Close-up of dangerous horned viper in the sahara Photo Credit: acceptphoto

Horned Viper

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features dust streaming off the coast of Iran in January 2025.



“Some of the desert dust was carried across the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Peninsula, degrading air quality for those in its path,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153859/desert-dust-streams-from-iran" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The airborne material appears to primarily originate in the dried bed of the intermittent lake known as Hamun-e Jazmurian (Hamun-e Jaz Murian), while some may be blown from coastal areas." 



"Along with arid regions such as the Garagum and Lut deserts and the Sistan Basin, the lakebed is a major source of dust in southwest Asia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precipitation-in-the-jazmurian-basin">Precipitation in the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



According to NASA, some areas of the Jazmurian Basin receive less than four inches of rain annually, on average, and evaporation rates are high. During wet times, however, parts of the basin may be covered by an intermittent lake, marshland, or other vegetation.&nbsp;



“Terra’s MODIS sensor has previously captured images of the area when water is present in Hamun-e Jazmurian and when green vegetation fringes the lakebed,” said NASA.



“In early 2025, the land was dry enough for winds to blow dust plumes south-southwest over the Gulf of Oman. Dust traveled across the water to the coast of the United Arab Emirates, where the haze reduced visibility in places, according to news reports.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particles-in-dust-storms">Particles in dust storms</h2>



In addition to disrupting transportation and other daily activities, the suspended particles in dust storms can pose significant health risks. 



Recent research has revealed that dust from the Jazmurian Basin often contains heavy metals and other potentially harmful substances, such as silica and organic pollutants, which can negatively impact both human and ecosystem health.&nbsp;



Prolonged exposure to these particles has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as the exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions like asthma and bronchitis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-dust-storms">Environmental impact of dust storms</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a> of dust storms extends beyond human health. The fine particles can settle on vegetation, reducing photosynthesis and agricultural productivity.&nbsp;



Dust deposition can also alter soil composition by introducing heavy metals and changing nutrient balances, which may affect crop growth and soil microbial communities. 



Such changes can lead to long-term degradation of arable land and disrupt local food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-in-the-jazmurian-basin-nbsp">Dust in the Jazmurian Basin&nbsp;</h2>



Communities near the Jazmurian Basin are particularly vulnerable to the effects of dust storms due to limited access to healthcare and mitigation resources.



Seasonal changes and climate conditions, including prolonged droughts and desertification, further intensify the frequency and severity of dust storms in the region.&nbsp;



This creates a cycle of environmental and health challenges, making it imperative to develop strategies for prevention and adaptation.



Potential measures include reforestation and soil stabilization projects to reduce dust emissions, stricter regulations to limit activities that contribute to desertification, and public health initiatives to educate communities on protective measures during dust events.&nbsp;



Investing in early warning systems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-driven-wildfires-worsen-u-s-air-quality-and-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> monitoring can also help minimize exposure and protect both human populations and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-jazmurian-basin">Significance of the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



The Jazmurian Basin is a prominent endorheic basin located in southeastern Iran, spanning parts of the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan as well as Kerman. It lies at the heart of an arid region characterized by sparse vegetation, high temperatures, and limited rainfall.&nbsp;



The basin is primarily fed by the Halil and Bampur rivers, which provide seasonal water flow to the basin's low-lying areas. At its center lies the Jazmurian Depression, which forms a seasonal playa or shallow lake, though it often dries up during extended dry periods.&nbsp;



The area holds geological and archaeological significance, offering insights into ancient human settlements and environmental changes over time.&nbsp;



Despite its harsh climate, the basin supports small-scale agriculture and serves as a critical habitat for certain desert-adapted wildlife. 



The image was captured on January 22 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite.&nbsp;



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Dust rises from the Jazmurian Basin in Iran

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. It is one of the world's longest glaciers outside of the polar regions.&nbsp;



“An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of glaciers in the high-elevation valleys of the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. The upper portion of Fedchenko Glacier crosses the center of the scene.”



NASA noted that most of the larger glaciers in the image show a prominent pattern of light- and dark-brown parallel lines.&nbsp;



“The darker ‘streamlines,’ known as medial moraines, give a sense of the direction of flow of the ice down the valleys. These are concentrations of debris that has been eroded by the glacier from the adjacent mountainsides or a rocky outcrop,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fedchenko-a-high-altitude-glacier">Fedchenko: A high-altitude glacier</h2>



Fedchenko Glacier stretches for approximately 48 miles and covers an area of around 270 square miles. This massive glacier is a critical source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a>, feeding several rivers and influencing the region's hydrology.



Fedchenko lies at high altitudes, with its origins in the high peaks of the Pamirs, where snow accumulates heavily. Despite being situated in a relatively arid region, the glacier's significant size and volume are maintained by substantial snowfall. 



Named after Alexei Pavlovich Fedchenko, a Russian explorer and naturalist, the glacier was first surveyed in 1928 during Soviet-era expeditions. It plays a crucial role in climate studies, as changes in its length and mass provide insights into the effects of global warming in Central Asia.&nbsp;



The glacier is also part of a spectacular and remote landscape, surrounded by towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and rugged terrain, making it a key feature of the Pamirs' natural beauty.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-glaciers-worldwide">Threats to glaciers worldwide</h2>



Like many glaciers worldwide, Fedchenko faces the threat of retreat due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peru-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, raising concerns about water availability and ecosystem changes in the region.



Rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of glacier melting. Warmer temperatures not only melt glacier surfaces but also increase the flow of meltwater beneath them, accelerating their disintegration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-pollution-nbsp">Human activities and pollution&nbsp;</h3>



Deforestation and urbanization exacerbate these effects by reducing reflective snow cover and increasing heat absorption in nearby areas.&nbsp;



Airborne pollutants like soot and black carbon darken glacier surfaces, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight and speeding up the rate of melting.&nbsp;



Industrial activities and tourism in glacier regions add physical stress and pollution, further degrading these fragile ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-supplies">Water supplies</h3>



The loss of glaciers has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts freshwater supplies for millions of people who depend on glacial runoff for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-sea-levels">Rising sea levels</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melting glaciers</a> contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, the loss of glaciers impacts biodiversity, as many species rely on cold, glacial habitats for survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-glaciers">Protecting glaciers</h3>



Efforts to mitigate these threats focus on reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> emissions, protecting glacier regions from industrial exploitation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.&nbsp;



However, without urgent action, the continued decline of glaciers will have profound implications for the planet's climate, water systems, and ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pamir-mountains-nbsp">The Pamir Mountains&nbsp;</h2>



The Pamir Mountains, often called the "Roof of the World," are a vast and rugged mountain range located in Central Asia.&nbsp;



They span across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, forming a vital part of the junction where the Himalayas, the Tian Shan, the Karakoram, the Kunlun, and the Hindu Kush converge.&nbsp;



With peaks soaring over 7,000 meters, including Ismoil Somoni Peak, the range is home to some of the highest altitudes on Earth.



