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Falco peregrinus peregrinus

The influence of synthetic plastic on our planet is concerning, to say the least. It's everywhere - from the depths of our oceans to the food we eat, even finding its way into our bodies. But, Avinash Manjula-Basavanna, a seasoned research scientist at Northeastern University, sees "MECHS" as a solution. 



"The kind of impact that human-made materials are making on the living world is resulting in&nbsp;climate change, pollution and more," he says. 



"One of the ways that we are able to address this is to make materials sustainable and also make materials which are smart or intelligent."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birth-of-a-new-bioplastic">Birth of a new bioplastic</h2>



Joining forces with Neel S. Joshi, an associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern, Manjula-Basavanna gave birth to a new bioplastic named MECHS.



It stands for Mechanical Engineered Living Materials with Compostability, Healability, and Scalability.



The team recently showcased their discovery in the journal Nature Communications. Here, they articulated their unique work with engineered living materials, living cells that produce functional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">materials</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wonders-of-bioplastic">Wonders of bioplastic</h2>



What makes MECHS stand out? Manjula-Basavanna and Joshi gave us two major reasons.



Firstly, MECHS exhibits the beauty of nature-inspired solutions, with the ability to regenerate, regulate themselves, and respond to external stimuli such as light. 



The second reason is even more significant in today's context. Unlike the harmful plastics choking our planet and bodies, MECHS is biodegradable in water and even in a compost bin. 



"Right now we use a lot of conventional nonbiodegradable plastics for applications they don't need to be used in at all," Joshi says. "If we replace that with our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a>, you could just flush it down the toilet and it would biodegrade."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineered-living-materials">Engineered living materials</h2>



Until now, such engineered living materials haven't been scalable for broad production. Enter MECHS.



Essentially, it's comprised of engineered E. coli bacteria intertwined with a fiber matrix, crafted into a paper- or film-like material. 



The fibrous structure gives MECHS some desirable properties. For instance, the bioplastic can stretch like plastic wrap and be genetically engineered for variable stiffness. And, quite fascinatingly, it has self-healing capabilities.



But the real cherry on top? MECHS is fully dissolvable, be it in large amounts of water or a compost bin. It dissolves rapidly, much faster than other existing biodegradable plastics. Plus, it can be mass-produced similarly to paper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications">Potential applications</h2>



The scientific marvels envision MECHS as the solution to "primary packaging." This includes the plastic cover protecting your new iPhone or the detergent pods for your appliances. Imagine MECHS wrapped around a pot plant, slowly breaking down and releasing proteins to fertilize the plant!



Addressing the global problem of plastic pollution, Manjula-Basavanna sees a strong potential for MECHS in plastic packaging, which covers almost one-third of the plastic market. 



He observes that such packaging’s lifespan could last a few days to two years, but the petrochemical plastics used can take hundreds of years to biodegrade.



"For such a short lifespan of packaging, the petrochemical plastics that can take hundreds of years to biodegrade are unnecessary in many cases and thus a sustainable alternative like MECHS due to its biodegradability, flushability, and mechanical tunability could be a game changer," says Manjula-Basavanna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-adopting-mechs">Challenges in adopting MECHS</h2>



While MECHS presents a revolutionary solution to the global plastic crisis, adopting this technology on a large scale is not devoid of challenges. One primary concern lies in the genomic stability of the engineered E. coli bacteria used in MECHS. 



Scientists must ensure that the bacteria remain safe and stable under various environmental conditions to avoid unintended consequences. Additionally, transitioning industries reliant on traditional plastics to MECHS involves overcoming significant economic and logistical barriers. 



Production facilities worldwide may need to adopt new techniques and infrastructure to accommodate this novel material, potentially incurring considerable costs in the short term. 



Furthermore, public perception and regulatory hurdles need to be navigated to gain trust and approval for its widespread use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-sustainable-materials">Future of sustainable materials</h2>



Looking to the future, the innovations around MECHS signal a burgeoning era of sustainable and adaptable materials capable of transforming industries. 



As research into living materials progresses, new possibilities emerge, such as enabling the development of dynamic, adaptable materials for technologies yet to be imagined. 



Building on their success with MECHS, Manjula-Basavanna and Joshi envision an expanding palette of biodegradable materials, each tailored for specific applications ranging from environmental conservation to health care. 



Their work emphasizes collaboration across disciplines - bridging biology, chemistry, and engineering - to advance sustainable solutions.



Ultimately, MECHS is a testament to how embracing nature-inspired innovation can lead to breakthroughs with the power to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-on-beaches-is-now-visible-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reshape our relationship with the materials</a> we use and the environment we inhabit.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53052-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Nature-inspired solutions: New bioplastic dissolves rapidly in water

The influence of synthetic plastic on our planet is concerning,...

Are we alone in the universe? Does alien life exist in our galaxy and beyond? Today, as technology continues to rapidly advance, the answers to these profound questions are now closer than ever before. 



Astronomers recently devised a new model they're calling the "formula for life." 



The experts hope this tool will calculate the chances of intelligent life existing in our universe and even predict the potential for alien life to emerge in future universes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-generation-of-intelligent-life">Next generation of intelligent life </h2>



According to this new calculation model, the likelihood of life beyond our galaxy sits at 27 percent, which may let down the 65 percent of American adults who firmly believe in extraterrestrial life.



Interestingly, the chances of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-aliens-sending-radio-signals-to-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligent life</a> existing within our own Milky Way are even lower -- just 23 percent.



These estimates come from the concerted efforts of researchers at the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ed.ac.uk%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a> and the <a href="https://iubtgedu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Genevieve</a>. 



The study suggests that star formation and the evolution of large-scale planets might intertwine to quietly "form the next generation of intelligent life."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frank-drake-s-famous-equation">Frank Drake's famous equation</h2>



The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_equation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drake Equation is a formula</a> that estimates the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy. 



<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Drake" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frank Drake</a> introduced it in 1961 as a way to break down the complex question of alien life into more manageable parts. 



The equation considers factors like the average rate of star formation, the fraction of stars with planetary systems, the number of planets that could support life, and the likelihood of life developing intelligence and technology to communicate across space.



By tweaking the values of these factors, we can explore different possibilities about how common or rare intelligent life might be in the Milky Way. 



