NatureServe Explorer Species Reports &#8212; NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.
ITIS Reports &#8212; ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.
FWS Digital Media Library &#8212; The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&#8217;s National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Gazella dorcas saudiya

For decades, astronomers have puzzled over the intense heat and persistence of the fiery hot gas surrounding the Milky Way.&nbsp;



New research by scientists from the <a href="https://www.rri.res.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raman Research Institute</a> (RRI), <a href="https://iitpkd.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IIT-Palakkad</a>, and <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a> sheds light on this mystery. The team has proposed a model to identify the sources responsible for heating and maintaining this extraordinary phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-s-hidden-gas-reservoir">The Milky Way’s hidden gas reservoir</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> contains more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mechanism-discovered-that-creates-the-gas-disks-around-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas</a> than stars, and this gas plays a crucial role in sustaining star formation. This massive gas reserve has enabled the galaxy to continue forming stars over billions of years.&nbsp;



However, the gas is so tenuous that it has long eluded observation, making it difficult for astronomers to measure its true volume.



In the past few decades, scientists confirmed the existence of a vast sphere of hot gas enveloping the Milky Way. This gas extends up to 700,000 light-years and reaches temperatures of several million degrees Kelvin.&nbsp;



Researchers initially attributed its high temperature to the galaxy’s gravitational forces. The gas swirls constantly, preventing it from falling inward under the pull of gravity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-discovery-of-even-hotter-gas">The discovery of even hotter gas</h2>



Recent observations revealed something even more astonishing: a hotter layer of gas surrounding the Milky Way.&nbsp;



This gas, estimated to be around 10 million degrees Kelvin, was identified through faint X-ray emissions detected in all directions. The same gas also appeared as an absorbing medium in the spectra of three distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-quasars-defied-the-laws-of-physics-with-rapid-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasars</a>.



This discovery posed new questions: What was causing this gas to reach such extreme temperatures, and how was it being sustained? These findings sparked a surge of research aimed at identifying the mysterious heat sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supernovae-the-engines-heating-the-milky-way">Supernovae: The engines heating the Milky Way</h2>



The new model proposed by RRI and its collaborators provides a detailed explanation for the heating mechanism.&nbsp;



The research shows that the X-ray-emitting gas and the absorbing gas are not the same. Instead, the X-ray-emitting gas originates from a puffed-up region surrounding the Milky Way’s stellar disk.



This region is created by the ongoing star formation within the Milky Way. Massive stars in these star-forming regions eventually explode as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, releasing vast amounts of energy. These explosions heat the surrounding gas to extreme temperatures.



“Explosions keep heating up the gas floating around the disk of the Milky Way, and they enrich the gaseous matter with elements synthesized within massive stars,” explained Mukesh Singh Bisht, a PhD student at RRI.



The turbulent gas, propelled by supernovae, either escapes into the surrounding medium or cools and falls back onto the disk. This process sustains the hot gas layer observed in X-rays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-enriched-gas">Clues from enriched gas</h2>



The absorbing hot gas also provided critical insights into its origins. Researchers found that it was enriched with α-elements such as sulfur, magnesium, and neon.&nbsp;



These elements, whose nuclei are multiples of helium nuclei, are produced through nuclear reactions within massive stars. They are expelled into space during supernova explosions.



“This fiery gas, at least in a few directions, seems to be enriched with large quantities of α-elements. This is a vital clue of nuclear reactions occurring within the stellar core,” said Biman Nath, an RRI faculty member and co-author of the studies.



Runaway stars - stars ejected from the Milky Way’s disk - also play a role in this process. When these stars explode as supernovae above the disk, they create pockets of α-enriched gas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explaining-the-observed-signals">Explaining the observed signals</h2>



The researchers found that the absorbing gas interacts with light from distant sources, such as quasars. When aligned with these light sources, the gas absorbs specific wavelengths, creating shadow signals that match observations.



Meanwhile, the X-ray-emitting gas forms a veil around the stellar disk, produced by the continuous star formation and supernova activity within the Milky Way.



“A veil of fiery hot gas keeps engulfing the Milky Way disk as a result of the star-forming activities in the stellar disk,” Bisht added .



This dual mechanism explains both the absorbing and emitting signals detected by astronomers, offering a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics within our galaxy.



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



The faint X-ray signals emitted by the hot gas offer valuable opportunities for further study. The research team plans to test their models at other frequencies, hoping to gather more clues about the composition and behavior of the gas.



Their work also raises questions about how these processes affect the larger-scale evolution of the Milky Way. Understanding the interplay between star formation, supernovae, and the surrounding gaseous envelope could provide insights into the life cycles of galaxies.



This research not only solves a long-standing mystery but also highlights the importance of gas dynamics in shaping the Milky Way. The interplay between supernovae and the surrounding gas regulates the galaxy’s star formation and energy distribution.



The enriched gas observed in the study also points to the ongoing recycling of materials within the galaxy, where elements created in stellar cores are redistributed through explosions, fueling new generations of stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-the-milky-way-s-fiery-gas">Sources of the Milky Way’s fiery gas</h2>



The new model proposed by RRI and its collaborators sheds light on the sources of the fiery hot gas surrounding the Milky Way, offering answers to a decades-old mystery.&nbsp;



By identifying supernovae as the primary heat engines, the study reveals the complex interplay between star formation, explosions, and gas dynamics that sustain the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy’s evolution</a>.



With future research planned to explore these phenomena further, scientists are poised to gain even deeper insights into the processes that shape our galaxy and others like it.



The findings are <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad77c0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in two studies in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad77be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Fiery gas surrounds the Milky Way, but what is heating it?

For decades, astronomers have puzzled over the intense heat and...

Nanoplastics are an invisible threat that we rarely consider, despite their ubiquitous presence in our lives.



Beyond the undeniable environmental harm caused by plastics, these tiny particles silently impact our health in surprising ways.



Our homes, which should be our safe havens, are particularly affected, as indoor air contains five times as much nanoplastic as outdoor air.



Researchers have pointed out that these minuscule particles come from common sources like packaging and textiles, especially nylon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-in-sweden-a-cautionary-tale">Discovery in Sweden: A cautionary tale</h2>



This invisible danger has been highlighted in recent research from <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a> in Sweden.



The eye-opening study focuses on a side of this issue that is less well known yet critical: how nanoplastics can potentially disrupt our bodies' reactions to antibiotics.



"The results are alarming, considering how common nanoplastics are and because effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotics-for-childhood-infections-are-becoming-ineffective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> for many can be the difference between life and death," noted Lukas Kenner, professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, who led the research.



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



Nanoplastics, a term you might be hearing for the first time, are miniscule <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a>, smaller than a thousandth of a millimetre.



Their tiny size lets them float freely in the air, with the unfortunate consequence that they can enter our bodies effortlessly.



The study reveals how these common nanoplastics interact with tetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic frequently used in medical treatments. 



Alarmingly, it turns out that the nanoplastics absorb antibiotics and accumulate them on their surfaces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibiotics-on-a-detour">Antibiotics on a detour</h2>



The absorbed antibiotics can then potentially hitch a ride with the nanoplastics in our bloodstream.



This means that the antibiotics might be transported to places in the body where they were not intended to go.



This misdirection can reduce the targeted effect of the antibiotics and potentially spur the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a>, when these drugs accumulate in unintended areas.



The bond was particularly strong between antibiotic and nylon - one of the substances that is an abundant nanoplastic in indoor air.



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



"Although more research is needed to shed light on the connections and possible measures, we can conclude from our results that nanoplastics are a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risk</a> that should be taken more seriously," said Kenner.



This critical study was conducted in collaboration with international scientists based at the University of Bonn, Germany, and the University of Debrecen, Hungary.