The Pamir Mountains have been central to trade and cultural exchange for centuries, serving as a critical segment of the ancient Silk Road.&nbsp;



Today, the mountains are a popular destination for trekkers and explorers drawn by their breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain.



The Pamirs are not only a natural wonder but also a biological treasure trove, supporting unique wildlife that is adapted to extreme altitudes.&nbsp;



Culturally, the mountains are home to diverse communities, each with its unique traditions and ways of life, shaped by the harsh but majestic environment.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features UGC 5460, a spiral galaxy that is located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



“This image combines four different wavelengths of light to reveal UGC 5460’s central bar of stars, winding spiral arms and bright blue star clusters. Also captured in the upper left-hand corner of this image is a far closer object: a star just 577 light-years away in our own galaxy,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“UGC 5460 has hosted two recent supernovae named SN 2011ht and SN 2015as. It’s because of these two stellar explosions that Hubble targeted this galaxy, collecting data for three observing programmes that aim to study various kinds of supernovae.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-core-collapse-supernova-nbsp">A core-collapse supernova&nbsp;</h2>



SN 2015as is an example of a core-collapse supernova. This type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> occurs when the core of a massive star - typically with more than 8 times the mass of the sun - can no longer support its own gravity after exhausting its nuclear fuel. 



This causes the core to collapse under its own weight, leading to an extremely violent explosion. The collapse triggers the release of an enormous amount of energy, expelling the outer layers of the star into space.



In the aftermath of the explosion, a dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnant</a> is created. This is often a neutron star or black hole, depending on the mass of the original star. Core-collapse supernovae are some of the most powerful events in the universe.



According to ESA, Hubble observations of SN 2015as will help researchers understand what happens when the expanding shockwave of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> collides with the gas that surrounds the exploded star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-stars-with-large-eruptions-nbsp">Rare stars with large eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



“SN 2011ht might have been a core-collapse supernova as well, but it could also be an impostor called a luminous blue variable. Luminous blue variables are rare stars that experience eruptions so large that they can mimic supernovae,” noted ESA.



“Crucially, luminous blue variables emerge from these eruptions unscathed, while stars that go supernova do not. Hubble will search for a stellar survivor at SN 2011ht’s location, and the explosion’s identity may be revealed at last.”



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



Spiral galaxies are some of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the universe. They are known for their distinctive arms that spiral outward from a central bulge.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The arms are often sites of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, where clouds of gas collapse to form new stars. 



In the center of a spiral galaxy lies a dense concentration of older stars and, often, a supermassive black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-a-spiral-galaxy-nbsp">Structure of a spiral galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The structure of a spiral galaxy is generally divided into three main components: the disk, the bulge, and the halo.&nbsp;



The disk is where the spiral arms are located and contains most of the galaxy's visible stars and interstellar medium.&nbsp;



The bulge is a tightly packed region of older stars at the core, and the halo consists of a sparse collection of stars and globular clusters that surround the galaxy.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies can be classified into different types based on the tightness and number of their spiral arms, as well as the size of their central bulge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-galaxy">The Milky Way galaxy</h2>



Our solar system is located within a large spiral galaxy known as the Milky Way. The name refers to its appearance as a dim, milky band of light stretching across the night sky.&nbsp;



The term "Milky Way" comes from ancient Greek mythology, where it was associated the goddess Hera's milk spilling into the sky. In Greek, it was called "Galaxias Kyklos," meaning "milky circle."&nbsp;



Spanning about 100,000 light-years in diameter, the Milky Way is composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The galaxy has a distinct disk shape with spiral arms that wind outward from a central bulge, which houses a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. 



Our sun is located in one of the spiral arms - known as the Orion Arm - positioned roughly halfway from the center to the outer edge.&nbsp;



The Milky Way is part of a small group of galaxies called the Local Group, which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and several smaller galaxies.



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Hubble views a spiral galaxy with stellar explosions

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system. 



The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.



Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;



The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.



The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. 



As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.



The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings.&nbsp;



“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.



Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;



In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.



Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;



The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-uranus-nbsp">Climate of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;



Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.



Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.



Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;



The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.



“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”



The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;



It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features an extraordinary...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba about 43 million light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;



This galaxy, discovered by British astronomer James Dunlop in 1826, is part of the larger NGC 1808 group of galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intimate-view-of-ngc-1792">Intimate view of NGC 1792</h2>



“An orange glow radiates from the center of NGC 1792, the heart of this stellar forge. Captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this intimate view of NGC 1792 gives us some insight into this galactic powerhouse,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The vast swathes of tell-tale blue seen throughout the galaxy indicate areas that are full of young, hot stars, and it is in the shades of orange, seen nearer the center, that the older, cooler stars reside.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vigorous-star-formation-nbsp">Vigorous star formation&nbsp;</h2>



NGC 1792 is notable for its vigorous star formation, classifying it as a starburst galaxy. This high rate of star formation is thought to be triggered by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies, though the exact cause is still under study.



“Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy,” said ESA. 



“Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fierce-bursts-of-star-formation">Fierce bursts of star formation</h2>



ESA noted that when galaxies have a large reservoir of gas, like NGC 1792, these short-lived starburst phases can be sparked by galactic events such as mergers and tidal interactions.&nbsp;



“One might think that these starburst galaxies would easily consume all of their gas in a large forming event. However, supernova explosions and intense stellar winds produced in these powerful starbursts can inject energy into the gas and disperse it.”&nbsp;



“This halts the star formation before it can completely deplete the galaxy of all its fuel. Scientists are actively working to understand this complex interplay between the dynamics that drive and quench these fierce bursts of star formation.”



Due to its distance and brightness, NGC 1792 can be observed with medium-sized telescopes under favorable conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-galaxies">The evolution of galaxies </h2>



Galaxy evolution refers to the process by which galaxies form and change over time. It begins in the early universe, shortly after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, when small density fluctuations in the primordial gas led to the collapse of matter into the first galaxies.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-mergers">Galaxy mergers</h3>



Early galaxies were small and irregular, and were composed mostly of gas and dark matter. Over billions of years, galaxies grew larger by merging with one another and by accreting gas from the surrounding space. 



These interactions often triggered bursts of star formation, and collisions between galaxies sometimes led to the creation of new, more massive galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes">Structural changes</h3>



As galaxies evolve, their morphology - shape and structure - can change. Early galaxies were often irregular or disk-shaped, but over time, many galaxies formed into the elliptical or spiral shapes we see today. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation">Star formation</h3>



Star formation is a key driver of galaxy evolution, but it gradually slows down as galaxies age. 



