Ecoscaping incorporates the disciplines of landscape architecture and spatial planning with environmental science and offers an innovative approach in forming a sustainable and nature friendly design and/or construction. Every part of land is unique and provides different materials and micro-environments; ecoscaping aims to design in harmony with the land to produce an environmentally healthy and sustainable landscape. It also strives to take an existing structures and areas and add ecological balance and greenery as well. Ecoscaping prides itself on taking a holistic tactic to sustainable land use management.
The core of ecoscaping is nature conservation and ecological balance. A variety of techniques are used to transform land so that it&#8217;s in greater harmony with nature and its ecology. The entire process behind ecoscaping is to take the best, most innovative solutions that are available, and utilize them to improve the look of a property while making the smallest possible impact on the surrounding environment. The act of ecoscaping promotes biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
Ecoscaping can be achieved in many ways including using natural products instead of artificial decoration, adding trees and minimizing the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, creating out-buildings that work in harmony with the land, rainwater harvesting, and self contained water reservoir for water balance.
Image Caption: Rath near Clanabogan Community Centre. The Camphill farm adjoins this rath. I was able to get this view looking down on it from the first floor of a farm building. It gives you a good indication of the circular shape. I also had a chat with one of the volunteer workers who came from Germany, and he informs me that he has come for a year to take part in the eco-friendly farming activities and help disabled people who attend or live in the campus.
Credit: Kenneth Allen / Wikipedia

What is Ecoscaping?

Scientists and botanists are continuously exploring nature's vast variety, making tree and plant discoveries that highlight the richness of our planet's biodiversity. 



These findings spark excitement and curiosity, offering fresh perspectives on the vast array of plant species still awaiting exploration. Most recently, experts have added to the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-technology-will-accelerate-the-pace-of-plant-species-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">botanical discoveries</a> by naming six new tree species.



These species were identified during an exhaustive comparison of dried plant specimens gathered from across the Neotropics. 



Among the six, three unique species - Matisia petaquillae, Matisia changuinolana, and Matisia aquilarum - were identified in Panama while the other three - Matisia genesiana, Matisia mutatana, and Matisia rufula - were discovered in Colombia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-specimens-and-new-tree-species">Plant specimens and new tree species</h2>



The process of discovering these new species was a meticulous one, involving the careful collection, drying, and examination of plant samples. 



These samples were pressed into pieces of cardboard, mounted onto specialized paper, and later filed into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-the-centinela-mass-extinction-really-happen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbaria</a> - dedicated repositories for dried plant specimens. 



With digital advancements, curators have made a significant portion of these specimens available online, facilitating easier access and exchange of knowledge.



However, it's important to note that despite digital access, the task of identifying these plant specimens still hinges on expert plant taxonomists.



Scientists often grapple with unidentified specimens for years before they can conclusively establish whether these represent previously unknown species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-upon-previous-discoveries">Building upon previous discoveries </h2>



Ernesto Campos, a research technician at the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute</a> (STRI), noted that José Luis Fernández-Alonso played a pivotal role in confirming the identification of a new tree species, Matisia tinamastiana in 2022.



This discovery unfolded in the Altos de Campana Forest Reserve and National Park and laid the cornerstone for the current collaborative efforts.



To identify this intriguing set of species, Fernández-Alonso examined plant samples preserved in herbaria across Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States. 



Campos provided crucial assistance in Panama, facilitating the review of herbarium collections at different institutions, including the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (UCH).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specimens-from-chagres-national-park">Specimens from Chagres National Park</h2>



The discovery journey was further enriched with the collections made by senior botanists at STRI, Rolando Pérez and Salomón Aguilar, who extended the known distribution range of Matisia aquilarum.



This achievement was possible thanks to specimens found at a study site in Chagres National Park, a part of the ForestGEO-STRI forest monitoring network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-world-of-plants">Window into the world of plants </h2>



The exploration does not end here. With the help of Joana Sumich, a technician in the SCZ herbarium, the researchers are in the process of identifying other plant samples - including some that were collected decades ago. They anticipate uncovering more species previously unknown to science.



To aid non-specialists in identifying these new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a>, the authors have also included an updated dichotomous key of Matisia species for Panama in their manuscript. This represents the first such identification key published in over half a century.



David Mitre, the research manager for ForestGEO-STRI in Panama, aptly summed up the importance of these discoveries.



"Herbaria are not just collections of dried plants, they are a source of new information in the long term. Discoveries like this remind us how important it is to make sure that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-trees-are-critically-endangered-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> are really well protected," said Mitre.



These findings elevate our understanding of our precious ecosystems, shedding light on the multitudes of plant species <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-tree-species-remain-undiscovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waiting to be discovered</a>.



“This window into the world of plants leads to discoveries of new pharmaceuticals and makes it possible for conservationists to justify protection for natural areas where rare species flourish," said Joshua Tewksbury, STRI Director.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reservoirs-of-preserved-plant-specimens">Reservoirs of preserved plant specimens</h2>



Herbaria play a pivotal role in botanical research, serving as reservoirs of preserved plant specimens that hold invaluable information about the planet's biodiversity. 



These collections, some dating back centuries, are meticulously maintained to ensure their scientific integrity. 



Advances in digital technology have made many herbarium records accessible online, revolutionizing how researchers study plant species across the globe.



Despite this accessibility, the identification of new species remains a time-intensive process that relies heavily on skilled plant taxonomists. 



By carefully analyzing physical traits, geographical data, and historical records, these experts uncover the stories behind each specimen. 



The recent discoveries of the six Matisia tree species highlight the importance of herbaria in preserving the natural history of our planet and contributing to conservation efforts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://raccefyn.co/index.php/raccefyn/article/view/malvaceae-neotropicae-novae-vel-minus-cognitae-nuevas-especies-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales</a>.



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Six new tree species identified in Columbia and Panama

Scientists and botanists are continuously exploring nature's vast variety, making...

There's something both captivating and comforting about the rhythms and harmonies of a symphony orchestra, right? Well, did you know that something similar happens inside your brain while you're catching some sleep? It turns out, our brains have a maestro of their own - breathing. 



Just as a conductor harmonizes an orchestra to create a symphony, breathing synchronizes the rhythm of brain waves during sleep. This phenomenon takes place in the hippocampus - a region of the brain that is critical for memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-rhythms-during-sleep">Breathing rhythms during sleep</h2>



This fascinating revelation comes from a recent study by <a href="https://www.nm.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern Medicine</a>. It marks the first time scientists have linked breathing rhythms during sleep to the hippocampal brain waves known as&nbsp;slow waves, spindles, and ripples. 



Study senior author Christina Zelano is a professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.



“To strengthen memories, three special neural oscillations emerge and synchronize in the hippocampus during sleep, but they were thought to come and go at random times,” noted Professor Zelano. "We discovered that they are coordinated by breathing rhythms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-memory-synchronization">Science behind memory synchronization</h2>



The study shows that certain brain waves, called hippocampal oscillations, align with specific phases of the breathing cycle. These oscillations are critical for organizing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-coordinates-brain-waves-for-memory-storage-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strengthening memories</a>. 



Andrew Sheriff is a postdoctoral student in Zelano's lab and the corresponding author of the study.



This means that the rhythm of your breathing during sleep plays an active role in helping your brain store and recall information effectively. 



“Memory consolidation relies on the orchestration of brain waves during sleep, and we show that this process is closely timed by breathing,” explained Sheriff.



This research opens new doors for understanding the intricate relationship between breathing, brain activity, and memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-sleep-and-memory-consolidation">Breathing, sleep, and memory consolidation </h2>



The connection between sleep and improved memory is not a new discovery. The ancient Roman scholar Quintillion stated: "The interval of a single night will greatly increase the strength of the memory."



This phenomenon, now recognized as memory consolidation, involves the precise coordination of brain waves in the hippocampus.



Sheriff shared a personal example to explain how memory consolidation works. While attending a conference in Reykjavik, Iceland, he had to find his way around an unfamiliar city. 