It's not about getting an exact number but sparking discussions and guiding research in astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (<a href="https://www.seti.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI</a>). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-energy-and-the-potential-for-alien-life">Dark energy and the potential for alien life</h2>



To understand the potential of other life forms, the team devised a theoretical model that leans heavily on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-humans-only-intelligent-life-milky-way-galaxy-possible-not-likely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drake Equation</a>.



The researchers emphasized that their calculations do not suggest a number of intelligent life forms but rather estimate the likelihood of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-oxygen-in-the-deep-sea-may-hold-clues-about-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existence</a>.



Their estimation process takes into account dark energy, which comprises over two-thirds of the universe and fuels its expansion.



"Understanding dark energy and the impact on our universe is one of the biggest challenges in cosmology and fundamental physics," said lead researcher Dr. Daniele Sorini, affiliated with <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>’s Institute for Computational Cosmology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-future-alien-life">Potential for future alien life</h2>



In addition to the probabilities of current extraterrestrial life, the researchers' model also accommodates for alien life forms that don't exist yet but could develop in the future. 



To do this, they calculated the amount of ordinary matter that combined to form stars across the universe's history, stretching back a staggering 13.8 billion years.



It seems the chances of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-connection-aliens-could-make-contact-by-2029/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligent life</a> appearing in universes beyond our own also hover at around 27 percent. 



"Surprisingly, we found that even a significantly higher dark energy density would still be compatible with life, suggesting we may not live in the most likely of universes," said Dr. Sorini.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interplay-of-gravity-and-alien-life">Interplay of gravity and alien life</h2>



Another intriguing factor in cosmic life creation is gravity's role. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gravity influences</a> the formation of stars and galaxies, effectively setting the stage for potential habitats where life could develop.



The extent of gravity's influence in these processes highlights its importance, not just in structural formation, but in setting conditions that could favor the emergence of life. 



Existing research suggests that regions with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/central-theory-of-quantum-gravity-is-modeled-in-the-laboratory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optimal gravity balance</a> might support complex planetary systems, paving the way for biological evolution.



As scientists continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, understanding the precise role of gravity will add another layer to our comprehension of life's cosmic potential.



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



Modeling the probability of intelligent life in other universes opens up numerous avenues for future research.



Scientists are now challenged to refine these models further, grounding them in observations and experiments to reach more precise conclusions.



Such work may involve advancing our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-suggests-that-dark-energy-comes-from-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter and energy</a> -- components of the universe that remain elusive yet crucial to grasping the cosmic puzzle.



This pursuit could bridge the gap between theoretical physics and cosmology, bringing them closer within the realms of empirical science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-speculation-to-exploration">From speculation to exploration</h2>



"It will be exciting to employ the model to explore the emergence of life across different universes and see whether some fundamental questions we ask ourselves about our own universe must be reinterpreted," noted study co-author Lucas Lombriser, a professor at the University of Genevieve.



If this research can help us to better understand our own universe and its likelihood for hosting life, it seems we have come a long way from wild speculation to measured investigation into our place in the cosmos.



So, what does this all mean for us? Are we on the brink of making contact with alien life forms? While the research findings might lead some to temper their expectations, the search for extraterrestrial life continues.



In the end, we need to remember that the universe is vast, mind-bogglingly diverse, and still largely unexplored. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-alien-life-searching-for-color-purple-not-green/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery of life beyond Earth</a> -- both as we know it and beyond our current comprehension -- remain a thrilling frontier in scientific exploration.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/535/2/1449/7896079?login=false#493432585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



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Chances that intelligent alien life exists are updated by new AI model

Are we alone in the universe? Does alien life exist...

Scientists have recently described a new species of hermit crab that is sure to capture the fascination of both the scientific community and the general public.



Strigopagurus fragarchela, or Strawberry Claws as it is fondly known, is a large hermit crab species that sports a distinctive crimson hue on the tips of its claws and waling legs. Named after its vibrant, red appendages, the crab looks as if it got caught red-handed - or rather red-clawed - in a strawberry patch.



The scientific title of this new hermit crab <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-billions-of-crabs-vanish-from-the-bering-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> is a clever blend of the Latin form of "strawberry" (fragaria) and "chela." The name highlights a unique feature of this creature - its bright red claws and walking legs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-the-hermit-crab">Uncovering the hermit crab</h2>



Peter Davie, an Honorary at <a href="https://www.museum.qld.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queensland Museum</a>, and Dr. Marissa McNamara, the Collection Manager, are the scientists behind the discovery of this unique species of crab.



They found it lurking in relatively deep waters, around 120-260 meters below the surface, off the coast of south-eastern Queensland. And, in recognition of its distinct appearance, it has been given the common name "strawberry-clawed hermit."



According to Dr. McNamara, Strawberry Claws' distinctiveness doesn't end with its vibrant color.



She noted that the strawberry-clawed hermit possesses a unique method of producing underwater sound, something called stridulation, which is akin to the natural music that cicadas play above water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hermit-crabs-of-australia">Hermit crabs of Australia </h2>



The experts knew instantly, upon discovering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-snow-crabs-vanished-due-to-rising-ocean-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crab</a>, that they were on to something special. The identification of Strigopagurus fragarchela brings an exciting addition to its genus. 



Australia seems to be the stronghold for this family of hermit crabs. The land down under boasts four endemic species, and among these, two species are exclusively found in Queensland.



There is still much to learn about these unique hermit crabs. Most of their ecology remains a mystery, as they have only been collected in trawler catches.



However, the crabs undoubtedly play a crucial role in enriching the biological diversity of the continental shelf communities off south-eastern Queensland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insight-into-hermit-crab-behavior">Insight into hermit crab behavior</h2>



The behavior of hermit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-mollusk-glowing-sea-slug-found-in-the-deep-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crabs</a> such as Strawberry Claws provides a rich avenue for scientific inquiry. Hermit crabs do not create their shells but instead repurpose shells discarded by gastropods.



This behavior not only highlights their resourcefulness but also their role in the ecosystem in recycling valuable calcium carbonate material. 



Recent observations indicate that strawberry-clawed hermits are particularly discerning when choosing their homes, often selecting shells that complement and enhance their striking appearance.



This preference suggests a sophisticated level of decision-making that could offer insights into the cognitive abilities of these crustaceans and make them valuable subjects in behavioral studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-future-studies">Conservation and future studies</h2>



With the discovery of Strigopagurus fragarchela, attention turns to its conservation status and what measures might be needed to ensure its survival.



The influence of deep-sea fishing and potential climate change impacts on this species are currently unknown. 



