the exact causes of these extreme heat events are not entirely clear. In Europe and Russia, a previous <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-019-0637-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> led by Kornhuber attributed heat waves and droughts to fluctuations in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-accelerate-jet-stream-winds-and-airplane-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jet stream</a> - a fast-moving air current that circles the northern hemisphere. 



Traditionally confined to a narrow band due to the temperature difference between the frigid Arctic and warmer southern regions, the jet stream is becoming destabilized as the Arctic warms more rapidly than other parts of the Earth.&nbsp;



This destabilization leads to the formation of Rossby waves, which draw hot air from the south and stall it over temperate regions not accustomed to extreme heat for prolonged periods.



However, this hypothesis does not explain all extreme events. A <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-022-01520-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> of the deadly 2021 Pacific Northwest and southwestern Canada heat wave, led by Lamont-Doherty graduate student Samuel Bartusek (also a co-author on the latest paper), identified a combination of factors. 



Some were linked to long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-our-outdoor-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, while others appeared to be due to chance. The study noted a disruption in the jet stream similar to the Rossby waves affecting Europe and Russia. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-rising-temperatures">Decades of rising temperatures </h2>



The researchers also found that decades of gradually rising temperatures had dried out regional vegetation, so when intense heat arrived, plants had less water to evaporate into the air - a process that helps moderate temperatures.&nbsp;



Another factor was a series of smaller-scale atmospheric waves that transported heat from the Pacific Ocean's surface eastward onto land. As in Europe, few people in this region have air conditioning, likely increasing the death toll.



The heat wave “was so extreme, it's tempting to apply the label of a 'black swan' event, one that can't be predicted,” Bartusek said. “But there's a boundary between the totally unpredictable, the plausible, and the totally expected that's hard to categorize. I would call this more of a grey swan.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-human-toll-from-unprecedented-heat">Increasing human toll from unprecedented heat</h2>



Even in wealthy nations like the United States, excessive heat remains the leading cause of weather-related deaths, surpassing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-amplified-hurricane-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, tornadoes, and floods combined. 



A study released this past August reported that the annual death rate has more than doubled since 1999, reaching 2,325 heat-related deaths in 2023.&nbsp;



This alarming trend has led to calls for naming heat waves, similar to hurricanes, to increase public awareness and encourage government preparedness.



“Due to their unprecedented nature, these heat waves are usually linked to very severe health impacts, and can be disastrous for agriculture, vegetation, and infrastructure. We’re not built for them, and we might not be able to adapt fast enough,” Kornhuber concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2411258121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Unprecedented heat is popping up in 'hotspots' across the globe

Earth experienced its hottest recorded year in 2023, with temperatures...

Scientists have recently made a major breakthrough in molecular robotics by developing programmable nanostructures using DNA origami.&nbsp;



This innovative method, developed at the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/nano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney Nano Institute</a>, utilizes DNA’s natural folding properties to create nanoscale biological structures with vast potential applications, ranging from targeted drug delivery to responsive materials and energy-efficient optical signal processing.



The study, led by Dr. Minh Tri Luu and Dr. Shelley Wickham, showcases the creation of modular, three-dimensional nanostructures called “voxels.”&nbsp;



These voxels, akin to 3D versions of pixels, enable the rapid prototyping of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anthrobots-scientists-create-tiny-biological-robots-from-human-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoscale robotic systems </a>with applications in synthetic biology, nanomedicine, and materials science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-nanorobots-with-dna-origami">Building nanorobots with DNA origami</h2>



The researchers demonstrated the versatility of their approach by designing over 50 nanoscale objects, including a “nano-dinosaur,” a “dancing robot,” and a miniature Australia measuring just 150 nanometers across - a thousand times narrower than a human hair.



Wickham explained the concept by likening it to childhood engineering toys: “The results are a bit like using Meccano, the children's engineering toy, or building a chain-like cat's cradle. But instead of macroscale metal or string, we use nanoscale biology to build <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origami-inspired-robots-mimic-the-behavior-of-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a> with huge potential.”



The modular voxels can be customized for specific functions, allowing researchers to create complex and adaptive configurations. This flexibility is key to developing nanoscale machines that can operate in fields as diverse as medicine, material science, and energy technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-velcro-dna-the-secret-to-assembly">Velcro DNA: The secret to assembly</h2>



To assemble the nanostructures, the team integrated additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-may-actually-be-good-for-our-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> strands onto the exterior of the voxels. These strands act as programmable binding sites, enabling precise control over how the structures connect.



“These sites act like Velcro with different colors - designed so that only strands with matching 'colors' (in fact, complementary DNA sequences) can connect,” said Dr. Luu.



This method allows researchers to construct customizable, highly specific architectures that can perform intricate tasks at the molecular level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeted-drug-delivery-a-key-application">Targeted drug delivery: A key application</h2>



One of the most promising applications of this technology is its ability to create nanorobots capable of delivering drugs directly to targeted areas within the body.&nbsp;



By programming the DNA origami structures to respond to specific biological signals, these nanobots could release medications only when and where they are needed, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments while minimizing side effects.



Dr. Luu emphasized the versatility of these innovations: “We've created a new class of nanomaterials with adjustable properties, enabling diverse applications - from adaptive materials that change optical properties in response to the environment to autonomous nanorobots designed to seek out and destroy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer cells</a>.”



This targeted approach has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatments and other precision medicine applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responsive-materials-and-energy-applications">Responsive materials and energy applications</h2>



In addition to drug delivery, the team is exploring the development of materials that adapt to environmental changes. For instance, they are designing materials that can alter their properties in response to higher loads, temperature changes, or variations in acidity (pH).



“This work enables us to imagine a world where nanobots can get to work on a huge range of tasks, from treating the human body to building futuristic electronic devices,” Dr. Wickham explained.&nbsp;



The researchers are also investigating energy-efficient methods for processing optical signals, with potential benefits for medical diagnostics, security systems, and computing technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-dna-nanorobots">Future of DNA nanorobots</h2>



The ability to program DNA into versatile, nanoscale structures represents a significant leap forward in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nano-sensors-can-quickly-detect-pesticides-on-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanotechnology</a>. By harnessing the unique properties of DNA origami, the researchers are opening new avenues for innovation in health, materials science, and energy applications.



“Our work demonstrates the incredible potential of DNA origami to create versatile and programmable nanostructures. The ability to design and assemble these components opens new avenues for innovation in nanotechnology,” said Dr. Luu.



Dr. Wickham echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.&nbsp; She noted that the research not only highlights the capabilities of DNA nanostructures but also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing science.&nbsp;



“We are excited to see how our findings can be applied to real-world challenges in health, materials science and energy,” said Dr. Wickham.



As these technologies continue to evolve, the dream of adaptive nanomachines capable of operating in complex environments, including within the human body, is becoming an achievable reality.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adp2309" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Robotics</a>.&nbsp;



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Nanorobots built with folded DNA could revolutionize medicine 

Scientists have recently made a major breakthrough in molecular robotics...

Being powerful doesn’t inherently make someone unfaithful, but a recent study suggests that those with greater power are significantly more likely to cheat on their partners. 



Psychologists from <a href="https://www.runi.ac.il/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reichman University</a> in Israel and the<a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of Rochester</a> in the U.S. conducted a series of experiments to explore how power dynamics influence faithfulness in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agape-a-new-app-could-help-strengthen-romantic-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">romantic relationships</a>.



The findings suggest that power can lead to feelings of confidence and entitlement, which may result in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sufficient-sleep-can-prevent-impulsive-behavior-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impulsive behavior</a>.&nbsp;



While previous research has shown that powerful individuals often wield greater influence over others and are more resistant to external pressures, this study examines how such dynamics specifically affect intimate relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-perceived-desirability">The role of perceived desirability</h2>



The researchers found that power affects how individuals perceive themselves and their relationships. People who feel powerful are often less dependent on their partners, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that others find them desirable.



“In a romantic relationship, these power dynamics might lead the more powerful partner to think they bring more to the table than their less powerful partner,” said lead author Gurit Birnbaum, a professor of psychology at Reichman University.&nbsp;



“The more powerful might see this as a sign that they have more options outside the relationship and are more desirable partners in general.”



This sense of self-assuredness and perceived desirability could explain why powerful individuals are more inclined to explore alternatives outside their relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perceptions-of-power-in-relationships">Perceptions of power in relationships</h2>



The researchers conducted four experiments to test how perceptions of power influence interest in alternative romantic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-time-with-a-romantic-partner-can-improve-your-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">partners</a>. They recruited participants in monogamous, heterosexual relationships lasting at least four months and examined how power dynamics shaped their romantic behaviors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fantasy-and-power">Fantasy and power</h3>



In the first study, participants were asked to describe either a time they felt powerful in relation to their partner or a typical day in their relationship. Afterward, they wrote a sexual fantasy about someone other than their partner.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-attraction">Assessing attraction</h3>



In the second study, participants underwent the same power manipulation before viewing photos of strangers. Under time pressure, they decided which individuals they might consider as potential partners.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interaction-with-an-attractive-insider">Interaction with an attractive insider</h3>



In the third study, participants described the power dynamics within their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/relationship-loss-can-lead-to-renewed-sense-of-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship</a>, rated their perceived power and value compared to their partner, and completed a task with an attractive study insider. They then rated their sexual desire for the insider.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daily-reporting-on-relationship-power">Daily reporting on relationship power</h3>



In the fourth study, both partners in a relationship separately reported, over three weeks, their perceived power, their value as a partner, and any sexual activities, including fantasies, flirting, or interactions with someone other than their partner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-and-the-desire-to-cheat">Power and the desire to cheat</h2>



Across all four studies, the results consistently showed that individuals who perceived themselves as more powerful within their relationships expressed greater interest in alternative partners.&nbsp;



This included fantasizing about others, feeling sexual desire for outsiders, and engaging in real-life interactions.



“Those with a higher sense of power may feel motivated to disregard their commitment to the relationship and act on desires for short-term flings or potentially other, more novel partners if the opportunity arises,” said co-author Harry Reis, a psychology professor at the University of Rochester.



The findings also revealed that powerful individuals tended to rate their own value as a partner higher than their partner’s, a perception that could weaken their commitment to the relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-and-the-inclination-to-cheat">Power and the inclination to cheat</h2>



The belief that one has more romantic options outside the relationship can undermine fidelity.



“When people feel powerful and believe they have more relationship options than their current partner, they might be more inclined to pay attention to other potentially promising alternatives,” Reis said.&nbsp;



“The belief in having other options, like other possible partners, can weaken their commitment to their current relationship.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-complex-role-of-power-nbsp">The complex role of power&nbsp;</h2>



The findings highlight the complex role of power in intimate relationships and the risks it poses to long-term commitment.&nbsp;



While power can promote confidence and autonomy, it may also increase susceptibility to infidelity by diminishing dependence on a current partner and amplifying perceptions of one’s desirability.



Understanding these dynamics can offer valuable insights for individuals and couples seeking to navigate the challenges of maintaining trust and commitment in relationships where power imbalances exist.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-02997-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archives of Sexual Behavior</a>,



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People with power are more likely to cheat on their partners

Being powerful doesn’t inherently make someone unfaithful, but a recent...

We all know that water is vital for life and our daily routines, and we often take it for granted. Turn the knob above the sink, and water comes out. No big deal, right? Unfortunately, scientists recently identified a potentially undesirable chemical lurking in our precious tap water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-byproduct-in-water">Chemical byproduct in water</h2>



A recent study found that this unidentified chemical byproduct could be present in the tap water in approximately one-third of all U.S. homes.



Now, before you put down your glass of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> with a shudder, let's emphasize that scientists are not yet sure whether this byproduct is harmful or not.



However, they are worried that it could be, due to the characteristics of the molecules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-chloronitramide-anion">Understanding "chloronitramide anion"</h2>



This enigmatic substance, dubbed "chloronitramide anion," is the offspring of chloramine, a chemical that, ironically, is used to treat water to make it safe for human consumption. It's a type of charged particle made up of chlorine and nitramide parts. 



Think of it like a tiny building block that has an extra negative charge, which makes it react differently compared to neutral molecules. 



This special charge allows it to connect with other molecules in unique ways, making it useful for certain chemical reactions.



Chloramine is a concoction of chlorine and ammonia that kills viruses and bacteria in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-4-4-billion-people-lack-access-to-safe-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> treatment systems. Unlike plain chlorine, chloramine doesn’t disappear as quickly, so it provides longer-lasting protection.



Chloramine does a great job at disinfecting, and the newly-identified "chloronitramide anion" is produced when chloramine breaks down.



"It has similarity to other toxic molecules," said David Wahman, one of the study's authors and a research environmental engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency (<a href="https://www.epa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a>).



"We looked for it in 40 samples in 10 U.S. chlorinated drinking water systems located in seven states. We did find it in all the samples."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battle-against-microbes">Battle against microbes</h2>



Chloramine has been trusted for about a hundred years to keep our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/too-much-fluoride-in-tap-water-supply-might-lower-kids-iq-by-few-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> free of pathogens. It's often used to maintain the water that stays in our pipes for several days after leaving a water treatment plant.



In fact, chloramine has become the preferred water warrior because its alternative, chlorine, also produces byproducts -- some of which are linked to the incidence of bladder cancer and are patrolled by the EPA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-beneath">What lies beneath</h2>



David Reckhow, a research professor in civil and environmental engineering at the <a href="https://www.umass.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts, Amherst</a>, who wasn't part of the study, thinks the discovery is significant. 



His major concern is understanding whether this newfound entity is hazardous.



“It’s a pretty small molecule and it can probably for that reason enter into biological systems and into cells. And it is still a reactive molecule. Those are the kinds of things you worry about,” Reckhow explained.



“We can go about the hard work of trying to figure out what its toxicological relevance is in our water systems,” said Julian Fairey, the lead author and an associate professor at the University of Arkansas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-to-cancer">Link to cancer</h2>



While this ongoing investigation creates waves, some past studies have alluded to a connection between drinking disinfected water and higher rates of certain cancers.



However, whether these occurrences have anything to do with this newly-identified compound remains untested.



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



Drawing conclusions about the toxicity of this compound and establishing regulations based on those findings is more likely to be a marathon than a sprint.



"It’s a lot [of time] - probably a decade of research once a funding source is found," said Alan Roberson, executive director of the <a href="https://www.asdwa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association of State Drinking Water Administrators</a>.



In the meantime, water utilities should pay heed to ongoing research and try to limit people’s exposure. 



“You do what you can to minimize. You make the best judgment you can on the toxicity and you run with incomplete information,” Reckhow recommends wisely .



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questions-arise">Questions arise</h2>



This study has also cast doubt on whether, from a health perspective, chloramine is indeed a safer disinfection process than chlorine.



“This study really calls into question whether or not this disinfection process is safer from a health perspective,” said David Andrews, a senior scientist at the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a>, an advocacy organization that pushes for more scrutiny of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collecting-water-from-the-air-to-tackle-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a>.&nbsp;



He noted that there are several disinfection byproducts found in water systems but that this one deserves scrutiny.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tap-water-chemicals-and-safety">Tap water, chemicals, and safety</h2>



Any treatment of drinking water involves some level of health risk. 



While disinfection processes have largely eradicated waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, research suggests that some byproducts may pose cancer risks and increase the chances of miscarriage or low birth-weight babies.



Yet, these processes are crucial to neutralize real bacterial and viral threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-check-on-water-quality-and-byproducts">Check on water quality and byproducts</h2>



Thankfully, many U.S. water utilities provide information on their websites about whether the supplied water is treated with chlorine or chloramine. 



There's also some evidence that activated carbon filters, like those used in home water purification devices or fridge filters, can rid water of disinfectant byproducts. But, more research is needed.



So, the next time you turn on your tap for a glass of water, remember the invisible actors at work. They are unseen, but critical; unnoticed, yet ever-present. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk6749" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Tap water found to contain a newly-identified toxic chemical

We all know that water is vital for life and...

The shoebill is a striking bird native to the wetlands of tropical East Africa, known for its unique appearance and remarkable presence. 



The bird gets its name from its large, shoe-shaped bill, which is both powerful and highly efficient for catching prey.



Shoebills can grow up to five feet tall, with a wingspan that adds to their commanding presence. Their gray feathers and intense, piercing eyes give them a prehistoric look.



However, behind the bird's striking exterior lies a story of survival and a call to action for its protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-of-the-shoebill">Lifestyle of the shoebill </h2>



The shoebill is more closely related to pelicans than to storks. It's the sole species in its family, Balaenicipitidae, and belongs to the order Pelecaniformes. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> is a relic, dating back millions of years.



The shoebill produces a sound resembling machine gunfire -- a behavior known as bill-clattering -- typically during nesting or interactions with other shoebills.



While these birds appear solemn, their behaviors and hunting strategies reveal an intriguing mix of precision and persistence. 



They are solitary creatures, rarely seen in groups, and their habitats are under threat due to human activities, making them a conservation priority.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-on-the-menu">What’s on the menu?</h2>



Shoebills are known for their calm and deliberate movements, often standing motionless for long periods as they patiently stalk their prey.



For a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> with such a theatrical hunting style, you might expect its diet to be equally dramatic.



The shoebill is a highly specialized predator and doesn’t eat just anything it finds in the water. The bird's diet primarily consists of large aquatic prey -- particularly lungfish, catfish, and tilapia.



A 2015 study in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.2989/00306525.2014.977364" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of African Ornithology</a> found that catfish composes around 71 percent of the shoebill's meals.



The bird occasionally indulges in other creatures like eels, snakes, and even baby crocodiles - showcasing its adaptability and the rich biodiversity of its habitat.



Once a creature ventures too close, the shoebill lunges with incredible speed and precision, using its massive beak to seize and crush the prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-with-limited-resources">Surviving with limited resources </h2>



While shoebills are generally solitary, they form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. 



Both parents are involved in raising the offspring, including incubating eggs and feeding chicks. Despite this cooperation, the success rate of raising chicks is relatively low.



Shoebills usually lay two eggs per breeding season, spaced a few days apart. However, their reproductive strategy often results in siblicide -- a phenomenon where the older, stronger chick dominates the weaker one.



This behavior ensures that limited resources, such as food, are focused on the chick most likely to survive to adulthood. If the first chick dies, the second egg serves as a backup.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-struggles-of-the-shoebill">Struggles of the shoebill</h2>



Despite its apparent strength, the shoebill faces significant threats. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) estimates its global population at just 5,000 to 8,000 individuals.