The gas that fuels <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> can be used up, or it can be heated and pushed out of galaxies by supernovae or black holes, reducing the galaxy's ability to form new stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-environment-nbsp">Galaxy environment&nbsp;</h3>



The environment in which a galaxy resides also plays a role in its evolution. Galaxies in dense clusters are more likely to interact with their neighbors, which can alter their shape or trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;



In contrast, galaxies in more isolated regions of space evolve more slowly and without as many dramatic interactions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter">Dark matter</h3>



Dark matter also plays a crucial role in galaxy evolution. It provides the gravitational framework that holds galaxies together and influences their interactions with one another.&nbsp;



Supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Galaxies%20merge&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, found at the centers of most large galaxies, can also affect their evolution by releasing energy that impacts star formation and the movement of gas within the galaxy.



Overall, galaxy evolution is a complex and ongoing process driven by interactions between stars, gas, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, and black holes, and shaped by both internal processes and external influences.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, J. Lee



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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



The same cluster was featured in the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023. 



According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. 



"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc-1333">Webb’s view of NGC 1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC 1333 cloud.&nbsp;



“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."



The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-in-the-sun-s-birth-cluster">Stars in the Sun's birth cluster</h2>



“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.



Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.



Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> is ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.



Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. 



These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;



These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-planet-formation">Early stages of planet formation </h2>



NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy.



These stars are still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks. 



In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;



It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;



These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.



The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a blanket of dust over the Tarim Basin - a vast, arid region in northwestern China. 



Mountain peaks are visible through a break in the dust. These peaks are part of Tekilik Shan, a subrange of the Kunlun Mountains.



Though not as widely known as some other mountain ranges in the area, Tekilik Shan plays a significant role in shaping local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> patterns and geography.



Its snow-covered peaks can rise above 13,000 feet, contributing to the dramatic elevation differences that define the basin’s borders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-storms-in-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Dust storms in the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



Spring marks the height of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storm</a> activity in the Tarim Basin, particularly in its southern region.&nbsp;



“It’s a time of year when regional wind patterns shift in ways that cause winds and storm systems to sweep in from the northwest,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154126/a-curtain-of-dust-over-the-tarim-basin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“In early spring, when landscapes in this region are especially dry and have minimal vegetation, land surfaces warm rapidly under the Sun’s heat every morning, fueling convection that can help loft dust upward by the afternoon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fingerlike-dust-formations-nbsp">Fingerlike dust formations&nbsp;</h2>



Satellite images revealed dust formations with fingerlike shapes that mirrored the landscape below. These projections aligned with valleys, which channeled and directed the airborne dust.&nbsp;



Ralph Kahn is an atmospheric scientist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and scientist emeritus at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.



According to Kahn, the dust may have been “self-lofting.” In this process, sunlight heats recently stirred-up surface dust, creating pockets of convection that lift it even higher into the air.



This interpretation is supported by hourly observations from Japan’s Himawari-9 geostationary satellite, which showed dust gradually rising into the Tekilik Shan throughout the day. By late afternoon, the storm had grown dense enough to obscure the mountains.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-atmospheric-dust">Decline in atmospheric dust</h2>



Long-term satellite data from MODIS suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric dust</a> levels in this region have declined by about 1.5 percent each year since the early 2000s.&nbsp;



NASA researcher Hongbin Yu attributes this trend mainly to springtime changes - such as altered wind speeds, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-moisture-can-predict-severe-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil moisture</a>, or vegetation cover - rather than shifts in other seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-in-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Rainfall in the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



“The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Takla-Makan-Desert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Takla Makan Desert</a> is one of the driest, most barren expanses on Earth. Flanked by mountain ranges on three sides and parched by the resulting <a href="https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Rain_shadow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain shadow</a>, parts of the Tarim Basin receive no more than 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) of rain per year,” noted NASA.



“Dust storms can lead to public health problems in populated areas downwind by transporting small particles, bacteria, and viruses that infiltrate human respiratory systems.”&nbsp;



NASA added that dust storms can also affect Earth’s climate by scattering and absorbing incoming solar radiation and changing the properties of clouds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscape-of-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Landscape of the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



The Tarim Basin is one of the largest endorheic basins in the world, meaning that its rivers do not drain into the sea but instead flow into interior lakes or evaporate.&nbsp;



The basin is encircled by three mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west. These ranges create a powerful rain shadow effect, making the region exceptionally dry.



At the heart of the Tarim Basin lies the Taklamakan Desert, one of the most extreme deserts on Earth. The desert is known for its high dunes, intense temperature swings, and minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-and-geology">History and geology</h2>



Despite its harsh environment, the basin has been historically significant. It was a key section of the ancient Silk Road, with several oases such as Kashgar, Khotan, and Loulan serving as vital trading and cultural centers for centuries.



Geologically, the basin is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas, and has become a focal point for China's energy exploration and development.&nbsp;



The region’s challenging climate and remote location, however, make infrastructure development and human habitation difficult.&nbsp;



The image was captured on March 27, 2025 by the Operational Land Imager instrument on Landsat 8.



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Blanket of dust covers China’s Tarim Basin

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604. The nebula is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). 



By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."



According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means that NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>.&nbsp;



NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies. This group includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.



“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.



"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-star-formation">More about star formation </h2>



Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.



The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. 



This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. 



The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. 



Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

The MODIS instrument, short for Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, is a key instrument aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites. MODIS is playing a vital role in the development of Earth ecosystem models, able to predict global changes, which then assist policy makers in making informed decisions about the protection of the global environment.

Heavy snow and cloud cover in the Alps are seen in this Image of the day&nbsp;from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at heavy snow and low clouds in the Alps. Wildlife such as ibex live in the higher peaks to elevations of 3,400 m (11,155 ft), and plants such as Edelweiss grow in rocky areas in lower elevations as well as in higher elevations.

Heavy snow and cloud cover in the Alps

Monitoring Earth Changes with MODIS

Aqua is a NASA scientific research satellite that studies precipitation, evaporation, and water cycles. Terra and Aura make up the Earth Observing System. It's the second component of the system.

A frozen Lake Erie in February Today’s Image of the Day comes from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at a frozen <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/icy-lake-erie/">Lake Erie</a>, which is currently 93.3 percent iced over. A frozen Lake Erie in February
This false-color image was created using data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the Aqua satellite to differentiate between snow, ice, and clouds.
Lake Erie /ˈɪəri/ (French: Lac Érié) is the fourth-largest lake (by surface area) of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the eleventh-largest globally if measured in terms of surface area.It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. At its deepest point Lake Erie is 210 feet (64 metres) deep. 
Situated on the International Boundary between Canada and the United States, Lake Erie&#8217;s northern shore is the Canadian province of Ontario, specifically the Ontario Peninsula, with the U.S. states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York on its western, southern, and eastern shores. These jurisdictions divide the surface area of the lake with water boundaries. 
The lake was named by the Erie people, a Native American people who lived along its southern shore. The tribal name &#8220;erie&#8221; is a shortened form of the Iroquoian word erielhonan, meaning long tail
&#8212;
By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Image Credit: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a>

A frozen Lake Erie in February

Aqua Earth Observing Satellite

This beautiful photo gallery contains 50 incredible images of Earth from Space. These images were taken by astronauts onboard the International Space Station, as well as by a multitude of NASA satellites orbiting the earth.