After sleeping, he realized his sense of direction and understanding of the city's layout had improved. This improvement happened because, during sleep, the brain replayed and reinforced the experiences and maps he had formed earlier. 



His hippocampus, which is responsible for spatial memory, used specific brain waves to process and solidify this information overnight.



“The hippocampus plays a major role in forming a map of a new area,” Sheriff said. “I would wake up and feel I had a better representation of the city around me. That was facilitated by the oscillations that occurred during my sleep, which we found are coordinated by breathing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-sleep-disorders">Implications for sleep disorders</h2>



The study’s findings carry significant implications for individuals suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea. Poor memory consolidation is one of the many cognitive challenges associated with such conditions.



“When you don’t get sleep, your brain suffers, your cognition suffers, you get foggy,” Sheriff noted. He emphasized the connection between disrupted breathing during sleep and serious conditions such as stroke, dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.



Interestingly, the unique rhythm of breathing during sleep may serve a specific purpose. “If you listen to someone breathing, you might be able to tell when they are asleep, because breathing is paced differently when you’re sleeping,” Sheriff said. 



“One reason for that may be that breathing is performing a careful task: coordinating brain waves that are related to memory.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-frontier-in-sleep-research">New frontier in sleep research</h2>



The research highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders to maintain cognitive health and memory. Sheriff emphasized the need for individuals with disrupted breathing to seek treatment, as improved sleep could have far-reaching benefits for overall brain function.



This study was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and a Ruth L. Kirchstein Institutional National Research Award.



This remarkable research adds a new layer of understanding to the intricate processes that occur during sleep. By uncovering the role of breathing in synchronizing brain waves, Northwestern scientists have paved the way for new interventions aimed at improving memory and cognitive health.



The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.



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Breathing rhythms help strengthen memories during sleep

There's something both captivating and comforting about the rhythms and...

New research suggests your daily coffee habit might do more than just wake you up - it could help protect against head and neck cancers.



A comprehensive analysis by scientists at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah sheds light on the potential benefits of coffee and tea in reducing cancer risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-concern-head-and-neck-cancer">Rising concern: Head and neck cancer</h2>



Head and neck cancer ranks as the seventh most common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> worldwide, with cases increasing in low- and middle-income countries. 



In the United States alone, the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Cancer Institute</a> estimates that 71,100 individuals will be diagnosed with oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx cancer in 2024. 



Tobacco and alcohol remain the leading risk factors, but experts are now exploring dietary influences, including coffee and tea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-and-cancer-risk">Coffee and cancer risk</h2>



The researchers evaluated data from 14 prior studies which involved a total of 25,331 participants, including 9,548 cancer patients and 15,783 cancer-free individuals. The goal was to uncover dietary patterns linked to head and neck cancer.



"While there has been prior research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-drinking-coffee-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee and tea consumption</a> and reduced risk of cancer, this study highlighted their varying effects with different sub-sites of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had some positive impact," explained Dr. Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, senior author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-s-protective-potential-against-cancer">Coffee’s protective potential against cancer</h2>



The study revealed strong evidence that drinking coffee is associated with a lower risk of head and neck cancers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the findings:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overall-risk-reduction">Overall risk reduction</h3>



Individuals who drank four or more cups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-consumption-may-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> daily experienced a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancers compared to those who didn’t drink coffee. This includes cancers affecting areas like the mouth, throat, and voice box.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specific-cancer-types">Specific cancer types</h3>



The protective effects of coffee were even more pronounced for certain types of cancer:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Oral cavity cancer: Coffee drinkers had a 30% lower risk of developing cancer inside the mouth.</li>



<li>Throat cancer: The risk of throat cancer was reduced by 22% among coffee drinkers.</li>



<li>Hypopharyngeal cancer: Drinking 3–4 cups of coffee daily lowered the risk of cancer in the lower part of the throat by 41%.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-decaffeinated-coffee">Benefits of decaffeinated coffee</h3>



Even without caffeine, coffee showed significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-coffee-good-for-you-it-may-depend-on-your-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protective effects</a>. People who drank decaffeinated coffee had a 25% lower risk of oral cavity cancer, suggesting that other compounds in coffee may contribute to its anticancer properties.



These findings from <a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huntsman Cancer Institute</a> highlight the potential role of coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, in reducing the risk of specific cancers in the head and neck region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tea-a-mixed-brew-of-benefits">Tea: A mixed brew of benefits</h2>



Tea consumption also showed protective effects in some cases. Drinking tea was associated with a 29% reduction in hypopharyngeal cancer risk. 



However, consuming more than one cup daily was linked to a 38% increase in laryngeal cancer odds. This paradox suggests other factors, such as beverage temperature, may influence outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-coffee-beyond-cancer-protection">Benefits of coffee beyond cancer protection</h2>



Coffee contains over 2,000 compounds, including anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants like chlorogenic acids. 



These compounds have been linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation-related conditions. Chlorogenic acid, in particular, shows potential in addressing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



"Coffee should be enjoyed as a treasure trove of benefits tailored for the golden years," noted researchers from the <a href="https://www.uc.pt/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Coimbra</a> in Portugal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-directions">Challenges and future directions</h2>



While the findings are promising, the study acknowledges the complexity of coffee and tea habits. Variations in preparation methods, consumption levels, and other lifestyle factors influence outcomes. 



Head and neck cancer rates are declining in wealthier nations due to improved healthcare and HPV vaccinations, but remain a significant burden in resource-limited regions.



"Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex, and these findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk," said Dr. Lee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-holistic-approach-to-prevention">A holistic approach to prevention</h2>



Beyond dietary habits, public health initiatives should continue addressing tobacco and alcohol use, which significantly increase cancer risks. 



Vaccination programs, early detection efforts, and awareness campaigns can further reduce the global burden of head and neck cancers.



Your morning coffee might offer more than just a caffeine kick - it could play a role in cancer prevention. As research progresses, understanding the relationship between dietary habits and cancer risks can empower individuals to make informed choices.



Whether you enjoy coffee for its flavor, energy boost, or potential health benefits, one thing is clear: this beloved beverage has layers worth exploring.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.35620" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cancer</a>.



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Drinking coffee reduces the risk of certain cancers

New research suggests your daily coffee habit might do more...

It's not often we get to peek behind the curtain of our own minds and uncover the mysteries of how and why we behave the way we do. In a comprehensive interview, Professor Inga Neumann has unveiled her research into the role of oxytocin in shaping social behavior and emotional responses.



Professor Neumann is the Chair of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology at the University of Regensburg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-beyond-the-love-hormone">Oxytocin: Beyond the "love hormone"</h2>



Published in the journal Brain Medicine, the interview provides a deep dive into her exploration of neuropeptides and their profound effects on social behavior and emotional responses.



<a href="https://www.uni-regensburg.de/biologie-vorklinische-medizin/neurobiologie-tierphysiologie/team-mitarbeiter/prof-dr-inga-d-neumann/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Neumann</a>’s work redefines oxytocin’s role, moving beyond its popular reputation as the “love hormone.” 



"I am convinced that increasing our knowledge about the stimuli, dynamics, and consequences of their intracerebral release at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-rejection-teaches-us-valuable-lessons-about-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavioural</a>, physiological, cellular, and molecular levels will improve our understanding of general brain mechanisms," said Professor Neumann.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-s-role-in-social-anxiety">Oxytocin's role in social anxiety</h2>



Professor Neumann’s team has created an advanced mouse model to study social fear conditioning, a process where individuals learn to associate social situations with fear or anxiety. 



This model allows researchers to simulate and observe the effects of chronic stress and early life experiences on social behavior in a controlled environment. It provides valuable insights into how these factors influence brain function and behavior over time.



Her findings indicate that oxytocin plays a significant role in alleviating social fear. Additionally, other neuroactive molecules, such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which regulates the stress response, may also be critical in shaping these behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-social-anxiety-disorders">Treating social anxiety disorders</h2>



Together, these molecules could offer new therapeutic targets for addressing social anxiety disorders. By understanding how they work within the brain, researchers hope to develop treatments that effectively reduce social anxiety and improve overall mental health.