The bird is primarily threatened by habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and practices of the exotic pet trade. 



Conservation efforts are focused on protecting wetlands, minimizing human interference, and monitoring populations in the wild.



These initiatives strive to preserve East Africa's distinctive wildlife by balancing conservation with human development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-east-african-wildlife">Other East African wildlife</h2>



East Africa is a wildlife lover’s dream, bursting with some of the most iconic animals you can imagine. The incredible wildebeest migration unfolds each year, showcasing one of nature’s greatest spectacles. 



You’ll also encounter majestic elephants, elegant giraffes, swift cheetahs, and the powerful lions that reign over the savannas. 



Beyond the open plains, East Africa is home to lush forests and breathtaking landscapes that shelter unique species, such as the elusive snow leopard in the mountainous regions.



But the magic of East Africa’s wildlife doesn’t stop with the big mammals. The region is teeming with diverse birdlife, like the Shoebill, vibrant reptiles, and fascinating insects that add layers of beauty to its ecosystems. 



Along the stunning coastlines of Zanzibar and the Seychelles, you can explore vibrant coral reefs and swim with playful dolphins and graceful sea turtles. 



Conservation efforts are strong here, with numerous reserves and community projects dedicated to protecting these incredible creatures and their environments.



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



The shoebill serves as a symbol of ecological balance, both in East Africa and around the world as it's reputation spreads. 



Its presence reflects the vitality of the wetlands it inhabits -- critical ecosystems that support both wildlife and humans.



Wetlands provide a range of invaluable services, such as water purification, flood control, and carbon storage. They are also biodiversity hotspots, supporting a multitude of plant and animal species. 



By protecting and conserving wetlands, we ensure the preservation of not only the shoebill but also the many other species that rely on these vital ecosystems.



Education plays a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of the shoebill and the broader environmental issues it faces.



Regardless of where you live, you can play a part in the shoebill’s survival. Promoting educational initiatives and sharing information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird's</a> challenges are great ways to help. Together, we can create a future where the shoebill thrives.



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Shoebills: Human-sized birds eat baby crocodiles yet they are facing extinction

The shoebill is a striking bird native to the wetlands...

Have you ever heard the saying, "an elephant never forgets?" Unfortunately, 2020 will be a year that African elephants will remember with sorrow.



The story is one of environmental reckoning - the result of a devastating interaction between elephants and toxic algae blooms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-footprint-of-climate-change">Deadly footprint of climate change </h2>



In 2020, a shocking event unfolded in Botswana, a country home to one-third of all African elephants. Approximately 350 of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-2024-saving-the-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">majestic creatures</a> met a tragically premature end, with their carcasses scattered across the Okavango Delta.



The deaths were no ordinary occurrence. They ignited global concern and sparked an intense investigation.&nbsp;



A new study led by King's College London offers an alarming revelation. The unexplained deaths of 350 elephants in 2020 were caused by lethal blankets of toxic algae in watering holes - a deadly byproduct of <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fclimate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-the-mass-elephant-die-off">Mystery of the mass elephant die-off </h2>



The initial discovery of elephant carcasses scattered in the northeastern sector of Botswana's Okavango Delta triggered global concern.



With no evidence of poaching, the mystery of sudden mass elephant deaths deepened. As the death toll rose to an alarming 350, a theory started to surface. Could <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fhumans-have-caused-toxic-algae-blooms-since-the-bronze-age%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic algae</a> blooming in the elephants' watering holes be responsible?



The study was led by PhD student Davide Lomeo at <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King's College London</a>. He was co-supervised by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (<a href="https://pml.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PML</a>) and the Natural History Museum.



“Botswana is home to a third of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-elephants-have-drastically-declined-in-the-last-50-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African elephants</a>, and this unprecedented die-off within their largest remaining population underlines the escalating concerns surrounding the impact of drought and climate change on the Okavango Delta, one of the most important ecosystems in the world,” explained Lomeo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-algae-linked-to-elephant-deaths">Toxic algae linked to elephant deaths</h2>



The investigators turned to a combination of sophisticated satellite data and spatial analysis. They scrutinized the relationships between approximately 3,000 watering holes and the locations where the deceased elephants had been found.



The analysis revealed that waterholes near the carcasses showed a dramatic uptick in algal levels and frequent bloom events in 2020 compared to the previous years - notably during the mass mortality event.



“We identified 20 waterholes near fresh carcasses that experienced increased algal bloom events in 2020 compared to the previous three years combined. These waterholes also exhibited the highest average algal biomass of the period 2015 – 2023,” noted Lomeo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calling-out-climate-change">Calling out climate change</h2>



The researchers pointed out the events that led to this catastrophe. A grueling dry year in 2019, the driest in decades, was abruptly followed by an extraordinarily wet year in 2020.



The sudden shift stirred up substantial amounts of sediments and nutrients from the ground, providing ideal conditions for toxic algal growth.



“Southern Africa is projected to become drier and hotter under climate changes, and as a result waterholes across this region will likely be drier for more months of the year," said Lomeo.



"Our findings point to the potential negative effects on water quantity and quality, and catastrophic repercussions this could have on animals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-water-quality-monitoring">Solutions for water quality monitoring</h2>



To combat the threat posed by toxic algal growth, innovative technological solutions are emerging to aid in comprehensive water quality monitoring. 



Earth observation applications, such as satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques, offer the potential to detect and monitor diverse sources of contamination swiftly. 



By leveraging these advanced tools, scientists and authorities can gain valuable insights into water quality, enabling timely interventions and preventive measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-swift-intervention">Urgent need for swift intervention </h2>



Tackling the environmental impact of toxic algae blooms requires collaboration among researchers, local authorities, and communities.



By sharing knowledge and using sustainable methods, we can protect our valuable water resources. With scientific expertise, technology, and public awareness, we can ensure clean water for future generations.



The case of Botswana's elephants sheds light on the severe ecological consequences of toxic algae proliferation. 



The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive water quality surveillance across all water bodies.



This issue is a wake-up call for Botswana and the world, pointing to the urgent need to tackle climate change and its effects on ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724076824?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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Poisoning deaths of 350 elephants linked to climate change

Have you ever heard the saying, "an elephant never forgets?"...

The Phlegraean Fields, now considered one massive supervolcano, are beginning to stir, making the scientific community uneasy. 



These volcanic fields, nestled just west of Naples, Italy, are among the top eight emitters of volcanic carbon dioxide worldwide. 



Since 2005, one spot in particular -- the Solfatara crater -- has been releasing increased volumes of gas, catching the attention of researchers and locals alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gas-emissions-at-solfatara-crater">Gas emissions at Solfatara crater</h2>



Gianmarco Buono, a volcanologist at the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (<a href="https://www.ingv.it/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INGV</a>), is leading a study to understand what's behind this surge in gas emissions. 



"Estimating the source of the carbon dioxide is important to properly reconstruct what is happening in the magmatic system and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/knipovich-ridge-new-hydrothermal-field-arctic-intense-geological-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal system</a>," says Buono. 



His team aims to provide a tool that can distinguish between carbon dioxide coming from magma and that released by other processes, a method that could be useful in volcanic regions around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-a-supervolcano">What exactly is a supervolcano?</h2>



In the simplest of terms, a supervolcano is essentially a volcano on steroids. It's a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-early-humans-survived-the-eruption-of-toba-supervolcano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive volcanic system</a> capable of producing eruptions thousands of times more powerful than a regular volcano. 



These eruptions can eject more than 1,000 cubic kilometers of material into the atmosphere, which can have catastrophic effects on the global climate and environment.



You've probably heard of places like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-tourism-generates-over-1-megaton-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone National Park</a> in the United States -- that's one of the most famous supervolcanoes. 



When a supervolcano erupts it can form a giant caldera, which is a huge crater that can span dozens of miles. 



The sheer scale of these eruptions makes them rare, but they're definitely something scientists keep an eye on due to their potential impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-supervolcano-holds-a-surprising-amount-of-magma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life across the planet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-numbers-speak-volumes">Numbers speak volumes</h2>



Today, the Solfatara crater emits between 4,000 and 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide each day. To put that into perspective, that's equivalent to the emissions from burning about 500,000 gallons of gasoline daily. 



In their recent paper published in Geology, Buono and his colleagues estimate that 20% to 40% of this carbon dioxide comes from the dissolution of calcite in the surrounding rocks. The remaining 60% to 80% is traced back to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-affects-magma-formation-deep-within-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underground magma</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-solfatara-crater-gas">Science behind the Solfatara crater gas</h2>



When magma moves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-magma-traced-to-melting-in-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closer to the Earth's surface</a>, the pressure decreases, causing gases that were trapped inside to escape. These gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. 



Scientists keep a close eye on volcanoes by monitoring earthquakes, measuring ground deformation, and analyzing gases emitted from fumaroles -- openings in the Earth's crust that release steam and gases.



An uptick in gas emissions can be a sign of potential volcanic activity. However, not every increase leads to an eruption. 



Sometimes, carbon dioxide is released when hot underground fluids interact with the rocks above, rather than from magma itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes-over-decades">Monitoring changes over decades</h2>



Since 1983, the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology has been keeping tabs on the gas emissions from the Solfatara crater. 



By studying the ratios of nitrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide, researchers had initially concluded that the gases were primarily from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-affects-magma-formation-deep-within-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep magma sources</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Phlegraean-fields_supervolcano_caldera_satellite-view_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Phlegraean-fields_supervolcano_caldera_satellite-view_1s.webp" alt="Satellite view of Phlegraean Fields and Solfatara crater showing a large caldera supervolcano west of Naples, Italy. It is part of the Campanian volcanic arc, which includes Mount Vesuvius." class="wp-image-1951186"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Satellite view of Phlegraean Fields and Solfatara crater showing a large caldera supervolcano west of Naples, Italy. It is part of the Campanian volcanic arc, which includes Mount Vesuvius.</figcaption></figure>



"We focused mainly on geochemical variation, especially for carbon dioxide, helium, and nitrogen, because they are non-reactive species. They contain information about what is happening in the magma," Buono explains.



But things started to change in 2005. The data began to deviate from the typical chemical signatures of magma-derived gases. This shift continued over time, accompanied by rising temperatures in the shallow hydrothermal system. 



By 2012, the alert level for the region was raised from green to yellow, signaling heightened activity but not an immediate threat of eruption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-the-earth-s-movements">Clues from the Earth's movements</h2>



The area didn't just experience changes underground. Small earthquakes and noticeable ground deformation were also observed. 



These signs pointed toward the circulation of hot fluids <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneath the surface</a>. When these hot, acidic fluids interact with calcite in the rocks, they can release additional carbon dioxide.



Previous studies involving drill cores of the local rocks revealed that the calcite present has a composition similar to the gases being emitted. 



Based on this information, Buono's team estimated that 20% to 40% of the carbon dioxide at the Solfatara crater comes from the breakdown of calcite in the host rocks.



The Phlegraean Fields have a long volcanic history, with activity dating back approximately 40,000 years. The most recent eruption occurred in 1538. 



Since the 1950s, the region has experienced several phases of unrest, reminding us that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-super-eruptions-build-up-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's geology is always in motion</a>.



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



Understanding the source of carbon dioxide emissions in volcanic regions is crucial for public safety and environmental monitoring. 



By distinguishing between gases released from magma and those from other processes, scientists can better predict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> and assess potential risks.



Buono's research not only sheds light on the complex interactions beneath the Phlegraean Fields but also provides tools that could be applied to other volcanic areas. 



As he notes, "Our aim is to provide a tool to better discriminate the contribution of magmatic and non-magmatic carbon dioxide that can also be applied to other systems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solfatara-crater-and-the-future">Solfatara crater and the future</h2>



To sum it all up, figuring out what's really going on beneath the Phlegraean Fields and Solfatara crater is a big deal -- not just for the science buffs but for everyone living on Earth.



Buono's team has shown that the spike in carbon dioxide emissions isn't just magma pushing its way up. A good chunk of that gas is actually coming from hot fluids interacting with calcite-rich rocks underground. 



This kind of info is gold because it helps us keep a closer eye on volcanic activity and, more importantly, keeps people safe.



Looking ahead, keeping tabs on these emissions and understanding their sources is key. By knowing whether the carbon dioxide is from magma or from rock interactions, scientists can better predict what's coming next. 



The Phlegraean Fields are a vivid reminder that our planet is always on the move. Scientists like Buono will keep unraveling the mysteries beneath our feet, helping us understand the dynamic planet we call home.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article/51/4/397/620796/Discriminating-carbon-dioxide-sources-during" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>.



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Supervolcano is waking up, which would plunge the world into chaos

The Phlegraean Fields, now considered one massive supervolcano, are beginning...

About 6 million years ago, an extraordinary event occurred that restructured the Mediterranean and its water. This phenomenon, known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis, transformed the sea into a massive salt basin.



But how did a million cubic kilometers of salt come to rest in such a short time on the Mediterranean seabed? Until now, that remained a mystery.



Now, scientists have made a significant breakthrough. By analyzing chlorine isotopes found in the salt on the Mediterranean seabed, they've unveiled the two distinct phases of this intense evaporation event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phases-of-desiccation-and-salt-accumulation">Phases of desiccation and salt accumulation</h2>



The first desiccation phase lasted approximately 35,000 years. During this time, salt deposition occurred exclusively in the eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/corsica-sardinia-mediterranean-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a>. This was due to a restriction of the Mediterranean outflow into the Atlantic, resulting in a brine-filled basin in the east.



The second phase, however, was a different story altogether. Over less than 10,000 years, salt accumulation took place throughout the entire Mediterranean.



An expeditious evaporative event caused such a sharp decline in sea-level - 1.7-2.1 kilometers in the east, and approximately 0.85 kilometers in the west - that the Mediterranean basin lost up to 70% of its total water volume.



Moreover, change on such a monumental scale didn't occur without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">repercussions</a>. The effects of the spectacular fall in sea level were far-reaching and not just limited to the marine environment itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-linked-to-mediterranean-water-loss">Factors linked to Mediterranean water loss</h2>



Local volcanic eruptions may have been triggered due to the release of pressure on Earth's crust. These eruptions could be thought of as Earth's reactions to the rapid loss of such a substantial amount of water weight.



Moreover, this large scale evaporative event also might have influenced global climate patterns. The drastic depression caused by the sea-level drawdown rippled outwards, affecting weather systems far and wide.



These results point towards a better understanding of not just the Messinian Salinity Crisis, but also of the ways extreme desiccation events can drastically alter ecosystems and climates on a global scale.



In the last moments of this salinity crisis, the sea-level of the Mediterranean was almost a kilometer below that of the Atlantic Ocean. This extreme difference lead to the eventual collapse of the Strait of Gibraltar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mediterranean-water-loss-and-marine-life">Mediterranean water loss and marine life</h2>



The Messinian Salinity Crisis also posed significant challenges for marine life in the Mediterranean basin. 



The extreme hypersaline conditions would have been inhospitable for most marine organisms, leading to mass extinctions of species that could not adapt. 



However, evidence suggests that some extremophilic organisms (organisms capable of surviving in highly saline environments) managed to persist during this period. 



Fossil records indicate that isolated pockets of less saline water, or refugia, may have existed, providing temporary habitats for certain species. These pockets paint a picture of resilience amidst an environment of extreme ecological stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-of-the-mediterranean-water">Restoration of the Mediterranean water</h2>



The collapse of the Strait of Gibraltar acted as a gateway for the Atlantic Ocean to flow back into the Mediterranean. This sudden influx of water ended the prolonged desiccation, refilling the Mediterranean basin and restoring its water levels. 



As a result, the Mediterranean transitioned from a nearly dry, hypersaline basin dominated by thick salt deposits into a thriving open sea once again, with normal marine conditions and ecosystems returning over time. 



This event marked the resolution of the Messinian Salinity Crisis, reshaping the region's geography and ecological dynamics permanently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-challenges">Modern climate challenges</h2>



The insights gained from studying the Messinian Salinity Crisis carry valuable lessons for our understanding of current and future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>. 



This event showcases how rapid geological and hydrological transformations can trigger cascading effects on the climate, ecosystems, and even tectonic activity. 



Contemporary concerns about rising temperatures, altering precipitation patterns, and water scarcity echo some of the climate disruptions that may have been felt during the crisis. 



By learning from this historic event, scientists emphasize the importance of global collaboration and sustainable resource management to mitigate the impacts of looming environmental challenges on both natural systems and human societies.



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



This research on the history of Mediterranean water has provided fresh insights into historical geological events, enhancing our comprehension of these past occurrences.



By examining these findings, scientists and researchers have the opportunity to improve their predictions about future geological phenomena. 



Understanding the patterns and causes of past events allows for better preparation and response strategies, potentially reducing the adverse impacts of similar events that may occur in the future. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-geological-history">Learning from geological history</h2>



The study emphasizes the importance of learning from past geological activities to make informed decisions that safeguard communities and environments against natural disasters. It raises a critical question: will we apply the lessons learned to protect our future? 



The findings from the study serve as a call to action, urging society to integrate historical lessons into future planning and preparedness efforts.



The study was led by G. Aloisi, a scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (<a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a>), which is one of the largest governmental research organizations in France.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53781-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Image Credit: Pibernat &amp; Garcia-Castellanos



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Mediterranean Sea lost almost all of its water, triggering a global crisis

About 6 million years ago, an extraordinary event occurred that...

Quantum states, such as quantum superposition "cat states," are notorious for their fragility, often disappearing in the blink of an eye. But imagine keeping such a delicate state stable not just for seconds, but for nearly half an hour. 



That's exactly what a team of scientists has achieved, maintaining a quantum superposition -- known as a "cat state" -- for an astonishing 23 minutes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-cat-states-and-superposition">Quantum "cat states" and superposition</h2>



Quantum superposition is the idea that tiny particles can be in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple states at the same time</a>. A great way to understand this is through Schrödinger's cat, a famous thought experiment.



Imagine you have a cat in a closed box with a device that has a 50% chance of releasing poison based on something random happening at the quantum level, like an atom decaying. 



According to superposition, until you open the box to check, the cat is both alive and dead at the same time. 



This strange scenario shows just how weird and mind-bending quantum mechanics can be, challenging our everyday ideas about how things work.



The "cat state" takes this superposition idea and applies it to something bigger and more familiar, like a cat, to highlight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how bizarre quantum theory really is</a>. 



By imagining the cat being both alive and dead, we can better understand the tricky parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-speed-measured-for-first-time-too-fast-to-comprehend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a> and why simply observing something can change its state. 