Future studies are essential to develop a deeper understanding of their habitat requirements, ecology and life cycle. Collaboration between marine biologists, ecologists, and conservationists is crucial to formulating strategies that can protect these fascinating creatures. 



By preserving their environment, we not only safeguard Strawberry Claws but also contribute to the health of marine ecosystems as a whole. This new discovery serves as a catalyst for continued exploration and conservation in the vast, largely unexplored underwater worlds of Australia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-untapped-mysteries-of-the-ocean">Untapped mysteries of the ocean</h2>



Queensland Museum CEO, Dr. Jim Thompson, has expressed high praise for the contributions of Peter Davie and Dr. Marissa McNamara. They made use of museum specimens of other Strigopagurus hermit crabs to support the identification of the new species.



"Our natural history collections are more than just preserved specimens - they are vital tools for&nbsp;<a href="https://phys.org/tags/scientific+discovery/">scientific discovery</a>, conservation and public education," Dr. Thompson said.



"The work of the scientists and researchers at Queensland Museum helps in providing a record of our state's biodiversity for future generations."



The discovery of the strawberry-clawed hermit crab is a fascinating reminder of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-life-100-new-sea-creatures-found-in-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">untapped mysteries</a> our oceans hold.



We need to celebrate these curious and vital components of our rich biodiversity as we continue to explore the wonders of our natural world. After all, who knows what else is waiting to be discovered?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/collections-and-research/memoirs/nature-65/mqm-n65-7-davie-mcnamara" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memoirs of the Queensland Museum – Nature</a>.



Image Credit: Queensland Museum 



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Strawberry Claws: The hermit crab that sings underwater

Scientists have recently described a new species of hermit crab...

None of us can live without freshwater. It is, arguably, the most crucial natural resource we have. 



But recent findings have set off alarm bells around the world. Scientists are gravely concerned. Once abundant, our global freshwater levels are now at serious risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-total-freshwater-levels">Earth's total freshwater levels</h2>



An international group of scientists analyzed data from NASA-German satellites and discovered that Earth's total freshwater levels experienced a sudden drop beginning in May 2014, with no signs of recovery since.



The researchers propose that this decline might indicate that Earth's continents have shifted into an enduringly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotter-drier-deadlier-how-much-can-forests-tolerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drier state</a>.



Matthew Rodell is a hydrologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.



“The average amount of freshwater stored on land - that includes liquid surface water like lakes and rivers, plus water in aquifers underground - was 290 cubic miles (1,200 cubic km) lower than the average levels from 2002 through 2014,” said Rodell. 



"That’s two and a half times the volume of Lake Erie lost.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-data-exposed-water-loss">Satellite data exposed water loss</h2>



The team used observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites, a joint effort by NASA and the German Aerospace Center, to identify this significant global decrease in freshwater. 



The GRACE satellites, which operated from 2002 to 2017, measured changes in Earth's gravity monthly, unveiling the shifts in water mass on and beneath the surface. The mission was succeeded by the GRACE–Follow On (GRACE–FO) satellites, which have been operational since May 2018. 



These satellites revealed that the drop in freshwater began with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/severe-drought-in-portugal-has-left-reservoirs-at-extreme-lows/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe drought</a> in northern and central Brazil, quickly followed by major droughts in Australasia, South America, North America, Europe, and Africa. 



Warmer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-were-a-driving-force-behind-2023s-record-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> in the tropical Pacific during the 2014–2016 El Niño, one of the most intense since 1950, played a critical role in shifting atmospheric jet streams and altering global weather and rainfall patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-levels-did-not-rebound">Freshwater levels did not rebound </h2>



However, the most troubling finding came after the El Niño event subsided: global freshwater levels did not rebound. Rodell noted that 13 of the world’s 30 most intense droughts observed by GRACE occurred since January 2015. 



This pattern raises concerns about whether global warming could be contributing to the sustained freshwater depletion. 



“Warming temperatures increase both the evaporation of water from the surface to the atmosphere and the water-holding capacity of the atmosphere, increasing the frequency and intensity of drought conditions,” said NASA meteorologist Michael Bosilovich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-decline-and-global-warming">Freshwater decline and global warming</h2>



The relationship between global warming and freshwater loss becomes clearer when considering the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-predicts-global-warmings-impact-on-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a>. 



“Global warming leads the atmosphere to hold more water vapor, which results in more extreme precipitation,” Bosilovich explained. 



Although annual rain and snowfall totals may not change significantly, the time between these intense precipitation events can grow, causing the soil to dry out and become compact. 



“The problem when you have extreme precipitation is the water ends up running off,” Bosilovich added, meaning it doesn’t soak into the ground and replenish critical groundwater reserves.



This vicious cycle poses significant threats to agriculture, communities, and global stability. During prolonged droughts, the strain on water supplies forces cities and farms to rely heavily on groundwater, creating a loop of unsustainable extraction. 



The resulting depletion impacts farmers and communities, exacerbating poverty, health risks, and potential conflicts. 



A 2024 UN report on water stress highlights that people facing severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water shortages</a> may resort to contaminated water sources, increasing the risk of disease and famine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-our-water-resources">The future of our water resources</h2>



While scientists suspect global warming plays a significant role in these shifts, definitive links remain complex due to uncertainties in climate predictions and models. 



Susanna Werth, a hydrologist and remote sensing scientist at Virginia Tech who was not involved in the study, noted: “There are uncertainties in climate predictions. Measurements and models always come with errors.” 



This complexity highlights the challenge of forecasting future freshwater trends.



The pressing question remains: will global freshwater levels recover, stabilize, or continue to decline? 



Nine of the warmest years in recorded history coincided with this sharp drop in freshwater. “We don’t think this is a coincidence, and it could be a harbinger of what’s to come," said Rodell.



The data emphasizes the urgent need for action and adaptation strategies as we face a potentially drier future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10712-024-09860-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Surveys in Geophysics</a>.



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Satellites reveal a sudden drop in global freshwater levels

None of us can live without freshwater. It is, arguably,...

While space is often thought of as a quiet, eerie place of stillness, a dramatic saga is unfolding on the outskirts of our Milky Way galaxy. NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is serving as an eyewitness to this interstellar drama.



The protagonist of this tale? None other than the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), one of our closest galactic neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-brush-with-the-milky-way">A brush with the Milky Way</h2>



Even though it is classified as a dwarf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a>, the LMC steals the show on the canvas of the southern night sky, where it displays its majestic halo at an impressive 20 times the size of the full moon's diameter.