"We started to focus on the potential role of the brain's oxytocin and AVP systems as therapeutic targets for psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety disorders or autism," she notes.



Her research highlights the clinical promise of oxytocin-based therapies for treatment-resistant conditions, including social anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia. The findings inspire hope for more effective treatments that leverage the brain’s own neuropeptide systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-mechanisms-of-social-fear">Molecular mechanisms of social fear</h2>



Professor Neumann’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind social fear, a condition where individuals experience anxiety in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-observation-our-decisions-shift-when-people-are-watching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social situations</a>. 



Her studies delve into how oxytocin and CRF, which is linked to the body’s stress response, work together to influence stress resilience and social behavior. 



This interplay provides critical insights into how these molecules might be targeted to treat psychiatric conditions such as social anxiety, depression, and autism.



Going forward, the team from University of Regensburg aims to address important questions:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimizing-oxytocin-delivery">Optimizing oxytocin delivery</h3>



While oxytocin shows promise as a therapy, delivering it effectively to the brain remains a challenge. Researchers are exploring methods to ensure it reaches the intended brain regions without degrading or causing side effects.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epigenetic-factors-in-social-disorders">Epigenetic factors in social disorders</h3>



Epigenetic factors, which involve changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, may influence how individuals develop social behavior disorders. Understanding these factors could uncover why some people are more prone to these conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-translating-animal-studies-to-humans">Translating animal studies to humans</h3>



Much of what we know about social behavior and treatments comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal models</a>. Bridging the gap between these studies and human applications is crucial for developing therapies that work effectively in clinical settings.



These lines of inquiry aim to advance both our understanding of brain mechanisms and the development of targeted treatments for psychiatric disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-s-role-in-social-behaviors">Oxytocin's role in social behaviors</h2>



The interview with Professor Neumann not only explores her scientific contributions but also provides a glimpse into her personal journey and experiences. 



The conversation blends Professor Neumann's research with stories of her challenges and triumphs, offering a more human perspective. By doing so, it highlights not just the technical aspects of her studies but also the broader implications of her findings for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-cuddle-hormone-fosters-love-boosts-memory-and-may-cure-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">society and mental health</a>.



This narrative approach connects readers to the person behind the research, making the science more relatable and impactful. 



The series emphasizes how individual perseverance and innovation can drive meaningful advancements in understanding complex topics like brain function and social behavior. 



Through this blend of professional and personal insights, the interview offers a holistic view of both the research and the researcher’s role in shaping the future of neuroscience.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm024k.0139/article-10.61373-bm024k.0139.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Medicine</a>.



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Oxytocin is crucial beyond its role as the 'love hormone'

It's not often we get to peek behind the curtain...

In a setback for environmental protection efforts, recent UN talks failed to produce a concrete plan for addressing worldwide drought concerns. 



The extended discussions highlighted growing rifts between developed and developing nations on how to tackle the drought crisis.



At the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 meeting in Riyadh, delegates from 196 countries and the European Union worked through the night, pushing the talks a day beyond schedule. 



Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, had expressed high hopes at the start, stating that the world expected negotiators "to adopt a bold decision that can help turn the tide on the most pervasive and the most disruptive environmental disaster: drought."



However, as dawn approached after the night's efforts, Thiaw acknowledged that "parties need more time to agree on the best way forward."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-pattern-of-failed-environmental-negotiations">A pattern of failed environmental negotiations</h2>



This latest setback follows several recent disappointments that have arisen in global environmental talks, including unsuccessful biodiversity discussions in Colombia and failed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-we-combat-the-escalating-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> negotiations in South Korea.



Tom Mitchell from the <a href="https://www.iied.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Institute for Environment and Development</a> noted that these outcomes have "highlighted the challenges facing global negotiations."



"More than ever, the fractured geopolitical landscape is proving to be a stumbling block to the COP process and some voices are being squeezed out," he added. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-real-cost-of-drought-inaction">The real cost of drought inaction</h2>



The stakes couldn't be higher. Droughts, already among the most devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>, are expected to intensify due to climate change - threatening both ecosystems and human livelihoods.



According to UN reports, drought-related economic losses currently exceed $300 billion annually, a figure that is likely to climb as water becomes more scarce.



Beyond financial tolls, the social and humanitarian impacts are staggering - droughts exacerbate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/late-rainy-season-signals-upcoming-food-insecurity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food insecurity</a>, force mass migrations, and heighten conflicts over dwindling resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-drought-crisis">The growing drought crisis</h2>



Projections for the future are even grimmer. By 2050, up to three-quarters of the global population could face drought conditions, placing unprecedented pressure on agriculture, water management systems, and urban planning. 



Regions already vulnerable will bear the brunt, but no part of the world will remain untouched. 



Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and shrinking freshwater supplies are converging to create a perfect storm of challenges that require immediate and coordinated global action.



If no bold measures are taken, the ripple effects could jeopardize progress toward several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, ensuring food security, and promoting peace and justice. 



Addressing the drought crisis is not merely a matter of environmental stewardship - it is a necessity for global stability and resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-african-nations-push-for-stronger-measures">African nations push for stronger measures</h2>



African countries stood united in pushing for a binding agreement. 



One African delegate, speaking anonymously, shared the hope for mandatory drought preparation plans, stating: "It's the first time I've seen Africa so united, with a strong united front, with respect to the drought protocol."



The divide between nations became clear as developed countries preferred a looser "framework" approach rather than binding commitments. 



This position frustrated both African nations and Indigenous groups that were seeking stronger measures.



Praveena Sridhar of Save Soil suggested moving forward despite the lack of agreement.



"The absence of a protocol from COP16 shouldn't delay progress," said Sridhar, noting that governments can still support farmers through sustainable land management programs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-commitments-and-future-plans">Financial commitments and future plans</h2>



The talks weren't without some progress. Various organizations, including the Arab Coordination Group and the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, pledged over $12 billion toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toilet-to-tap-california-approves-wastewater-recycling-amid-drought-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought resilience efforts</a>.



However, this falls short of the UN's estimated need of $2.6 trillion for land restoration by 2030.



Saudi Environment Minister Abdulrahman AlFadley emphasized his country's commitment, stating they are dedicated "to working with all parties to preserve ecosystems, enhance international cooperation to combat desertification and land degradation, and address drought."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-common-ground">Finding common ground</h2>



The discussions revealed an interesting dynamic, as noted by Sridhar. Unlike climate talks that focus on controversial topics like fossil fuels, land preservation discussions offer more common ground.



"Attending to land, agriculture lands, farmers, livestock – it's not a contested subject. Nobody's going to say 'I don't want food.' The use of fossil fuels or not is a very polarizing subject. This is not," said Sridhar.



The next opportunity for progress will come at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026, where nations again hope to finalize a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/formal-agreement-needed-to-define-the-current-level-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global drought agreement</a>.



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UN talks on the drought crisis end without agreement

In a setback for environmental protection efforts, recent UN talks...

The world’s largest iceberg has astonished scientists by shaking free from a spinning ocean trap and continuing its trek across remote southern waters.



Its journey, marked by twists and turns since it separated from Antarctica, has become a focus for research on the changing ocean and the ice’s influence on life beneath the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-breaks-free">A23a iceberg breaks free</h2>



The icy slab covers about 1,418 square miles, which makes it bigger than Rhode Island. 



It originally broke away from <a href="https://eros.usgs.gov/earthshots/filchner-ice-shelf-antarctica" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf</a> in 1986 and remained stuck close to the continent for decades. 



Ocean currents and seafloor topography restricted its path. After finally regaining momentum last year, the towering block ran into a swirling formation of water near the <a href="https://www.ndsu.edu/subantarctic/southorkney.htm">South Orkney Islands</a>, where it ended up spinning in place for months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-iceberg-movements">Tracking iceberg movements</h2>



“It’s exciting to see A23a on the move again after periods of being stuck,” said <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-breaks-free/">Dr Andrew Meijers</a>, an oceanographer at the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>.