Today’s Image of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=90654&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=iotd_readmore">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at Super Typhoon Noru in the Pacific Ocean just south of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-blue-chrysanthemums-created/">Japan</a>.
This image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on July 31, 2017. 
At the time the photo was taken, Typhoon Noru was located just 250 kilometers south of Iwo Jima. Maximum sustained winds hit 150 miles per hour.
The storm briefly became a category 5 on July 30, before being downgraded to a category 4 one day later.
&#8211;
By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Source: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=90654&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=iotd_readmore">NASA Earth Observatory</a>

Super Typhoon Noru in the Pacific Ocean

Incredible Images of Earth from Space

Photos from the International Space Station are found in this awesome Earth.com image gallery. Flat-earthers won't agree, but these incredible photos of the Earth were taken by astronauts onboard the International Space Station. The International Space Station is a modular space station in low Earth orbit.

Northern Italy from the space station is seen here in this Image of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> (ESA). The view includes the top half of the Italian Peninsula, along with <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/wildfires-burn-northern-corsica/">Corsica</a> and Sardinia off the coast. This image was captured by ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli on his third and final mission to the Space Station.

Northern Italy from the Space Station

Photos from the International Space Station

High blood pressure touches the lives of millions and remains a top trigger for heart problems. It’s often labeled the number one contributor to coronary heart disease and stroke, causing many to search for practical ways to keep it under control.



Experts frequently warn us to curb sodium consumption. Yet a recent <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajprenal.00222.2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> highlights that a better ratio of potassium to sodium may have a greater effect on blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/relaxation-techniques-can-lower-high-blood-pressure-at-least-temporarily/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a> than dropping salt alone. 



Anita Layton from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> emphasizes the need to think beyond the usual advice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potassium-helps-control-blood-pressure">Potassium helps control blood pressure</h2>



Potassium is a vital electrolyte that helps the body maintain balance. It cooperates with sodium to regulate fluid volume and supports normal nerve function.



When people consume more processed meals, they often ignore this important nutrient. This disrupts the potassium-sodium balance, which can add to rising blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a> levels.



A new mathematical tool demonstrates how shifting the focus toward potassium intake offers clear advantages. The model points to higher potassium intake as a method that may help steady blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-gold-the-vitamin-packed-fruit-that-regulates-blood-sugar-and-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a> when sodium is also in the mix.



“Usually, when we have high blood pressure, we are advised to eat less salt. Our research suggests that adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banana-apocalypse-can-science-save-our-favorite-fruit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bananas</a> or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/broccoli-sprouts-have-more-nutritional-value-than-mature-broccoli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broccoli</a>, might have a greater positive impact on your blood pressure than just cutting sodium,” said Layton. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-diets-lack-potassium">Modern diets lack potassium</h2>



Populations in past generations took in a high level of fruits and vegetables. These foods naturally supplied more potassium relative to sodium.



Modern eating patterns favor salt-packed items and sugary snacks. That change in routine can lead to constant high sodium intake, low potassium consumption, and heightened chances of developing elevated blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-less-than-seven-hours-high-blood-pressure-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a>.



The study reveals that pre-menopausal women have a naturally lower tendency toward high blood pressure. It suggests that men usually face a higher risk, although men may also respond well to a potassium boost in their meals.



Variation in hormone levels and kidney function might account for these differences. The research links these findings to biological processes in which women excrete sodium more effectively before menopause.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-blood-pressure">Balancing blood pressure</h2>



Health advice often focuses on slashing salt, and that approach helps in many cases. Still, data from the University of Waterloo suggests that potassium is a key ally for balancing sodium.



Melissa Stadt is a PhD candidate in Waterloo's Department of Applied Mathematics and the study's lead author.



“Early humans ate lots of fruits and vegetables, and as a result, our body's regulatory systems may have evolved to work best with a high potassium, low sodium diet,” said Stadt. 



She noted that modern societies, by prioritizing convenience foods, might have steered away from this natural ratio.



Bananas are an accessible source of potassium and can be incorporated into snacks or breakfasts. Legumes, leafy greens, avocados, and certain fish varieties deliver a helpful potassium lift too.



Broccoli is another candidate that can fit into balanced meals. Adding these items in place of heavily processed foods takes you closer to a healthier ratio of potassium to sodium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potassium-linked-to-fewer-heart-problems">Potassium linked to fewer heart problems</h2>



Scientific <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1311889" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reviews</a> show that a balanced dietary pattern with ample potassium is associated with improved cardiovascular health. 



One large <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK109565/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found that a shift toward higher potassium intake lowered the odds of strokes and cardiac events in many participants.



Public health campaigns keep pushing for sodium reduction. Researchers hope the new focus on the potassium-sodium relationship gains the same amount of attention.



Sticking to a better potassium-to-sodium proportion may do more than protect the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-smell-control-your-blood-pressure-new-research-says-yes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a>. Kidneys also rely on healthy sodium and potassium levels for normal function.



Individuals with persistently high blood pressure risk complications like chronic kidney disease or irregular heartbeat. Increasing potassium-rich produce could ease that threat while providing vitamins and fiber.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awareness-may-prevent-high-blood-pressure">Awareness may prevent high blood pressure</h2>



Many strategies exist for controlling high blood pressure, but the potassium conversation is less common. Greater awareness might encourage those with mild hypertension to shift their meal plans in a simple, budget-friendly way.



Researchers remain optimistic that this knowledge can spark interest in broader nutritional guidelines. They also anticipate deeper investigation into how body systems manage electrolytes across genders and various life stages.



This modeling work clarifies how biological factors respond to dietary changes. Clinicians may lean on such findings to create guidelines that highlight both cutting sodium and adding potassium.



While more in-depth clinical studies could confirm best practices, the message seems consistent. More bananas and vegetables on the plate could help make high blood pressure less of a threat for many.



The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajprenal.00222.2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology</a>.



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Trying to lower your blood pressure? This common nutrient can help

High blood pressure touches the lives of millions and remains...

Back,View,Of,African,Male,Guest,Of,Art,Gallery,Standing

Art is often linked with creativity and expression. Many people consider it purely decorative, but new findings suggest that looking at paintings, sculptures, or photographs may hold genuine benefits for personal growth and meaning in life.