Some astrophysicists propose that the LMC isn't orbiting around our galaxy. but is rather simply on a drive-by through our cosmic neighborhood.



These same scientists believe that the LMC has recently completed its tightest brush with the Milky Way. This intimate rendezvous has whipped away much of the gaseous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathtaking-photo-shows-an-ice-halo-forming-around-the-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">halo</a> that the LMC once wore with pride.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-lmc-s-halo">Measuring the LMC's halo</h2>



In a significant milestone, astronomers have managed to measure this halo for the first time based on observations from Hubble.



The findings, which are slated for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, unveil the LMC's halo as surprisingly small - a mere 50,000 light-years across.



This makes it about ten times smaller than the halos of other galaxies of a similar mass. The compactness of this halo is a silent reflection of the LMC’s recent encounter with the Milky Way.



"The LMC is a survivor. Even though it's lost a lot of its gas, it's got enough left to keep forming new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>," explained Andrew Fox, the principal investigator from the European Space Agency in Baltimore, based out of the revered AURA/STScI.



Fox notes that smaller galaxies wouldn't fare as well as the LMC. Without gas, they would just be clusters of aging red stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-s-giant-hair-dryer">The Milky Way's "giant hair dryer"</h2>



Despite experiencing a cosmic beatdown, the LMC managed to maintain a compact stub of its erstwhile halo, a feat it could not have pulled off had it been less massive.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/starburst-spikes-seen-exploding-from-nebula-n79-are-1630-light-years-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LMC</a>, while only 10% of the mass of the Milky Way, is still chunkier than most dwarf galaxies.



Sapna Mishra, the lead author of the study, argues that the Milky Way’s own gigantic halo truncates or quenches the LMC’s gas supply. Yet even while engaging in this catastrophic dance with the Milky Way, the LMC retains 10% of its halo, thanks to its notable mass.



Most of the LMC's halo was stripped away due to a fascinating phenomenon known as ram-pressure stripping. The dense atmosphere of the Milky Way repels the incoming LMC, creating a wake of gas following the dwarf galaxy - much like the tail of a comet.



"I like to think of the Milky Way as this giant hairdryer, and it's blowing gas off the LMC as it comes into us," noted Fox. He explained that the Milky Way pushed back so violently that the ram pressure stripped away most of the LMC's original halo mass.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-studies-of-the-large-magellanic-cloud">Future studies of the Large Magellanic Cloud</h2>



Due to its mass and proximity to the Milky Way, the Large Magellanic Cloud presents us with a unique astrophysics laboratory. It allows scientists to understand galactic dynamics in the earlier eras of the universe when galaxies were in closer quarters.



It's also a reminder that the galaxy interaction process is not as clean-cut and simple as we might imagine, but rather a wild, chaotic dance of cosmic forces.



As for the future, the research team is set to investigate the front side of the LMC's halo, a region hitherto unexplored.



Scott Lucchini, a co-author of the study from the <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Astrophysics | Harvard &amp; Smithsonian,</a> points out the next objective.



"In this new program, we are going to probe five sightlines in the region where the LMC's halo and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way's halo</a> are colliding. This is the location where the halos are compressed, like two balloons pushing against each other."



The study is published in <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.11960v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Ralf Crawford (STScI)



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What happened when a dwarf galaxy clashed with the Milky Way?

While space is often thought of as a quiet, eerie...

Black holes lie at the heart of an extraordinary cosmic event that is currently unfolding. With the help of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, scientists have detected a peculiar phenomenon involving a pair of what they refer to as "monster" black holes.



"It’s a very weird event, called AT 2021hdr, that keeps recurring every few months," explained Lorena Hernández-García, an astrophysicist at the Millennium Institute of Astrophysics, the Millennium Nucleus on Transversal Research and Technology to Explore Supermassive Black Holes, and the University of Valparaíso in Chile.



This cosmic spectacle is believed to involve the two monstrous black holes engulfing an unsuspecting gas cloud. As these massive bodies orbit each other, their gravitational forces interact with the cloud, stirring and consuming its gas.



This process creates an oscillating pattern of light emissions that scientists have been observing for months during the dramatic and recurring cosmic performances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dance-of-the-monster-black-holes">The dance of the monster black holes</h2>



The monster black holes reside deep within a galaxy known as 2MASX J21240027+3409114. This celestial neighborhood is nestled about 1 billion light-years away in the northern constellation Cygnus.



Trapped in their eternal celestial dance, the black holes are separated by around 16 billion miles, a distance close enough for light to travel between them within a day. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-black-hole-is-spinning-in-the-nearby-galaxy-m87-study-confurms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic giants</a> together have a mass 40 million times that of our own sun. The researchers have determined that these black holes complete a single orbit every 130 days.



Looking into the far future, by about 70,000 years to be precise, the scientists predict a grand finale when these twin behemoths finally collide and merge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-recurring-outbursts">Mysterious recurring outbursts</h2>



The journey to uncovering AT 2021hdr began in March 2021, when the Caltech-led ZTF (Zwicky Transient Facility) at the Palomar Observatory in California identified it as an unusual source. 



The event was quickly flagged by ALeRCE (Automatic Learning for the Rapid Classification of Events), a collaborative team that integrates artificial intelligence with human analysis to sift through extensive survey data and highlight significant night sky phenomena for the astronomical community.



With initial ideas attributing the flare to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>, the recurring nature of the outbursts prompted a shift in hypotheses. Since the first flare, the event has consistently produced outbursts, roughly every 60 to 90 days.



Study co-author Alejandra Muñoz-Arancibia is an ALeRCE team member and astrophysicist at the Millennium Institute of Astrophysics and the Center for Mathematical Modeling at the <a href="https://uchile.cl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chile</a>.



“Although this flare was originally thought to be a supernova, outbursts in 2022 made us think of other explanations,” said Muñoz-Arancibia. “Each subsequent event has helped us refine our model of what’s going on in the system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monster-black-holes-devour-a-gas-cloud">Monster black holes devour a gas cloud</h2>



The researchers left no stone unturned in their quest to unravel this cosmic mystery. Their efforts rewarded them with a revelation: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-binary-black-holes-secrets-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary system</a> produces oscillations in ultraviolet and X-ray light on the same time scales as ZTF observes in the visible range.



Through a process of elimination, the experts first dismissed the possibility of regular activity in the galactic center being the cause. Next, they eliminated the chance of a star wandering too close to the black holes and being ripped apart. 