This example is still a key part of conversations about what reality is really like and the mysterious behaviors of the quantum world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-cat-state-stability">Maintaining cat state stability</h2>



Leading the charge is Zheng-Tian Lu, a researcher at the <a href="https://en.ustc.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Science and Technology</a> of China. 



His team's record-shattering achievement completely disrupts our understanding of quantum mechanics and opens up exciting possibilities for future technologies.



Creating such states isn't new, but keeping them stable has been a monumental challenge. 



Usually, these superpositions collapse into a single state almost as soon as they form. Lu and his colleagues decided to tackle this problem head-on.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-they-pull-this-off">How did they pull this off?</h2>



They took about 10,000 atoms of ytterbium -- a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-coal-ash-holds-tons-of-rare-earth-elements-worth-8-4-billion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare earth element</a> -- and cooled them down to a few thousandths of a degree above absolute zero. 



Then, they used lasers to trap the atoms with electromagnetic forces. 



Under these ultra-cold conditions, they could control the atoms' quantum states with incredible precision. Each atom was placed into a superposition of two states with very different spins.



Now, you'd expect environmental disturbances to ruin the party pretty quickly, causing the atoms to settle into a single spin state in milliseconds or seconds. But here's where the magic happens. 



The researchers fine-tuned their lasers just right, allowing the cat states to last an unprecedented 1,400 seconds -- that's 23 minutes, or about the time it takes to watch your favorite sitcom without commercials.



Barry Sanders from the <a href="https://www.ucalgary.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Calgary</a> was impressed by the feat. He told New Scientist, “It's a big deal because they're making this beautiful cat state in an atomic system and it's stable.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-quantum-cat-states-matter">Why quantum cat states matter</h2>



Why should you care about this? For starters, these long-lasting cat states are incredibly sensitive to their environment. 



Think of them like ultra-sensitive probes that can detect the slightest changes around them. 



Sanders explained, “A probe gets jiggled and pushed and nudged and prodded, and then by seeing what happens, you learn about the things that interact with it.”



The researchers showed that their cat state's sensitivity for measuring magnetic fields is already nearing the fundamental limits set by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-impossibility-made-possible-using-exotic-mathematics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>. 



Because it sticks around for so long, the cat state isn't just a one-trick pony; it can gather data over extended periods, capturing both quick blips and slow changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-applications">Real world applications</h2>



This could have big implications for studying subtle magnetic forces or even uncovering exotic effects in fundamental physics. 



Imagine being able to detect minute changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plasma-can-bend-magnetic-fields-into-unique-shapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> that were previously beyond our reach.



Looking to the future, these cat states might find a home in quantum information processing. 



They could act as super-stable memory units, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storing extra information</a> and helping devices like quantum computers correct errors on the fly.



It's not every day that we see such a leap in quantum stability. This achievement <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pushes the boundaries of what's possible</a> and brings us closer to practical quantum technologies. It's like unlocking a new level in a game we thought we had figured out.



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



To sum it all up, this achievement by Zheng-Tian Lu and his team is a game-changer in quantum physics. 



By keeping a quantum "cat state" alive for 23 minutes, they've shattered previous records and opened up a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whole new world of possibilities</a>. 



Their clever use of ytterbium atoms and precise laser tuning demonstrates incredible control over quantum states.



It's exciting to think about where this could lead us. From super-sensitive probes that can detect the tiniest magnetic forces to more stable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/code-breaking-encryption-quantum-computers-takes-big-step-closer-to-becoming-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computers</a> that can fix their own errors, the implications are huge. 



While we might not see immediate changes in our daily lives, this kind of research pushes the boundaries of what's possible and gets us one step closer to the next big leap in technology



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.09331v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a>.



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"Quantum cat" survives in superposition for a record-shattering 23 minutes

Quantum states, such as quantum superposition "cat states," are notorious...

The immune systems of wild capuchin monkeys decline in performance when they experience prolonged periods of warmer temperatures, with younger monkeys appearing particularly vulnerable, according to a new study.



Anthropology doctoral student Jordan Lucore from the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> led the research, which examined how temperature affects the immune systems of white-faced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capuchin-monkeys-use-clever-tools-to-access-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">capuchins</a> in Costa Rica. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-performance-in-wild-monkeys">Immune performance in wild monkeys</h2>



“Rising temperatures due to climate change are predicted to threaten the persistence of wild animals, but there is little evidence that climate change has pushed species beyond their thermal tolerance,” wrote the researchers.



“The immune system is an ideal avenue to assess the effects of climate change because immune performance is sensitive to changes in temperature and immune competency can affect reproductive success.”



The findings, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adq6629" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, revealed that when monkeys endured approximately two weeks of temperatures around 86°F, their generalized immune system performance declined. This system is the body's first line of defense, activating immediately upon sensing a threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-discovery-in-thermal-resilience">Surprising discovery in thermal resilience</h2>



The results were unexpected, Lucore explained, because endothermic animals - those that regulate their body temperature, like mammals - are generally thought to be resilient to environmental temperature fluctuations.



“We think this has implications for understanding the effects of climate change because we're seeing this unlikely relationship between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-changes-our-understanding-of-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune system</a> and temperature in this particular study species, and we're seeing it at much lower temperatures than expected,” Lucore said. “Eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit is not that hot.”



Capuchin monkeys are considered generalists, thriving in diverse climates and ecologies, which makes the findings even more concerning. “That was another concerning thing about the results: I can't believe we're seeing this in capuchins. They are quite resilient,” Lucore noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-performance-of-wild-monkeys">Immune performance of wild monkeys</h2>



To study immune system performance, Lucore focused on a biomarker called neopterin, which can be measured in urine rather than blood serum. This non-invasive approach avoided stressing the monkeys and allowed researchers to track individual animals.



Using a method called “clean catch,” the team followed the habituated monkeys until they urinated, collecting the samples with a plastic-lined basket attached to a stick. These samples were then matched to individual monkeys using field observations.



By measuring neopterin levels in the urine and modeling temperature conditions leading up to the sample collection, the researchers established a connection between prolonged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high temperatures</a> and declining immune function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-younger-monkeys-are-more-vulnerable">Younger monkeys are more vulnerable</h2>



The study found that the immune systems of younger monkeys were particularly impacted by the heat.



“We discovered that young individuals' immune systems may be particularly affected by temperature compared to the rest of the age groups,” Lucore said.&nbsp;



“This is especially important for potential health and fitness outcomes, because when you're young, you rely on your generalized immune system. Your adaptive immune system has not yet developed.”



The adaptive immune system, which recognizes specific pathogens, takes years to fully develop in young animals. During this early stage of life, a robust generalized immune system is critical for survival, making the observed decline particularly alarming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-wild-monkeys-nbsp">Rising temperatures and wild monkeys&nbsp;</h2>



While the study provides strong evidence of temperature's immediate effects on immune performance, it remains unclear whether these impacts translate to long-term health or reproductive challenges for the monkeys.&nbsp;



Longer-term studies, potentially spanning multiple generations, are needed to assess the broader consequences.



Lucore emphasized that the findings, though specific to wild capuchins, highlight the broader impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-extinction-risk-is-heavily-influenced-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> on wildlife.



“Climate change is happening. It's going to have effects on anyone living on Earth in ways that you may not expect, and especially on these fundamental systems that we need to survive,” Lucore said.&nbsp;



“The fact that a graduate student like me can go out there and collect rather short-term data and find strong evidence that temperatures are affecting the physiology of wild animals - I think that's a pretty important thing to keep in mind.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



This study highlights the need for further research into how rising temperatures affect not only capuchins but also other species dependent on stable environmental conditions.&nbsp;



As climate change accelerates, understanding these vulnerabilities becomes increasingly urgent for conservation efforts.



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Rising temperatures impact the immune system of wild monkeys

The immune systems of wild capuchin monkeys decline in performance...

Imagine a world where damaged ecosystems, specifically coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life, could be revived and restored to their former glory.



These vibrant underwater habitats, often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," are essential for marine biodiversity and coastal protection. 



That's no longer just a dream, thanks to an innovative study that has just shed light on a technique with immense potential for reviving and restoring damaged coral reefs. 



By harnessing the power of healthy ecosystems, scientists have unlocked a sustainable and scalable method to breathe new life into these critical environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mother-nature-s-life-savers">Mother nature's life-savers</h2>



The research was led by scientists at <a href="https://www.biu.ac.il/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar-Ilan University</a>’s Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, along with Professor Ezri Tarazi of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and Professor David Bourne of James Cook University.



The study was focused on a breakthrough method known as "a coral reef ecosystem transplant" or aCRET. This simple yet brilliant model could be a symbol of hope in the face of widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-thrive-in-degraded-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral degradation</a>.



The researchers took a healthy reef and transferred biomimetic terracotta tiles packed with a diverse community of organisms - a virtual "metropolis" of invertebrates and beneficial microorganisms. 



These tiles were then transplanted to a nearby, damaged reef which showed signs of coral decline. 



Implanting these vibrant communities of microorganisms onto the ailing coral reefs led to an impressive increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-health-can-be-measured-through-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral health</a>. You can think of it as a supercharge for the undersea inhabitants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-novel-approach-to-coral-restoration">A novel approach to coral restoration</h2>



These biomimetic terracotta tiles were not just randomly chosen, they were meticulously designed to replicate the complex 3D structure of natural reefs, making a perfect home for diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms</a>. 



They were carefully cultured for six months on the healthy reef before being moved to their new home six kilometers away on the damaged reef.



"This innovative approach underscores the critical role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-reef-sounds-inspire-coral-larvae-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy reef</a> ecosystems in restoring coral health and resilience," said Dr. Natalie Levy, lead researcher of the study. 



"The results highlight the potential of ecosystem transplantation as an effective, sustainable restoration tool that can be integrated with other coral restoration methods like coral gardening and artificial reefs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-coral-reef-restoration">The future of coral reef restoration</h2>



The promising application of aCRETs could revolutionize the field of coral reef restoration, particularly in regions experiencing immense environmental stress. 



By adopting this cost-effective method, it is hoped that it can enhance and build upon existing restoration strategies, acting as a safety net for the invaluable ecosystem crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a>.



"This research advances our understanding of coral restoration and provides an invaluable tool to help address the ongoing global coral crisis," said Professor Oren Levy.



"By using healthy ecosystems to regenerate damaged reefs, we can work towards more resilient, sustainable coral ecosystems that may one day recover from climate change and other threats."



This pioneering study has undoubtedly set the stage for a new wave of coral conservation efforts, embodying a glimmer of hope for reversing the alarming degradation of coral reefs on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-reef-restoration-beyond-borders">Expanding reef restoration beyond borders</h2>



The success of the aCRET method holds immense promise not just for localized reef restoration but for broader, global applications. 



With coral reefs under threat in regions spanning the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, this approach could be a scalable solution for nations grappling with environmental stressors like warming oceans, pollution, and overfishing.



By encouraging international collaborations, much like the partnership utilized for this study, scientists and policymakers can work together to deploy aCRET and similar methods across diverse marine ecosystems.



These efforts could be paired with education and awareness campaigns aimed at empowering coastal communities to take active roles in reef conservation.



Moreover, the integration of advanced monitoring technologies, such as AI-driven reef health analytics and satellite imaging, could further enhance the impact of such restoration efforts. 



These innovations would allow for the tracking of transplanted ecosystems, ensuring long-term sustainability and adaptive management in the face of a changing climate.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54149-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Healthy coral transplants could revolutionize reef restoration

Imagine a world where damaged ecosystems, specifically coral reefs teeming...

In an effort to inform the conservation of critically endangered bird species, biologists at the University of Utah have conducted a comprehensive analysis identifying traits associated with all 216 bird extinctions that have occurred since the year 1500.



According to the research, species most likely to go extinct were those endemic to islands, lacking the ability to fly, possessing larger bodies with sharply angled wings, and occupying ecologically specific niches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-traits-and-extinction-timing">Bird traits and extinction timing</h2>



While some of these findings reflect previous research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct birds</a>, this study is the first to correlate bird traits with the timing of extinctions, said lead author Kyle Kittelberger, a graduate student in biology at the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>.



“I’ve been very interested in extinctions and understanding the species that we’ve lost and trying to get a sense of how we can use the past to better inform the present and future,” said Kittelberger, who is completing his dissertation on how the bodies and wings of certain species of migratory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/songbirds-benefit-from-social-networks-during-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">songbirds</a> have changed in response to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-data-analysis">Comprehensive data analysis</h2>



The experts utilized BirdBase, a dataset of ecological traits for over 11,600 bird species compiled by University of Utah biology professor Çağan Şekercioğlu and the Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology Lab.&nbsp;



The researchers simultaneously examined a wide range of biogeographical, ecological, and life history traits previously linked to extinction and extinction risk for bird species that have disappeared or lack recent confirmed sightings.



“Importantly, we examine biological correlates of bird extinctions through the lens of when birds went extinct, providing a novel extinction timing element that helps better inform why birds with certain traits disappeared when they did,” Kittelberger said.&nbsp;



By identifying traits that most predispose birds to extinction, the findings can help guide conservation efforts of hundreds of species that are at peril.



“One of the strengths of the approach that we use is we compared all of these traits simultaneously against each other, whereas a lot of previous studies in the literature just look at traits in isolation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-records-of-bird-extinctions">Historical records of bird extinctions </h2>



Although only around 2% of the world's bird species have gone extinct since 1500 - the starting point of Kittelberger's analysis - many more had vanished before that time.&nbsp;



However, records of birds that went extinct prior to 1500 are less reliable, and data on their traits and characteristics are often lacking.



This period coincides with the rise of scientific observation, leading to systematic documentation of plant and animal life. It also marks the onset of European exploration, which resulted in the global disruption of ecosystems due to colonization and the introduction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a>.



Currently, 1,314 bird species are at risk of extinction, according to the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>, representing about 12% of the total.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-case-of-the-akikiki">The case of the ‘Akikiki</h2>



Many species, such as the ‘Akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi), endemic to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, are so rare that they are functionally extinct.&nbsp;



Kittelberger photographed the ‘Akikiki, also known as Kauai’s creeper, in the Alaka‘i Wilderness Preserve in 2022, when approximately 70 individuals were believed to remain in the wild; today, only one individual remains.



As with many other Hawaiian bird species, the main threat to the ‘Akikiki comes from introduced species, principally malaria-carrying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-habitats-are-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> and habitat-destroying livestock, according to Hawaii’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-bird-traits-and-extinction">Link between bird traits and extinction</h2>



The single most critical trait associated with extinction is insularity - that is, species endemic to islands. Other traits associated with extinction risk, such as body size, wing shape, and ecological specialization, are also linked to island insularity.



Pacific islands harbor a vast array of endemic species, many of which are now on the IUCN list. No archipelago has experienced more loss of avian biodiversity than Hawaii, which accounts for 34 post-1500 extinctions, according to the study.



The bird family which experienced the most extinctions is Rallidae (rails), which are globally distributed medium-sized semi-amphibious birds.&nbsp;



This family lost 26 of its members, while the entire Mohoidae family - a type of small nectar-sipping songbirds commonly known as Hawaiian honeyeaters - is completely extinct, the only bird family to have gone fully extinct in modern times. The family's last member, the Kauai O’o (Moho braccatus), was last observed in 1987.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-role-of-wing-shape-in-extinctions">Surprising role of wing shape in extinctions</h2>



A surprising finding for Kittelberger’s team was the correlation between wing shape and extinction. They discovered that bird species with a larger hand-wing index - meaning more pointed wings - were more likely to have disappeared earlier.&nbsp;



Since pointier wings indicate stronger flying and dispersal abilities, the team initially predicted such birds would be better equipped to respond to environmental pressures than those with rounder wings.



However, birds with rounder wings, those with smaller hand-wing ratios, proved to be more resilient.



“It likely ties with the fact that a lot of these birds that went extinct were on islands. For these species or their ancestors to have arrived at these islands to begin with, they would’ve needed the ability to fly across large, open distances. So a lot of these birds on islands have, not necessarily longer, but more pointed wings,” Kittelberger said.&nbsp;



“Think of a swift or a swallow or a bird like an albatross that flies over the ocean. They have really pointy wings that allow them to fly really well, whereas birds in dense tropical rainforests are not flying these large distances, so they have rounded wings because they’re just moving in their local habitat patches.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specialists-have-a-greater-risk-of-extinction">Specialists have a greater risk of extinction</h2>



Ecological specialists, as opposed to generalists, face significant challenges when their specific ecological niche is altered, making them less able to adapt to disturbances such as invasive species or the disruption of a food source.



Other findings of the study concluded that more than 87% of the extinct species were endemic to islands; nearly two-thirds inhabited forests; 45% ate primarily insects and other invertebrates; and 20% were completely or partially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eggshells-of-flightless-birds-evolved-on-different-tracks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flightless</a>. Additionally, species with larger bodies were overrepresented on the extinct list.



“Heavier birds have been more likely to be targeted for hunting, with several well-known examples of birds being hunted to extinction in part for food, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-the-dodo-bird-be-brought-back-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dodo</a>, Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), and Spectacled Cormorant (Urile perspicillatus),” the authors wrote.&nbsp;



“Body mass has also been linked with a species’ inhabitance of islands, as island birds tend to be larger than mainland species.”&nbsp;



Of the 43 species whose average body weight exceeded 500 grams, or 1.1 pounds, three-quarters were endemic to an island.



The decade of the 1890s saw the highest number of extinctions, with 21 recorded. The 1980s was another detrimental decade for bird loss with 20 species, including the Kauai O’o, becoming extinct.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, this latter decade is noteworthy since focused and targeted conservation efforts were already underway globally before and during this period.



“Though the rate of extinction declined in the subsequent decades, the number of globally threatened species has only increased,” the experts concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.avrs.2024.100213" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Avian Research</a>.



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What traits make birds more susceptible to extinction?

In an effort to inform the conservation of critically endangered...

There's a lot more to turkeys than stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy boats. These impressive fowl, central to our festive Thanksgiving dinner tables, are becoming increasingly elusive for hunters.



Recent research from the University of Georgia (UGA) suggests that, if hunters and their prey keep up their present patterns of behavior, we might be set for a slightly less traditional holiday spread in future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turkeys-response-to-hunters">Turkeys' response to hunters</h2>



Scientists led by Nickolas Gulotta, a Ph.D. student in <a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UGA</a>'s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, have been studying how wild turkeys change their behavior in response to the presence of hunters and predators.