Researchers have examined how passive engagement with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-can-instantly-recognize-trees-even-in-abstract-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual artworks</a> helps individuals feel a stronger sense of purpose. 



The team conducted a systematic review focusing on the effects of art observation on eudemonic well-being, which includes a person’s sense of meaning and fulfillment in daily life.&nbsp;



The study was led by MacKenzie Trupp from the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> and the <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en/donders-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donders Institute</a>, along with collaborators from Trinity College Dublin and Humboldt University of Berlin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-art-supports-well-being">Viewing art supports well-being </h2>



“People often think of art as a luxury, but our research suggests that viewing art - whether as a hobby or as a targeted health intervention - can meaningfully support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arts-and-crafts-can-greatly-improve-public-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a>,” remarked Trupp.



These positive effects arise when people actively notice color, detail, and imagery, rather than breezing by an artwork without pausing to interpret it.



Early <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29440307/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigations</a> show how painting viewings spark emotional responses that can add depth to everyday experiences. 



Some participants report feeling encouraged to reflect on personal memories, suggesting that the right piece of art can nudge us toward greater self-awareness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-art-builds-stronger-connections">Looking at art builds stronger connections</h2>



Social aspects appear to play a meaningful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-reveals-new-details-about-centuries-old-painting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">role</a>. Observing art with others, whether in a gallery or an online group setting, provides a chance to chat about impressions and spark deeper conversations.



Sharing interpretations can lead to subtle bonding moments. People find themselves opening up more when they encounter powerful images <a href="https://new.censusatschool.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/restorative-benefits-of-nature.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">together</a>, which strengthens ties and sometimes reduces feelings of isolation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-better-study-designs">Need for better study designs</h2>



The researchers also discovered inconsistencies in how these studies were structured. Some projects used short viewing intervals in controlled labs, while others involved hospital programs or digital platforms.



To tackle these differences, the team developed Receptive Art Activity Research Reporting Guidelines, often called <a href="https://osf.io/qjg72/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RAARR</a>, aiming to standardize future trials.



This guideline set encourages a detailed record of how people <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-echoes-may-have-inspired-prehistoric-rock-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interact</a> with artwork, so future results can be measured and compared more reliably.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visual-art-and-emotional-relief">Visual art and emotional relief</h2>



“While the mental health benefits of creating art have been widely explored, the impact of viewing art has been under-researched and undervalued. Yet visual art is present and accessible in everyday spaces - museums, galleries, hospitals, and at home,” said Claire Howlin, professor at <a href="https://www.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a>.



Leading organizations now recommend incorporating the arts into health plans as a worthwhile, low-cost strategy to promote well-being. Recognizing art as a public health resource gives people an easy outlet for emotional relief and a handy way to find hope in challenging times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-art-programs-improve-well-being">Simple art programs improve well-being </h2>



This growing evidence may inspire hospitals, senior centers, and community groups to install or rotate art collections. By adopting user-friendly approaches, such as interactive discussions or online displays, more people can unlock art’s potential to reduce tension.



Setting aside a few minutes to study the brushstrokes of a painting or the structure of a sculpture might sound simple. 



Even so, it gives individuals a chance to pause and reassess how they see the world around them, which can enrich their sense of life’s purpose.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-passive-enjoyment-of-artwork">Passive enjoyment of artwork </h2>



The research points to clear opportunities for integrating these resources. Because passive enjoyment of artwork is easy for most people, the path to better well-being might be just a painting away.



Researchers hope that consistent methods, larger-scale studies, and robust control conditions will clarify how and why these art-viewing programs work. 



The end goal is to ensure that people across many communities can benefit from accessible experiences in clinics, care homes, or local cultural sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-as-a-powerful-force">Art as a powerful force</h2>



Expanding knowledge in this area may also change how mental health professionals structure interventions. If simply absorbing a piece of art encourages meaningful reflection, then therapy plans could add curated viewings as an extra tool for developing resilience.



By fine-tuning how and where art is displayed, specialists may zero in on strategies that meet personal or group needs. This includes everything from digital sessions for homebound individuals to tranquil waiting-room exhibits.



These ideas reinforce the notion that art is more than a decorative choice. It can become part of everyday life, shaping emotional balance and reinforcing one’s sense of identity.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2025.2481041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Positive Psychology</a>.



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Simply looking at art can improve your well-being

Art is often linked with creativity and expression. Many people...

The noises of everyday life might be stirring more than just your eardrums. Recent findings suggest that certain vibrations affect living cells in unexpected ways. 



In an effort to see if cells truly respond to sound, researchers developed specialized setups that send mild pressure waves into cell cultures.



After extensive tests, Masahiro Kumeta from <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a> emerged as a leading voice in this field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-detect-and-respond-to-sound">Cells detect and respond to sound</h2>



Cells typically rely on chemical signals and mechanical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-people-are-born-to-enjoy-music-more-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cues</a> to regulate their growth. The notion that <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4659753/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">audible frequencies</a> might play a role in shaping cell functions has intrigued scientists for years.



“To investigate the effect of sound on cellular activities, we designed a system to bathe cultured cells in acoustic waves,” said Kumeta. 



The researchers noted that subtle compressions could alter how cells communicate and function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-cells-sense-pressure">When cells sense pressure</h2>



One pivotal outcome was the identification of over 100 genes that seemed sensitive to specific sound conditions. Different frequencies and intensities triggered varied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">responses</a>, hinting at a surprisingly sophisticated cellular awareness.



“Since sound is non-material, acoustic stimulation is a tool that is non-invasive, safe, and immediate, and will likely benefit medicine and healthcare,” said Kumeta. Observations <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11089525/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggested</a> that mechanical receptors on cell surfaces might be picking up sound-related pressure changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-affects-fat-development">Sound affects fat development</h2>



The research also uncovered a link between vibrations and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/adipocyte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adipocyte</a> development. Cells destined to become fat cells showed reduced differentiation when exposed to tailored sound signals.



This effect was partly explained by increased levels of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/prostaglandin-e2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PGE2</a>, a molecule known to influence fat cell growth. The findings add weight to ongoing discussions about non-invasive ways to manage tissue health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-noise-impacts-cell-health">Everyday noise impacts cell health</h2>



These discoveries raise questions about the relationship between environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-connects-people-emotionally-and-physically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noise</a> and cellular health. Future investigations might shed light on whether day-to-day soundscapes carry hidden effects for humans.



Such possibilities could open new therapeutic avenues to address metabolic issues or support tissue regeneration. Learning more about how cells detect acoustic cues might guide clinicians toward safer treatment strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-can-control-cell-activity">Sound can control cell activity</h2>



Researchers are keen to explore how mechanical waves can be tuned to different cell types. This tuning could help maintain specific cell behaviors without using invasive procedures.