Ocean experts have been monitoring this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-undergoing-major-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg’s</a> every move to understand how such massive blocks can influence sea circulation, temperature balance, and the distribution of nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-for-the-a23a-iceberg">New chapter for the A23a iceberg</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birth-of-an-iceberg-a-83-breaks-free-from-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg’s</a> latest departure from its watery prison has stirred up fresh discussions about its fate. 



As it progresses northward, warmer seas may take a toll on its bulk. Many large ice masses follow a similar route before gradually disintegrating. Scientists emphasize that ice already afloat in the water does not raise sea levels when it melts. That does not mean these events should be dismissed, though, since Antarctica’s overall health is a concern in a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-and-its-ocean-impacts-nbsp">A23a iceberg and its ocean impacts&nbsp;</h2>



Researchers have pointed out that although this particular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg</a> calved naturally, Antarctic ice shelves are showing other, more concerning changes.



Experts worry that accelerated ice loss in certain areas could have far-reaching effects. Even small changes along coastal regions of the continent can result in shifts in glacial flow, which might eventually lead to an uptick in sea-level rise. 



Data gathered from icebergs like A23a helps build a clearer picture of these wider trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-antarctic-ice-shelves">Importance of Antarctic ice shelves</h2>



These massive floating ice platforms act as natural barriers, holding back glaciers from flowing too quickly into the ocean, while playing a crucial role in our planet's climate system.



By doing this, they help regulate sea levels and prevent dramatic rises that could flood coastal communities around the world. 



Additionally, ice shelves influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a> and the global climate by interacting with surrounding water and air, helping to maintain temperature and weather patterns. 



Without these ice shelves, we could see much faster ice loss from the Antarctic, leading to significant changes in our global climate.



Beyond their impact on climate, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-fracturing-from-meltwater-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice shelves</a> are vital indicators of environmental health. Scientists closely monitor these ice structures to understand the effects of global warming and to predict future changes in ice behavior. 



When ice shelves start to thin or collapse, it signals shifts in climate trends, providing valuable data for researchers working on climate models and sea-level rise projections.



Moreover, the areas beneath and around ice shelves host unique marine ecosystems that support a variety of wildlife, contributing to Earth’s biodiversity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystems-under-the-ice">Ecosystems under the ice</h2>



Observations have shown that drifting ice blocks can stir the waters they pass through, sometimes generating short-lived plankton blooms. 



These blooms support fish, krill, and other marine life in areas that might otherwise lack resources. "These icebergs provide different sources of nutrients," explained Professor <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/gant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geraint Tarling</a>, Biopole's principal investigator. By sampling the water where the giant iceberg has traveled, scientists hope to gauge whether this berg’s size and origin play a notable part in shaping ocean communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-holds">What the future holds</h2>



Many anticipate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a23a-worlds-largest-iceberg-is-moving-after-30-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A23a</a> will continue meandering through the Southern Ocean currents. As it ventures closer to milder latitudes, the ice is expected to weaken and break into smaller chunks. 



Some fragments may persist for a while, but the main body of the iceberg will likely diminish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-research-enhances-ocean-circulation">A23a iceberg research enhances ocean circulation</h2>



Ongoing research on these gargantuan ice blocks helps experts refine climate models, track ocean circulation patterns, and pinpoint areas most vulnerable to environmental changes. 



Observations from ships, satellites, and on-site measurements all combine to offer a clearer view of what is happening far from major population centers. The hope is that findings from the watery trails left by A23a will guide future decisions on how we manage and protect polar waters and fragile marine habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-lab-for-ocean-studies">Moving lab for ocean studies</h2>



A23a’s odyssey is important because it shows how an individual iceberg can become a moving lab for oceanographers and climate scientists. 



The iceberg's escape from a rotating water column this month hints at nature’s complexity, from shifting ocean currents to unseen underwater topography.



While it has been around for nearly four decades, its path in the coming months may reveal more about the chain reactions set in motion when a piece of Antarctica sets sail for open waters.



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World’s largest iceberg breaks free from ocean cyclone

The world’s largest iceberg has astonished scientists by shaking free...

Parker,Solar,Probe,Near,The,Sun.,Elements,Of,This,Image

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe touched the Sun's atmosphere, flying within 3.8 million miles (around 6.1 million kilometers) from the surface of the Sun on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6:53 a.m. EST. 



To approach the sun so closely, the Parker Solar Probe had to withstand extreme heat and intense radiation like no other spacecraft before it. 



"It is breaking all of these records and it's a, just a total 'Yay! We did it!' moment," <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/nicola-fox/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicola Fox</a>, the associate administrator for NASA Science Mission Directorate, said in a <a href="https://x.com/NASASun/status/1871524544306909200" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> on Dec. 24.



During its closest approach, also called perihelion, mission operations will be out of contact with the spacecraft. 



Scientists won’t know if Parker survived or what condition it’s in until Friday, when it's expected to send its first signal back to Earth since its close fly-by. Lots of fingers will remain crossed until then.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-where-no-human-made-object-has-gone">Going where no human-made object has gone</h2>



This approach is unlike anything previously accomplished by a human-made spacecraft, marking a landmark in solar science that may rewrite much of what we know about our star.



Arik Posner, <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker Solar Probe</a> program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, sees this effort as a new window into solar research. “This is one example of NASA’s bold missions, doing something that no one else has ever done before to answer longstanding questions about our universe,” said <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-arik-posner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arik</a>. The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>) in Laurel, Maryland, manages mission operations and is keeping a watchful eye on every step as Parker speeds by.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathtaking-pace-of-the-parker-solar-probe">Breathtaking pace of the Parker solar probe</h2>



The spacecraft is moving at approximately <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/parker-solar-probe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">430,000 miles per hour</a>. At that velocity, Parker could zip from New York to Los Angeles in about 20 seconds. 



By <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approaching the Sun</a> so closely, mission teams hope to retrieve data that no earlier craft could access. Particles in the corona -- where temperatures can exceed a few million degrees -- tend to behave in puzzling ways. 



Scientists aim to see how these intense conditions might shape <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a>, which jets out at more than one million miles per hour.



Engineers designed Parker’s trajectory with careful flybys of Venus to shrink its orbit gradually around the Sun. This path has taken years to perfect since launch in 2018. 



Each loop demanded detailed calculations to ensure the craft can survive the approach, collect the right measurements, and keep sending updates back to Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-battling-extreme-heat">Solar probe battling extreme heat</h2>



Because the Sun’s heat is punishing at such a short distance, Parker Solar Probe relies on a <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/Spacecraft/index.php#Extreme-Environments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-composite shield</a> 4.5 inches thick.



This protective layer keeps sensitive instruments near room temperature while the shield’s front side can face extreme temperatures above 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.



Sophisticated cooling systems also channel heat away from the core of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-fastest-human-made-object-ever-nasas-parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a>, helping to sustain the electronics that record measurements of plasma, magnetic fields, and solar wind particles.



Inside, the instruments are scanning for clues to explain the corona’s unusual temperatures, which skyrocket to levels far higher than the Sun’s visible surface. 



Those same instruments are also watching for charged particle bursts and fluctuations in magnetic fields that might help answer big questions about what accelerates the solar wind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-timing-and-limited-contact">Crucial timing and limited contact</h2>



Today’s perihelion means Parker is currently skimming the outer atmosphere of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-orbiter-spacecraft-sees-the-sun-through-three-different-lenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> while in autonomous mode, out of immediate radio contact.



This window of silence is standard because powerful solar emissions prevent reliable communication. Mission operators anticipate a beacon tone on December 27, which should confirm Parker has survived.



Scientists believe that data from this flyby could provide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unprecedented detail on solar activity</a>. Periods of heightened activity, known as solar maxima, produce more flares and coronal mass ejections. These events can spawn auroras at unexpected latitudes and threaten satellites with bursts of charged particles. 