The researchers tracked 109 wild male turkeys throughout wildlife conservation areas in Georgia and observed how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunting-coyotes-actually-boosts-their-numbers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunters</a> and natural predators influenced their movements in what is a high-risk dance of survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brave-turkeys-are-easy-targets">Brave turkeys are easy targets</h2>



Turns out, the turkeys exhibiting daring behaviors often found themselves on the wrong end of a shotgun or in the paw of a prowling predator. 



The brave birds were frequently seen near open spaces and popular hunting trails. They loved to hang out near parked cars, make a ruckus, and strut their stuff - all of which makes them easy prey.



"If turkeys are closer to these open areas, it’s going to be easier for both a hunter and a predator to detect them. Across both study sites in general, turkeys that took more risks were more likely to be harvested," Gulotta said, painting a vivid picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turkeys-adapt-for-survival">Turkeys adapt for survival</h2>



Turkeys eventually learn from the fate of their brave, fallen brethren and start adapting to the selective pressure. They adopt less risky behaviors that make them less detectable.



This learning curve could possibly render future turkey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cooperative-hunting-does-not-require-complex-thinking-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting</a> seasons fruitless and may require hunters to think outside the box and exercise patience.



"The turkeys closer to areas that hunters use are the ones that are harvested. So, if we continue to harvest them like that across the Southeast, there’s potential that we could shift the behavioral strategies of wild turkeys making them more difficult to harvest,” noted Gulotta.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-balancing-act-for-survival">A balancing act for survival</h2>



While the turkeys that outsmart hunters during their hunting spree seem to have cracked the code to survival, they face another looming threat - natural predators. 



When the hunters are off-duty, predators take the stage, making survival a constant game of chess for these birds.



"If turkeys stay in the same area and don’t travel a lot, then they’re going to be more likely to be detected by a predator,” said Gulotta. “It’s kind of a catch-22 where if they can survive that hunting season, they’re most likely going to be fine."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-shifts-in-turkey-behavior">Long-term shifts in turkey behavior </h2>



The game of survival is not just a matter of individual variance among turkeys. Long-term shifts in turkey behavior, driven by hunting pressure, could lead to a significant dip in hunting license sales, which would negatively impact hunter satisfaction. 



The study suggests the need for hunting strategies that reflect local conditions and take into consideration the behavioral strategies of wild turkeys.



Gulotta, along with co-authors Patrick Wightman and Michael Chamberlain from UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, and Bret Collier from<a href="https://www.lsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Louisiana State University</a>, bring to light a fascinating dimension of the hunting dynamic.



Their study, recently published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, is a wake-up call to refine the hunter-prey dance in a way that ensures a steady supply of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-often-undervalue-the-most-meaningful-experiences-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thanksgiving</a>'s mainstay for future holiday feasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practices-to-reduce-hunting-pressure">Practices to reduce hunting pressure</h2>



To mitigate the unintended consequences of behavioral adaptation in turkeys, wildlife management and conservation strategies must also change.



One potential approach includes implementing rotational hunting areas to reduce hunting pressure in specific regions. This method could give turkey populations the chance to recover and exhibit a natural range of behaviors without ongoing disturbance.



Additionally, better education for hunters on ethical practices and sustainable hunting can foster an equilibrium between hunting traditions and the long-term survival of wild turkeys. 



By understanding the delicate interplay between pressure and adaptation, conservationists and hunters can work together to ensure both the preservation of the species and the continuation of cherished holiday traditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-on-wildlife">Human impacts on wildlife</h2>



The findings from this study extend beyond turkeys and hunters, offering valuable insights into broader patterns of human-wildlife interaction. Humans affect wildlife populations not only through hunting but also through urbanization, agriculture, and recreational activities. 



Behavioral shifts, such as avoiding high-risk areas or becoming nocturnal, are a common survival tactic among various species. 



However, these shifts may alter ecosystems in unpredictable ways, influencing species interactions, predator-prey dynamics, and habitat use. 



By studying these patterns, researchers can develop strategies that promote coexistence and maintain biodiversity while allowing for sustainable human activities in shared environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-turkey-hunting">The future of turkey hunting</h2>



The research on wild turkey illustrates the balance needed to harmonize human and natural worlds.



The future of turkey hunting might be headed toward an interesting crossroad. It's a tale of survival, adaptation, and the ever-evolving game of hide and seek between humans and turkeys.



As hunters, and turkey fans at large, it's time for us to help protect our feathered friends or risk seeing a turkey-less Thanksgiving table. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240788" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Wild turkeys are becoming hard to find as they learn to outsmart hunters

There's a lot more to turkeys than stuffing, cranberry sauce,...

Have you ever wondered if crabs and lobsters felt pain or fear as they were being boiled alive before making it onto your dinner plate? 



Recent studies suggest that these creatures experience discomfort in ways we hadn't fully understood before.



Dr. Lynne Sneddon, a zoophysiologist at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>, believes it's time we reconsider how we treat these animals. 



"We need to find less painful ways to kill shellfish if we are to continue eating them. Because now we have scientific evidence that they both experience and react to pain," she says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-crustaceans-the-basics">Understanding crustaceans -- the basics</h2>



Crustaceans have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-coloration-in-crayfish-does-not-serve-an-evolutionary-purpose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roaming the Earth</a> for an impressive span of over 500 million years. 



They first appeared during the Cambrian period, a time known for the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grand-canyon-fossils-reveal-secrets-of-the-cambrian-explosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Explosion</a>" when many major animal groups emerged. 



Early crustaceans already showcased the key features we recognize today, such as their hard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shellfish-consumed-by-humans-are-ironically-more-resistant-to-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoskeletons</a>, segmented bodies, and jointed limbs. 



This long evolutionary history has allowed them to diversify into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-melita-panda-the-black-and-white-crustacean-shrimp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thousands of species</a>, adapting to a wide range of environments from the deepest parts of the oceans to freshwater rivers and even some terrestrial areas.



Crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, are more than just seafood delicacies. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-crabs-and-lobsters-have-emotions-and-feelings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These fascinating creatures</a> boast a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, providing them with protection and support. 



With ten legs -- often featuring claws or pincers -- they navigate their environments with ease. 



Their bodies are segmented into the head, thorax, and abdomen, and they have specialized appendages for swimming, walking, or digging.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-deep-sea-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-bahamas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptable animals</a> can be found almost everywhere: from the deepest ocean trenches to freshwater rivers and even damp terrestrial spots. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crabs-pain-and-perception">Crabs, pain, and perception</h2>



Until now, the idea that crustaceans feel pain was mostly based on observational studies. 



Researchers noticed that when crabs and lobsters were exposed to potentially harmful stimuli -- like electric shocks or acids -- they would touch the affected area or try to avoid the danger in subsequent encounters. 



This behavior led many to believe they might be experiencing pain.



But the team at the University of Gothenburg took it a step further. PhD student Eleftherios Kasiouras led a study where they measured the activity in a shore crab's brain using EEG-style recordings. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/crabs_feel-pain_electrodes_shore-crab_Eleftherios-Kasiouras_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/crabs_feel-pain_electrodes_shore-crab_Eleftherios-Kasiouras_1s.webp" alt="Electrodes measuring brain activity were attached to a shore crab, which was then subjected to mechanical and chemical stimuli. Credit: Eleftherios Kasiouras" class="wp-image-1951623"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Electrodes measuring brain activity were attached to a shore crab, which was then subjected to mechanical and chemical stimuli. Credit: Eleftherios Kasiouras</figcaption></figure>



"We could see that the crab has some kind of pain receptors in its soft tissues, because we recorded an increase in brain activity when we applied a potentially painful chemical, a form of vinegar, to the crab's soft tissues. The same happened when we applied external pressure to several of the crab's body parts," he explains.



These findings suggest that shore crabs have a pain signaling system that sends messages to their brains when they experience harmful stimuli. 



Interestingly, the pain response was shorter and more intense with physical stress, while chemical stress produced a longer-lasting effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-crabs-feel-pain-what-about-lobsters">If crabs feel pain, what about lobsters?</h2>



Given that many crustaceans share similar structures and nervous systems, these results could extend beyond shore crabs. 



"It is a given that all animals need some kind of pain system to cope by avoiding danger. I don't think we need to test all species of crustaceans, as they have a similar structure and therefore similar nervous systems," Kasiouras explains.



"We can assume that shrimps, crayfish, and lobsters can also send external signals about painful stimuli to their brain which will process this information."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-crustaceans">Importance of crustaceans</h2>



Crustaceans play <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-billions-of-crabs-vanish-from-the-bering-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital roles in their ecosystems</a>. Acting as both predators and prey, they help maintain the balance of marine and freshwater food webs.



For humans, they are a significant food source, contributing to economies worldwide. They're also valuable in scientific research, aiding studies on regeneration, development, and environmental health.



However, challenges like overfishing and habitat destruction <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crabs-are-losing-their-sense-of-smell-and-vanishing-due-to-ocean-acidification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threaten their populations</a>. This raises concerns about sustainability and the need for better practices to ensure these creatures thrive for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconsidering-how-we-handle-seafood">Reconsidering how we handle seafood</h2>



Currently, shellfish like prawns, lobsters, crabs, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-crayfish-atlas-offers-new-tools-for-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crayfish aren't covered</a> by animal welfare legislation in the European Union. 



This means practices that might cause them pain are still legally acceptable. But with new evidence pointing to their ability to feel pain, there's a growing call to change how we treat these animals.



Dr. Sneddon emphasizes the need for change: "We need more research to find less painful ways to kill shellfish." 



If we continue to consume these creatures, it's crucial to ensure we're not causing unnecessary suffering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-is-awful-but-what-can-we-do">This is awful, but what can we do?</h2>



The first step is acknowledging that these animals might experience pain similarly to how we do. 



With that understanding, industries and regulators can work towards implementing more humane methods of handling and killing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberry-claws-the-hermit-crab-that-sings-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustaceans</a>. 



This could involve developing new technologies or techniques that minimize pain or distress.



Consumers also play a role. By supporting businesses that prioritize humane practices and advocating for better regulations, we can encourage a shift towards more ethical treatment of these animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crabs-pain-and-human-compassion">Crabs, pain, and human compassion</h2>



As we learn more about the creatures we share our planet with, it's essential to adapt our behaviors accordingly. 



Knowing that crabs, lobsters, and other crustaceans can feel pain changes the game on how we should treat them, especially when it comes to cooking and handling. 



It's not just about following laws or guidelines -- it's about being mindful and compassionate in our everyday choices, treating sentient creatures with respect. 



By supporting humane practices and staying informed, we can help ensure that all crustaceans are treated with the respect they've earned by inhabiting our planet for over 500 million years.



As we move forward, both industries and individuals have a part to play. After all, how we treat the smallest of creatures often reflects our values as a society.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/13/11/851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology</a>.



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Immediate ban on boiling crabs and lobsters called for after disturbing study

Have you ever wondered if crabs and lobsters felt pain...

When you think of gaming and Virtual Reality worlds, you probably picture people with VR headsets dodging virtual bullets or exploring fantastical landscapes, not animals hooked to electrodes.



But now, this technology is being used for something completely different -- studying the behavior of small creatures, like hoverflies and crabs, when they're exposed to "fake" or "augmented" worlds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-flight">Dynamics of flight</h2>



This novel approach emerged from a desire to comprehend the aerodynamics of flying insects, along with other enigmatic animal behaviors.



A study led by Flinders University introduces us to a whole new way of observing how invertebrates react to, communicate with, and traverse through the virtual "worlds" that today's avant-garde entertainment technology can create.



This exploration could provide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-tool-superanimal-can-accurately-analyze-animal-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invaluable insights</a> that offer a push forward in the realm of new technologies, like aviation and precision devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-virtual-reality-tech-for-animals">Developing virtual reality tech for animals</h2>



The development of this unique software was a collaborative effort by several experts at <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> in Western Australia, in collaboration with researchers from Germany.



Among the key contributors are Professor Karin Nordström, who leads the Hoverfly Motion Vision Lab, and her co-researchers including Dr. Yuri Ogawa, Dr. Richard Leibbrandt, and Raymond Aoukar.



Their combined expertise and dedication have made it possible to open up this specially designed software platform to researchers worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-animals-in-a-virtual-world">Observing animals in a virtual world</h2>



Dr. Ogawa, a research fellow in Neuroscience at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, explained how their team developed computer programs to create an immersive VR experience for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-and-possibly-even-insects-have-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a>.



"Using machine learning and computer vision algorithms, we could observe the animals and decode their actions, from a hoverfly attempting to make a left turn during flight to a fiddler crab dodging a virtual bird," said Dr. Ogawa.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/virtual-reality_CAVE-system_animal-testing_illustration_Flinders-U_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/virtual-reality_CAVE-system_animal-testing_illustration_Flinders-U_1s.webp" alt="Trackball set-up. The crabs were placed on an air cushioned treadmill. Stimuli consisted of a virtual crab below the horizon (dark grey) and virtual bird above the horizon (pale grey) which were presented on either of the four adjacent stimulus monitors surrounding the treadmill. The experimental crab was held in place by a rod attached to its carapace that allowed it to slide up and down and rotate freely around the center of the ball, but not move away. Credit: Flinders University" class="wp-image-1951730"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Trackball set-up. The crabs were placed on an air cushioned treadmill. Stimuli consisted of a virtual crab below the horizon (dark grey) and virtual bird above the horizon (pale grey) which were presented on either of the four adjacent stimulus monitors surrounding the treadmill. The experimental crab was held in place by a rod attached to its carapace that allowed it to slide up and down and rotate freely around the center of the ball, but not move away. Credit: Flinders University</figcaption></figure>



But that's not all - the software also modifies the digital landscape to sync with the animals' movements. 



The machine learning technologies used in this experiment are already disrupting various industries, from agriculture to medicine, architecture, and transportation, as noted by Dr. Leibbrandt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-playground-for-invertebrates">New playground for invertebrates</h2>



The emergence of virtual reality for invertebrates has started unveiling novel methods for studying animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-is-contagious-and-this-applies-to-animals-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a> more intimately than ever before.



Raymond Aoukar, a computer science graduate from Flinders University, emphasized the significance of this project.



"The past two decades have witnessed rapid progress in gaming, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and high-speed computation using specific computer hardware in graphics cards," said Aoukar.



"Today, these technologies are mature and accessible enough to operate on consumer computer devices. This accessibility offers the opportunity to look at animal behavior in an environment that's systematically controlled but more natural than a typical lab experiment."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-gaps-between-disciplines">Bridging gaps between disciplines</h2>



The intersection of technology and biology in studying animal behavior is an exemplary case of interdisciplinary collaboration. 



By bringing together expertise from areas such as computer science, neuroscience, and biology, researchers can leverage technological advancements to deepen our understanding of biological processes. 



This collaboration fosters innovation and ensures a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving.



The project's success highlights the importance of bridging gaps between distinct fields, leading to brand new insights and applications that have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate study of invertebrate behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virtual-reality-for-future-animal-research">Virtual reality for future animal research</h2>



The implications of utilizing virtual reality to study animal behavior are vast and promising. 



This state-of-the-art approach promises to shift paradigms in ecological and biological research by enabling scientists to simulate complex environments and observe real-time interactions in a controlled manner.



Future research could expand the application of these technologies to more animal species, potentially revolutionizing how we study and interact with wildlife. 



Moreover, this innovative intersection has the potential to influence other technological advancements, setting a precedent for future endeavors that merge the realms of technology with nature to solve intricate mysteries of the natural world. 



Such advancements are poised to contribute to more sustainable technological and ecological systems, thus enhancing our understanding and preservation of biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virtual-reality-to-identify-animal-behavior">Virtual reality to identify animal behavior</h2>



Apart from simply observing and quantifying behavior through virtual reality, the new approach allows the identification of visual triggers for certain behaviors in animals.



Other research groups have already started showing interest in using this revolutionary platform. The researchers look forward to employing VR to dig deeper into the decision-making processes of insects.



To simplify experimental design and data storage, the team developed a user-friendly Unity Editor interface that doesn't require coding. 



The CAVE, an open-source project from the <a href="https://hoverflyvision.weebly.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoverfly Motion Vision Lab</a>, streamlines the process of setting up a Tethered Flight Arena.



This new virtual playground for insects and other small creatures may have started as a fun experiment, but its implications and potentials are nothing short of fascinating. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.14449" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Methods in Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Animals were wired and placed in Virtual Reality worlds just to see what would happen

When you think of gaming and Virtual Reality worlds, you...

Two hundred and thirty million years ago, in what is now Wyoming, dramatic seasonal changes dominated the climate. Torrential monsoons drenched the region for months, followed by extreme dry spells. Such harsh conditions posed significant challenges for amphibians, which rely on moist environments for survival. 



However, a group of salamander-like creatures developed a unique adaptation to endure these extremes, as evidenced by their unusual fossils discovered recently.



A recent study describes a new species of fossil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-40-of-amphibians-face-extinction-due-to-escalating-climate-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibian</a> preserved in torpedo-shaped burrows. These ancient creatures apparently used these burrows to wait out the dry seasons, showcasing an early form of estivation - a state of dormancy similar to hibernation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-survival-strategies-of-amphibians-nbsp">Seasonal survival strategies of amphibians&nbsp;</h2>



Lead author Cal So, an incoming postdoctoral scientist at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum in Chicago</a>, explains that Wyoming during the Triassic period experienced some of the most drastic seasonal effects due to the mega-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-land-conditions-affect-the-asian-monsoon-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monsoon</a> impacting the supercontinent Pangea.



“How did these animals stay moist and prevent themselves from drying out during the hot and dry season that lasted several months?” So asked. “We find these fossils inside these cylindrical structures up to 12 inches long, which we’ve interpreted as burrows."



The discovery traces back to 2014 when David Lovelace, a research scientist at the <a href="https://museum.geoscience.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin Geology Museum</a>, was searching for fossils in a rock layer he named the Serendipity Beds. 



Lovelace noticed cylindrical structures resembling infilled burrows and collected several for analysis. Upon examining one of the preserved burrows in the lab, he found a tiny, toothy skull.



“I saw sharp, pointy teeth, and my first thought was that it was a baby crocodile,” Lovelace recalled. “But when we put it all together and prepared it, we realized it was some sort of amphibian.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-reveal-a-new-amphibian-species">Fossils reveal a new amphibian species</h2>



Collaborating with Jason Pardo, a postdoctoral researcher at the Field Museum specializing in fossil amphibians, the team conducted high-resolution CT scans of the burrows, revealing more skeletal remains.&nbsp;



Recognizing the significance of their find, the researchers continued excavations and ultimately collected around 80 fossil burrows, most containing skulls and bones.