Understanding these mechanisms might also improve regenerative medicine by providing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upright-walking-may-have-sparked-human-creativity-and-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool</a> that supports healing tissues. Though the science is still expanding, the conversation around everyday sound’s potential influence on cellular well-being is gaining traction.



The idea that your cells respond to invisible shifts in pressure challenges traditional views of sensory biology. Investigations promise to reveal more about how we can harness acoustic signals in gentle yet meaningful ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vibrations-shift-gene-activity">Vibrations shift gene activity</h2>



Mechanobiology extends to how tissues interpret various physical forces. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5763187/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> suggest that subtle vibrations might shift gene expression in skeletal and smooth muscle.



Research into <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234245/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a> and other complex biological processes also shows that cells often respond to unexpected sound cues in their environment. 



Low-intensity pulses can trigger molecular changes that were once thought impossible through conventional means.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noise-pollution-may-harm-cells">Noise pollution may harm cells</h2>



Efforts are underway to design experiments that separate normal mechanical stress from sound-induced signals. If those tests confirm unique responses, the results could open new doors in cell therapy.



Scientists are also curious about whether long-term exposure to mild acoustic environments might steer cells toward different fates.



Communities around the globe deal with noise pollution daily, so these results could change how we think about public health. It raises the possibility certain sound frequencies might either help or hinder basic cellular functions.



Finding a balance between beneficial and disruptive sound levels could become an unexpected health frontier. Communities might one day explore acoustic monitoring alongside typical environmental checks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07969-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Our cells react to sounds we can't even hear

The noises of everyday life might be stirring more than...

A recent study has offered an in-depth look at an exoplanet called TOI-270 d, located just 73 light-years away from Earth. 



Although it’s between Earth and Neptune in size, models suggest this alien world is a hot rocky planet with a thick atmosphere. It may not be the watery, hydrogen-rich “Hycean” planet some scientists originally envisioned.



This study, led by the <a href="https://www.swri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Research Institute</a> (SwRI), may help researchers unravel the mystery of sub-Neptunes.



“The nature of sub-Neptunes is one of the hottest topics in exoplanetary science,” said lead author Christopher Glein, an astronomer at SwRI. 



“These sub-Neptunes are the most abundant size range of planets in the galaxy, yet none exist in our solar system. They are exotic. Temperate sub-Neptunes are of even higher interest because some could be habitable.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-sub-neptune-planets">The mystery of sub-Neptune planets</h2>



Ever since scientists began detecting exoplanets en masse, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-planets-may-be-the-place-to-look-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> between Earth and Neptune in size have stood out as particularly puzzling. Since these sub-Neptune planets are common in surveys but absent in our solar system, researchers created new theories about their formation and composition.



One popular proposal is that some sub-Neptunes orbiting in a star’s habitable zone might be massive ocean worlds. These planets could have hydrogen-rich atmospheres, leading to the term “Hycean” (short for hydrogen-ocean) worlds.



However, observations of TOI-270 d with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auroras-captured-on-neptune-for-the-first-time-thanks-to-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST) suggest a simpler composition. Instead of being swathed in a relatively thin hydrogen atmosphere over a deep ocean, this planet appears to have a superheated rocky interior enclosed within a thick, hot atmosphere.



“The search for habitable worlds continues! The JWST data on TOI-270 d collected by Björn Benneke and his team are revolutionary,” Glein said.&nbsp;



“I was shocked by the level of detail they extracted from such a small exoplanet’s atmosphere, which provides an incredible opportunity to learn the story of a totally alien planet. With molecules like carbon dioxide, methane, and water detected, we could start doing some geochemistry to learn how this unusual world formed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-paths-of-planetary-evolution">New paths of planetary evolution</h2>



Based on JWST’s measurements, the atmospheric temperatures on TOI-270 d exceed 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit - much hotter than anything Earth-like. This finding helps explain why the planet likely lacks the expansive oceans once suggested by the Hycean hypothesis.



Instead, the new geochemical model shows how gases could undergo high-temperature reactions at the molten surface, then rise into cooler atmospheric layers for JWST to detect.



“While it is a bit disappointing to find that TOI-270 d is unlikely to be habitable, this planet still offers a fantastic opportunity to explore alternative paths of planetary origins and evolution,” Glein said. “We are learning much more about the crazy configurations of planets that nature comes up with.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The curious case of missing ammonia</h2>



One puzzle within the sub-Neptune class has been the absence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-green-tech-ammonia-fertilizer-production-using-earths-natural-forces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ammonia</a> in many atmospheres, despite theoretical models suggesting that thick, hydrogen-rich environments should produce it.



In their integrated perspective on TOI-270 d, Glein’s team illustrates how multiple processes could combine to deplete ammonia. These include nitrogen gas produced at high temperatures and ammonia dissolving in a molten rock ocean. A nitrogen shortage in the planet’s building blocks also contributes.



“I see a lot of parallels between planetary science and biology,” Glein said. “A core set of building blocks and rules for interactions result in an explosion of diverse forms. We’re starting to see some of that diversity come through in compositional signatures from JWST.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecules-on-scorching-planets">Molecules on scorching planets</h2>



The study exemplifies how methods traditionally used to explore our own solar system are now being applied to exoplanets. Researchers can detect molecules such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor and piece together how those elements and compounds interact on scorching exoplanets.



With technological advances like JWST, exoplanetary geochemistry is rapidly approaching the sophistication once reserved for spacecraft missions to local worlds like Venus or Mars.



The team says these studies reveal magma oceans, atmospheric temperatures, and how planetary atmospheres form and evolve. By examining TOI-270 d, scientists learn more about the possibilities for sub-Neptune formation and the diversity of planetary outcomes.



“We wanted to paint a more complete picture of the inner workings and history of an exoplanet by approaching the problem in multiple ways,” Glein explained. “Last time I checked, we have discovered over 5,800 confirmed exoplanets. TOI-270 d is just one of them. It’s going to be very interesting to see what the next exoplanet has in store for us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-to-abundant-exoplanets">Clues to abundant exoplanets</h2>



TOI-270 d’s status as a “Rosetta Stone” could help decode a class of exoplanets that dominates our galaxy but defies easy categorization. Just 73 light years away, this rocky world shows how alien planetary systems can differ greatly from our own Sun’s.



Through precise observations and advanced modeling, scientists are learning to identify exoplanetary signatures of chemical and geologic processes. These processes may appear alien compared to those found on Earth.



Each new exoplanet studied brings scientists closer to understanding where habitable environments might emerge in the cosmos.



The <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.09752" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> has been accepted for publication in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



Image Credit: NASA



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Scorching world offers clues to planetary evolution

A recent study has offered an in-depth look at an...