By collecting data from close range, Parker might reveal new insights into how these explosive happenings form and evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visionary-behind-the-parker-solar-probe">Visionary behind the Parker solar probe</h2>



This trailblazer of solar research is named after <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Eugene N. Parker</a>, the late astrophysicist from the University of Chicago who proposed the existence of the solar wind back in the 1950s.



He changed our understanding of how stars interact with their surroundings. In 2018, he became the first person to witness the launch of a spacecraft bearing his name. 



Though he passed away in 2022, his legacy lives on in every close pass the probe completes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-solar-wind">A closer look at solar wind</h2>



One of the main motivations behind Parker Solar Probe mission is to figure out how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a>, that stream of charged particles racing from the Sun, accelerates to incredible speeds. Scientists hope Parker will pinpoint where and how energy is transferred to these particles. Such information could refine space weather forecasts, which are critical for protecting satellites, power grids, and astronauts in orbit.



<a href="https://www.plasmacoalition.org/plasma_writeups/solar_plasmas.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plasma</a> behavior at these altitudes can also inform theories about stellar physics beyond the Sun. 



Many stars release similar particle streams, so unraveling the inner workings of the solar wind could offer a template for understanding events happening light-years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-stakes-data-for-space-weather-predictions">High-stakes data for space weather predictions</h2>



Operators know that space weather can have major effects here on Earth. Sudden geomagnetic storms have been known to disrupt radio signals, damage satellites, and even cause power outages. By studying the Sun’s activity from the inside, Parker could lead to more accurate warnings for regions of the world vulnerable to blackouts. 



Air traffic, GPS services, and communication infrastructure may all benefit from improved predictions of <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/space-weather/solar-flares/what-is-a-solar-flare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a> and <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/solar-radiation-storm#:~:text=Solar%20radiation%20storms%20occur%20when,of%20the%20speed%20of%20light." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle storms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-milestone-for-parker-solar-probe">A milestone for Parker Solar Probe</h2>



Now that the probe is at perihelion, mission managers will hold their breath for a few days.



“No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory,” explained <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=205" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Pinkine</a>, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager at <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>. 



He added that the team is eager to see how Parker managed the flyby when the link reopens.



This moment is a milestone for solar science. If everything goes as planned, Parker will maintain its orbit for future close passes, each offering a renewed chance to investigate the corona’s strange properties.



Researchers anticipate more discoveries that will fill in knowledge gaps about the Sun’s extreme environment.



Far from being an isolated phenomenon, the Sun’s behavior plays a significant role in shaping conditions on Earth. 



Today’s brush with solar fury signals the continuing progress of human exploration -- and the promise of deeper insight into the star that illuminates our world.



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Solar Probe touched the Sun, now scientists wait for a signal and "proof of life"

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe touched the Sun's atmosphere, flying within...

Scientists have long looked to oxygen when searching for signs of life beyond Earth. This gas sustains breathing and enables animals and plants to flourish. Now, researchers suggest that oxygen might also point to advanced technology. 



If an exoplanet’s atmosphere holds enough oxygen, it may not only support organisms but also help them spark fire, build structures, and craft machinery.



A study in Nature Astronomy presents this view, highlighting oxygen’s value as more than just a sign of biology. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-civilization-and-technology">Oxygen, civilization, and technology</h2>



Leading this research are <a href="https://www.pas.rochester.edu/people/faculty/frank_adam/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adam Frank</a>, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester, and <a href="https://www-en.fisica.uniroma2.it/phone-directory/balbia_en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amedeo Balbi</a>, an associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Roma Tor Vergata, Italy.



Together with their team, they set out to explore whether oxygen is a key factor in allowing extraterrestrial civilizations to emerge and thrive through the development of technology.



“We are ready to find signatures of life on alien worlds,” Frank says. “But how do the [oxygen] conditions on a planet tell us about the possibilities for intelligent, technology-producing life?” 



This question drives efforts to examine oxygen’s role beyond respiration and metabolism, especially in relation to large-scale industrial activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-oxygen-matters-for-civilizations">Why oxygen matters for civilizations</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-cells-capable-of-photosynthesis-created-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photosynthesis</a> on Earth accounts for the bulk of our oxygen on our planet, thanks to countless organisms that use sunlight to make food. 



Because this process produces so much oxygen, it has been considered a biosignature. A planet with significant oxygen levels hints that life may be present, but Frank and Balbi argue that oxygen also has a second function.



“<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02112-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In our paper</a>, we explore whether any atmospheric composition would be compatible with the presence of advanced technology,” Balbi says. “We found that the atmospheric requirements may be quite stringent.”



The link to technology comes from open-air combustion. Smelting metals, cooking food, and powering engines all rely on oxygen. 



Any alien civilization that forges metals would need a certain percentage of oxygen in its air to keep fires burning reliably. That percentage, according to Earth’s history, appears to be around 18 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-and-the-18-threshold">Fire and the 18% threshold</h2>



“You might be able to get biology -- you might even be able to get intelligent creatures -- in a world that doesn’t have oxygen,” Frank says, “but without a ready source of fire, you’re never going to develop higher technology because higher technology requires fuel and melting.” 



He calls attention to fire’s role in shaping tools, infrastructure, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wellbeing-is-a-more-effective-focus-area-when-discussing-energy-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy production</a>. Metalworking, for instance, depends on sustaining flames hot enough to melt ore and craft refined structures.



Frank and Balbi refer to this requirement as an “oxygen bottleneck.” A planet might host life forms of various kinds, yet remain stuck without the combustion needed to fuel industrial breakthroughs. 



“The presence of high degrees of oxygen in the atmosphere is like a bottleneck you have to get through in order to have a technological species,” Frank says. 



“You can have everything else work out, but if you don’t have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/it-took-200-million-years-for-earth-to-get-its-oxygen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen in the atmosphere</a>, you’re not going to have a technological species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-technology-create-technosignatures">Oxygen + technology create "technosignatures"</h2>



Frank thinks that exoplanets with oxygen levels at or above 18 percent should be at the top of our search list. 



“Targeting planets with high oxygen levels should be prioritized because the presence or absence of high oxygen levels in exoplanet atmospheres could be a major clue in finding potential technosignatures,” Frank says. 



Planets that exceed this level may have the capacity for factories, infrastructure, or communication networks.



Balbi notes that interpreting any possible signal of intelligent life will be challenging. 



“The implications of discovering intelligent, technological life on another planet would be huge,” adds Balbi. “Therefore, we need to be extremely cautious in interpreting possible detections. 



Their study suggests that astronomers should be skeptical of potential technosignatures from a planet with insufficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric oxygen</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technosphere-vs-biotechnosphere">Technosphere vs. biotechnosphere</h2>



Frank and Balbi’s perspective also covers the idea of a technosphere, which is the collective output of an advanced civilization. 



Factories, vehicles, and power grids all fit under this label. They rely on resources provided by the planet’s biosphere but stretch beyond purely natural processes. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-technology-is-a-modern-solution-for-clean-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burning fuels in open air</a> has been central to every major industrial leap, from forging steel to generating electricity.



When these technologies reach a global scale, they form a biotechnosphere. This term applies to the interplay of living systems and technology -- essentially, how organisms and machines coexist. 



On Earth, that includes everything from smartphones to farms, all running side by side. A well-established biotechnosphere might produce clear signals in the atmosphere: waste gases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-2024s-record-heat-unveiling-earths-climate-danger-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual heat patterns</a>, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals not normally found in nature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-machines-and-ecosystems">Balancing machines and ecosystems</h2>



History shows that as technology expands, it can sometimes damage or alter environments. Factories might pump pollutants into the air, while deforestation removes habitats that produce oxygen. 



Yet there is an ongoing move toward cleaner energy and more efficient resource use. If any alien civilization follows a similar path, we might detect certain byproducts in the form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engineered molecules</a>.