The partial remains suggest that these amphibians were about a foot long with tiny, underdeveloped arms. Their skulls had a scoop-like shape, indicating they likely used their heads to dig burrows into the muddy riverbeds during dry seasons.



“They spent the dry season underground, in a state somewhat similar to hibernation, until the monsoon returned a few months later,” So explained.&nbsp;



Unfortunately, some of these creatures never emerged, possibly due to changes in river paths that left their burrows dry, leading to their demise.



The amphibians have been given a Shoshone name: Ninumbeehan dookoodukah, meaning “Little People’s flesh eater.” This name honors the Eastern Shoshone people and references the creature's sharp teeth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eastern-shoshone-community-engagement">Eastern Shoshone community engagement </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> were discovered on lands stewarded by the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bureau of Land Management</a>, within the ancestral territories of the Eastern Shoshone people. The research team established an ongoing collaborative relationship with the local community.



“Our interest is in education, so we met with the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Eastern Shoshone, and he connected us with the schools,” Lovelace said.&nbsp;



Middle school students from Fort Washakie School, along with their teachers and elders, joined the researchers in the field. The elders shared their knowledge of the land, while the students assisted in finding burrows and bones.



Amanda LeClair-Diaz, Office of Indian Education Coordinator and a co-author of the paper, highlighted the importance of this collaboration.



“This process of scientists, community members, educators, middle school students, and Eastern Shoshone elders coming together to learn about these fossils and choosing a Shoshone name for the fossil, Ninumbeehan dookoodukah, solidifies the intergenerational connection we as Shoshone people have to our homeland and the beings that exist within this environment,” said LeClair-Diaz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-amphibian-survival">Insights into amphibian survival</h2>



The discovery of Ninumbeehan dookoodukah offers valuable insights into life during the Triassic period. Small amphibians from this era are rare in the fossil record, making this find particularly significant.



“We find some big ones, but these small ones are really quite challenging to find,” Pardo said. The survival strategy of these amphibians - burrowing to escape extreme weather - mirrors behaviors seen in some modern species.



Understanding how ancient creatures adapted to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-shift-sheds-light-on-future-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> extremes can inform current studies on how modern amphibians might cope with the changing climate.&nbsp;



“The way that Ninumbeehan could slow down its metabolism to wait out the dry weather indicates that some lineages of modern amphibians that have similar seasonal behavior might allow for greater survivorship than some of the models suggest,” Pardo said. “It’s a little glimmer of hope.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-to-the-past-in-hope-for-the-future">Looking to the past in hope for the future</h2>



The research not only uncovers a new species but also strengthens the connection between science and indigenous knowledge. 



By integrating paleontology with community collaboration, the study enriches our understanding of Earth's history and fosters appreciation for the intricate relationships between ancient creatures and their environments.



As climate change poses new challenges, the resilience strategies of Ninumbeehan dookoodukah may inspire hope and guide conservation efforts for present-day amphibians facing similar environmental pressures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.1041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>.



Image Credit: Copyright: Gabriel N. Ugueto



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Amphibian fossils found in burrows reveal ancient survival strategies 

Two hundred and thirty million years ago, in what is...

Ever wondered how social stress affects our brains? Well, scientists are now diving deep, using the aquatic social dynamics of cichlid fish to peer into the murky waters of mental health. 



The latest findings suggest that social dynamics can significantly influence oxidative stress in the brain. But what exactly is oxidative stress, and what's the interplay with social stress? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-stress-and-the-brain">Social stress and the brain</h2>



Social stress isn't good for the grey matter in the brain. It's believed to contribute to a build-up of oxidative stress in the brain.



This, in turn, has been linked to mental health and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the specific mechanisms that transform social stress into oxidative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, and how social status factors in, remain hazy.



Dr. Peter Dijkstra and his team at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=Central+Michigan+University&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Central Michigan University</a> chose to investigate these questions in an unexpected setting - a fish tank filled with cichlids, a type of highly social fish with a hierarchical group structure. 



The findings? Social stress can magnify oxidative stress in the brains of low-status fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-rank-high-stress">Low rank, high stress</h2>



“We found that low rank was generally linked to higher levels of oxidative stress in the brain,” said Dijkstra. 



“The patterns of oxidative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-is-contagious-and-this-applies-to-animals-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> in the brain are likely influenced by social experience modulating cellular processes in the brain.”



Male cichlids live within a rigid, eye-catching social hierarchy. Dominant males are larger, more aggressive, and flashier than their subordinate counterparts, thanks to higher levels of androgen hormones. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-in-social-fish">Stress in social fish </h2>



Dominant males have territories to protect and females to woo. What's more, hormones like androgens are known to increase due to social stress and correlate with changes in levels of oxidative stress across various organs.



The researchers then wondered how social stress impacts oxidative stress levels, given that the cichlids' stressful social life was closely tied to their androgen levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-social-stress-levels-in-fish">Monitoring social stress levels in fish </h2>



The researchers set the stage for cichlids to interact freely in large tanks. They then recorded the cichlids' behavior and soon found a stable hierarchy emerging between the fish.



They collected blood samples and examined the brains of the male fish, measuring markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in each brain division.



The researchers found that low-status fish evidenced higher levels of oxidative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-learn-resilience-from-stressful-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> and lower antioxidant capacity than their high-ranking counterparts. Even though the alpha males showed higher oxidative stress levels in their blood, their brains seemed somehow better shielded.



Surprisingly, signs of reproductive activity associated with high status in these fish were linked to higher antioxidant levels and lower oxidative stress in the brain. This could be connected to their higher androgen levels, which can be neuroprotective in certain situations.



However, the researchers warn that the effects of status on oxidative stress are far from simple. When they looked at markers of oxidative DNA damage and antioxidant capacity in various brain divisions, they found that different markers reacted differently to the fish's social status.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-stress-and-modern-society">Social stress and modern society</h2>



Dr. Dijkstra highlights the relevance of their study for understanding how stress in our modern human societies can influence essential physiological functions. 



“We compare ourselves to others continuously, and these problems are especially compounded by social media. But I would be hesitant to directly relate our findings to human societies,” he states.



He suggests that far more research is needed before making any connections between the findings of the cichlid study and the effect of stress on human societies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



The scientists caution that further targeted studies are necessary to comprehend the impact of the interplay between social stress and oxidative stress on specific brain regions. 



“I think we just uncovered some interesting patterns across different divisions of the brain,” said Dijkstra. “The next step is to understand the regulation of oxidative stress better and how social stress influences this. This requires more rigorous experimental studies.“



Our understanding of how social stress influences our brains is currently woefully inadequate, so every study like this helps us navigate the unknown a bit better.



So, whether you're a dominant alpha or feeling a tad subordinate, remember that we're all swimming in the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-significantly-lowers-heart-disease-risk-by-reducing-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stressful</a> societal waters. The point is to keep swimming and discover how we can navigate these currents better.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1477984/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience</a>.



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Social stress harms the brains of low-status fish

Ever wondered how social stress affects our brains? Well, scientists...

If you were to rewind the clock to the 1980s and tune your ear to the deep-sea waters off the coast of New Zealand, a peculiar sound might have caught your attention. 



This sound, reminiscent of a "quack," echoed through the South Fiji Basin's underwater soundscape in July 1982, presenting a unique mystery for researchers investigating marine acoustics at the time.



This strange, quack-like sound quickly became a topic of widespread interest, and its continuous repetition earned it the nickname "Bio-Duck."



Initially recorded during an experiment designed to characterize the marine audio environment of the region, the sound's repetitive and patterned nature left researchers astonished and intrigued at the possibility that it was biological in origin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-source-of-the-quack-still-unknown">The source of the quack still unknown</h2>



One of the pivotal contributors to this research was Ross Chapman who, at the time, was associated with the <a href="https://www.uvic.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Victoria</a>. He reflects about how the sound generated heated discussions among scientists who were perplexed about its source.



"The sound was so repeatable, we couldn't believe at first that it was biological. But in talking to other colleagues in Australia about the data, we discovered that a similar sound was heard quite often in other regions around New Zealand and Australia."



The mysterious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baleen-whales-cannot-escape-human-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater communications</a> became a major point of discussion at the 187th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in November, 2024, where Chapman and his team presented their findings. They have yet to identify the makers of these enigmatic sounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unchartered-territory-of-ocean-noise-exploration">Unchartered territory of ocean noise exploration</h2>



Chapman’s journey into deciphering the mystery began in 1986 with the analysis of the data from the experiment. 



"We discovered that the data contained a gold mine of new information about many kinds of sound in the ocean, including sounds from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-mammals-in-the-us-are-highly-vulnerable-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine mammals</a>," he recalled. 



The field of marine acoustics was in its fledgling stages in the '80s, and every day was an opportunity for a new discovery. 



Despite the thrill and excitement, the source of the Bio-Duck sounds remained an enigma, with some theories suggesting that the sounds could be originating from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whales-may-have-ultrasonic-hearing-as-a-form-of-defense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic minke whales</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-in-a-deep-sea-dialogue">Engaging in a deep-sea dialogue</h2>



Chapman, however, had a different hypothesis. He believed these sounds were something more than just random noises - they could be a conversation. 



This hypothesis was supported by the pattern of the sounds recorded by an acoustic antenna, an array of hydrophones towed behind a ship. 



The acoustic array's unique design allowed the researchers to identify the direction the sounds were originating from and revealed that they came from different directions all around the ship.



"The most amazing thing was that when one speaker was talking, the others were quiet, as though they were listening. Then the first speaker would stop talking and listen to responses from others," Chapman noted.



This observation hinted at an organized communication pattern among the unseen marine speakers. He likened this to a conversation where one individual speaks while the others wait to respond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-story-unfolds-in-the-deep-sea">A story unfolds in the deep sea</h2>



"Maybe they were talking about dinner, maybe it was parents talking to children, or maybe they were simply commenting on that crazy ship that kept going back and forth towing that long string behind it," said Chapman.



While the mystery of the Bio-Duck is yet to be conclusively solved, the intriguing possibility of a deep-sea dialogue continues to fascinate us. 



It offers a reminder that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monitoring-ocean-life-through-underwater-soundscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater</a> universe is rich with life and communication, and humbles us with the realization that there is so much more left for us to understand about the world beneath the waves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-the-bio-duck-mystery">The legacy of the Bio-Duck mystery</h2>



The quack-like sounds of the Bio-Duck are not just a relic of past research; they’ve become a cornerstone for understanding the complexity of deep-sea ecosystems. 



These sounds have inspired decades of study into marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/language-like-patterns-decoded-in-sperm-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal communication</a>, particularly among whales and other cetaceans. 



Today, advancements in acoustic technology allow scientists to revisit these historical recordings with modern tools, uncovering new layers of information that were previously inaccessible.



In recent years, the Bio-Duck has been referenced in studies seeking to map marine animal behaviors and migration patterns. 



These efforts emphasize the importance of long-term data collection, proving that even recordings from the 1980s can yield fresh insights when paired with today’s computational power.



The continued analysis of sounds like the Bio-Duck serves as a reminder of the mysteries still hidden in the deep sea. 



They highlight the need for sustainable marine exploration to protect these habitats and preserve the uncharted conversations of the underwater world.



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Unknown origin: 'Quack-like' sounds heard in the deep ocean remain a mystery

If you were to rewind the clock to the 1980s...

If you're a crayfish, location can make all the difference. In North America, these small crustaceans are facing tough times due to habitat destruction, damming, and pollution, leading many species to require urgent help.&nbsp;



Conversely, some of these same species, when introduced to Europe, have found the environment so favorable that they've become invasive, outcompeting local crayfish and spreading diseases that push native species toward extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searchable-atlas-the-world-of-crayfish">Searchable atlas: The World of Crayfish </h2>



Previously, researchers and conservation planners had to sift through multiple data sources to determine where specific crayfish species had been documented.&nbsp;



Now, a new mapping project led by the <a href="https://www.uvt.ro/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West University of Timișoara, Romania</a> (WUT) and the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> has compiled information on 427 crayfish taxa and over 100,000 observation records into the first searchable global atlas, named the World of Crayfish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance-of-crayfish">Ecological importance of crayfish</h2>



“One of the most basic pieces of information to know about a species is where it lives: its distribution and its range size. But we just don’t have that information for a lot of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-coloration-in-crayfish-does-not-serve-an-evolutionary-purpose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crayfish</a> species,” said Bloomer.&nbsp;



“About a third of crayfish are thought to be threatened or endangered, but for another 20-ish percent, we don't have the data available to even assess what their conservation status should be.”



Bloomer acknowledges that most people outside her field may not notice or appreciate crayfish, but she emphasizes their importance. 



Crayfish are considered “keystone species” in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-freshwater-fish-species-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater ecosystems</a>, playing significant roles as food sources for other animals and as ecosystem engineers. They create burrows that provide habitats for many species in semi-terrestrial environments. Unfortunately, their impact as invaders is equally significant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-unified-action">Urgent need for unified action</h2>



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Invasive species</a> are one of the gravest challenges to biodiversity in Europe, with profound ecological, economic, and societal consequences," said atlas co-creator Mihaela Ion, researcher at the <a href="https://www.ibiol.ro/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy</a>.



"They disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native species, and impose significant costs on sectors like agriculture and fisheries. In some cases, they even threaten public health. A unified, science-driven approach is essential to mitigate their impact.”



These ecological changes occur locally but require global collaboration for effective conservation and invasion mitigation. That's why Ion, Bloomer, and their collaborators believe the new global crayfish atlas will make a significant difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-the-crayfish-atlas">Building the crayfish atlas</h2>



“We're looking at climate change, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a>, and international spread of invasive species and disease,” Bloomer said. “These global issues require global collaborations to move forward and make an impact.”



“The World of Crayfish™ (WoC) platform is designed to become a transformative tool in biodiversity research and management,” added Lucian Pârvulescu, a professor at WUT and project coordinator for the atlas.&nbsp;



“It serves as a foundation for integrating expert-validated datasets and applying advanced analysis techniques to address pressing ecological challenges like invasive species management." 



'WoC exemplifies the future of biodiversity data infrastructure - accessible, integrative, and purpose-driven. By focusing on freshwater ecosystems, particularly crayfish species, it addresses an urgent need for tools that do more than collect data - they provide solutions.”



Creating the atlas involved extracting GPS coordinates from every modern crayfish occurrence record in scientific literature, as well as museum and agency collections. 



Several thousand records were sourced from the <a href="https://crustacean.inhs.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crustacean Collection of the Illinois Natural History Survey</a>, part of the Prairie Research Institute at Illinois. Atlas co-creator and emeritus curator Christopher Taylor has collected and curated the collection for nearly 30 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-conservation-efforts">Empowering conservation efforts</h2>



The more than 100,000 data points can be visualized on a world map scalable to 20-kilometer hexagons, including an address lookup tool. 



Bloomer notes that this spatial scale is meaningful for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> planning but masks the exact locations where sensitive or imperiled species were found. 



Researchers and resource managers can register for an account on the website to access more detailed location data. Future updates to the atlas aim to enhance its capabilities.



“Through collaboration with international experts and leveraging scientific advancements, WoC aims to combine ecological data with geospatial and predictive tools. These tools will support tailored analyses, such as mapping invasive species dynamics, evaluating habitat suitability, and predicting population trends,” Pârvulescu said. 



“The platform’s strength lies in its ability to merge diverse data streams into a cohesive system that generates actionable insights.”



Ultimately, the team hopes the atlas will empower researchers, policymakers, and agencies to develop conservation assessments and policies to protect these important animals with precision and urgency. Bloomer also hopes the atlas will inspire public interest in crayfish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-awareness-and-appreciation-for-crayfish">Raising awareness and appreciation for crayfish</h2>



“The unfortunate reality in conservation biology is that a lot of the species that get attention and funding are charismatic megafauna that people see on TV or in zoos," said Bloomer.



"This website gives the public better access to information on what lives near them, and could get them more interested in their local landscape. Hopefully, they’ll see that crayfish are just as cool as lions and rhinos."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18229" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



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Global crayfish atlas offers new tools for conservation 

If you're a crayfish, location can make all the difference....

Filter feeders are widespread across the animal kingdom, from krill and coral to baleen whales and basking sharks.&nbsp;



Now, researchers at <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> have uncovered a unique filter-feeding mechanism in mobula <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-rays-were-more-diverse-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rays</a> - a group that includes manta and devil rays - that could inspire breakthroughs in industrial water filtration.



The study reveals how the mobula ray’s adaptations balance feeding efficiency with breathing. The findings offer insights into optimizing industrial cross-flow filters, crucial in water treatment and other industries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-manta-ray-s-ingenious-filter-design">The manta ray’s ingenious filter design</h2>



Mobula rays feed by swimming open-mouthed through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plankton</a>-rich waters, directing water into their mouths and out through their gills. Parallel, comb-like plates line the floor of their mouths, directing water flow while filtering out plankton particles.



The MIT researchers found that these plates are specifically sized to ensure that plankton particles bounce across the plates into the ray’s cavity rather than escaping through its gills. Simultaneously, the outflowing water allows the ray to breathe by oxygenating its gills.



“We show that the mobula ray has evolved the geometry of these plates to be the perfect size to balance feeding and breathing,” said senior author Anette “Peko” Hosoi, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-nature-a-new-approach-to-water-filters">Learning from nature: A new approach to water filters</h2>



Inspired by the mobula ray, the researchers designed a simple water filter that mimics the ray’s feeding features. They tested the filter with 3D-printed plates modeled after the ray’s structures and found it could provide a blueprint for improving industrial cross-flow filters.



Cross-flow filters are used in water treatment plants and other industries to separate particles from fluids. These filters work by allowing fluid to flow across a permeable membrane, with clean fluid passing through while particles are carried away into waste reservoirs.



“We want to expand the design space of traditional crossflow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">filtration</a> with new knowledge from the manta ray,” explained lead author Xinyu Mao, an MIT postdoc.



By examining the ray’s filtration mechanism, the team identified new parameters for optimizing filter performance, particularly regarding the trade-off between permeability and selectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manta-ray-inspiration-for-water-filters">Manta ray inspiration for water filters</h2>



Industrial filters often face a balancing act: filters with larger pores are highly permeable, allowing fluid to flow through easily but letting small particles escape. Filters with smaller pores, on the other hand, are more selective but require more energy to push fluid through.