The sub-study on the binding of nanoplastics to antibiotics was notably led by Nikola Zlatkov Kolev from Umeå University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanoplastics-more-than-just-a-nuisance">Nanoplastics: More than just a nuisance</h2>



The research highlights the urgent need for further investigation into the potential health impacts of nanoplastics.



While we wait for additional information, it's crucial that we understand the risks associated with the everyday materials we use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-nanoplastics-enter-our-bodies">How nanoplastics enter our bodies</h2>



Nanoplastics are not just floating threats; their tiny size enables them to evade our natural defenses as well. These microscopic particles can enter our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, and even skin contact.



Once inside, nanoplastics have the potential to accumulate in tissues and organs, disrupting their cellular functions.



Emerging research indicates that their interaction with biological systems may contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even long-term health issues, such as chronic diseases or immune system imbalances.



The ability of nanoplastics to bind with other chemicals, including antibiotics, raises even more concern. It’s not just about where these particles end up in the body but also about the compounds they carry along the way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-minimize-exposure">Steps to minimize exposure </h2>



While waiting for more research and policy interventions, there are practical steps we can take to reduce exposure to nanoplastics in our daily lives.



Start by reducing your use of synthetic materials, especially nylon-based products, and opt for natural fibers when possible. 



Regularly ventilate your home to help minimize the concentration of airborne nanoplastics indoors. Additionally, investing in air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture these microscopic particles.



Avoid single-use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> and unnecessary packaging, as these items degrade over time and release nanoplastics into the air.



These small changes, when adopted widely, can collectively reduce the risks posed by nanoplastics in our homes.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-75785-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Nanoplastics can alter the course of antibiotics in our body

Nanoplastics are an invisible threat that we rarely consider, despite...

The nature of dark matter has puzzled astronomers for 90 years since discovering that 85% of the universe's matter is invisible through our telescopes.&nbsp;



Currently, the most promising candidate for dark matter is the axion, a lightweight particle that scientists worldwide are fervently trying to detect.



Astrophysicists at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, now suggest that axions could be discovered within seconds of detecting gamma rays from a nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a>.&nbsp;



If axions exist, they would be produced in large quantities during the first 10 seconds after a massive star collapses into a neutron star. These axions would escape and transform into high-energy gamma rays within the star's intense magnetic field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-gamma-rays-from-supernova-explosions">Detecting gamma rays from supernova explosions </h2>



Detecting these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brightest-gamma-ray-burst-ever-recorded-had-a-rare-energy-peak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gamma rays</a> today is possible only if the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope - the sole gamma-ray telescope currently in orbit - is pointing in the direction of the supernova at the time it explodes. Given the telescope's field of view, there's about a one-in-ten chance of this happening.



Yet, a single detection of gamma rays would pinpoint the mass of the axion, particularly the so-called QCD axion, across a vast range of theoretical masses, including those currently being investigated in Earth-based experiments.&nbsp;



Conversely, the lack of a detection would eliminate a large range of potential masses for the axion, rendering many current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> searches irrelevant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-in-our-cosmic-neighborhood">Searching in our cosmic neighborhood </h2>



The issue is that, for the gamma rays to be bright enough to detect, the supernova must be nearby - within our Milky Way galaxy or one of its satellite galaxies.&nbsp;



Nearby stars explode, on average, only every few decades. The last nearby supernova was in 1987 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite of the Milky Way.&nbsp;



At that time, a now-defunct gamma-ray telescope, the Solar Maximum Mission, was pointing in the supernova's direction but wasn't sensitive enough to detect the predicted intensity of gamma rays, according to the UC Berkeley team's analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-the-true-nature-of-dark-matter">Seeking the true nature of dark matter </h2>



Benjamin Safdi is an associate professor of physics at UC Berkeley and senior author of the study.



“If we were to see a supernova, like supernova 1987A, with a modern gamma-ray telescope, we would be able to detect or rule out this QCD axion, this most interesting axion, across much of its parameter space - essentially the entire parameter space that cannot be probed in the laboratory, and much of the parameter space that can be probed in the laboratory, too. And it would all happen within 10 seconds," explained Professor Safdi.



The researchers are concerned that when the long-overdue supernova occurs in the nearby universe, we won't have the necessary instruments to observe the gamma rays produced by axions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fleet-of-gamma-ray-telescopes">A fleet of gamma-ray telescopes</h2>



In discussions with colleagues who build gamma-ray telescopes, the experts are exploring the feasibility of launching one - or a fleet - of such telescopes to cover 100% of the sky 24/7, ensuring any gamma-ray burst would be detected.



The researchers have even proposed a name for their full-sky gamma-ray satellite constellation: the GALactic AXion Instrument for Supernova, or GALAXIS.



“I think all of us on this paper are stressed about there being a next supernova before we have the right instrumentation,” noted Safdi. “It would be a real shame if a supernova went off tomorrow and we missed an opportunity to detect the axion - it might not come back for another 50 years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-search-for-dark-matter">The search for dark matter</h2>



Initial searches for dark matter focused on faint, massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) theorized to be sprinkled throughout our galaxy and the cosmos.&nbsp;



When these didn't materialize, physicists shifted their attention to elementary particles that should be detectable in Earth-bound labs. Weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) also failed to show up.&nbsp;



In the quest to find the true nature of dark matter, the best candidate is the axion - a particle that fits well within the standard model of physics and solves several outstanding puzzles in particle physics.



“It seems almost impossible to have a consistent theory of gravity combined with quantum mechanics that does not have particles like the axion,” Safdi said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strongest-candidate-for-an-axion">Strongest candidate for an axion </h2>



Axions also naturally emerge from string theory - a hypothesis about the universe's underlying geometry - and might help unify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a>, which explains interactions on cosmic scales, with quantum mechanics, which describes the infinitesimal.&nbsp;



The strongest candidate for an axion is the QCD axion, named after quantum chromodynamics, the prevailing theory of the strong force.&nbsp;



Theoretically, QCD axions interact weakly with all matter through the four fundamental forces: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong force, and the weak force.&nbsp;



One consequence is that, in a strong magnetic field, an axion should occasionally transform into an electromagnetic wave, or photon. This distinguishes axions from neutrinos, which only interact through gravity and the weak force and ignore electromagnetism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neutron-stars-and-axion-detection">Neutron stars and axion detection</h2>



Laboratory experiments - such as the ALPHA Consortium (Axion Longitudinal Plasma Haloscope), DMradio, and ABRACADABRA, all involving UC Berkeley researchers - use compact cavities that resonate with and amplify the faint electromagnetic field or photon produced when a low-mass axion transforms in the presence of a strong magnetic field.



Astrophysicists have also proposed looking for axions produced inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-star-collisions-push-the-limits-of-extreme-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron stars</a> immediately after a core-collapse supernova, like 1987A. Until now, they've primarily focused on detecting gamma rays from these axions' slow transformation into photons in the magnetic fields of galaxies. 



Safdi and his colleagues realized that this process is not very efficient at producing gamma rays detectable from Earth.



Instead, they explored the production of gamma rays by axions in the strong magnetic fields around the very star that generated the axions. Supercomputer simulations showed that this process very efficiently creates a burst of gamma rays dependent on the axion's mass.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burst-of-neutrinos-from-a-hot-star">Burst of neutrinos from a hot star </h2>



This burst should occur simultaneously with a burst of neutrinos from inside the hot neutron star. However, the burst of axions lasts a mere 10 seconds after the neutron star forms - after that, the production rate drops dramatically - though it happens hours before the outer layers of the star explode.