Though the focus is on oxygen, other factors matter too, such as temperature and access to metals or fuels. A planet may need stable conditions for life to progress to a point where industry becomes possible.



That said, Frank and Balbi’s findings highlight how oxygen stands out among these factors, because it directly enables combustion processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-and-progress-in-earth-s-past">Fire and progress in Earth’s past</h2>



Earth’s own development through advances in technology offers insight into how vital oxygen has been for technical achievements.



Once our atmosphere had enough of it, humans learned to manipulate fire for cooking and for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-wooden-structure-completely-rewrites-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">making stronger materials</a>. 



From simple smithing to modern manufacturing, every stage of growth involved open-air combustion.



“You can have everything else work out, but if you don’t have oxygen in the atmosphere, you’re not going to have a technological species,” Frank says. 



This idea underlines how a single factor -- oxygen -- can open or close the door to industrial progress, altering a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s entire future path</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-technology-and-next-steps">Oxygen, technology, and next steps</h2>



Observatories now in the works may soon gather data about exoplanet atmospheres in detail. Detecting a high oxygen content could mark a world that supports advanced living organisms. 



The next task is to look for proof of industry or technology, sometimes called technosignatures. These might appear as chemical emissions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-radio-signal-reaches-earth-after-8-billion-years-frb-20220610a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio signals</a>, or specific spectral lines.



If these two checks-- oxygen above 18 percent and evidence of artificial activity -- both yield results, we will have a strong indication that we share the universe with another technological civilization. 



That reality could reshape how we see ourselves and our place among the stars.



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



Understanding the significance of atmospheric oxygen can also inspire reflection on our home planet. Human industries <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rely heavily on combustion</a>, from running cars to powering factories. This has changed Earth’s ecosystems. 



As we learn more about how oxygen in an atmosphere enables or limits technology, we might gain new ideas on how to manage our own balance between growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental health</a>.



Ultimately, Frank and Balbi’s argument shows that oxygen may do far more than keep living cells alive. It might be the clearest signal of whether a planet can support the technologies that shape modern societies. 



By recognizing the 18 percent threshold, scientists can refine their search for advanced life and possibly move closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone, or is someone else using fire to reshape their world?



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02112-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Oxygen levels on exoplanets reveal presence of alien technology

Scientists have long looked to oxygen when searching for signs...

Picture a landscape on Mars where frost covers the ground, and the crisp sound of icy surfaces breaking underfoot fills the air. Above, sunlight filters through clouds mixed with ice and dust, creating a warm, golden glow. This is the Australe Scopuli region, located at the southern pole of Mars.



It offers a striking contrast - its alien features are shaped by the Red Planet's unique environment, yet its serene beauty evokes scenes that feel almost Earth-like.



This blend of the otherworldly and the familiar makes it a captivating subject for scientific exploration and visual fascination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australe-scopuli-unique-polar-landscape-on-mars">Australe Scopuli: Unique polar landscape on Mars</h2>



The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) aboard the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express</a>&nbsp;captured stunning images of Australe Scopuli, displaying its distinctive polar deposits.



This region lies near the "cryptic terrain," a puzzling area previously explored by few scientists. Here, layers of carbon dioxide ice and dust swirl together, creating a white, frosty terrain that contrasts sharply with the iconic red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mars-became-uninhabitable-after-being-life-supporting-ocean-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian soil</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_frost_ice_Mars-Express_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_frost_ice_Mars-Express_1s.webp" alt="Swirls of light and dark layers mark the boundaries between ice and dust layers exposed in this icy scene from the Australe Scopuli region of Mars. The right side of the image has a lot of ice coverage compared with the left hand side that has numerous dark fan-shaped deposits tracing the horizontal layers. Credit: Mars Express/ESA" class="wp-image-1954353"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Swirls of light and dark layers mark the boundaries between ice and dust layers exposed in this icy scene from the Australe Scopuli region of Mars. The right side of the image has a lot of ice coverage compared with the left hand side that has numerous dark fan-shaped deposits tracing the horizontal layers. Credit: Mars Express/ESA</figcaption></figure>



These layered polar deposits result from seasonal cycles, with ice forming and trapping varying amounts of dust. 



The contrasting light and dark layers are particularly visible on hills and in valleys, painting the landscape with striking textures.



When viewed through 3D glasses, the region’s topography resembles Earthly ski resorts, with smooth slopes, sharp turns, and steep hillsides.



But skiing on Mars would require preparation for extreme cold: temperatures here plunge to a bone-chilling -125°C (-193°F).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-seasons-and-martian-spiders">Changing seasons and Martian "spiders"</h2>



The images, taken on June 16, 2022, during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-water-found-on-mars-would-cover-the-planet-over-one-mile-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> summer solstice, showcase how Mars’s southern pole transitions with the changing seasons.



Dark patches in the imagery reveal areas where carbon dioxide ice has sublimated, a process where the ice turns directly from solid to vapor without melting.



This sublimation is driven by sunlight, which warms the ice. As the ice evaporates, it leaves behind trails of dark dust spread across the surface. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_perspective_Mars-Express_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_perspective_Mars-Express_1s.webp" alt="Perspective view across undulating terrain at the Australe Scopuli region of Mars, with exposed layers of ice and dust. Numerous dark dusty fan-shaped features follow the pattern of the layers. Credit: Mars Express/ESA" class="wp-image-1954355"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Perspective view across undulating terrain at the Australe Scopuli region of Mars, with exposed layers of ice and dust. Numerous dark dusty fan-shaped features follow the pattern of the layers. Credit: Mars Express/ESA</figcaption></figure>



These fan-shaped patterns, sculpted by prevailing winds, provide a remarkable look at the seasonal dynamics in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-pulls-earth-closer-to-the-sun-warming-our-climate-scientists-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>'s polar regions.



As summer progresses, sunlight penetrates the translucent carbon dioxide ice, heating the ground beneath it. This leads to the formation of gas pockets as the underlying ice sublimates. 



When the gas pressure becomes too high, the ice cracks, releasing bursts of gas and dust into the atmosphere. These jets create fan-shaped deposits that can stretch for hundreds of meters.



This process resembles the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marss-space-debris-should-be-regarded-as-historical-artifacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> "spiders," another fascinating feature observed in recent&nbsp;Mars Express imagery, where similar sublimation mechanisms create spider-like patterns on the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-australe-scopuli-of-mars">Dynamic Australe Scopuli of Mars</h2>



A detailed look at Australe Scopuli shows that the dust jets typically emerge along the edges of layered polar deposits. These boundaries may act as fragile zones, allowing the jets to break through with less resistance.



This phenomenon, shaped by seasonal temperature changes and the region’s topography, creates a dynamic and evolving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-samples-from-mars-could-reveal-fascinating-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> landscape. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_topography_Mars-Express_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_topography_Mars-Express_1s.webp" alt="A topography map of Australe Scopuli region of Mars color-coded according to relative heights. The scale goes from red (highest terrain) through yellow, green, blue and purple (lowest terrain). Credit: Mars Express/ESA" class="wp-image-1954357"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A topography map of Australe Scopuli region of Mars color-coded according to relative heights. The scale goes from red (highest terrain) through yellow, green, blue and purple (lowest terrain). Credit: Mars Express/ESA</figcaption></figure>



The interplay between the shifting ice and dust patterns highlights the complexity of Mars’s natural processes.



Although building a snowman on Mars might not be possible, the Australe Scopuli region captures the essence of the planet’s unique beauty. 



It offers scientists and explorers a fascinating glimpse into the changing polar environment of the Red Planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-images">Science behind the images</h2>



The HRSC on&nbsp;Mars Express&nbsp;is a remarkable piece of engineering, designed and developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR).



After the camera captured detailed images of Mars, the <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/pf/about-us/departments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DLR Institute for Planetary Research</a> in Berlin-Adlershof processed the data. 



Using this data, the Planetary Science and Remote Sensing group at <a href="https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freie Universität Berlin</a> created the stunning final images we see today.