Eventually, the scientists settled on the theory of a gas cloud, much larger than the binary itself, meeting its fate at the hands of the twin black holes. As the cloud approached the black holes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a> tore it apart, forming filaments around the pair, and the ensuing friction started to heat it.



As the gas cloud got denser and hotter near the black holes, the complex interplay of forces spewed out some of the gas with each rotation - causing the fluctuations in light that Swift and ZTF have been observing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-grandeur-of-the-universe">Unveiling the grandeur of the universe </h2>



Looking ahead, the scientists plan to continue their observations of AT 2021hdr. They anticipate further insights into the system and aim to hone their models. 



In particular, the scientists are interested in studying the host galaxy of AT 2021hdr, which is currently merging with another nearby galaxy – a phenomenon that they were the first to report.



Reflecting on the mission, S. Bradley Cenko, Swift’s principal investigator at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, expresses his pride and awe at the discoveries that Swift continues to enable as it approaches its 20th anniversary. 



"There’s still so much it has left to teach us about our ever-changing cosmos," said Cenko.



Through this venture, NASA continues its commitment to unveiling the grandeur of our universe and deciphering its many mysteries. 



Its missions are an integral part of an expanding, global network that observes the sky unceasingly to unravel <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">how the universe works</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202451305">Astronomy and Astrophysics.</a>



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Monster black holes are trapped in an eternal dance

Black holes lie at the heart of an extraordinary cosmic...

In our united struggle against the threat of global warming, progress appears stagnant. While Britain boldly abandons the era of fossil fuels, the world faces the relentless surge of CO2 emissions.



Indeed, Britain's closure of its last coal-burning power station marks a victory, but can it counterbalance the alarming prediction of 41.2 billion tons of CO2 that our atmosphere is expected to house by 2024?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-co2-emissions">Global CO2 emissions</h2>



The recently held Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, allowed prominent leaders such as PM Keir Starmer to declare their commitment towards reducing greenhouse gases.



Concurrently, the conference highlighted the ominous worldwide forecast of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> emissions resultant of fossil fuel combustion.



Discussions at COP29 highlighted the urgency for countries to adopt stronger climate policies and phase out fossil fuels. However, global dependence on these energy sources persists, despite a growing transition to cleaner alternatives. 



The conference revealed a critical gap between current actions and the scale of changes needed to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change​​​​.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuels-and-their-dirty-side">Fossil fuels and their "dirty" side</h2>



The trifecta of fossil fuels - coal, oil, and gas - take center stage in the carbon emissions debacle. 



Despite these fuels' role in quenching our insatiable energy appetite, the environmental repercussions are distressing. According to recent research, coal ranks as the main culprit, accounting for a 41% share, followed by oil (32%) and gas (21%).



The research study, lead by Pierre Friedlingstein alongside a 120-scientist team from Exeter's <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/institutes/gsi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Systems Institute</a>, yet again spotlights the "increasingly dramatic" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects of global warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-s-eye-view-of-co2-emissions">Bird's eye view of CO2 emissions</h2>



The geographic distribution of carbon emissions is also concerning. China tops the emissions chart with 12 billion tonnes (13.2 billion U.S. tons) of CO2, which equals a hefty 32% of the global total.



The United States and India trail with contributions of 13% and 8%, respectively, and the EU contributes an additional 7%. This leaves about 38% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-co2-could-push-temperatures-much-higher-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emission</a> shares spread across various other nations.



While fossil fuels remain under scrutiny, another significant contributor to CO2 emissions is land use change, such as deforestation.



Predictions for 2024 suggest an added 4.2 billion tonnes (4.6 billion U.S. tons) of CO2 to our atmosphere from land use changes alone. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy-revolution">Renewable energy revolution</h2>



Despite the gloomy picture painted by these numbers, a ray of hope breaks through the clouds. An increasing shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, biomass, and geothermal, signals a potential for change. 



Britain's successful transition from coal sets a precedent, but will the world follow this lead?



With global CO2 emissions on the rise, innovation and technology offer critical weapons in our climate change battle. 



Carbon capture and storage (CCS) techniques, for example, could potentially cut industrial emissions by up to 90%.



Additionally, breakthroughs in smart grids and energy efficiency could aid in reducing global emissions further. These developments underscore the need for continued research and innovation in clean energy solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-policy-reform">Education and policy reform</h2>



The transition journey to a low-carbon future is multifaceted, demanding an equally diverse response. 



Education and policy reforms, combined with technological advancements, are the thrust propelling us towards a sustainable future. 



Knowledge dissemination can generate global awareness and help to create a new generation committed to sustainable living. Likewise, effective policy can trigger tangible changes in our energy consumption habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-cuts-to-fossil-fuels">Rapid cuts to fossil fuels</h2>



Our progress to date is noteworthy, but we've got a long road ahead in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-co2-will-cause-rapid-climate-change-in-the-tropical-andes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a> fight. A global embrace of renewable energy technologies is crucial to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. 



A plateau in emissions growth over the past decade shows modest progress compared to previous trends, but it is far from the deep reductions needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals. 



We need sharp, immediate reductions in fossil fuel usage to keep the global average temperature rise under 2°C, and ideally 1.5°C. With every passing second, the urgency to combat the dangers of CO2 emissions escalates.



Current projections indicate that warming will exceed the 1.5°C target within six years unless emissions are drastically reduced.



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Global CO2 emissions rise as nations tackle fossil fuel dependence

In our united struggle against the threat of global warming,...

Imagine Manhattan, chest-deep in plastic waste that reaches ten times the height of the Empire State Building. Seems like a harrowing depiction from a dystopian film, doesn't it? Well, without significant intervention, our world may bear witness to a similar scenario by 2050.



However, there's a glimmer of hope: a recent study details a four-fold policy that could help us avoid this catastrophe.



This study is the result of tireless efforts by researchers from two distinguished institutions: the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a> and the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>.



The researchers explored potential approaches to combating the mounting plastic waste crisis, with a focus on limiting plastic-related greenhouse gases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-plastic-pollution-crisis">Tackling the plastic pollution crisis</h2>



The study, titled “Pathways to reduce global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a> mismanagement and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” suggests that four policies can cut down mismanaged plastic waste by 91% and plastic-related greenhouse gases by a third.