“This has really led us to thinking about neutron stars as optimal targets for searching for axions as axion laboratories,” Safdi said. "Neutron stars have a lot of things going for them. They are extremely hot objects. They also host very strong magnetic fields.” 



“The strongest magnetic fields in our universe are found around neutron stars, such as magnetars, which have magnetic fields tens of billions of times stronger than anything we can build in the laboratory. That helps convert these axions into observable signals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-the-search-for-axions">Advancing the search for axions</h2>



Two years ago, Safdi and his colleagues established the best upper limit on the mass of the QCD axion at about 16 million electron volts, or about 32 times less than the mass of the electron. This was based on the cooling rate of neutron stars, which would cool faster if axions were produced along with neutrinos inside these hot, dense objects.



In the current paper, the UC Berkeley team not only describes the production of gamma rays following a core collapse to a neutron star but also uses the non-detection of gamma rays from the 1987A supernova to set the best constraints yet on the mass of axion-like particles, which differ from QCD axions in that they do not interact via the strong force.



They predict that a gamma-ray detection would allow them to identify the QCD axion mass if it is above 50 microelectron volts (μeV), or about one ten-billionth the mass of the electron. A single detection could refocus existing experiments to confirm the mass of the axion, Safdi said.&nbsp;



While a fleet of dedicated gamma-ray telescopes is the best option for detecting gamma rays from a nearby supernova, a fortunate observation with Fermi would be even better.



“The best-case scenario for axions is Fermi catches a supernova. It's just that the chance of that is small,” Safdi said. “But if Fermi saw it, we'd be able to measure its mass. We'd be able to measure its interaction strength. We'd be able to determine everything we need to know about the axion, and we'd be incredibly confident in the signal because there's no ordinary matter which could create such an event.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-the-true-nature-of-dark-matter">Uncovering the true nature of dark matter </h2>



The researchers are anxious about missing a rare opportunity to detect axions due to inadequate instrumentation. They will continue to discuss the feasibility of launching new gamma-ray telescopes to ensure continuous sky coverage.



Safdi's team believes that capturing gamma rays from a nearby supernova could not only confirm the existence of axions but also provide detailed information about their properties. This could revolutionize our understanding of dark matter and the fundamental forces of nature.



The quest to uncover the true nature of dark matter continues to drive innovation in astrophysics. By focusing on gamma rays emitted during supernova explosions, scientists hope to finally detect axions and solve one of the most enduring mysteries in physics.&nbsp;



The stakes are high, and time is of the essence. With the potential for a nearby supernova to occur at any moment, researchers are eager to have the right tools in place to seize this fleeting opportunity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.211002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

The true nature of dark matter may be revealed in a supernova

The nature of dark matter has puzzled astronomers for 90...

The Chinese Mars rover Zhurong is adding an exciting twist to the story and history of water on Mars. 



After landing in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021, the now-defunct Zhurong rover went to work exploring the Martian surface, and its latest findings might just change the way we think about the Red Planet.



Bo Wu and a team of researchers from <a href="https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong Polytechnic University</a> believe they've found compelling evidence of an ocean shoreline for a massive body of water that once covered Mars' northern lowlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-zhurong-mars-rover">What is the Zhurong Mars rover?</h2>



The Zhurong rover is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/china-plans-to-inhabit-a-space-station-on-the-moon-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China's first foray</a> into Martian exploration, landing successfully on Mars in May 2021 as part of the <a href="https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2020-049A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tianwen-1</a> mission. 



Weighing around 240 kilograms (530 lbs) -- about the size of a small car -- Zhurong is packed with scientific instruments, including navigation and topography cameras, a multispectral camera for analyzing surface materials, and a ground-penetrating radar that can probe up to 100 meters beneath the surface. 



These tools allow Zhurong to capture detailed images, study the composition of rocks and soil, and investigate the planet's subsurface structures.



What sets Zhurong apart is its ability to study Mars both above and below ground. The ground-penetrating radar is particularly exciting because it helps scientists search for signs of water ice and understand the geological layers hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-life-exist-below-the-icy-surface-of-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneath the surface.</a> 



The rover also carries instruments to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-internal-structure-of-mars-core-is-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars' magnetic field</a> and atmospheric conditions, contributing valuable data to our understanding of the planet's climate and potential for habitability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zhurong-sees-water-related-features-on-mars">Zhurong sees water-related features on Mars</h2>



For years, scientists have pondered the possibility of a vast ocean on Mars, especially during the Hesperian period about 3.7 billion years ago. Concrete proof, however, has been hard to come by. 



Using a mix of Zhurong's onboard cameras and ground-penetrating radar, plus remote sensing data from orbiting satellites, the team identified several intriguing water-related features around the rover's landing area.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Zhurong-mars-rover_china_landing-site_ocean-shore_Sci-Reports_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Zhurong-mars-rover_china_landing-site_ocean-shore_Sci-Reports_1s.webp" alt="The Zhurong landing site (red cross) shown on the geologic map by Tanaka et al. Regions of different colors indicate different geologic units. The red box shows the study area, covering an area of ~ 1800 km × 800 km. The thick black line is the Deuteronilus contact indicating a possible shoreline across the region. The background map is a shaded relief of the MOLA topography." class="wp-image-1951081"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Zhurong landing site (red cross) shown on the geologic map by Tanaka et al. Regions of different colors indicate different geologic units. The red box shows the study area, covering an area of ~ 1800 km × 800 km. The thick black line is the Deuteronilus contact indicating a possible shoreline across the region. The background map is a shaded relief of the MOLA topography.</figcaption></figure>



Since touching down, Zhurong has traveled about 1.2 miles, studying the geology of its surroundings in search of signs of water or ice. 



The features spotted include crater-like pitted cones, troughs, sediment channels, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-frost-detected-on-mars-enormous-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mud volcano formations</a>. If that sounds like the remnants of a beachfront, you're onto something. 



According to Bo Wu and his colleagues, these formations are consistent with what you'd expect to find in a nearshore zone, suggesting this area was once a coastline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-the-martian-ocean">Dating the Martian ocean</h2>



Based on the composition of surface deposits, the team estimates that the ocean likely existed around 3.68 billion years ago. 



"The water was heavily silted, forming the layering structure of the deposits," study co-author Sergey Krasilnikov of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University told Reuters. 



This silt-laden water would have created distinct sedimentary layers, much like those found in ancient seabeds on Earth.



Interestingly, the researchers propose that after forming, the ocean froze over for about 10,000 to 100,000 years -- a mere <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-was-mars-habitable-much-more-recently-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blink in geological terms</a>. 



This freezing period etched out the coastline features observed today before the ocean eventually dried up roughly 260 million years later. Imagine a vast frozen ocean, sitting quietly on Mars, waiting for its turn to disappear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-everyone-agrees">Not everyone agrees</h2>



However, not everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. 



Benjamin Cardenas of <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> points out that erosion over billions of years would likely have erased such delicate features. It's a fair concern -- Mars isn't exactly a place where things stay preserved forever. 



Wu acknowledges this skepticism but suggests that asteroid impacts might have resurfaced portions of the shoreline, making them detectable today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-martian-life">Implications for Martian life</h2>



So, what does all this mean in the grand scheme of things? Well, the presence of an ancient ocean has profound implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteorite-that-struck-mars-reveals-when-the-planet-had-liquid-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our understanding of Mars</a>. 



Water is a key ingredient for life as we know it. If Mars had oceans, could it have also hosted life? It's a tantalizing thought that keeps scientists up at night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-s-insight-lander">NASA's Insight Lander </h2>



Adding another layer to the mystery, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/insight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Insight lander</a> found that a significant amount of water had seeped into Mars's crust. 