In conclusion, the images of Australe Scopuli offer much more than just stunning visuals of the Martian southern pole. 



They serve as powerful proof of the intricate and ever-changing processes that sculpt the Red Planet's icy polar regions.



Every layer of ice and dust preserved in these photographs tells a unique story about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-makes-surprising-find-under-martian-rock-sulfur-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>'s geological and climatic history. 



By studying these features in detail, researchers can piece together the planet's evolving climate and uncover the mysteries of its geological past.



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White Christmas on Mars with its changing polar landscapes

Picture a landscape on Mars where frost covers the ground,...

Geometry,Of,Space,Series.,Backdrop,Of,Conceptual,Grids,,Curves,And

Dark energy has long been seen as the invisible force behind our Universe’s accelerating expansion. This mysterious component was thought to make up nearly 70 percent of the cosmic energy budget. A new study, however, raises a different idea: maybe the Universe is expanding in a “lumpy” manner, which means dark energy might not be needed to explain those puzzling measurements of distant supernovae.



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



For almost a century, scientists have assumed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-suggests-that-dark-energy-comes-from-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmos</a> spreads out uniformly in every direction, with dark energy speeding up that expansion. The notion was adopted after researchers saw exploding stars, known as supernovae, appearing farther away than expected. 



When calculations showed that galaxies seemed to be drifting apart too quickly, dark energy became an easy placeholder for the unknown physics.



Professor <a href="https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/David-Wiltshire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Wiltshire</a> from the <a href="https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Canterbury</a> in Christchurch, New Zealand has been examining this challenge in more detail. 



His research team’s <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl/article/537/1/L55/7926647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis</a> of supernova light curves suggests the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-the-universe-may-reveal-secrets-of-dark-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe</a> may be more uneven than we assumed.



Their approach leads to a fresh explanation for the changes in light we see, one that focuses on how time passes differently in various gravitational conditions rather than appealing to an unseen substance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-many-have-relied-on-dark-energy">Why many have relied on dark energy</h2>



Dark energy has been tied to the so-called Lambda Cold Dark Matter model, or <a href="https://lambda.gsfc.nasa.gov/education/graphic_history/univ_evol.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ΛCDM model</a>. 



This model has served as the bedrock of modern cosmology for decades. Scientists had no direct means to detect or measure dark energy, so they relied on the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/aca5fa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apparent acceleration</a> seen in distant supernovae. They also looked to patterns in the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Cosmic_Microwave_Background_CMB_radiation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosmic Microwave Background</a>, which is often described as the faint afterglow of the Big Bang. 



Over the years, more data have hinted that there could be tension between early and recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expansion</a> rates, sparking serious questions about whether we are missing some major puzzle piece.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enter-the-timescape-model">Enter the timescape model</h2>



The new work supports something called the timescape model, which does not need dark energy to explain cosmic acceleration. Instead, it notes that local physics can vary depending on how mass is distributed. One clock drifting through a sparse region of the cosmos might tick faster than the same clock inside a galaxy packed with more gravitational pull. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dark-energy_doesnt-exist_history-of-universe-graphic_credit-NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dark-energy_doesnt-exist_history-of-universe-graphic_credit-NASA_1s.webp" alt="This graphic offers a glimpse of the history of the universe, as we currently understand it. The cosmos began expanding with the Big Bang but then around 10 billion years later it strangely began to accelerate thanks to a theoretical phenomenon termed dark energy. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1954661"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This graphic offers a glimpse of the history of the universe, as we currently understand it. The cosmos began expanding with the Big Bang but then around 10 billion years later it strangely began to accelerate thanks to a theoretical phenomenon termed dark energy. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



The team’s findings were featured in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters.



“Our findings show that we do not need dark energy to explain why the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe</a> appears to expand at an accelerating rate,” noted Professor David Wiltshire, who led the study. 



He sees this approach as an opportunity to rethink the way we average cosmic expansion. “The Universe’s biggest mystery could be settled by the end of the decade,” Professor Wiltshire claimed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-tension-and-the-lumpy-universe">Hubble tension and the lumpy Universe</h2>



Part of the growing dispute involves something called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unknown-factors-are-accelerating-the-expansion-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble tension</a>.



<a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2020/09/aa33910-18/aa33910-18.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Measurements</a> of the early cosmos from the Cosmic Microwave Background suggest a certain rate of expansion, while observations of supernovae in the present day reveal a faster pace. This inconsistency has triggered re-examinations of old assumptions. Adding to that, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/aca5fa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI</a>) has discovered that the standard ΛCDM model may not line up perfectly with some of its new high-precision data. Researchers are looking into models where dark energy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">might change over time</a>, but the timescape idea takes a different path: it challenges the uniformity assumption at its core.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-dark-energy">Rethinking dark energy </h2>



If the Universe is lumpy, with matter clumping in some regions and emptier voids in others, then local gravitational effects might skew the calculations that gave dark energy its place in cosmic theory. <a href="https://www.astro.uvic.ca/~jwillis/teaching/astr405/astr405_lecture6.pdf?utm_blank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Traditional equations</a> used to describe expansion were first introduced almost a hundred years ago, so some researchers argue that the Universe’s complex structures were overlooked. This new study insists that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-expansion-rate-dark-energy-measured-11-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uniform expansion</a> might not be the full story. When you allow for different gravitational influences, dark energy becomes optional.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-to-fresh-data">Looking ahead to fresh data</h2>



Several upcoming projects are on the horizon. 



The European Space Agency’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> satellite launched in July 2023, and future missions like the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/roman-space-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope</a> promise more comprehensive observations of supernovae. The timescape team believes that at least 1,000 high-quality supernova measurements could be enough to show if their approach really works. 



If timescape ideas pass these tests, the so-called “biggest mystery” might get resolved sooner than people think.



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



To sum it all up, the Universe is more intricate than any simple map might reveal. If the <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011MNRAS.413..367S/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">timescape model</a> holds up under further scrutiny, there could be wide-ranging effects on cosmic models, especially those that rely on dark energy as a key ingredient. Astronomers, physicists, and cosmologists will be watching closely as more data come in from cutting-edge surveys and instruments. 



These results might bring clarity to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble tension</a> or uncover new clues about the structure and history of everything around us.



Dark energy has been the leading explanation for cosmic acceleration for decades. Yet, if local gravitational differences and variable clock speeds can account for what we see, the door may be open to a more nuanced story of cosmic growth. There is no shortage of skepticism within the scientific community, but unexpected solutions to old puzzles are often how we expand our understanding of the Universe. 



If the timescape approach stands the test of fresh observations, future textbooks might look a little different.



The full study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl/article/537/1/L55/7926647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters</a>.



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Wrong again? Dark energy doesn't exist and the universe is "lumpy"

Dark energy has long been seen as the invisible force...

NASA's Perseverance rover has recently completed a significant part of its arduous journey on the Martian surface.



Aptly named "Lookout Hill," it's the apex of the Jezero Crater's rim - a location that is noteworthy due to the unique form of Martian geology it presents.



This milestone marks the conclusion of the uphill adventure, a process that has lasted more than three months and has seen the rover maneuver its way up 1,640 vertical feet (500 vertical meters) with an incline of 20 percent. 



The rover diligently recorded observations at stops along the way.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="5xPIlWSDKm-4160431-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perseverance-conquers-the-jezero-crater-rim">Perseverance conquers the Jezero Crater rim</h2>



The exploration of Lookout Hill was recently discussed in a media briefing at the American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting - the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists in the country. The experts noted that the path to Lookout Hill was challenging.



"During the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a> rim climb, our rover drivers have done an amazing job negotiating some of the toughest terrain we’ve encountered since landing,” explained Steven Lee, deputy project manager for Perseverance. 



As innovative approaches were invented and tested, like trying to move backward, the rover successfully navigated these difficulties and survived like a true champion. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ongoing-work-of-perseverance">The ongoing work of Perseverance </h2>



The journey is not over yet. The science team has more to uncover in the next phase of the campaign.