This policy package includes mandates for new products to be made with 40% post-consumer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-resolutions-misconceptions-about-recycling-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycled plastic</a>, caps on new plastic production at the 2020 level, substantial investments in plastic waste management, and the implementation of a small fee on plastic packaging. 



The findings suggest that, by implementing these proposed policies, the emissions cut would be equivalent to taking 300 million gasoline-powered vehicles off the road for a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-agreement-to-end-plastic-pollution">Global agreement to end plastic pollution </h2>



The research comes on the eve of a global agreement to end plastic pollution that will be negotiated in Busan, Republic of Korea. 



“This is it. These upcoming negotiations in Busan are our one chance to come together as a planet and fix this problem,” said study co-author Dr. Douglas McCauley.



“One of the most exciting discoveries in this research is that it is actually possible to nearly end plastic pollution with this Treaty. I'm cautiously optimistic, but we can’t squander this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-solutions-to-end-the-plastic-crisis">Potential solutions to end the plastic crisis</h2>



Without intervention, annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-disease-found-in-seabirds-is-caused-by-plastic-consumption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic consumption</a> could rise by 37% between 2020 and 2050, while plastic pollution could nearly double. 



This alarming forecast highlights the urgent need for collective, global action.



According to study co-author Dr. Roland Geyer, the research highlights the extent of the plastic problem, and identifies potential solutions.



“This study demonstrates how far we have come not just in quantifying the manifold problems surrounding plastics, but also in identifying and evaluating potential solutions. I am very proud of what our team was able to achieve in time for the final round of negotiations for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Plastics Treaty,</a>” said Dr. Geyer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ambitious-negotiations-are-needed">Ambitious negotiations are needed</h2>



Study lead author Sam Pottinger invites negotiators to be ambitious, emphasizing the importance of data-informed decision making for the treaty.



Pottinger insists that negotiators should understand the progress they have made according to the best available science.



A major concern in the fight against plastic pollution is the disproportionate burden it places on countries in the Global South, making it a significant global environmental justice issue. 



The treaty could potentially establish financing mechanisms that drive necessary investment into waste management and recycling infrastructure in these regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-future-plastic-production">Forecasting future plastic production </h2>



The team's research was enhanced by an AI-generated tool developed at the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory and Bren School of Environmental Science &amp; Management at UC Santa Barbara, and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center for Data Science &amp; Environment at UC Berkeley. 



The tool uses machine learning to forecast the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>, pollution, and trade by combining information about population growth and economic trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-joining-together-to-take-action">Joining together to take action</h2>



Dr. Nivedita Biyani, a researcher at UC Santa Barbara, voices optimism for a sustainable future.



“This policy work shows that we can reach minimal mismanaged plastic waste if we can come together in action. This provides policymakers with a novel tool that isn’t prescriptive - they can combine various policies as they see fit," said Dr. Biyani.



"Going forward, I think a mechanism to gather data on plastic production and trade will be a key factor. We need supply chain transparency here."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr3837" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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How can we combat the escalating plastic crisis?

Imagine Manhattan, chest-deep in plastic waste that reaches ten times...

In the face of a rapidly globalizing world, the ever-increasing numbers around one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders are alarming. By 2022, the rate of adults worldwide living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes had shockingly doubled compared to cases in 1990 - reaching a daunting 800 million.



An analysis from The Lancet reveals that about 445 million adults are currently living with diabetes that has not been adequately treated. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-rate-of-diabetes">Increasing rate of diabetes</h2>



The data presents a startling revelation - India bears the brunt of this health crisis, hosting over a fourth of the world’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/type-2-diabetes-heightens-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetic adults</a>.



A total of 212 million individuals, trailed by China's 148 million, are combating diabetes across India. This escalating issue is also prevalent in the United States, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Brazil.



Although this study did not distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults, it's widely accepted that the majority of these cases are attributed to type 2 diabetes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequalities-in-healthcare">Inequalities in healthcare</h2>



Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London expressed serious concerns about global inequalities in diabetes treatment.



"Our study highlights widening global inequalities in diabetes, with treatment rates stagnating in many low- and middle-income countries where numbers of adults with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diabetes-drugs-may-protect-against-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> are drastically increasing," noted Ezzati.



"This is especially concerning as people with diabetes tend to be younger in low-income countries and, in the absence of effective treatment, are at risk of life-long complications - including amputation, heart disease, kidney damage or vision loss - or in some cases, premature death."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-rates-an-upward-spiral">Diabetes rates: An upward spiral</h2>



Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and the World Health Organization, we now have a comprehensive analysis of global diabetes rates and treatment. 



This study, which included data from over 140 million individuals aged 18 years and older from various countries, has revealed deeply unsettling truths.



The numbers are a bitter pill to swallow. Since 1990, diabetes rates have doubled for both men and women (rising from 6.8% to 14.3% and from 6.9% to 13.9%, respectively). 



This translates to around 828 million adults living with diabetes in 2022 - a drastic increase from nearly 198 million in 1990.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparities-across-the-globe">Disparities across the globe</h2>



Not all nations are equal when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-snail-venom-possible-key-to-improving-diabetes-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> rates. Between 1990 and 2022, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) saw the biggest increases. 



In contrast, several high-income countries, such as Japan, Canada, and parts of Western Europe, observed no change or only minor decreases in diabetes rates.



In 2022, the prevalence of diabetes was particularly high in the Pacific island nations, the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, Pakistan, and Malaysia. On a brighter note, Western Europe, East Africa, Japan, and Canada reported the lowest rates.



Obesity and poor diets have largely fueled the surge in Type 2 diabetes. Areas where obesity is prevalent, or has dramatically increased, faced higher diabetes rates between 1990 to 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-global-diabetes-rate">Addressing the global diabetes rate</h2>



Dr. Ranjit Mohan Anjana, an expert at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in India, emphasized the need for diabetes prevention through healthier diets, exercise, and strong health policies, specifically in economically disadvantaged regions.



As of 2022, three out of five adults aged 30 years and older with diabetes - and total of 445 million individuals - did not receive adequate medication. The discrepancy in treatment coverage among nations is striking, with Belgium maintaining the highest rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coverage-for-diabetes-treatment">Coverage for diabetes treatment </h2>



Despite the swelling diabetic populations, the coverage for diabetes treatment in many LMICs remains low. It’s troubling to note that over 90% of people were untreated in 1990, a figure that has not changed substantially even in 2022.