"At least we have identified a place that should, in principle, be able to sustain life," Michael Manga of the <a href="https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California</a>, one of the study authors, said in a previous statement. 



This underground water could have provided a stable environment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insights-alien-life-mars-water-sulfur-discovered-gained-studying-extreme-life-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life to develop</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-zhurong-and-mars-water">What's next for Zhurong and Mars water?</h2>



But here's the kicker: to get definitive answers, we need to bring Martian samples back to Earth for detailed analysis. 



China's Tianwen 3 Mars sample return mission aims to do just that by 2031, potentially beating NASA's own sample return mission to the punch. 



If all goes according to plan, we'll have pieces of Mars right here on Earth in less than a decade.



As we await these missions, Zhurong continues to send valuable data, inching us closer to understanding the Red Planet's watery past. 



Could Mars have been teeming with life billions of years ago? It's the million-dollar question. Only time -- and more research -- will tell.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-75507-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Mars Zhurong rover finds an ocean shoreline on the Red Planet

The Chinese Mars rover Zhurong is adding an exciting twist...

Human-caused climate change has intensified the strength of Atlantic hurricanes by about 18 miles per hour (29 kilometers per hour) over the past six years, according to a recent study.



For most of the 40 storms analyzed, the extra energy from warmer oceans caused them to escalate by an entire hurricane category, as reported in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/2752-5295/ad8d02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research: Climate</a>. 



According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>), a Category 5 storm causes more than 400 times the damage of a minimal Category 1 hurricane, over 140 times the damage of a minimal Category 3 hurricane, and more than five times the damage of a minimal Category 4 storm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-increases-in-wind-speed">Significant increases in wind speed</h2>



For three storms, including this month's Hurricane Rafael, climate change boosted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-developed-to-measure-the-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind</a> speeds so much that they increased by two storm categories. According to the study authors, this is not about more storms but increasing power from the worst storms.



“We know that the intensity of these storms is causing a lot more catastrophic damage in general,” said lead author Daniel Gilford, a climate scientist at <a href="https://www.climatecentral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Central</a>, which conducts research on global warming. “Damages do scale (up) with the intensity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-strength-in-a-warmer-climate">Hurricane strength in a warmer climate </h2>



The effect was especially noticeable in more powerful storms, including those that reached the top of the Saffir-Simpson scale of storm intensity: Category Five, according to the study's authors.&nbsp;



While the study focused on storms from 2019 to 2023, the researchers included recent named storms from this year, all of which experienced an increase due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



“We had two Category Five storms here in 2024,” Gilford said. “Our analysis shows that we would have had zero Category Five storms without human-caused climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-hurricanes-that-gained-strength">Notable hurricanes that gained strength </h2>



This year's three most devastating storms - Beryl, Helene, and Milton - increased by 18 mph (29 kph), 16 mph (26 kph), and 24 mph (39 kph) respectively because of climate change, the authors stated.&nbsp;



A separate study by <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Weather Attribution</a> (WWA) found that deadly Helene's wind speed increased by about 13 mph, which is close, noted <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> climate scientist Friederike Otto, who coordinates the WWA team and praised the Climate Central work.



“It absolutely makes sense from a fundamental standpoint that what's going on is we've added more energy to the system,” NOAA chief Rick Spinrad said at United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan. 



“The change is going to manifest in terms of what we're already seeing. You look at Hurricane Helene which was massive, 500 miles across. We're going to see changes in terms of the velocity of these storms. We're going to see changes in terms of Hurricane Milton spawning so many tornadoes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-patterns-over-recent-years">Consistent patterns over recent years</h2>



Since 2019, eight storms - 2019's Humberto, 2020's Zeta, 2021's Sam and Larry, 2022's Earl, 2023's Franklin, and 2024's Isaac and Rafael - have increased by at least 25 mph (40 kph) in wind speed. Humberto and Zeta saw the most significant gains, each increasing by 31 miles per hour (50 kph).



In 85% of the storms studied over the last six years, the authors observed a clear fingerprint of climate change in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm strength</a>, Gilford said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warmer-oceans-and-hurricane-strength">Warmer oceans and hurricane strength</h2>



Warm water is the main fuel for hurricanes. The warmer the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico become, the more potential energy is available for storms. Other factors - such as high-level crosswinds and dry air - can weaken hurricanes.



The waters in hurricane-prone areas have increased by 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 to 1.6 degrees Celsius) on average, and by as much as 4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 degrees Celsius) due to climate change, Gilford explained.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-warmer-water-to-stronger-storms">Linking warmer water to stronger storms</h2>



This information comes from Climate Central's use of scientifically accepted techniques to regularly track how much warmer oceans are due to the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas.



The experts use computer simulations to create a fictional world without human-caused warming and then compare it to current reality, attributing the differences to <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>. 



They also account for other factors, such as the reduction of sulfate pollution from marine shipping, which had been slightly counteracting the warming before skies became clearer.



To understand how warmer waters lead to stronger storms, the authors examined a parameter called potential intensity, which is essentially the speed limit for any given storm based on the environmental conditions around it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expert-insights-and-future-implications">Expert insights and future implications</h2>



<a href="https://www.mit.edu/">MIT</a> hurricane expert and meteorology professor Kerry Emanuel, who pioneered potential intensity measurements, wasn't part of the study but said the findings are logical. It demonstrates the increase in storm strength that he predicted would occur 37 years ago, he noted.



Previous studies have shown that climate change has caused hurricanes to intensify more quickly and move more slowly, leading to increased rainfall.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Climate change has amplified hurricane strength

Human-caused climate change has intensified the strength of Atlantic hurricanes...

Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? We've seen it with many singers in their bling-filled performances. Yet, this desire for dazzle isn't just confined to the world of pop music. 



In the animal kingdom, you can find shiny creatures like jewel beetles and the fabulous Opaluma rupaul - a fly named after the iconic entertainer RuPaul - that boast flashy appearances.



Now, wouldn't such obvious displays make these animals easy targets for predators? As surprising as it may sound, science suggests otherwise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-changeability">Power of changeability</h2>



One might think that standing out like a brilliant beacon would guarantee a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-predator-prey-feast-ever-seen-in-the-ocean-enormous-quickly-altered-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator’s attention</a>. However, these unusually bright features aren't just for attracting attention.



A particular trait of these shiny appearances - their changeability - can actually aid the animals in evading predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-as-camouflage">Environment as camouflage</h2>



Shiny animals, when they reflect the sun, produce bright flashes. The mirror-like aspect of their bodies also reflects the environment around them. 



This constant change of reflections as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-got-their-colors-150-million-years-before-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> move can be compared to a mirror ball. For a predator, tracking down a prey that exhibits such visual variability becomes a difficult task.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-chasing-shiny-animals">Challenges of chasing shiny animals</h2>



Tests involving both bird and insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-increase-the-health-of-prey-populations-but-reduce-their-size/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> have revealed a common struggle - they find it challenging to be accurate when they attack a visually changing prey.



So, what exactly triggers this effect? Is it the predator's inability to track the prey visually ? Or perhaps it involves a misjudgment of prey speed? Are optical illusions at play?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illusion-of-speed-and-position">Illusion of speed and position</h2>



Studies involving humans have shown the potential for optical illusions to disrupt prey speed perception. For instance, black and white stripes can make a target appear to be moving faster or slower than its actual speed. 



When a predator encounters highly reflective, shiny targets, a similar effect could lead them to misjudge the prey's speed.



Moreover, bright flashes from a shiny animal may cause a flash-lag illusion, making the predators perceive the prey's position to be slightly behind its real position.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shiny-animals-confuse-predators">Shiny animals confuse predators</h2>



Both the disruption of speed perception and the flash-lag illusion can result in directional errors in predator behaviors. 