Since its arrival at Jezero in February 2021, Perseverance has accomplished four science campaigns: the “Crater Floor,” “Fan Front,” “Upper Fan,” and “Margin Unit.” 



Now, as it commences its 5th <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-begins-steep-climb-up-martian-crater-rim-jezero-crater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">campaign</a>, named the “Northern Rim,” it is expected to visit up to four sites of geological interest, gather samples, and cover about four miles (6.4 kilometers).



“The Northern Rim campaign brings us completely new scientific riches as Perseverance roves into fundamentally new geology,” noted Ken Farley, project scientist for Perseverance.



This expedition signifies a shift from studying rocks, which partially filled the Jezero Crater upon its formation, to examining rocks thrown up from deep within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-records-a-martian-day-from-dawn-to-dusk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> crust due to the impact. 



These ancient rocks hold clues to the planet's early history and may offer insights into Earth's formative years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-first-landmark-witch-hazel-hill">The first landmark: Witch Hazel Hill</h2>



After the triumph on Lookout Hill, Perseverance embarked on its quest to unearth the Martian history encoded in the layered outcrop of a geological feature known as "Witch Hazel Hill."



"Each layer is like a page in the book of Martian history," explained Candice Bedford, a scientist associated with the Perseverance project.



As the rover descends the hill, it will explore deeper into the ancient Martian environments recorded in the crater rim.



After descending, the journey continues toward "Lac de Charmes," a location about 2 miles south, which is situated on the plains beyond the rim. This region is less likely to be significantly affected by the formation of Jezero Crater.



Following its trip to Lac de Charmes, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-finds-best-evidence-yet-life-on-mars-cheyava-falls-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rover</a> will to explore an impressive outcrop of large blocks known as megabreccia.



These blocks could reveal ancient bedrock that was shattered during the Isidis impact - an event that presumably gouged deeply into the Martian crust and created a wide impact basin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-primary-mission-of-perseverance">The primary mission of Perseverance </h2>



A crucial part of Perseverance's mission is the pursuit of astrobiology, which includes finding samples that may bear signs of ancient microbial life. 



The rover will analyze the Red Planet’s geology and previous climate patterns to aid future human expeditions to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-search-for-signs-of-life-on-mars-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>. The mission also includes the collection and caching of Martian rock and regolith.



As a part of NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration approach, the Mars 2020 Perseverance mission collaborates with ESA (European Space Agency) in the Mars Sample Return Program. 



The fundamental goal of this program is to collect sealed samples from the Martian surface and return them to Earth for detailed analysis.



The operations of the rover are all managed by <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, which is operated by Caltech on behalf of the agency.



The information in this article is sourced from <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-perseverance-rover-reaches-top-of-jezero-crater-rim/">NASA's JPL</a>.



Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS/JHU-APL



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Perseverance rover made an epic climb up the side of a crater

NASA's Perseverance rover has recently completed a significant part of...

Every holiday season, Americans buy nearly 30 million live Christmas trees. Many households cherish the scent of pine that drifts through their halls. The fragrance, which is often described as crisp and woodsy, can set a cheerful tone. Yet there is much more to this refreshing aroma.



That <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-gives-pine-trees-fresh-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fresh smell</a> comes from substances known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are airborne chemicals that can be released by a wide range of items inside a home.



Fresh paint, cleaning solutions, and newly purchased furniture all have distinct VOC profiles that contribute to the atmosphere we breathe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-and-its-driving-force">Research and its driving force</h2>



"Our nose is a good chemical sensor," said Dustin Poppendieck, an environmental engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 



"We know that these trees are emitting something, and the question then becomes: How big of a source is it? We wanted to explore which chemicals are emitted and how much, and to put that into the context of other sources of chemicals in a house."



In a recent study, he and his colleagues took a Douglas fir and enclosed it in a specialized chamber. The team wanted to gauge which compounds lingered and how they might shift in a controlled environment. They kept track of the emissions for 17 days to gather a clear picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocs-in-the-home">VOCs in the home</h2>



VOCs appear in many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-chemicals-linked-to-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">household products </a>and activities. They come from cleaners, new carpeting, varnishes, personal care items, and similar sources. Some have a pleasant smell that appeals to people, while others cause throat irritation and watery eyes for those who are sensitive.



Many manufacturers now produce items with fewer VOCs, including paint labeled as low-emission. People are also more aware of how indoor air quality impacts overall well-being, so they weigh their choices when buying scented or chemical-based goods. Even simple habits, like regularly airing out rooms, can help manage exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-tree-in-a-chamber">Christmas tree in a chamber</h2>



In the experiment, the researchers placed a decorated tree inside a chamber designed to mimic typical indoor conditions. The lights switched on and off every 12 hours, outside air came in at a realistic pace, and the tree was watered each day.



A specialized instrument called proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry tracked airborne compounds in real time. This method offers a detailed look at changing levels of chemicals in the air. 



The researchers observed which specific compounds were released during the first few days and how quickly they dropped as time went on.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-the-scent">A closer look at the scent</h2>



Monoterpenes emerged as the primary source of the tree’s signature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-gives-pine-trees-fresh-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aroma</a>. These molecules also show up in fragrant products such as certain air fresheners and scented candles. They spiked early in the study, before tapering off within the first 72 hours.



According to the measurements, the initial concentration of monoterpenes equaled levels found in a freshly built house or a newly opened plug-in air freshener. From there, the emissions dropped by nearly tenfold. 



The scientists noted that 52 different types of monoterpenes appeared, illustrating how varied these natural compounds can be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-trees-and-ozone">Christmas trees and ozone</h2>



The team also introduced ozone to see if it would interact with the tree’s emissions. Ozone near ground level can form through chemical reactions triggered by light. Outdoors, it has been linked to coughing and throat irritation when levels become elevated.



In the chamber, ozone caused monoterpenes to transform into new byproducts. One of these compounds was formaldehyde, measured at about one part per billion in this setup. That number is much smaller compared to the 20 to 30 parts per billion typically found in U.S. houses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indoor-air-perspectives">Indoor air perspectives</h2>



For some individuals, the rush of VOCs from a freshly displayed tree can lead to mild respiratory responses. The watery eyes or runny nose often show up during the initial phase when emissions peak. Opening a window can help if these symptoms arise.



Outside of that, the changes in indoor air chemistry did not reach levels likely to raise alarms. The data indicated that although there was a clear spike in certain compounds, normal ventilation methods were effective at dispersing them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-steps-to-avoid-issues">Simple steps to avoid issues</h2>



People who prefer a newly cut tree might consider leaving it outside or in a garage for about three days before setting it up indoors. The intensity of monoterpene emissions falls naturally during that waiting period, which can lessen any initial surge.



Keeping doors or windows ajar, especially when first moving the tree into a living area, also allows any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lingering chemicals</a> to escape. These small adjustments may help families enjoy a traditional tree without worrying about minor discomforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-context-for-the-season">Context for the season</h2>



The investigators pursued this research to fill knowledge gaps about how natural decorations might affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioengineered-super-plant-acts-as-natural-indoor-air-purifier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indoor air</a>. The study, published in the journal Indoor Environments, highlights the dynamic relationship between conifer emissions and everyday living spaces.



Beyond Douglas fir trees, many items in our homes give off VOCs that shape the air we breathe. Recognizing the major sources can guide practical ways to manage them, whether through better ventilation or careful selection of household products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awareness-of-indoor-air-quality">Awareness of indoor air quality </h2>



For those concerned about VOCs, the biggest wave of tree-related emissions occurs early on. Poppendieck advises airing out the living area if irritation becomes noticeable. He also notes that storing the tree for a bit in a cooler spot often eases the transition.



"But for most people, this shouldn't be a major concern. I'm still going to have a Christmas tree in my house," said Poppendieck.



For some, the fresh scent of a real tree remains a part of the season. Awareness of indoor air quality tips can keep the experience enjoyable.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950362023000024?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indoor Environments</a>.



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