The mobula ray’s feeding system offers a natural solution to this dilemma. The ray allows water to flow freely enough to breathe while retaining the plankton particles it feeds on.



“We asked ourselves, how do we do better with this trade-off between permeability and selectivity?” Hosoi said.



By studying the ray’s adaptations, the researchers discovered that vortices - tiny swirling flows of water - play a critical role in its feeding efficiency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-key-to-efficient-filtering">The key to efficient filtering</h2>



The team’s experiments showed that when water flows through the ray-inspired filter, it creates small vortices at the grooves of the plates. These vortices trap particles while allowing water to flow through unimpeded.



“This vortex is not blocking water, but it is blocking particles,” Hosoi explained. “At higher flow rates, particles try to get through the filter but are blocked by this vortex and are shot down the channel instead.”



The vortices even capture particles smaller than the spacing between the plates, forcing them to bounce across the plates into the ray’s cavity. This mechanism prevents particles from escaping while maintaining high water flow, a feature industrial filters could replicate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research</h2>



Using the mobula ray as a model, the researchers developed guidelines for designing cross-flow filters. Their blueprint specifies how factors like pore size, spacing, and flow rate can be adjusted to create vortices for optimal filtration.



“You want to design a filter such that you’re in the regime where you generate vortices,” Hosoi said. “Our guidelines tell you: If you want your plant to pump at a certain rate, then your filter has to have a particular pore diameter and spacing to generate vortices that will filter out particles of this size.”



The findings are particularly relevant to industries like water treatment, where filters must balance efficiency and sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-nature-and-technology">Bridging nature and technology</h2>



During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team initially focused on designing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-masks-may-expose-users-to-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">face masks</a> capable of filtering viruses. This work eventually shifted to studying natural filtration systems, leading them to the mobula ray.



The ray’s evolved mechanism provides a clear example of how nature can solve engineering challenges. By mimicking this system, industries can create more efficient filters that require less energy while maintaining high selectivity.



“The mobula ray is giving us a really nice rule of thumb for rational design,” Hosoi noted.



The study highlights the potential of biomimicry, where insights from the natural world inspire innovative technological solutions. With the mobula ray as a guide, engineers can refine filtration systems to meet modern demands for cleaner, more sustainable processes.



This research not only advances our understanding of filter-feeding animals but also paves the way for practical applications in technology and industry, demonstrating the profound value of learning from nature.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2410018121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Manta rays inspire a new design for water filters

Filter feeders are widespread across the animal kingdom, from krill...

Every living being has a unique way of dealing with adversity. Amid the length and breadth of fauna, bats have always stunned us with their exceptional navigational skills, largely attributable to their acute sense of hearing. But what happens when these creatures lose their most critical sense - can they still find their way in the dark?



New research from The Johns Hopkins University breaks fresh ground in this area, revealing that bats, in fact, do switch to a backup plan when their hearing takes a hit. 



This extraordinary discovery broadens our understanding of the adaptability of the brain in the face of sensory deprivation. But, is this ability exclusive to bats, or could it be lurking in other animals or even us humans?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bats-adapt-to-hearing-loss">How bats adapt to hearing loss</h2>



Picture a scenario where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-have-acoustic-mental-maps-to-navigate-total-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">echolocating bats</a>, who rely heavily on hearing, face a sudden shutdown of a key auditory region in their brain. 



One would anticipate some serious navigational glitches. Not really, as the research team at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins</a> found out.



We've seen animals and humans alike adapt to sensory deprivation. Amid the clamor of a crowded bar, you might lean closer to a friend to hear them better. Your pet might cock its head to catch a faint rustling. 



The question here is - how does an echolocating bat, for whom hearing is a lifeline, cope with such a loss?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-adapt-to-compromised-hearing">Bats adapt to compromised hearing </h2>



To explore this, the researchers designed a unique experiment. The bats were trained to fly down a corridor and through a window to fetch a treat from a platform. 



Next, the same task was repeated, but with a twist. A critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-bats-can-remember-the-past-and-plan-for-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auditory pathway</a> in the bats' midbrain was temporarily blocked, an effect equivalent to most auditory signals from reaching the brain's deep regions.



The results are nothing short of surprising. Despite their compromised hearing, the bats were able to navigate the course quite impressively, right from the first attempt. 



No, they weren't as sleek as before and did bump into things. But what mattered was that every bat adapted instantly.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vjQug3TsGx-4062597-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-flight-and-vocalizations">Changes in flight and vocalizations</h2>



“Bats have this amazing flexible adaptive behavior that they can employ anytime,” said study senior author&nbsp;Cynthia F. Moss, a Johns Hopkins neuroscientist who studies bats.



The bats chose to fly lower, aligned themselves along walls, and made more frequent and lengthier calls. This amplification of echo signals compensated for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bats-navigate-noisy-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation</a>.



“Echolocation acts like strobes, so they were basically taking more snapshots to help them get the missing information,” said study co-author Clarice A. Diebold, a former Johns Hopkins graduate student who is now a postdoctoral student at <a href="https://washu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a> in St. Louis.



Interestingly, these adaptations are usually observed when bats counteract external noise, but in this case, the sound processing deficit was internal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hardwired-adaptation-what-it-means">Hardwired adaptation: What it means</h2>



Despite repeated experiments, the bats' compensation skills didn't refine further, implying these weren't learned behaviors. The adaptations were innate, hardwired into their brain circuits.



The research team was taken aback by the bats' residual hearing, despite a disabled auditory region. Moss theorizes that bats could be leveraging an unidentified auditory pathway or that unaffected neurons could be aiding hearing in ways unknown.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-hearing-role-of-other-senses-of-bats">Beyond hearing: Role of other senses of bats</h2>



This remarkable adaptability raises questions about the role of other senses in bats' navigational prowess. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-bat-appreciation-day-the-crucial-role-of-bats-in-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bats</a> are known to possess highly sensitive tactile receptors on their wings, enabling them to gather environmental information through subtle air currents. 



These tactile cues may offer supplementary, albeit less precise, spatial information when auditory guidance falters. Furthermore, olfactory and visual inputs could contribute to forming a cohesive map of their surroundings, providing a multi-sensory approach to navigation. 



Understanding how bats integrate these various sensory inputs enriches our knowledge of their survival strategies and sheds light on the remarkable plasticity of neural pathways in response to sensory impairments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-human-sensory-rehab">Implications for human sensory rehab</h2>



The findings from this study offer novel insights that could influence approaches in human sensory rehabilitation. 



Drawing parallels between bats' innate adaptation to auditory deficits and human attempts to cope with sensory loss opens avenues for developing more effective prosthetic devices or training protocols. 



Just as bats utilize a combination of residual hearing and other sensory inputs, humans can potentially harness multi-sensory strategies to compensate for deficits, enhancing quality of life. 



The research invites further exploration into the brain's capacity for adaptation and may ultimately lead to groundbreaking advancements in sensory repair and augmentation technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-auditory-processing">Insights into auditory processing </h2>



This study doesn't just highlight how bats navigate through a hearing crisis, but also nudges us to ponder - could this phenomenon hold true for other creatures or even humans?



“You’d think an animal wouldn’t be able to hear at all,” Moss said. “But it suggests that there might be multiple pathways for sound to travel to the auditory cortex.”



Although it's a path less tread, the insights we could gain about auditory processing and adaptive responses in humans could be monumental. It's a thrilling prospect, one that could potentially revolutionize the way we perceive and address sensory deficits in the future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01440-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Can bats still navigate in the dark without their hearing?

Every living being has a unique way of dealing with...

Ethiopian wolves, which are primarily carnivorous, have been observed feeding on the Ethiopian red hot poker flower - an unusual and fascinating behavior.



Furthermore, careful observations have revealed that the wolves are not only feeding on the nectar of these flowers but are also inadvertently playing a pivotal role in the pollination process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollination-by-ethiopian-wolves">Pollination by Ethiopian wolves </h2>



As the wolves feed, their muzzles become generously dusted with pollen, allowing them to transport the pollen from one flower to another as they continue to feed.



This remarkable behavior is possibly the first observed instance of plant-pollinator interaction that involves a large predator.



It’s a rarity to spot a primarily meat-eating predator indulging in nectar; this behavior challenges common perceptions and opens up exciting new avenues for research.



Dr. Sandra Lai is a senior scientist from the University of Oxford and lead author of the study.



"These findings highlight just how much we still have to learn about one of the world's most-threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/assessments-of-large-african-carnivores-urgently-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carnivores</a>. It also demonstrates the complexity of interactions between different species living on the beautiful Roof of Africa. This extremely unique and biodiverse ecosystem remains under threat from habitat loss and fragmentation," noted Dr. Lai.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-source-of-energy">Unusual source of energy</h2>



Professor Claudio Sillero, the director of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP) and a distinguished faculty member from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, was the first person to observe this behavior.



"I first became aware of the nectar of the Ethiopian red hot poker when I saw children of shepherds in the Bale Mountains licking the flowers. In no time, I had a taste of it myself - the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nectar</a> was pleasantly sweet," said Professor Sillero.



"When I later saw the wolves doing the same, I knew they were enjoying themselves, tapping into this unusual source of energy. I am chuffed that we have now reported this behaviour as being commonplace among Ethiopian wolves and explored its ecological significance."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethiopian-wolves-guardians-of-the-highlands">Ethiopian wolves: Guardians of the highlands</h2>



Ethiopia's&nbsp;endangered&nbsp;wolf,&nbsp;or&nbsp;"Roof of Africa's fox," is one of the world's most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered</a> carnivores.



The species is&nbsp;only&nbsp;found on&nbsp;Ethiopia's&nbsp;high-altitude grasslands&nbsp;where it is an&nbsp;essential part of this fragile Afroalpine ecosystem.



With fewer than 500 individuals left in the wild, their survival speaks to the challenges and beauty of this unique landscape.



Ethiopian&nbsp;wolves live&nbsp;in&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;99 packs&nbsp;that&nbsp;are&nbsp;to be found in six isolated, highland regions. They are entirely dependent&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;environment&nbsp;in which they&nbsp;live. The threats&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hippopotamus-population-hit-hard-by-habitat-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat&nbsp;destruction</a>&nbsp;and human activity&nbsp;are perpetual pressures on the remaining individuals.



Even though&nbsp;their&nbsp;count is&nbsp;low, these wolves play an&nbsp;important&nbsp;role in&nbsp;being&nbsp;the top predator of the ecosystem and controlling&nbsp;rodent&nbsp;populations,&nbsp;which form the majority of their prey.



These&nbsp;are&nbsp;no&nbsp;ordinary&nbsp;wolves;&nbsp;they are guardians of a habitat that is&nbsp;home&nbsp;to&nbsp;countless species, including many other plants and pollinators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethiopian-wolf-conservation-program">Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program</h2>



Initiated in 1995, the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP) has made sustained efforts to protect these unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-may-not-be-heroes-but-theyre-not-villains-either/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wolves</a> and their precious habitat from extinction and threats.



It is a collaborative initiative between the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford, the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), and Dinkenesh Ethiopia. 



This iniative holds the distinction of being the longest-running conservation program in Ethiopia, and has worked relentlessly to safeguard the future of natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and the people who co-habit these highlands.



Being witness to such remarkable behavior from these wolves reinforces the importance of our conservation efforts and renews our commitment to preserving these magnificent creatures and their habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wolves-and-flowers-a-symbiotic-connection">Wolves and flowers: A symbiotic connection</h2>



The unexpected interaction between Ethiopian wolves and the Ethiopian red hot poker flower highlights the intricate relationships that can exist between species in delicate ecosystems.



While the wolves gain a supplementary energy source through the flower’s nectar, the plants benefit from a reliable pollinator that helps ensure their successful reproduction.



This symbiotic relationship demonstrates how even apex predators can contribute to the health of their environment in surprising ways.



Such interactions also emphasize the interconnectedness of life in the Ethiopian highlands where every species, from the smallest plant to the largest predator, plays a vital role in sustaining the ecosystem.



Recognizing and studying these complex dynamics could open doors to more innovative and inclusive conservation strategies that prioritize not just individual species but the broader web of life in ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4470" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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First wolf species discovered that eats fruit and pollinates flowers

Ethiopian wolves, which are primarily carnivorous, have been observed feeding...

Once purely the stuff of science fiction, we are steadily realizing that our primate cousins, the chimpanzees, have been quietly upgrading their technology tools. 



They have been doing so for thousands of years, and it seems their progress is fueled by the exchange of ideas through migrations among different populations. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-of-tool-use-in-chimpanzees">Art of tool use in chimpanzees</h2>



While chimpanzees might not develop smartphones or launch spaceships anytime soon, they have been exhibiting an intriguing trend. 



Gradually, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzee-cultures-are-more-complex-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> are enhancing their tool-using prowess, a process that has transpired over epochs - quite similar to us humans. 



In fact, the study proposes the idea that our distant ape ancestors also utilized the power of social networks to better their technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazing-chimpanzee-realm">The amazing chimpanzee realm</h2>



The scientists were enthralled by the observation that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-feel-the-pressure-to-perform-with-an-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> have a knack for performing complex tasks such as tool use and then passing these skills onto the next generation. Now, that's quite a feat for a creature that many still consider to be "less evolved."



But here's the twist. Despite us humans progressing from stone tools to space shuttles, the chimp "culture" - defined as socially learned behaviors - appeared somewhat stuck in time.



And this is precisely what Cassandra Gunasekaram, a doctoral student at the University of Zurich, decided to question.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzees-use-connections-to-upgrade-tools">Chimpanzees use connections to upgrade tools</h2>



The researchers combined genetic data from historic chimpanzee migrations across Africa with observations of 15 unique foraging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-use-rapid-gestures-in-conversations-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a> across various populations and sub-groups.



The behaviors were segmented into three categories: those requiring no tools, those needing simple tools, and those involving complex toolsets.



The researchers were particularly impressed by the Congo chimps' remarkable toolset use, where they utilized a sturdy stick to bore a tunnel into the ground to reach termite nests. 



Then, with a plant stem modified into a brush by chewing, they would "fish" for termites in the tunnel they created.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catalysts-for-enhanced-tool-use">Catalysts for enhanced tool use</h2>



The study unveiled that advanced tool use was significantly linked to populations connected by genetic exchanges over the last 5,000–15,000 years. 



This stirred the idea that such behaviors proliferated when groups interacted. The most complex tool use was observed where three subspecies overlapped, demonstrating how inter-group relations enrich cultural knowledge.



On the other hand, simpler behaviors, such as foraging without tools, appear less associated with migration and likely evolved autonomously in different regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-chimpanzees-and-tool-evolution">Humans, chimpanzees, and tool evolution</h2>



Gunasekaram hammers home how this mirrors our own species' journey wherein the exchange of ideas and incremental innovation have been pivotal to our technological leaps - right from the humble abacus to the modern smartphone.



"They've become so complex that one person alone could not reinvent them from scratch," Gunasekaram said.



Yet, unlike humans, chimps have sparse chances to meet new individuals and ideas. This is mainly because migrations unfold slowly, propelled by sexually mature females relocating to new communities to evade inbreeding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-challenges">Overcoming the challenges</h2>



Turning to ancient genetic flows analysis helped the research team tackle one of the largest hurdles in studying the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-continue-learning-as-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzee</a> culture: the limited observation window. 



This historical data was important considering that we have been scientifically studying the species for only around a century.



Moreover, as Gunasekaram pinpointed, chimpanzee tools consist of perishable materials like sticks and stems, making it nearly impossible to track how their artifacts have evolved over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-chimpanzee-culture">Future of chimpanzee culture</h2>



So, are we anticipating chimps matching human ingenuity? Highly unlikely. But given enough time, they could potentially become more efficient foragers.



Already, some populations show advancements in cracking nuts with stone-made hammers and anvils. One group has even invented a stabilizer for the anvil, according to Gunasekaram.



Indeed, this research reveals that chimpanzees' tool-using capabilities embody a form of "culture" - one that is dynamic, adaptable, and, most importantly, unique to separate communities.



Who knows what other surprises our primate counterparts might have in store as they continue to evolve through the ebbs and flows of time?



The study titled "Population connectivity shapes the distribution and complexity of chimpanzee cumulative culture" is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk3381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Chimpanzees are constantly mastering new tools

Once purely the stuff of science fiction, we are steadily...

A recent fossil discovery may revolutionize our understanding of bird brain evolution, shedding light on how the intelligence of modern birds developed.&nbsp;



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County have identified a remarkably well-preserved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/terror-bird-phorusrhacid-discovery-was-largest-meat-eating-bird-of-its-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> fossil from the Mesozoic Era, approximately 80 million years old, named Navaornis hestiae.&nbsp;



This ancient bird’s complete skull, roughly the size of a starling’s, was found in Brazil and offers a rare and detailed glimpse into the brains of early avian species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-bird-brain-evolution">Timeline of bird brain evolution</h2>



Scientists believe that Navaornis hestiae could serve as a kind of “Rosetta Stone” for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-birds-brains-evolved-to-enable-them-to-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian brain evolution</a>.&nbsp;



The fossilized skull bridges a 70-million-year gap in the evolutionary timeline between the 150-million-year-old Archaeopteryx, one of the earliest bird-like dinosaurs, and today’s birds.&nbsp;



Its well-preserved structure has enabled researchers to digitally reconstruct the brain and understand the evolutionary steps leading to the unique cognitive abilities of modern birds.