This means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator tracking and attacks</a> might often be ahead of or trailing behind the target, relative to the target's actual movement direction.



Additionally, the unpredictable appearance of the shiny prey might confuse predators about the precise location of a moving prey. Ultimately, the tracking and final attack by a predator might end up being less accurate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimenting-with-jumping-spiders">Experimenting with jumping spiders</h2>



A group of scientists from <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Melbourne</a> used a high-speed camera to film jumping spiders attacking fake, moving targets.



Jumping spiders were selected for this experiment because they prefer moving prey, eat both shiny and matte prey, and possess excellent vision. Plus, they willingly attack fake moving prey in a lab setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpreting-the-findings">Interpreting the findings</h2>



The high-speed footage enabled the researchers to quantify how well the jumping spiders visually tracked different targets and how accurate their attacks were.



The results revealed that jumping spiders had a harder time tracking and attacking shiny targets compared to matte ones or to those that matched the background. Specifically, their tracking was nearly twice as variable with shiny targets, and their attacks were significantly further away from these same targets.



Notably, these results were not directional relative to the target's path of movement. This does not support the idea that shininess disrupts speed perception, or that localization is disrupted by the flash-lag illusion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dazzle-and-dodge-defense-of-shiny-animals">Dazzle and dodge: Defense of shiny animals</h2>



In conclusion, while shiny animals may catch the eye, they prove difficult to localize and capture. The research study sheds light on how shiny colors might disrupt perception and lead to these effects.



However, this research is only the tip of the iceberg. There's still much to understand about how these effects are visually processed in animals with different eyes, and how other factors such as sunlight, prey size, shape, and movement behavior influence the perception of shiny animals.



So, next time you see a pop star shine on stage, or even a glistening insect out in the wild, remember there’s more to their shimmer than meets the eye.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01334-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Shiny animals outwit predators with optical illusions

Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? We've seen it...

We've all been told that a good night's sleep can do wonders. And indeed, who can deny the refreshing feeling that comes after a great sleep session?



Yet, the intricate processes that unfold in our brains while we're catching some z's are still shrouded in mystery. 



The intriguing world of sleep studies is seeing some fresh revelations, thanks to the efforts of researchers at <a href="https://www.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a>, Houston Methodist’s Center for Neural Systems Restoration, and Weill Cornell Medical College.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-journey-of-discovery-begins">A journey of discovery begins</h2>



The main purpose of the study was to shed light on the elusive neural mechanisms that enhance cognitive performance during nonrapid eye movement (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-reboots-the-brain-making-room-for-new-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NREM</a>) sleep.



This is the kind of sleep you experience when you're taking a quick nap, nothing too deep. 



The results of the research could potentially change our understanding of how sleep sharpens our brain and might even open new avenues in treating sleep disorders and identifying methods to enhance cognitive and behavioral performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-magic-of-sleep">Unraveling the magic of sleep</h2>



The researchers began their investigation by studying the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neural activity</a> of multiple brain areas in macaque monkeys.



They examined the brain activity of these animals as they performed a visual discrimination task before and after a 30-minute NREM sleep period.



To ensure the animals were indeed sleeping, the team used polysomnography, a method that measures brain and muscle activity.



The results were fascinating. The visual task performance of the animals improved post-sleep and showed enhanced accuracy.



This improvement was found only in the macaques who actually fell asleep - those that remained awake didn't see the same performance shift.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-dive-into-sleep-s-magic">A deeper dive into sleep’s magic</h2>



The effects of sleep on neural activity in the macaques were described by Dr. Natasha Kharas, the study's first author. 



“During sleep, we observed an increase in low-frequency delta wave activity and synchronized firing among neurons across different cortical regions," noted Dr. Kharas.



"After sleep, however, neuronal activity became more desynchronized compared to before sleep, allowing neurons to fire more independently. This shift led to improved accuracy in information processing and performance in the visual tasks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-simulating-sleep">The power of simulating sleep</h2>



In their relentless pursuit of understanding sleep's magic, the researchers went a step further. 



They replicated the neural effects of sleep through low-frequency electrical stimulation of the visual cortex in macaques that were awake.



In this way, specific patterns of stimulation could potentially be used to mimic the cognitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consistent-sleep-slows-down-aging-at-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits of sleep</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restorative-effects-of-sleep">Restorative effects of sleep</h2>



The implications of the replicated sleep effects are game-changing.



The results hint that the restorative and performance-enhancing effects of sleep could potentially be achieved even without actual sleep.



“The ability to reproduce sleeplike neural desynchronization in an awake state opens new possibilities for enhancing cognitive and perceptual performance in situations where sleep is not feasible - such as for individuals with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daylight-saving-time-changes-are-directly-linked-to-sleep-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep disorders</a> or in extenuating circumstances such as space exploration,” stated Valentin Dragoi, the study's co-author.



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



According to Dragoi, the study is unique as it not only deepens our understanding of sleep's role in cognitive function but also breaks new ground by showing that specific patterns of brain stimulation could substitute for some of the restorative effects of sleep.



“We have uncovered a surprising solution that the brain employs after sleep whereby neural populations participating in the task reduce their level of synchrony after sleep, despite receiving synchronizing inputs during sleep itself,” explained Dragoi.



This revelation highlights how NREM sleep effectively 'boosts' cognitive function by resetting neural activity.



“Our study not only deepens our mechanistic understanding of sleep’s role in cognitive function but also breaks new ground by showing that specific patterns of brain stimulation could substitute for some benefits of sleep, pointing toward a future where we might boost brain function independently of sleep itself,” said Dragoi.



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



This fascinating study opens exciting possibilities for practical applications in various fields.



From improving cognitive performance in individuals with sleep disorders to optimizing productivity in high-stakes scenarios, such as military operations or space exploration, the potential is vast. 



Additionally, the ability to simulate sleep's effects could pave the way for innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and mental health conditions, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-who-watch-screens-in-bed-have-the-most-disrupted-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disrupted sleep</a> plays a significant role. 



As research progresses, integrating these findings into wearable technology or non-invasive devices could make cognitive enhancement accessible and customizable for everyday use.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr3339" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

How sleep transforms brain performance

We've all been told that a good night's sleep can...

One of the first things you notice when you step into any kitchen, professional or otherwise, is the myriad of gadgets and tools that make our culinary adventures possible. But what if, hidden among the plastic items, there are potential threats to your food? 



A new study was focused specifically black plastic kitchen utensils and containers. The concerns raised aren't about their functionality but what might lie within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-threats-in-everyday-kitchens">Plastic threats in everyday kitchens</h2>



This seemingly innocuous yet essential kitchenware triggered the interest of scientists from <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a> who embarked on an exploration to see if these items hold more than meets the eye. 



The focus? Toxic flame retardants. Due to their connection to an increased risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-we-breathing-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-our-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>, hormonal disruption, and neurodevelopmental impacts, many flame retardants have been phased out or banned.



Yet, their remnants may be lurking in the very plastic tools we use daily to stir, serve, and store our food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemicals-from-plastic-utensils">Chemicals from plastic utensils </h2>



As the world continues its well-intentioned push for more recycling, inadvertently, we might be creating an unseen cycle of chemical reincarnation. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-chemicals-linked-to-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flame retardants</a> are used in products such as TVs that display potential fire risks. During recycling, these chemicals have made their way into kitchenware like spatulas or ladles that do not require such protection.



Dr. Heather Stapleton is a professor of environmental sciences and policy at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University.



"If you find these chemicals in a plastic spatula, does that mean it's getting out of the spatula and into your food? We don't have that answer yet," said Dr. Stapleton. "Is it possible? Absolutely." 