You walk into a room and see a long, slender object lying on a table. Is it a pen you need for a meeting? Or a thermometer you left out after checking your fever? The object hasn’t changed. But depending on why you walked in, your&nbsp;vision - guided by your brain - may classify it entirely differently.



This subtle shift in meaning, which is tied to context and intention, has long intrigued scientists. Traditionally, the belief was simple: your eyes gather data and your brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processes</a> it like a computer. The early visual areas were thought to pass along raw details - shape, color, motion - to higher brain centers, which then made decisions.



But a new study, published on in Nature Communications, offers a striking update to that view. 



Led by Professor Nuttida Rungratsameetaweemana of Columbia Engineering, the research shows that the visual cortex itself helps decide what something is. And it does so by reinterpreting the very same image, depending on what you’re trying to do.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-visual-system-that-thinks-ahead">A visual system that thinks ahead</h2>



This work challenges the idea of the visual cortex as a passive recording device. Instead, it appears to function more like an active participant in interpretation. Before you’re even aware of what you’re seeing, your visual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-mapping-research-mouse-neurons-revolutionary-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system</a> starts shaping that image based on your current goal.



“Our findings challenge the traditional view that early sensory areas in the brain are simply ‘looking’ or ‘recording’ visual input. In fact, the human brain’s visual system actively reshapes how it represents the exact same object depending on what you’re trying to do,” noted Professor Rungratsameetaweemana.



This means that vision isn't only about light hitting the retina. It’s about purpose. The brain’s early sensory regions are tuned to your tasks, and adjusts their processing in real-time. You don't just see a shape - you see a meaning attached to it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-shapes-vision-to-match-the-task">Brain shapes vision to match the task</h2>



To test this, the research team designed a clever experiment. They created abstract shapes that varied along two dimensions. During fMRI scanning, participants had to sort these shapes into categories. But here’s the twist: the rules kept changing.



Sometimes the category boundary was linear and straightforward. Other times, it curved in complex ways across the visual space. The same shape might belong to one group in one task, and a completely different group in another. Participants had to adapt fast.



This shifting rule environment allowed the researchers to track how the brain responded when the same visual input had to be interpreted differently. 



The experts found that early visual areas in the brain - like V1 and V2 - adjusted their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fueling-the-mind-new-map-reveals-where-the-brain-gets-its-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a> depending on which rule was active, even though the shapes themselves didn’t change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-sharpens-vision-for-difficult-choices">Brain sharpens vision for difficult choices </h2>



The most dramatic shifts in visual cortex activity occurred when shapes fell near a category boundary. These were the toughest decisions - when shapes looked ambiguous and could easily belong to more than one group. In those moments, the brain sharpened its distinctions.



Classifier accuracy, a machine learning measure used in the study, was highest in early visual areas for shapes near decision boundaries. This accuracy aligned with task performance. When the brain’s patterns were clearer, participants were more likely to choose correctly.



In short, the visual system wasn’t just observing. It was helping to solve the problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-tasks-are-created-equal">Not all tasks are created equal</h2>



The study used three task types: Linear-1, Linear-2, and Nonlinear. Participants found the Nonlinear task most difficult, both in speed and accuracy. That difference played out in the brain as well.



For Linear-2 tasks, representations in the visual cortex were more distinctive and aligned with the active category boundary. This was especially evident in trials where shapes were hard to classify. It suggests that the brain prioritizes clarity where it’s most needed.



“We saw that the brain responds differently depending on what categories our participants were sorting the shapes into,” noted Professor Rungratsameetaweemana.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-adapts-based-on-the-task">Brain adapts based on the task </h2>



The team believes that feature-based attention may explain these effects. That’s the brain’s ability to enhance the processing of specific features — like edges, curvature, or symmetry — based on what's currently relevant.



In this study, attention may have been dynamically allocated to combinations of features needed for each specific rule. This allowed early visual areas to tweak how they represented each shape, making decision-making more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-diet-may-protect-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">efficient</a> and responsive.



This type of attention wasn’t cued explicitly. Participants weren’t told what features to look at. Instead, they learned to shift their mental focus based on the task at hand. Their brains adapted quietly but powerfully.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-ai-and-mental-health">Implications for AI and mental health</h2>



The ability to adapt to new goals is a cornerstone of human intelligence. Yet even advanced AI systems struggle with this kind of flexible reclassification. Most treat perception and decision-making as separate stages.



This study shows that perception itself is fluid. It bends to the task, allowing seamless transitions between rules, even when the input stays constant. That insight could inspire new designs in AI systems that need to operate in unpredictable environments.



It may also help us understand cognitive disorders where flexibility breaks down. Conditions like ADHD or autism often involve difficulty shifting mental sets. If brain sensory areas involved in&nbsp;vision&nbsp;contribute to these shifts, future treatments might target them to improve adaptability.



“Flexible cognition is a hallmark of human cognition, and even state-of-the-art AI systems currently still struggle with flexible task performance. It’s also a reminder of how remarkable and efficient our brains are, even at the earliest stages of processing,” said Professor Rungratsameetaweemana.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-neurons-handle-changing-goals">Single neurons handle changing goals</h2>



What happens beneath the surface of these visual adjustments? The team’s next phase will record from neurons inside the skull to understand how individual cells respond to changing goals. They want to uncover the wiring that supports these fast switches in meaning.



They also hope to apply what they find to artificial systems. Today’s models often fail when task goals shift mid-stream. But the human brain handles such transitions smoothly. By mimicking this biological flexibility, AI could become more adaptive and useful.



“We’re hoping that what we’re learning from the human brain can help us design models that adapt more fluidly, not just to new inputs, but to new contexts,” said Professor Rungratsameetaweemana.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-the-role-of-sight">Redefining the role of sight</h2>



It may no longer be true to say that seeing is believing. This research transforms how we understand the brain and its relation to our vision. The eye may be the entry point, but interpretation begins almost immediately, long before conscious thought. 



It turns out that seeing is not just about gathering information. It’s about aligning perception with purpose.



When you walk into a room and glance at that object on the table, your brain is already deciding what it means based on why you’re there. The pen and the thermometer are the same shape - but they are not the same thing.



Thanks to this study, we now know that your brain’s visual system is helping you choose, adapt, and act -even before you realize what you’re looking at.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58707-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications.</a>



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Rethinking vision: The brain sees what it wants to see

You walk into a room and see a long, slender...

Science is transforming how we see our DNA information and what they can tell us about our bodies. Many researchers now worry that hackers might find holes in these advanced tools and aim for our most personal details.