“The brain structure of Navaornis is almost exactly intermediate between Archaeopteryx and modern birds,” said co-lead author Guillermo Navalón from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. “It was one of these moments in which the missing piece fits absolutely perfectly.”&nbsp;



The skull’s preservation allowed for advanced micro-CT scanning, revealing a brain structure that suggests it had a larger cerebrum than Archaeopteryx, hinting at advanced cognitive functions not yet seen in other ancient bird-like dinosaurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-cognitive-evolution">Insights into cognitive evolution</h2>



While Navaornis was equipped with a more developed cerebrum, its cerebellum - a critical area for flight control in modern birds - was less evolved, indicating that its flight capabilities may have been simpler.&nbsp;



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-bird-feathers-contain-traces-of-dinosaur-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modern birds</a> have some of the most advanced cognitive capabilities in the animal kingdom, comparable only with mammals,” said senior author Daniel Field, a paleontologist at Cambridge.&nbsp;



But understanding how and when these traits evolved has been elusive until now.&nbsp;



The fossil offers direct insight into an important transitional phase for bird cognition, suggesting that Navaornis might have been capable of complex behaviors like finding food, shelter, or even engaging in elaborate social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abilities-of-opposite-birds">Abilities of “opposite birds”</h2>



Though Navaornis has some similarities to modern birds, it belongs to a group called enantiornithines, or “opposite birds,” which diverged from modern avians more than 130 million years ago.&nbsp;



Enantiornithines had developed feathers and could likely fly, but they lacked some of the brain features essential for the precise flight control seen in living birds.&nbsp;



“This discovery shows that some of the birds flying over the heads of dinosaurs already had a fully modern skull geometry more than 80 million years ago,” said lead author Luis Chiappe from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.&nbsp;&nbsp;



But the brain anatomy of Navaornis raises new questions about how opposite birds achieved flight without the advanced cerebellar structures seen in contemporary birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-perfectly-preserved-fossil">A perfectly preserved fossil</h2>



Navaornis was discovered by William Nava, director of the Museum of Paleontology in Marília, Brazil, at a site that tens of millions of years ago likely consisted of slow-moving creeks, creating the ideal conditions for fossil preservation.&nbsp;



This discovery marks the fourth major Mesozoic bird fossil identified by Field’s team, following Ichthyornis, Asteriornis (also called the “Wonderchicken”), and Janavis.&nbsp;



Each of these fossils has been pivotal in helping to reconstruct the evolutionary path of birds, the most diverse group of living vertebrate animals.



Navalón, who co-led the study, expressed awe at the specimen’s remarkable state: “This fossil is truly so one-of-a-kind that I was awestruck from the moment I first saw it to the moment I finished assembling all the skull bones and the brain.”&nbsp;



The research team hopes that this fossil’s exceptional quality is just the beginning; additional findings at this Brazilian site could yield even more insights into avian evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-our-understanding-of-bird-cognition">Advancing our understanding of bird cognition</h2>



“This might be just one fossil, but it’s a key piece in the puzzle of bird brain evolution,” Field said.&nbsp;



With the findings on Navaornis, researchers now have a clearer picture of the evolutionary transitions that led from early bird-like dinosaurs to today’s intelligent avian species, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-hold-grudges-for-up-to-17-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a> and parrots.&nbsp;



Still, the discovery is just a first step. Future studies will focus on understanding Navaornis’s behavior and interaction with its environment, aiming to answer broader questions about how bird cognition has developed over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-early-era-in-bird-evolution">An early era in bird evolution</h2>



The team’s ongoing research on Mesozoic bird fossils combined with advanced imaging techniques is providing an unprecedented view of the evolutionary leaps in bird anatomy and cognition.&nbsp;



The next steps include investigating how Navaornis and its contemporaries adapted to their surroundings and exploring whether their evolving brain structures offered an advantage in survival and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-social-networks-greatly-influence-their-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social behavior</a>.



This discovery stands as a significant milestone in the field, offering a unique window into an era when birds were just beginning to develop the traits that would eventually make them some of the most cognitively advanced animals on Earth.&nbsp;



With continued research, Navaornis hestiae may reveal even more about the mysteries of bird brain evolution, helping scientists piece together the fascinating journey from ancient feathered dinosaurs to the vibrant bird species we see today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08114-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: Júlia d’Oliveira



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Bird brains: Fossil reveals roots of avian intelligence

A recent fossil discovery may revolutionize our understanding of bird...

Ever wondered how the giants of the sea perceive the world around them? How do creatures like whales react to the symphony of sounds in their aquatic realm? 



Well, an international team of marine biologists has rolled up its sleeves to find answers to these intriguing questions. 



In a pioneering study that's making waves, marine biologists from Norway, the U.S., and Denmark conducted the first-ever hearing test on live baleen whales.



The researchers' motivation? An acute concern about the increasing noise pollution in our oceans and its impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-dwelling fauna</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-reacting-to-different-sounds">Whales reacting to different sounds</h2>



The research team leading this innovative study devised a novel method to test the hearing abilities of two wild baleen whales by recording their brain waves.



They selected minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) as the first test subjects due to their relative compactness compared to other whales. The scientists charted their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ship-routes-overlap-with-92-of-whale-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swimming routes</a> through a slim channel nestled between two islands off Norway's coast.



The team set up netted barriers near the area, which guided the whales into a small holding pen. Upon successful capture, the researchers - with a swift pull of the net placed beneath the whales - brought the giants to the surface.



The scientists attached gold-plated electrodes onto their skin. These electrodes recorded the whales' brain waves in response to different sounds played out from nearby speakers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-series-of-unprecedented-discoveries">Series of unprecedented discoveries</h2>



This unusual procedure marked the first such successful examination of its kind ever attempted.



It was assumed that the whales would respond to low-frequency sounds, based on prior research that studied the ear structure of deceased whales. As anticipated, the whales did respond to these sounds, but the scientists found that the whales also heard sounds of much higher frequencies too. 



They responded to sounds in the 45 to 90 kHz range as well, which is well above the frequency of the sounds they make themselves. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-marine-science">Implications for marine science</h2>



This revelation implies that marine scientists worldwide might need to revisit earlier work that aimed to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> react to sonar, underwater echo sounders, and other noises from seafaring vessels.



It could also spark new research avenues on how baleen whales shield themselves from their natural predators, the killer whales.



The findings from this study have far-reaching implications for conservation strategies targeting marine life, particularly baleen whales. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-noise-pollution">Impacts of noise pollution</h2>



Understanding that whales can hear a broader range of frequencies, including ultrasonic sounds, suggests that they may be more vulnerable to anthropogenic noise than previously assumed. 



This revelation necessitates a recalibration of environmental policies and protective measures designed to mitigate the impact of ocean noise pollution. 



Conservationists can leverage these insights to implement stricter maritime noise regulations and advocate for quieter shipping practices, which could reduce the stress whales experience in increasingly noisy oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



The pioneering nature of this study from the <a href="https://nmmf.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Marine Mammal Foundation</a>, San Diego, opens up numerous possibilities for future research in marine science. Scientists are now challenged to explore how the presence of ultrasonic sounds influences whale behavior and communication.



Additionally, further investigation into the auditory capabilities of different whale species could yield new data on their adaptation mechanisms. Researchers might also consider expanding this method to study other large marine animals that are potentially affected by noise pollution.



Ultimately, these efforts could refine our understanding of marine ecosystems, leading to more effective conservation initiatives and fostering coexistence between human activities and oceanic life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounds-from-human-activities">Sounds from human activities </h2>



Research like this, as intriguing as it is, sheds light on how human activities, even those we may perceive as inconsequential "noises," can adversely affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.



It's a sobering reminder of our responsibility as inhabitants of this planet. Indeed, the health of our oceans is a clear reflection of our conduct as its primary custodians.



Who knew a study on the hearing capabilities of whales would prompt such profound contemplation? That's the beauty of science, ever-evolving, constantly surprising. 



So, as we marvel at the minke whales' superpower today, who knows, tomorrow might bring about more exciting revelations from the depths of our oceans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado7580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Whales may have ultrasonic hearing as a form of defense

Ever wondered how the giants of the sea perceive the...

Corals act more like us humans than one might think. These aquatic structures host an array of marine life while also depending on their microenvironment to survive and grow. Just like humans take multivitamins to stay healthy, corals rely on essential nutrients to thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multivitamins-for-corals">Multivitamins for corals</h2>



Enter the researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). They've been busy in the lab, testing an innovative concept: nutrient-infused tiles aimed at supercharging the immune system of corals. It's like a daily multivitamin, but for corals. 



The goal? They aim to prevent coral bleaching, and to help corals to weather the stress of shifting ocean temperatures and to bounce back from harsh climate events such as hurricanes.



"We are studying how corals react when grown on substrates that have been infused with essential metal micronutrients, like manganese, zinc, and iron," explained Colleen Hansel, a senior scientist and marine chemist at <a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>.



There's an urgency to this work, as rapidly warming waters and an active hurricane season make field trials difficult.



However, hope is not lost. Preliminary data harvested from a year’s worth of lab experiments suggests that corals which received a nutrient boost early on were more resilient and resistant to heat stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-reef-brought-to-life">A reef brought to life</h2>



Armed with this data, the team's next plan is to take these nutrient-infused tiles and embed them in an artificial reef. 



Designed by experts at the University of the Virgin Islands (<a href="https://www.uvi.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UVI</a>), this 20 sq. meter (216 sq. ft.) concrete setup will offer a safe home to juvenile corals that need multivitamins.



It also doubles as a settling spot for coral larvae, while the nutrient-rich tiles ensure vitamins are dispersed into the surrounding waters. This not only promotes coral growth, but also prepares them for environmental stressors.



"The artificial reef we're building is going in next to a natural reef that has been severely impacted by marine heat waves and extreme storm events," explained Marilyn Brandt, a coral disease ecologist at the UVI.



This man-made marvel won't just fend off storm surges and erosion, it will also create a habitat for corals struggling to adapt to climate change effects. The ultimate goal of the reef's establishment is to help restore the natural reefs in the area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-corals-and-multivitamin-tiles">Monitoring corals and multivitamin tiles</h2>



To ensure the ongoing success of this cutting-edge approach, continuous monitoring and adaptation are integral. Scientists plan to deploy advanced monitoring systems that will track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral health</a> metrics in real-time. 



This will include assessments of coral growth rates, color changes indicative of stress, and local water conditions. Such data will allow researchers to alter their strategies promptly, adjusting nutrient concentrations or tile placements as necessary to optimize coral resilience.



A dynamic interplay between technology and ecological understanding will ultimately support these living structures in adapting to ever-changing marine environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-engagement-and-education">Community engagement and education</h2>



Beyond laboratory experiments and scientific endeavors, community engagement plays a pivotal role in coral conservation. Educational initiatives aim to involve local communities and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raise awareness</a> about the importance of coral ecosystems. 



Workshops, seminars, and hands-on restoration activities promote a sense of stewardship among residents and visitors alike. By incorporating traditional knowledge and local insights, these programs ensure a holistic approach to coral reef preservation.



As communities learn and participate in restoration efforts, they contribute to a sustainable model that may serve as a blueprint for similar conservation projects globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-the-ecosystem">Balancing the ecosystem</h2>



Of course, in the grand scheme of the ocean world, balance is key. While the "multivitamin" tiles will help corals, researchers are cautious that they don't end up favoring a specific coral type or promote the intrusion of unwanted species.



As a result, Brandt, Hansel, and their colleagues are keen to examine this while generating a diverse environment beneficial to the reef ecosystem.



"We need to be sure an artificial reef looks and sounds as similar to a natural reef as possible," said Hansel. "That doesn't consist of just coral, but also sponges, anemones, and other biogeochemical components of the reef ecosystem."



Thus, it's evident that these nutrient-infused tiles, created with dedication and an innovative spirit, could provide a vital lifeline for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> in these changing times.



Could this be the answer to coral resilience? As with much in science, time and rigorous testing will tell. For now, let's look forward to more revealing studies on this exciting development.



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'Multivitamins' could save coral reefs from climate destruction

Corals act more like us humans than one might think....

Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? We've seen it with many singers in their bling-filled performances. Yet, this desire for dazzle isn't just confined to the world of pop music. 



In the animal kingdom, you can find shiny creatures like jewel beetles and the fabulous Opaluma rupaul - a fly named after the iconic entertainer RuPaul - that boast flashy appearances.



Now, wouldn't such obvious displays make these animals easy targets for predators? As surprising as it may sound, science suggests otherwise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-changeability">Power of changeability</h2>



One might think that standing out like a brilliant beacon would guarantee a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-predator-prey-feast-ever-seen-in-the-ocean-enormous-quickly-altered-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator’s attention</a>. However, these unusually bright features aren't just for attracting attention.



A particular trait of these shiny appearances - their changeability - can actually aid the animals in evading predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-as-camouflage">Environment as camouflage</h2>



Shiny animals, when they reflect the sun, produce bright flashes. The mirror-like aspect of their bodies also reflects the environment around them. 



This constant change of reflections as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-got-their-colors-150-million-years-before-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> move can be compared to a mirror ball. For a predator, tracking down a prey that exhibits such visual variability becomes a difficult task.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-chasing-shiny-animals">Challenges of chasing shiny animals</h2>



Tests involving both bird and insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-increase-the-health-of-prey-populations-but-reduce-their-size/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> have revealed a common struggle - they find it challenging to be accurate when they attack a visually changing prey.



So, what exactly triggers this effect? Is it the predator's inability to track the prey visually ? Or perhaps it involves a misjudgment of prey speed? Are optical illusions at play?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illusion-of-speed-and-position">Illusion of speed and position</h2>



Studies involving humans have shown the potential for optical illusions to disrupt prey speed perception. For instance, black and white stripes can make a target appear to be moving faster or slower than its actual speed. 



When a predator encounters highly reflective, shiny targets, a similar effect could lead them to misjudge the prey's speed.



Moreover, bright flashes from a shiny animal may cause a flash-lag illusion, making the predators perceive the prey's position to be slightly behind its real position.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shiny-animals-confuse-predators">Shiny animals confuse predators</h2>



Both the disruption of speed perception and the flash-lag illusion can result in directional errors in predator behaviors. 



This means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator tracking and attacks</a> might often be ahead of or trailing behind the target, relative to the target's actual movement direction.



Additionally, the unpredictable appearance of the shiny prey might confuse predators about the precise location of a moving prey. Ultimately, the tracking and final attack by a predator might end up being less accurate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimenting-with-jumping-spiders">Experimenting with jumping spiders</h2>



A group of scientists from <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Melbourne</a> used a high-speed camera to film jumping spiders attacking fake, moving targets.



Jumping spiders were selected for this experiment because they prefer moving prey, eat both shiny and matte prey, and possess excellent vision. Plus, they willingly attack fake moving prey in a lab setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpreting-the-findings">Interpreting the findings</h2>



The high-speed footage enabled the researchers to quantify how well the jumping spiders visually tracked different targets and how accurate their attacks were.



The results revealed that jumping spiders had a harder time tracking and attacking shiny targets compared to matte ones or to those that matched the background. Specifically, their tracking was nearly twice as variable with shiny targets, and their attacks were significantly further away from these same targets.



Notably, these results were not directional relative to the target's path of movement. This does not support the idea that shininess disrupts speed perception, or that localization is disrupted by the flash-lag illusion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dazzle-and-dodge-defense-of-shiny-animals">Dazzle and dodge: Defense of shiny animals</h2>



In conclusion, while shiny animals may catch the eye, they prove difficult to localize and capture. The research study sheds light on how shiny colors might disrupt perception and lead to these effects.



However, this research is only the tip of the iceberg. There's still much to understand about how these effects are visually processed in animals with different eyes, and how other factors such as sunlight, prey size, shape, and movement behavior influence the perception of shiny animals.



So, next time you see a pop star shine on stage, or even a glistening insect out in the wild, remember there’s more to their shimmer than meets the eye.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01334-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Shiny animals outwit predators with optical illusions

Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? We've seen it...

In the world of science, we often focus on what we see. We examine what is visible, tangible, and easy to perceive with our own two eyes. But what about the sounds of the past - more specifically, the sounds of dinosaurs?



How can we possibly know what a creature from millions of years ago sounded like? Well, this can be answered using paleoacoustics.



Before we dive into the how, let's take a moment to consider what we are talking about. Picture the Parasaurolophus - a duck-billed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-triassic-fossil-gondwanax-paraisensis-may-rewrite-history-of-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> with a unique crest.



This huge creature, standing around 16 feet tall and weighing between 6,000 to 8,000 pounds, dominated the landscapes some 70 million to 80 million years ago. It has been named in many science fiction films and dinosaur-themed games.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-dinosaur-sounds">Decoding dinosaur sounds</h2>



Sound is essentially vibrations traveling through the air. These vibrations hit our eardrums, get converted into electrical signals, and are interpreted by our brains. 



But for creatures like the Parasaurolophus, with unique physical attributes, their sounds would have been produced and resonated differently.



The starting point to understanding how the Parasaurolophus might have sounded is through mathematical modeling. 



Sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? But it's not just number crunching. Math is a universal language that is able to represent complex physical phenomena in a way that can be computed, simulated, and even visualized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-what-dinosaurs-sounded-like">Exploring what dinosaurs sounded like</h2>



Enter our scientist, Hongjun Lin, a researcher at <a href="https://www.nyu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a> who is on a mission to decode the sounds of the past.



He presented his research on the acoustic characteristics of a physical model of the Parasaurolophus' crest at the 187th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in November 2024.



"I've been fascinated by giant animals ever since I was a kid. I'd spend hours reading books, watching movies, and imagining what it would be like if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carnian-pluvial-episode-one-million-years-of-rain-triggered-dinosaur-takeover-of-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> were still around today," said Lin.



But a realization in college sparked a new direction for Lin's passion. "It wasn't until college that I realized the sounds we hear in movies and shows - while mesmerizing - are completely fabricated using sounds from modern animals."



"That's when I decided to dive deeper and explore what dinosaurs might have actually sounded like."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-dinosaur-sounds">Creating dinosaur sounds</h2>



To bring mathematics into the tangible realm, Lin created a physical setup - affectionately named the "Linophone." It is made of tubes that resemble the resonance chambers used in musical instruments.



This theoretical model, despite its simplicity, was pivotal in approximating what was happening acoustically inside the Parasaurolophus' crest.



The Linophone isn’t a perfect replica of the Parasaurolophus, but it's a stepping stone - a means to verify the mathematical framework.



Lin's initial findings suggest that the Parasaurolophus' crest was used for resonance, a phenomenon not unfamiliar to us - it’s the same principle that gives birds their unique songs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



The journey has just begun. Lin's research is far from complete, and the mathematical model is still a work in progress. 



But the implications of this study extend beyond just dinosaurs. This research paves the way for studying animals with similar vocal structures, leading to a deeper understanding of Earth's ancient inhabitants.



The idea doesn't stop there. Lin shares his plan for the future - an accessible plug-in for people to experiment with and even incorporate dinosaur sounds into music. Can you imagine rock and roll with a dash of Parasaurolophus?



"Once we have a working model, we'll move toward using&nbsp;fossil&nbsp;scans," Lin said. "My ultimate goal is to re-create the sound of the Parasaurolophus."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-how-dinosaurs-communicated">Understanding how dinosaurs communicated</h2>



Understanding how dinosaurs communicated provides insights into their social structures and behaviors. The Parasaurolophus, with its crest capable of producing distinctive sounds, is a fascinating subject to explore these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/qunkasaura-pintiquiniestra-new-sauropod-dinosaur-discovered-in-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a>. 