Dr. Stapleton explained that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/9936-chemicals-found-in-plastic-products-used-for-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">when plastic is heated</a>, it leaches chemicals into the environment around it - such as your favorite chili or stir-fry.



Certain foods, particularly those with high fat content, can draw more of the chemicals out, raising concerns about daily exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sushi-trays-convenient-yet-concerning">Sushi trays: Convenient yet concerning</h2>



Grocery store sushi trays were flagged as significant sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful chemicals</a>. 



These convenient carriers displayed high levels of toxic substances, which, combined with prolonged food contact, could lead to potential exposure.



"As an exposure scientist thinking about contact with food and the likelihood these chemicals will leach out in significant amounts, I think there could be some exposure there," said Dr. Stapleton. "But I don't know that it's going to be significant enough to raise concern."



Further research is needed, and Dr. Stapleton has already begun analyzing the sushi trays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-spatulas-and-trays-for-food">Plastic spatulas and trays for food</h2>



The study did not incite panic among the researchers. Instead, it led them to implement personal changes while addressing the broader issue. 



Study lead author Megan Liu highlighted the importance of policy changes to ensure transparency in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-recycling-day-creating-a-healthier-planet-for-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling processes</a> and eliminate these chemicals at the source.



Both scientists acknowledged the need for companies to act and governments to ban these hazardous substances.



In response to the study, Liu swapped her black plastic storage containers for glass ones.



While Dr. Stapleton still retains a single black spatula in her kitchen (to preserve her non-stick pan), she balances practicality with precaution, advising people to exercise moderation and not worry excessively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-keep-your-kitchen-safe">Steps to keep your kitchen safe</h2>



Those seeking solace from these unsettling revelations can initiate a few changes right away. 



Discarding black plastic takeout containers labeled "No. 6" is recommended. These appear to contain particularly high levels of harmful chemicals.



Another empowering step is to support companies ushering positive change in dealing with hazardous substances.



With the results of the study in mind, opting for wooden or stainless-steel utensils emerges as a safer bet.



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



Silicone utensils, often promoted as a safer alternative, also warrant a second glance. 



The material's propensity to attract chemicals from the environment could inadvertently lead to them landing in your food. Though washing could help, it may not eliminate many of the airborne chemicals.



Taking all of this into account, it might be time to review your plastic and other kitchen utensils, not just for their utility but also for their impacts on food and health.



If you are planning a switch, consider exploring wooden, stainless-steel, and bamboo utensils as non-toxic alternatives.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524022173?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chemosphere</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Plastic kitchen utensils often leach toxic chemicals into your food

One of the first things you notice when you step...

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the scientific community tirelessly works on innovative solutions to confront the plastic crisis. Now, an exciting development paves the way towards a different form of ocean-friendly plastic that promotes environmental sustainability.



The team behind this novel innovation comes from the prestigious RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, led by Takuzo Aida.



The study, published in the journal Science, presents a new plastic variant that is both sturdy and biodegradable with a unique attribute - it disintegrates in seawater. 



This means the plastic will not contribute to the mounting issue of microplastic pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-plastic-pitfall">Overcoming the plastic pitfall</h2>



Ironically, it is the durability of plastic that is its most desirable feature but this also causes its most significant environmental issue.



Plastics linger in the environment for centuries, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, particularly in the ocean. Traditional plastics, which are non-biodegradable, gradually fragment and contribute enormously to environmental harm.



The current biodegradable counterparts like polylactic acid (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLA</a>), while a step forward, remain water insoluble, and fail to degrade in the ocean.



The result is the accumulation of harmful microplastics in our oceans, that threaten <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic life</a> and infiltrate our food chains.



Recognizing these challenges, Aida and his team ventured into the realm of supramolecular plastics. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-may-live-an-immortal-life-thanks-to-new-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polymers</a>, with structures held together by reversible interactions, provided a new avenue for exploration.



By combining two ionic monomers, the researchers created a new type of plastic that displays both strength and flexibility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-plastic-material-in-ocean">New plastic material in ocean</h2>



The initial tests used sodium hexametaphosphate, a common food additive, and different guanidinium ion-based monomers. 



Since both monomers can be metabolized by bacteria, the plastic biodegrades once dissolved into its components.



The team found that the key to the stability of these plastics lies in the use of cross-linked salt bridges. The bonds in the plastics are not weak but rather strong and stable.



The critical discovery was creating cross links that are irreversible - unless exposed to electrolytes like those found in seawater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creation-of-new-plastics">Creation of new plastics</h2>



After mixing the two monomers in water, the team noticed two separate liquids. One was thick and viscous, containing the necessary cross-linked salt bridges, while the other was watery with salt ions.



The 'desalting' process became a critical step as, without it, the resulting material was a brittle crystal that was unusable as a plastic.



These plastics exhibit an array of desirable characteristics such as non-toxicity, non-flammability, and the capacity to reshape at temperatures above 120°C, similar to other thermoplastics.



Different types of guanidinium sulfates yielded plastics of varying hardnesses and tensile strengths, comparable or even superior to conventional plastics. 



The versatility of the plastic suggests that it can be customized according to necessity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ocean-friendly-plastics">Future of ocean-friendly plastics</h2>



The researchers also tested the new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upcycling-plastic-waste-into-valuable-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic's recyclability</a> and biodegradability. Astonishingly, they were able to recover 91% hexametaphosphate and 82% guanidinium after dissolving the plastic in salt water.



Soil tests revealed complete degradation of the new plastic over ten days, even proving beneficial by supplying the soil with phosphorous and nitrogen, akin to a fertilizer effect.



“With this new material, we have created a new family of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, can serve multiple functions and, importantly, do not generate microplastics,” said Aida.



This powerful innovation exemplifies the possibilities of combining science, ingenuity, and a commitment to sustainability. With these ocean-friendly plastics, we are one step closer to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-lab-to-the-real-world">From the lab to the real world</h2>



While this breakthrough from <a href="https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/cems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science</a> is exciting, moving it from the lab to real-world use is no small task.



Scaling up production will require fine-tuning the manufacturing process to ensure it's both cost-effective and practical for widespread adoption. 



One critical hurdle is how to optimize the desalting step, which plays a vital role in creating the plastic’s unique properties, without driving up production costs. This innovation is a small but significant step toward tackling the massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic problem</a>.



It offers a glimpse of what’s possible when cutting-edge science and environmental responsibility come together. 



While challenges remain, this new plastic material could pave the way for a cleaner, healthier world of oceans.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

New plastic is soluble in seawater

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the scientific...

The ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission is currently observing and studying the Sun with six different imaging instruments, allowing the spacecraft to peel away the Sun's many layers and reveal its diverse faces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-resolution-views-of-the-sun">High-resolution views of the Sun</h2>



Recently, the mission released the highest-resolution full views to date of the Sun's visible surface, known as the photosphere.&nbsp;



The images were assembled from data captured by the spacecraft's Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI).&nbsp;



This instrument not only photographs the Sun in visible light but also measures the direction of the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Forigin-of-the-suns-magnetic-field-discovered-after-400-years%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> and maps the speed and direction in which different parts of the surface are moving.



PHI's measurements of the photosphere can be directly compared to a new image of the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona.&nbsp;



This image is essentially a mosaic assembled from high-resolution images taken by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) instrument on the same day in March 2023. The EUI captures images of the Sun in ultraviolet light.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="wWscNjX6hZ-4055472-12187" type="single"]</div>



Daniel Müller, Solar Orbiter's Project Scientist, noted that the Sun's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-dynamo-sun-magnetic-field-origin-generated-near-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> is key to understanding the dynamic nature of our home star from the smallest to the largest scales.&nbsp;



“These new high-resolution maps from Solar Orbiter's PHI instrument show the beauty of the Sun's surface magnetic field and flows in great detail,” said Miller.