“Our findings suggest there is an increasing share of people with diabetes, especially with untreated diabetes, living in low- and middle-income countries," said Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, <a href="https://uy1.uninet.cm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Yaoundé 1</a>, Cameroon. 



"In 2022, only 5-10% of adults with diabetes in some sub-Saharan Africa countries received treatment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insufficient-sleep-increases-diabetes-risk-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a>, leaving a huge number at risk of the serious health complications.” 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02317-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a>.



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Global diabetes rate has doubled, reaching over 800 million

In the face of a rapidly globalizing world, the ever-increasing...

Researchers recently provided the first experimental evidence that hints at a trigger for social learning in the wild, particularly in birds.



Their study of great tits (Parus major) led to the discovery that immigration can make birds pay close attention to their peers' activities, which leads to the swift adoption of useful behaviors. 



Interestingly, it is a long-assumed theory that immigration is a fundamental factor that boosts strategic social learning in birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneers-of-social-learning">Pioneers of social learning</h2>



A lot of animals learn from one another, especially in the wild. A new study has now focused on social learning in a specific bird species, the great tit.



These birds gained fame in the 1920s when they began to open foil milk bottle lids to feed on the cream inside them.



People across Europe started to find their milk bottles raided by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/">bird</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a>, a behavior that spread rapidly and led scientists to speculate that these birds were learning from each other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-of-bird-learning">Secret of bird learning</h2>



Research in 2015 by Lucy Aplin, then at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, addressed this speculation in an experiment on a population of great tits in an English forest.



The results revealed that these birds learned how to free food from a puzzle box by mimicking others. This supported the theory that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> were probably passing on this thieving behavior to the rest of their flock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-logic-behind-social-learning-in-birds">Logic behind social learning in birds</h2>



"Paying attention to what others are doing gives you the chance to see whether a new behavior is beneficial, or potentially dangerous. Copying it means that you too can reap the reward," explained study lead author and postdoctoral researcher Michael Chimento, who worked with Aplin's team.



This notion fits well into the framework of survival instincts present in wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/translocated-birds-can-learn-the-local-songs-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, where learning and adopting advantageous behaviors could spell the difference between life and death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catalyst-of-learning-in-the-wild">Catalyst of learning in the wild</h2>



Chimento and Aplin wanted to identify a specific trigger or component that could propel social learning. Theoretical models suggested that animals should change their social learning strategy when faced with new environments. 



Essentially, an animal in a new habitat may be more inclined to learn from others. However, this theory had not been experimentally tested in non-human animals until the current study.



The team formulated an experiment, using an automated puzzle box system, to test this hypothesis. They first created experimental social groups of wild-caught great tits.



Each group had a tutor bird that was trained to access food from a puzzle box by pushing the door either left or right.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immigrant-birds-adapt-to-new-methods">Immigrant birds adapt to new methods</h2>



The scientists also simulated an immigration event. Birds trained to push right were transferred to aviaries where resident birds were using the left-hand solution, and vice versa. 



Most "immigrant" birds switched their method immediately. They adopted the resident solution on their first try, suggesting social learning was at play.



Interestingly, these immigrant birds were not only moved to a location where residents were getting better food; their visual environment was also dramatically altered. 



The scientists changed the foliage in the experimental aviaries, which proved to be a game-changer for learning. Immigrant birds moved to locations where the vegetation was not changed were much slower to learn the behaviors of the local birds. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-survival-strategy">Critical survival strategy</h2>



This fascinating study provides the first experimental evidence showing the powerful impact of immigration on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-bird-sheds-light-on-the-evolution-of-vocal-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals learn</a> from one another.



In nature, animals are frequently moving from one environment to another, so it is advantageous to have a strategy for discerning useful and maladaptive behaviors in new places.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research </h2>



The implications of this research extend beyond avian social learning and touch upon ecosystem dynamics as a whole. 



When animals, such as great tits, migrate and adapt quickly to new surroundings by learning from resident species, it affects the composition and interaction patterns within ecosystems.



This behavior supports biodiversity and enhances the resilience of ecosystems by enabling a variety of species to coexist, despite changes in environmental conditions or the introduction of new species.



Understanding these dynamics can inform conservation strategies, and highlight the role of social learning in ecosystems that are facing climate change and habitat destruction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-and-human-parallels">Social learning and human parallels</h2>



Remarkably, the patterns of social learning observed in birds find parallels in human behavior, particularly in how knowledge and cultural practices are spread across communities. 



Like the great tits, humans often adapt to new environments by observing and mimicking the behaviors of others. This capability has been crucial in our evolution, allowing communities to adapt rapidly and thrive in diverse and changing environments.



The study of social learning in birds, therefore, offers valuable insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that have shaped not only avian species but also human society. Such studies illustrate the interconnectedness of all life and the shared strategies that underpin survival and adaptation.



Our understanding of social learning in animals can contribute significantly to preserving biodiversity and ensuring species survival. 



With such experimental evidence, we can better understand the coping mechanisms and adaptive behaviors animals employ in their constantly changing environments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002699" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Immigrant birds learn useful behaviors from their neighbors

Researchers recently provided the first experimental evidence that hints at...

If you found the weather last month to be unusually mild, you were not alone in your observation. Climate scientists have warned that the globe is on track to overturn a big climate record due to the temperature of the second-hottest October ever recorded.



The excessive heat affected ecosystems, intensified weather events, and highlighted the urgency for climate action at international forums like COP29



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-october-tipping-the-temperature-scales">October tipping the temperature scales</h2>



The worldwide mean temperature for October was a toasty 59.58°F (15.32°C), as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).



This temperature puts October 2024 just a fraction cooler, at 0.09°F (0.05°C), than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record-breaking</a> October of the previous year.



Shockingly, last month's temperature was an unsettling 2.38°F (1.32°C) above the 20th-century average of 57.2°F (14.0°C).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-driving-this-change">What's driving this change?</h2>



Taking a deep dive into the factors behind this temperature "anomaly," experts point towards human-caused greenhouse gas emissions as the prime suspect.



The UK Met office has voiced that British <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/september-2024-was-the-second-hottest-month-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> last month were notably above average, although this newly released data addresses the global average.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-headed-for-a-new-record">Headed for a new record</h2>



NOAA is predicting that 2024 will almost certainly become Earth's warmest year on record, surpassing the title currently held by 2023.



The U.S. agency leans on temperature sensors stationed around the world, fixed on floating buoys and satellites, to gather its data. <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA'</a>s findings resonate with those published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the EU's weather and climate program.