This anatomical feature may have allowed it to generate low-frequency calls, which could travel across long distances - a valuable adaptation for herd communication over expansive territories.



Such communication would have played a pivotal role in coordinating movement, warning of approaching predators, or even engaging in mating rituals. 



As research progresses, scientists hope to unravel whether these sounds were unique to each species, locality, or even individual, offering a more nuanced picture of dinosaur life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research </h2>



While Lin's work has primarily focused on recreating the sounds of the Parasaurolophus, the broader implications of paleoacoustic research are vast. 



By refining techniques and understanding, scientists can apply these methods to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nadir-crater-second-massive-asteroid-impact-discovered-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric animals</a>, providing a comprehensive soundtrack of the past. These innovations bolster educational tools, allowing students and enthusiasts worldwide to engage more deeply with Earth's history through sound. 



The field also enriches other disciplines, such as paleontology, biology, and acoustics - promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking.



As the boundaries of current research continue to expand, so too does our capacity to connect with the ancient world, transforming silent fossils into a symphony of prehistory.



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What did dinosaurs sound like?

In the world of science, we often focus on what...

Tarantulas are among the captivating wildlife that makes western Cuba more than just a vibrant and culture-rich destination. Recently, this intriguing ecosystem has revealed a charismatic new addition: a unique type of tarantula.



The remarkable creature is more than just another arachnid species - it is a symbol of the magic of nature and its ability to surprise us continuously.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-tarantula-in-cuba">Discovery of the tarantula in Cuba</h2>



The discovery of the new tarantula species, known as Trichopelma grande, was made by David Ortiz from <a href="https://studyatmasaryk.cz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Masaryk University</a> in Czechia and Elier Fonseca from the Cuban Zoological Society in Cuba.



In their study, published recently in the Journal of Natural History, the researchers detailed the distinctive traits that set Trichopelma grande apart from its arachnid kin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-details-of-tarantula-dna">Details of tarantula DNA</h2>



This new species has already carved out a special place for itself in the Trichopelma genus because it is the largest and hairiest of its kind.



But there’s more to it than meets the eye. To confirm the tarantula's place within this genus, the researchers carried out a phylogenomic analysis using data on Ultraconserved Elements (UCE) in the DNA, as well morphological assessments.



They successfully extracted, sequenced, and evaluated high-quality <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-can-predict-which-animals-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> data from the tarantula, which included data from 1,348 target UCE loci.



The genetic information was then compared with data from 27 other theraphosid genera.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tarantulas-in-the-greater-antilles">Tarantulas in the Greater Antilles</h2>



The new species is not as large as some tarantulas can be, but is the largest known species in its genus. It also has several special features that differentiate it from other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-tarantula-species-discovered-in-ecuador/">species</a> in the same genus. 



For one, the abundance of long "hairs" sticking out from the middle and lower portions of its legs make it look as though it is walking on feather dusters. It also does not dwell in the trees but prefers the ground, where it constructs burrows with a trap-door entrance for quick retreat.



There is a rich diversity of tarantula spiders in the Greater Antilles, with 11 endemic species of Trichopelma spiders found on Cuba alone. Other Trichopelma species also use burrows with trap doors, making this typical behavior in this group of arachnids. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-appearance-of-the-tarantula">Unique appearance of the tarantula </h2>



Apart from being unusually hairy, this tarantula's abdomen sports a unique pattern of spots and six darker and lighter transversal stripes. These stripes are divided in the middle by a single, longitudinal pale stripe.



Strangely, the dorsal side of its cephalothorax is smooth and hairless, despite the fact that the rest of its body is covered in thick, chestnut-brown "hair."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-conservation-challenge">The potential conservation challenge</h2>



The new species was found only within a limited range in the Viñales National Park, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-amazon-became-a-biodiversity-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity hotspot</a> in western Cuba.



All four captured specimens were discovered within a 20-kilometer radius of each other, suggesting a potentially restricted distribution.



The apparent scarcity, along with the limited habitat range of this unique species, raises certain conservation concerns that scientists will need to address in future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-tarantulas-in-ecosystems">The role of tarantulas in ecosystems</h2>



Tarantulas, including newly discovered species like Trichopelma grande, play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance in ecosystems. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tarantulas-have-beneficial-partnerships-with-other-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a>, they help control insect populations, which prevents overpopulation that could harm local flora.



The presence of tarantulas is also important in terms of the food web, as they become prey for larger animals, including birds and small mammals.



This intricate relationship highlights the importance of preserving such species and their habitats to maintain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-ecosystems-are-needed-to-prevent-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy ecosystems</a>.



However, tarantulas face threats that extend beyond habitat loss. Human activities, such as the spread of invasive species, can disrupt their environment, making it difficult for these creatures to thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-are-needed">Conservation efforts are needed</h2>



For Trichopelma grande, whose known range is limited to the Viñales National Park, conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its survival and prevent potential endangerment.



Protecting the Park’s ecosystem is not just about conserving a single species; it’s about safeguarding the broader ecological network that sustains all of the species residing there.



In addition to their ecological importance, tarantulas hold cultural significance in many regions. From symbolizing resilience to being featured in local folklore, these spiders have intrigued humans for centuries. 



The discovery of Trichopelma grande adds to this narrative, reinforcing the wonder and complexity of nature. It serves as a reminder that there are still many mysteries left to uncover in connection with the wildlife that shares our world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00222933.2024.2401921" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Natural History</a>.



Image Credit: Journal of Natural History (2024)



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Giant tarantula discovered in Cuba has 'feather-duster' legs

Tarantulas are among the captivating wildlife that makes western Cuba...

Thousands of years ago, a roar echoed through the Highland caves of Scotland. It was the roar of bears. But, were these the average brown bears or something more "polar" in nature? 



Using advanced methods to analyze Scottish bear fossils, researchers from the University of Aberdeen and National Museums Scotland have made a fascinating discovery. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-bear-fossils">Analyzing the bear fossils </h2>



The study was led by Professor Kate Britton, an expert known for her insightful approach to ancient fauna.



The experts reevaluated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-bear-tardigrade-fossils-reveal-how-they-survived-several-mass-extinction-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> collected from the Inchnadamph "Bone Caves" in Sutherland. What they found was evidence of fish in the diet of bears that had been identified as brown bears.



Working closely with masters student Holland Taekema from the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a>, the team used a technique known as "stable isotope data" to dig deeper into the diets of the fossilized bears.



The evidence they unearthed pointed to a marine diet dating back to 30,000 to 50,000 years ago. This means that the bears were feasting heavily on seafood long before human footprints graced Scottish lands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-the-fossils-belong-to-polar-bears">Could the fossils belong to polar bears?</h2>



As exciting as it sounds, this revelation required a fair bit of head-scratching. After all, it's a hard shift from the grisly diet of modern brown bears.



The research suggests an intriguing possibility - could these have been polar bears frolicking in Scottish terrain amidst the Last Ice Age?



"We have identified several samples which stick out like a sore thumb both from the diets of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coelacanth-ngamugawi-wirngarri-new-species-living-fossil-fish-survived-over-400-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bears</a> living in Scotland thousands of years ago and from what we'd expect of today's brown bears. These bears appear to have lived almost exclusively on seafood," said Professor Britton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-polar-perspective">A polar perspective</h2>



Indeed, the frosty north is the only homeland we associate with polar bears today, but our researchers remind us that the Last Glacial Maximum brought down the seasonal sea ice limit in the North Atlantic, allowing these majestic creatures to roam further south than their current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">territories</a>.



A similar theory was hinted at in the 1990s, revolving around a bear skull with polar bear-like features. However, lack of further evidence and questions about the skull's radiocarbon dating have put a pause on accepting this interesting possibility.



Dr. Andrew Kitchener is the Principal Curator of Vertebrates at National Museums Scotland. 



"As we know that polar bears and brown bears can successfully interbreed today where their ranges overlap, it presents interesting questions about the ancestry of bears that later roamed our islands," noted Dr. Kitchener.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-age-connection">The Ice Age connection</h2>



To shed light on the intriguing genetic links between modern polar bears and Ice Age European brown bears, the research team is embarking on an ambitious journey. 



By analyzing the DNA of brown bears from different regions and comparing it to the genetic makeup of present-day polar bears, they aim to uncover the ancestral ties that bind these species together. 



This comprehensive genetic analysis, coupled with the isotopic evidence from the bone caves, may hold the key to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic fossil bears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-the-past">Preserving the past</h2>



The bears fossils, now meticulously curated by the experts at National Museums Scotland, will continue to serve as invaluable resources for ongoing research.



The team plans to go deeper into the fossil record, exploring additional bone caves and collecting further samples for analysis. 



By employing state-of-the-art techniques and collaborating with multidisciplinary experts, they hope to unlock new insights and unveil more secrets about the ancient bears that once roamed our lands. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions </h2>



The plot only thickens as the team sets out to further explore the mystery. 



The researchers plan to unearth the connections between brown bear DNA in modern polar bears and polar bear DNA in Ice Age European brown bears. 



The challenge is to understand how this genetic data links to the isotopic evidence from the bone caves.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gordonia-traquairi-pig-like-creature-discovered-roamed-earth-250-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> bears will be the subject of ongoing research by a newly-appointed research fellow, Dr. Alicia Sanz Royo, at the <a href="https://www.abdn.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Aberdeen</a> in 2025.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/annales-zoologici-fennici/volume-61/issue-1/086.061.0124/The-bears-of-Scotland/10.5735/086.061.0124.short" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annales Zoologici Fennici</a>.



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Were polar bears feasting on fish in Scotland 30,000 years ago?

Thousands of years ago, a roar echoed through the Highland...

The mystery of what dinosaurs ate around 200 million years ago, as well as the role they played in their ecosystems, is one step closer to being uncovered.



And guess what has been aiding in solving this mystery? It's none other than the fossilized feces of these gigantic creatures.



The interesting findings have emerged as part of an international research endeavor exploring the hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-dinosaurs-benefited-from-changes-in-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient world</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-dinosaur-diet">Piecing together the dinosaur diet</h2>



The research team included experts from <a href="https://www.uu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a>, who collaborated with colleagues in Norway, Poland, and Hungary.



Their approach was simple yet extraordinary. The researchers examined hundreds of samples using advanced synchrotron imaging to visualize the internal components of the fossilized feces - or coprolites - in great detail.&nbsp;



“Piecing together ‘who ate whom’ in the past is true detective work,” said study lead author Martin Qvarnström. 



“Being able to examine what animals ate and how they interacted with their environment helps us understand what enabled dinosaurs to be so successful.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gold-mine-of-fossil-treasures">A gold mine of fossil treasures</h2>



An integral part of the research was its focus on the Polish Basin - a region from the Late <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis-new-triassic-crocodile-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triassic</a> era that had been previously underexplored.



The study of this region led to revelations about dinosaur diets as well as insights into the ecosystem's structure during the Triassic period.



The experts further strengthened the findings by using additional fossils, climate data, and other evidence such as bones and footprints.



“Our research is innovative because we have chosen to understand the biology of early dinosaurs based on their dietary preferences. There were many surprising discoveries along the way.” said Grzegorz Niedźwiedzki, one of the contributing authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dinosaur-s-dining-menu">The dinosaur's dining menu</h2>



The coprolites revealed an unexpected variety of diet for these dinosaurs that included fish, insects, large animals, plants, and even charcoal.



One species, the long-necked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-how-super-giant-sauropods-grew-to-be-so-massive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sauropods</a>, might have ingested charcoal to detoxify their stomach contents - as ferns can be toxic to herbivores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspectives-on-dinosaur-evolution">New perspectives on dinosaur evolution</h2>



This research addresses a significant gap in our understanding of the first 30 million years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-daspletosaurus-sheds-light-on-dinosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur evolution</a> during the Late Triassic period. 



Though we have ample knowledge about their life and extinction, the processes that led to their rise remain a mystery. 



The findings from this research could enlighten us about prehistoric ecosystems and evolutionary processes in a manner never seen before.



However, the most important take away from this research extends beyond the realm of dinosaurs. 



"Unfortunately, climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinctions</a> are not just a thing of the past," noted Qvarnström. "By studying past ecosystems, we gain a better understanding of how life adapts and thrives under changing environmental conditions."



Thus, the dinosaur's recipe for survival reveals the importance of adaptability in the face of environmental changes. 



“The way to avoid extinction is to eat a lot of plants, which is exactly what the early herbivorous dinosaurs did," said Niedzwiedzki. "The reason for their evolutionary success is a true love of green and fresh plant shoots.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-ecosystem-interactions">Insights into ecosystem interactions</h2>



The findings from this study go beyond reconstructing what dinosaurs ate - they provide a glimpse into the intricate web of interactions within ancient ecosystems.



Fossilized feces not only reveal dietary habits but also hint at the relationships between species, such as predator-prey dynamics, competition for resources, and the role of plants in shaping these early environments. 



For instance, the discovery of charcoal in some dinosaur coprolites suggests that these creatures lived in regions prone to wildfires, and their diets likely adapted to such challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-dinosaurs">Ecological role of dinosaurs </h2>



Moreover, the research highlights how dinosaurs may have influenced their surroundings. Large herbivores, for example, played a key role in shaping vegetation through grazing, potentially altering plant diversity and distribution.



Such insights provide a deeper understanding of how dinosaurs contributed to maintaining the balance within their ecosystems, mirroring the vital role large animals play in modern habitats.



This broader perspective not only enriches our knowledge of the Triassic period but also highlights the importance of studying ancient ecosystems to inform current conservation strategies. 



The resilience and adaptability exhibited by these prehistoric creatures may offer lessons for preserving biodiversity in the face of environmental change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08265-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Fossilized poop reveals the diet of dinosaurs 200 million years ago

The mystery of what dinosaurs ate around 200 million years...

The human body excels at maintaining internal balance in a process known as homeostasis. This vital mechanism keeps our core temperature steady at 37°C, regardless of external conditions. 



But now, breakthrough research from the Ikmi Group at EMBL Heidelberg reveals that homeostasis goes beyond internal regulation - it can actively redefine an organism’s shape.



The starlet sea anemone (Nematostella vectensis) provides a stunning example of this phenomenon. Renowned for its extraordinary regenerative abilities, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-anemones-use-their-shyness-survive-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creature</a> can regrow a lost head or foot and even rebuild a complete, functional body from a sliced fragment.&nbsp;



But unlike many regenerating animals that restore parts in proportion to what remains, the sea anemone reshapes its entire body to preserve its overall form, even adjusting undamaged areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regeneration-in-sea-anemones">Regeneration in sea anemones </h2>



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axolotls-regeneration-powers-critically-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regeneration</a> is about restoring function after tissue loss or damage,” explained Aissam Ikmi, <a href="https://www.embl.org/sites/heidelberg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMBL Heidelberg</a> Group Leader and senior author of a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2024.11.001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Developmental Cell</a>.&nbsp;



“Most research studies mainly consider patterns and sizes in regeneration, but our findings show that maintaining shape is also crucial - and it’s something the organism actively controls.”



The discovery started when Stephanie Cheung, a doctoral researcher in Ikmi’s group, noticed an unexpected phenomenon: when a sea anemone’s foot was injured, cell division occurred not only at the wound site but also at the opposite end of the body near the mouth. This hinted at signals being sent across the entire organism in response to injury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-changes-triggered-by-injury">Molecular changes triggered by injury</h2>



Using spatial transcriptomics and advanced imaging techniques, the research team mapped gene activity across the anemone’s body during regeneration.&nbsp;



They found that injury triggered molecular changes both near and far from the wound. Cells moved, tissues reorganized, and the entire body reshaped itself to maintain its original proportions.



The extent of this reshaping depended on the severity of the injury. Losing a foot caused mild adjustments, while being cut in half led to significant remodeling.&nbsp;



A key player in this process was a family of enzymes called metalloproteases, which became more active as more tissue was lost. These enzymes helped realign tissues, not just at the wound site but throughout the body.



“Metalloprotease activity has never been shown before in animals like this,” said Petrus Steenbergen, one of the study’s lead authors and an Ikmi Group Senior Research Technician.&nbsp;



“I had to design and optimize experimental conditions for Nematostella based on the sparse literature available from other species. This took some time, but the final results were very rewarding.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-anemones-restore-their-shapes">Sea anemones restore their shapes</h2>



The team discovered that the sea anemone prioritizes restoring its shape, even after significant injury.&nbsp;



By measuring the aspect ratio - the ratio of length to width - they found that the anemone consistently returned to its pre-injury proportions. This proportional response allowed the organism to maintain its shape, even if it became smaller.



“We were able to witness the body-wide coordination that drives this remodeling,” Ikmi explained. “This proportional response allows the anemone to restore its shape, highlighting how organisms like Nematostella interpret and respond to tissue loss in a way that’s scaled to the damage incurred.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-efforts-and-advanced-techniques">Collaborative efforts and advanced techniques</h2>



The study was a collaborative endeavor. Rik Korswagen’s team at the <a href="https://www.hubrecht.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubrecht Institute</a> in the Netherlands helped implement spatial transcriptomics in the sea anemone.&nbsp;



Additionally, Oliver Stegle’s team at EMBL Heidelberg and the <a href="https://www.dkfz.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Cancer Research Center</a> (DKFZ) provided bioinformatics expertise and statistical methods to analyze spatial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-has-a-profound-influence-on-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene expression</a> data.



“It was a pleasure to puzzle out the findings of the study together by uniting the team’s expertise in data analysis and cell biology,” said Tobias Gerber, another of the study’s lead authors. “This work was a truly collaborative journey, and I am glad I was part of it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questions-remain-about-sea-anemone-regeneration-nbsp">Questions remain about sea anemone regeneration&nbsp;</h2>



While the research offers fascinating insights into how Nematostella maintains its shape during regeneration, it raises new questions.



“The next big question is why maintaining shape is so important,” Ikmi said. “And how does the organism sense its own shape? How does it know what it currently looks like?”



With the starlet sea anemone as their model, the team is eager to explore the mechanisms underlying these abilities. Their work holds promise for understanding how organisms heal, maintain balance, and adapt to injury, potentially unlocking new avenues in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-killifish-regeneration-may-help-us-heal-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regenerative medicine</a> and biology.



Matthew Be



Image Credit: Matthew Benton/ EMBLtMatthew Bentonhew Benton/EMBL : M: Matthew Benton/EMBLatthew Matthew BentonBenton/EM



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Sea anemones can regrow their entire body in its original shape

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