“At the same time, they are crucial for inferring the magnetic field in the Sun's hot corona, which our EUI instrument is imaging.”&nbsp;



The image release builds upon one from two years ago when the mission shared full images of the Sun taken by the spacecraft's EUI and Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment (SPICE) instruments on March 7, 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunspots-and-a-chaotic-magnetic-field">Sunspots and a chaotic magnetic field</h2>



Zooming into PHI's detailed visible light images reveals the Sun's “surface” for what it truly is: a constantly moving layer of glowing, hot plasma (charged gas). 



This layer emits almost all the Sun's radiation and has a temperature between 4,500 and 6,000°C. 



Beneath it lies the convection zone, where hot, dense plasma churns similarly to magma in Earth's mantle. This turbulent movement gives the Sun's surface its grainy appearance.



The most striking features in the images are the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-solar-cycle-25-highest-number-sunspots-activity-seen-since-2001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunspots</a>. In the visible light images, these appear as dark spots or holes on the otherwise smooth surface. Sunspots are cooler than their surroundings, emitting less light as a result.



PHI's magnetic map, or “magnetogram," shows that the Sun's magnetic field is concentrated in the sunspot regions, pointing either outward (red) or inward (blue) where the sunspots lie.&nbsp;



The strong magnetic field explains why plasma inside sunspots is cooler. Normally, convection moves heat from inside the Sun to its surface, but this process is disrupted as charged particles are forced to follow the dense magnetic field lines in and around the sunspots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-movement-on-the-surface">Mapping movement on the surface</h2>



The speed and direction of material movement on the Sun's surface are displayed in PHI's velocity map, also known as a “tachogram.”&nbsp;



In this map, blue indicates movement toward the spacecraft, while red signifies movement away. The map reveals that while the plasma on the Sun's surface generally rotates with the Sun's overall spin around its axis, it is pushed outward around the sunspots.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Solar-Orbiter_3-views-of-Sun_lenses_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Solar-Orbiter_3-views-of-Sun_lenses_ESA_1s.webp" alt="The three views of the Sun's surface shown here are based on measurements taken on March 22, 2023 by the ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission. From left to right, you see the Sun in visible light, a magnetic map of the Sun, and a map of the line-of-sight speed and direction of movement of material at the Sun's visible surface. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1951400"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The three views of the Sun's surface shown here are based on measurements taken on March 22, 2023 by the ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission. From left to right, you see the Sun in visible light, a magnetic map of the Sun, and a map of the line-of-sight speed and direction of movement of material at the Sun's visible surface. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



Finally, EUI's image of the Sun's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-the-suns-corona-hotter-than-its-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corona</a> shows what happens above the photosphere. Above the active sunspot regions, glowing plasma protrudes outward. 



This million-degree plasma follows magnetic field lines extending from the Sun, often connecting neighboring sunspots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-sun-s-mosaic">Piecing together the Sun's mosaic</h2>



The images were captured when the Solar Orbiter was less than 74 million kilometers from the Sun.&nbsp;



Being so close meant that each high-resolution image taken by PHI and EUI covered only a small portion of the Sun. To image the entire face, the spacecraft had to be tilted and rotated after each individual image was taken.



To create the full-disc images presented, all individual images were stitched together like a mosaic. Both the PHI and EUI mosaics consist of 25 images each, captured over more than four hours.&nbsp;



The resulting mosaics have a diameter of nearly 8,000 pixels, revealing an astonishing amount of detail.



The image processing required to produce the PHI mosaics was new and challenging. 



Now that it has been accomplished once, future data processing and mosaic assembly will be faster. The PHI team expects to provide such high-resolution mosaics twice a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-our-understanding-of-the-sun">Advancing our understanding of the Sun</h2>



The new images not only showcase the beauty of our star but also enhance our understanding of its complex magnetic fields and dynamic processes.&nbsp;



By comparing data from different instruments, scientists can gain deeper insights into how the Sun's magnetic field influences phenomena from the smallest to the largest scales.



With continued efforts from missions like Solar Orbiter, we are peeling back the layers of the Sun to better comprehend its impact on our Solar System.



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Solar Orbiter spacecraft sees the Sun through three different lenses

The ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission is currently observing and studying...

You probably know at least a little bit about ocean circulation around the world, also known as currents. In fact, you may have felt smaller currents yourself on a day at the beach.



But have you heard bout the "great global ocean conveyor belt," which is a vast network of currents that constantly moves water around the entire planet?



This massive system helps distribute heat around the world, influencing everything from temperatures to rainfall. Unfortunately, it's slowing down and on the verge of total collapse.



Scientists have been studying this phenomenon, and according to recent research published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01568-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>, it's a bigger deal than we thought. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-circulation-and-the-amoc">Ocean circulation and the AMOC?</h2>



The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is like a massive ocean conveyor belt that moves warm and cold water around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-atlantic-ocean-may-ultimately-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlantic Ocean</a>. 



It starts in the Gulf of Mexico, where warm, salty water flows northward along the eastern coast of the United States and across the Atlantic towards Europe. 



As this warm water reaches the North Atlantic, it cools down, becomes denser, and sinks deep into the ocean. 



This sinking process pulls more warm water north to replace it, creating a continuous loop that helps <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-major-ocean-system-would-cause-weather-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regulate the climate</a> by distributing heat across the planet. 



Thanks to the AMOC, regions like Western Europe enjoy milder winters than they would otherwise.



Humans rely on the AMOC in several important ways. By regulating global temperatures, it helps maintain stable weather patterns, which are crucial for agriculture, ecosystems, and our daily lives. 



Researchers point out that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is now weaker than at any other time in the past 1,000 years.



The research team from several leading universities explains that global warming is behind this slowdown. 



Their new modeling suggests that meltwater from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenlands-melting-icebergs-may-not-be-threat-to-ocean-currents-amoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland ice sheet</a> and Canadian glaciers could be the missing piece of the puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-we-care-about-this">Why should we care about this?</h2>



"Our results show the Atlantic overturning circulation is likely to become a third weaker than it was 70 years ago at 2°C of global warming," says the research team. 



"This would bring big changes to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-is-melting-fast-but-a-slowing-ocean-current-could-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate and ecosystems</a>, including faster warming in the southern hemisphere, harsher winters in Europe, and weakening of the northern hemisphere's tropical monsoons."



Think about that for a second. A weaker ocean current could mean colder winters in Europe and shifts in rainfall patterns that affect millions of people. It's not just about the ocean; <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it's about our daily lives</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meltwater-and-ocean-circulation">Meltwater and ocean circulation</h2>



The Earth has already warmed 1.5ºC since the industrial revolution. And get this: the Arctic has been heating up nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet. 



All that heat is melting Arctic sea ice, glaciers, and the Greenland ice sheet.



"Since 2002, Greenland lost 5,900 billion tons (gigatons) of ice," notes the research team. "To put that into perspective, imagine if the entire state of Texas was covered in ice 26 feet thick."



All this fresh meltwater flowing into the subarctic ocean is lighter than salty seawater, so it doesn't sink as much. 