Although C3S's global average was slightly lower at 59.45°F (15.25°C), the agency has echoed the prediction that 2024 is on track to set a new record as the planet's hottest year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-highs-in-october">Temperature highs in October</h2>



NOAA recently announced that an astonishing 12% of the world's surface experienced a record-high temperature during October.



This widespread heat anomaly highlights the intensifying effects of global warming, exacerbated by El Niño and ongoing human-driven climate changes.



Global temperatures were mostly above average, barring a few regions like Greenland, parts of Africa and central Asia, and much of eastern Antarctica.



North America recorded its warmest October, while South America and Oceania claimed the second warmest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smallest-sea-ice-extent-on-record">Smallest sea ice extent on record</h2>



A troubling record set in October concerns the extent of sea ice (frozen seawater) covering the globe. Its disappearance is associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> and could potentially threaten habitats for penguins, seals, and other Antarctic life.



A decrease in sea ice also boosts the rise in global sea levels, a growing worry for coastal cities prone to flooding.



October's global sea ice extent was the smallest in a 46-year record, coming in 1.25 million square miles below the average for the period from 1991 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-disasters-an-unintended-side-effect">Natural disasters: An unintended side effect?</h2>



NOAA connects rising October temperatures to severe weather events globally, exemplified by Hurricane Milton, which tragically took 35 lives across the US and Mexico. 



As the climate warms, air can hold more water vapor, leading to intensified rainfall during storms. This increased moisture results in more severe damage, affecting communities and infrastructure alike. 



The interplay between higher temperatures and extreme weather highlights the urgent need for climate action to mitigate these impacts. Understanding this relationship is crucial for preparedness and resilience in facing future natural disasters caused by climate change.



The Atlantic basin experienced five tropical cyclones throughout October, including Hurricane Milton, which peaked at Category 5 and made landfall just south of Tampa Bay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-human-caused-climate-change">Impacts of human-caused climate change </h2>



In 2016, the Paris Agreement was signed by 195 countries, pledging to keep global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> increases below 1.5°C. The goal is to mitigate the impacts of human-caused climate change and prevent irreparable environmental damage.



However, C3S now forecasts that 2024 is almost certain to hit a fever pitch of 1.55°C above the pre-industrial average.



Given these reports, it's clear we are on a precipice. Are we doing enough? Are we too late? 



Mike Childs, head of science, policy, and research at Friends of the Earth, noted that "the time for world leaders to dither and delay is long gone."



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October 2024 recorded the second-highest global temperature ever

If you found the weather last month to be unusually...

Every day, we share our cities with an array of wildlife. From birds and insects to squirrels and raccoons, these creatures navigate the concrete jungles alongside us. 



But in Los Angeles, a global city of over 18 million people, there's another species sharing the living space - the elusive mountain lion. 



A recent study from the University of California (UC), Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, and the National Park Service highlights an intriguing aspect of urban wildlife. 



The researchers found that mountain lions of Los Angeles are shifting their activities, avoiding typically human-frequented spaces to maintain a safe distance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-habits-of-mountain-lions">Changing habits of mountain lions</h2>



As urban centers grow, wildlife is increasingly adapting to human proximity. The study revealed that mountain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honoring-the-king-of-the-jungle-on-world-lion-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lions</a> in areas with higher levels of human recreation were more nocturnal than their counterparts in secluded regions.



The cats in more remote places preferred being more active during dawn and dusk, showing a stark contrast in their activity patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexibility-in-mountain-lion-activity">Flexibility in mountain lion activity</h2>



Ellie Bolas is Ph.D. candidate in the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucdavis.edu%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and the study's lead author.



"This flexibility we see in mountain lion activity is what allows us to share these natural areas together. Mountain lions are doing the work so that coexistence can happen," said Bolas.



From 2011 to 2018, the research team monitored 22 mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding region. 



These mountain lions, captured and fitted with GPS and accelerometer collars, provided crucial data that was analyzed alongside a global database of GPS-tracked human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-mountain-lions">Human impact on mountain lions</h2>



"The study shows how humans may be affecting wildlife in less obvious ways than killing them with vehicles," noted Seth Riley, branch chief for wildlife at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.



According to Riley, it is remarkable that a large felid predator still persists in one of the world's largest urban areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-lions-responding-to-humans">Mountain lions responding to humans</h2>



In the most active recreational area, Griffith Park, mountain lions acted differently compared to those in the lesser active Santa Susana Mountains and Los Padres National Forest. 



Generally, female lions were more active closer to sunrise and during daylight hours, likely to strategically avoid male lions who posed threats to them and their kittens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nocturnal-mountain-lions">Nocturnal mountain lions</h2>



Two male mountain lions living in small, isolated natural areas with many trails and high levels of human recreation were found to be the most nocturnal. 



Both of these cats occupied two of the smallest home ranges ever recorded for male adult lions. P41, the study's most nocturnal lion, lived in the Verdugo Mountains, a small range spanning several cities.



P22, known as the "Hollywood Cat," preferred to keep a low profile despite the fame he earned after crossing two busy freeways to find a home in active Griffith Park. He was the second most nocturnal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steller-sea-lions-threatened-by-rising-mercury-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lion</a> in the study.



P22's story demonstrates how, when faced with increased human activity, mountain lions actively avoid human contact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-humans-can-help-these-big-cats">How humans can help these big cats</h2>



While mountain lions show remarkable adaptability, coexistence isn't a one-way street. We can contribute by understanding that dawn or dusk is prime time for mountain lion activity, and by being extra cautious when driving at night.



Urban areas pose various challenges for mountain lions, including busy roadways, wildfires, rodenticide exposure, low genetic diversity, and fragmented habitats.



"Even something as innocuous as recreation can add to these other stressors, potentially altering the amount of energy they have to expend for hunting and other needs," said Bolas.



"Coexistence is happening, and it’s in large part because of what mountain lions are doing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peaceful-human-wildlife-coexistence">Peaceful human-wildlife coexistence </h2>



In the quest for peaceful human-wildlife <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fhuman-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coexistence</a>, this research offers a ray of hope. It's impressive how mountain lions, magnificent creatures who are integral to the ecosystem, are making changes to their behavior for a shared existence with humans.



Their adaptation serves as a gentle reminder of the resilience of nature and the potential for coexistence if both humans and wildlife are willing to adjust.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724003744?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



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Mountain lions cleverly change their habits to avoid humans

Every day, we share our cities with an array of...