That messes with the southward flow of deep, cold waters from the Atlantic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-impact-the-gulf-stream-more-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weakens the Gulf Stream</a> -- the same current that gives Britain its mild winters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-around-the-globe">Ripple effects around the globe</h2>



So, what's the big deal with the Gulf Stream slowing down? Well, for starters, Europe could face harsher winters. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-paradox-ocean-current-collapse-could-plunge-europe-into-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Places like Britain</a> might start feeling more like their chilly counterparts at the same latitude, such as parts of Canada.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Atlantic-Meridional-Overturning-Circulation_AMOC_collapsing_Nature-Geoscience_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Atlantic-Meridional-Overturning-Circulation_AMOC_collapsing_Nature-Geoscience_1s.webp" alt="The addition of meltwater in the North Atlantic leads to localised cooling in the subpolar North Atlantic and warming in the South Atlantic. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2024)." class="wp-image-1951410" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The addition of meltwater in the North Atlantic leads to localised cooling in the subpolar North Atlantic and warming in the South Atlantic. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2024).</figcaption></figure>



"Our new research shows meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet and Arctic glaciers in Canada is the missing piece in the climate puzzle," the researchers explain. 



When they included this meltwater in their simulations, the slowing of the oceanic circulation made sense.



The study confirms that the Atlantic overturning circulation has been slowing down since the mid-20th century. It also gives us a sneak peek into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-and-arctic-mixing-is-crucial-for-earths-climate-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">what's coming next</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-and-southern-oceans-connected">Northern and Southern oceans connected</h2>



"Our new research also shows the North and South Atlantic oceans are more connected than previously thought," the team states. 



Changes in one part of the ocean can quickly affect distant regions. When the oceanic circulation is strong, it transfers a lot of heat to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-warming-triggers-rising-north-atlantic-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Atlantic</a>. 



But when it weakens, the surface of the ocean south of Greenland doesn't warm up as much, leading to what's called a "warming hole." Meanwhile, the South Atlantic ends up storing more heat and salt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-is-not-on-our-side">Time is not on our side</h2>



"Our simulations show changes in the far North Atlantic are felt in the South Atlantic Ocean in less than two decades," the researchers reveal. This means the effects of the slowdown are spreading faster than we thought.



Climate projections have suggested the Atlantic overturning circulation will weaken by about 30% by 2060. But hold on -- that's without considering all that extra meltwater.



"The Greenland ice sheet will continue melting over the coming century, possibly raising global sea level by about 4 inches," the study notes. 



"If this additional meltwater is included in climate projections, the overturning circulation will weaken faster. It could be 30% weaker by 2040. That's 20 years earlier than initially projected."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-we-do">What can we do?</h2>



Such a rapid decrease in the overturning circulation will shake things up. 



Europe might see colder winters, the northern tropics could get drier, and places like the southern United States might experience warmer, wetter summers.



"Our climate has changed dramatically over the past 20 years," the researchers warn. "More rapid melting of the ice sheets will accelerate further disruption of the climate system."



So, what does this all mean for us? It means we have even less time to get our act together. Reducing emissions isn't just a good idea -- it's crucial.



Our planet's systems are interconnected in ways we're only beginning to understand. If we want to keep things from getting worse, we need to act now. Every little bit counts, and the clock is ticking.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01568-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Collapse of Earth's main ocean water circulation system is already happening

You probably know at least a little bit about ocean...

A,Vintage,World,Globe,Tilted,And,Standing,On,A,Central

Picture this: every time you use water from your tap, you're inadvertently influencing our Earth's rotational tilt and climate change. Strange, and not a good thing, but true.



Our planet is a dynamic entity, constantly shifting and adapting. Believe it or not, something as seemingly insignificant as our water usage can cause Earth's physical orientation to deviate. 



Over less than two decades, our groundwater pumping has tilted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a> by 31.5 inches. To put this into perspective, this water redistribution equates to approximately 0.24 inches of sea-level rise.



“Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole,” said Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at <a href="https://en.snu.ac.kr/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seoul National University</a>.



So, before you dismiss the power of your water usage, remember, even the smallest actions have consequences.



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



Groundwater is the water that sits beneath the Earth's surface, filling up the spaces in soil, sand, and rock formations. 



It comes from rain and other precipitation that soaks into the ground, gradually making its way down to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-in-the-u-s-rely-on-contaminated-groundwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underground reservoirs</a> called aquifers. 



Unlike the water you see in rivers and lakes, groundwater is hidden away, acting like nature’s hidden water bank. 



It plays a crucial role in the water cycle, providing a steady supply of water even during dry spells when surface water might be scarce.



Humans rely on groundwater for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-has-a-vital-role-in-ecosystem-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variety of essential needs</a>. Many people use it as their primary source of drinking water, especially in rural areas where surface water isn't readily available. 



Farmers depend on groundwater for irrigating crops, ensuring that food production can continue even when there's not enough rain. Additionally, industries use groundwater for manufacturing processes and cooling systems. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-s-role-in-earth-s-tilt">Groundwater's role in Earth's tilt</h2>



The study, which included data from 1993 through 2010, showed that pumping as much as 2,150 gigatons of groundwater has caused a shift in the Earth's tilt. 



These figures are hard to comprehend, but they reflect our intense water consumption for irrigation and human use.



We may not think about where our water goes after we use it, but most of it ends up being transported to the oceans. 



“Observing changes in Earth’s rotational pole is useful for understanding continent-scale water storage variations,” said Seo.



Linking these variations to water movement, particularly from western North America and northwestern India, shows how our everyday actions can impact the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-rotation-is-shifting-toward-a-25-hour-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a> on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rotational-pole-drift">Rotational pole drift</h2>



Alongside influencing our planet's tilt and rotation, groundwater pumping paints an alarming picture for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-temperatures-may-rise-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences of climate change</a>.



“I’m very glad to find the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift. On the other hand, as a resident of Earth and a father, I’m concerned and surprised that pumping groundwater is another source of sea-level rise,” said Seo.



These findings might seem overwhelming, especially considering the challenges we already face in combating climate change. 



However, understanding the impact of groundwater pumping on Earth's tilt and climate is a step in the right direction.



This knowledge can potentially guide conservationists toward effective strategies to mitigate further sea-level rise and other climate issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-pumping-and-polar-motion">Groundwater pumping and polar motion</h2>



The new revelations about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater pumping</a> open new doors for our understanding of climate change and our capacity for action.



"They’ve quantified the role of groundwater pumping on polar motion, and it’s pretty significant," said Surendra Adhikari, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>).



The potential for change isn't exclusive to scientists and researchers. As individuals, we can adapt our habits and live more sustainably. 



This awareness around groundwater pumping's global impact should empower us to reconsider our everyday water usage.



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



Given the significant findings of the study, future research and policy initiatives must prioritize sustainable groundwater management to mitigate its adverse impacts on Earth's rotation and climate change. 



It is imperative to balance human needs with environmental conservation, which requires innovative approaches to water usage, such as enhanced irrigation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-moon-is-drifting-away-and-earth-will-never-be-the-same-without-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a>, rainwater harvesting, and improved municipal water management. 



Furthermore, global cooperation among countries is essential to create comprehensive policies that address the equitable distribution and consumption of water resources. 



By encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration among geophysicists, climate scientists, policy-makers, and the public, we can develop a robust framework for more sustainable water management practices. 



Such initiatives not only hold promise for protecting Earth's rotational stability but also contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broader climate change</a> mitigation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-taps-tilting-the-earth">Water taps tilting the Earth</h2>



The journey towards understanding and combating climate change is a long and complex one. But in this struggle, knowledge is power. 



Understanding the impact of groundwater pumping is an invaluable tool in our arsenal.



As we look to the future, let's harness this knowledge and strive for a more sustainable world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL103509" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Earth's rotation has tilted 31.5 inches, and humans are 100% to blame

Picture this: every time you use water from your tap,...

Date	Citation Page	Title
06/25/1979	44 FR 37124 37127	Final Endangered Status for 25 Foreign Species of Mammals and Birds
04/19/1978	43 FR 16524 16527	Proposed Endangered Status for 25 Foreign Species of Mammals and Birds