Experts warn that next-generation DNA sequencing (<a href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/sequencing/sequencing-learning-center/next-generation-sequencing-information/ngs-basics/what-is-next-generation-sequencing.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NGS</a>) might be a new target for cybercriminals who wish to break into or manipulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/everyday-dna-damage-requires-constant-repair-by-cells-to-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic</a> data.



After carefully looking at every step involved, Dr. Nasreen Anjum from the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>’s School of Computing and her collaborators have offered ways to strengthen data security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dna-information-powers-medicine">How DNA information powers medicine</h2>



NGS allows scientists to decode huge chunks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-changes-supercharged-the-human-brain-but-at-a-cost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> very quickly. It has helped in cancer analyses, specialized treatments, and identifying microbiologist findings. Many labs benefit from high-tech tools that read DNA to discover gene variants and spot disease markers.



Patients rely on these instruments in clinical settings to decide what treatments they need. Companies and universities also lean on these methods to design new medicines. If this data gets <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrg3723" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stolen</a> or tampered with, real harm can happen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-hackers-misuse-genetic-data">How hackers misuse genetic data</h2>



“Genomic data is one of the most personal forms of data we have,” stated Dr. Mahreen-Ul-Hassan from the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, who co-authored the study.



DNA information is extremely private. Attackers can use it to infer family ties or even link data to specific people.&nbsp;



Open-access databases often share large volumes of sequences online. Hackers can slip in <a href="https://www.usenix.org/conference/usenixsecurity17/technical-sessions/presentation/ney" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyber-biosecurity</a> exploits by uploading corrupted files or by intercepting data on unsecured <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/subtle-dna-changes-shaped-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">networks</a>. 



Subtle changes in the data might mislead researchers or hide real patient risks, and that can have serious consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-samples-can-carry-malware">DNA samples can carry malware</h2>



Some specialists have experimented with <a href="https://incsnow.com/cyberbiosecurity-computers-make-malicious-modification-of-dna-as-easy-as-editing-text/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA-encoded malware</a> that lurks in the code attached to genetic samples. 



If a lab’s system reads the code without proper checks, it can give criminals control. Once inside the network, they might alter or steal sensitive files, or break critical machines.



Industry watchers have also pointed out that many labs use older devices or software. These systems can get infected by trojans hiding in routine updates or from incorrectly set up firewalls. 



Even a small data breach in such labs can expose personal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chapter-in-human-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information</a> or cripple ongoing studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-information-at-risk">DNA information at risk</h2>



Though labs are filled with brilliant minds, not everyone knows how to recognize or stop a cyber infiltration. 



Attackers may spot a random “plugged-in” device, an unsecured network share, or a weak password. Sometimes, staff are tricked with phishing emails that appear official, so they click a malicious link.



Insider threats are also a concern. Employees with access to genetic data may decide to profit from it, or they might make a mistake that leaves doors open for attackers. A single slip can let outsiders capture reams of important data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ideas-for-stronger-security">Ideas for stronger security</h2>



“Our work is a wake-up call,” stated Dr. Anjum. She encourages labs and governments to think carefully about the entire NGS process. This means shielding hardware, software, and any data streams between labs.



Encryption can block prying eyes, but some hackers access computers with DNA information and edit it directly.



Better staff training, better oversight, and thorough testing of each system step should be mandatory. This stops threats before they strike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-dna-information">Protecting DNA information</h2>



The researchers noted that <a href="https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Genomic-Data-Science" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomic data</a> is too big for a single fix. Engineers, biologists, and IT specialists must join forces to create updated rules and new ways to handle data securely. This teamwork helps labs share vulnerabilities and solutions without fear.



Funding bodies also have a role. If they prioritize cyber-biosecurity efforts, labs can upgrade defenses, run safety drills, and share lessons learned. An international network of experts can reduce confusion and missteps in fast-paced research centers.



As we learn more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/luca-last-universal-common-ancestor-progenitor-all-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetics</a>, criminals also sharpen their tools. The researchers believe that we must stay ahead by constantly reviewing our technology and testing for weaknesses. This could guard personal and clinical details, especially for those seeking precision medicine.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10930454" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEEE Access</a>.



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Is your DNA information safe? Scientists warn of cyber threats

Science is transforming how we see our DNA information and...

Dolphins in waters around the United Kingdom have faced mounting pressure from chemical pollution over the past few decades. Many short-beaked common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dolphin-day-2025-honoring-the-oceans-most-playful-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> have washed ashore, and reports show they carried worrying levels of toxins in their tissue.



Rosie Williams, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.zsl.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoological Society of London</a>, noted that once-banned chemicals and changing sea temperatures could be adding to these animals’ health troubles.



In particular, researchers have pointed to shifts in the water’s characteristics and high burdens of polychlorinated biphenyls (<a href="https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/learn-about-polychlorinated-biphenyls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PCBs</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-chemicals-and-heat-harm-dolphins">How chemicals and heat harm dolphins</h2>



PCBs were widely used in manufacturing for a long time. In the 1980s, officials in the U.K. decided these chemicals were too dangerous and outlawed them because of their toxic nature.



Despite that move, it seems that residues of these compounds are still entering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-pod-of-1500-dolphins-captured-in-stunning-drone-footage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. Some experts believe that old industrial sites leak traces into waterways, and these flows eventually reach marine habitats.



In the meantime, sea surface temperatures appear to be edging higher in parts of the U.K. This warming of the water can put stress on many species, including dolphins that rely on stable conditions for feeding and other life processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphins-suffer-from-toxins">Dolphins suffer from toxins</h2>



Short-beaked common dolphins rank high up in food chains, which makes them prone to storing more toxins in their bodies. Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-dolphins-who-play-with-others-become-successful-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> at lower levels carry smaller amounts of these compounds, but dolphins can accumulate bigger doses by eating prey that has already absorbed contaminants.



“Their position at the top of the food web means that toxins from their prey accumulate in their blubber, providing a concentrated snapshot of chemical pollutants in the ocean – though unfortunately at the expense of their health,” said Thea Taylor, managing director of <a href="https://sussexdolphinproject.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sussex Dolphin Project</a>.



When PCBs gather in the fatty tissues of these animals, trouble can follow. According to researchers, these toxins might hurt dolphins’ immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to various infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-damage-in-stranded-dolphins">Chemical damage in stranded dolphins </h2>



In an effort to pinpoint the causes of their deaths, experts analyzed data from short-beaked common dolphins that were found stranded on U.K. shores. The <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07858-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> revealed a worrying connection between PCB levels and mortality from infectious diseases.



The researchers noted that every slight rise in PCB load carried a higher chance of fatal infections. They also found that spikes in sea temperatures often matched a jump in disease risk.



Some of these illnesses included gastritis, enteritis, bacterial complications, and pneumonia. In many cases, they turned fatal once the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-and-whales-got-new-backbones-for-life-in-the-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>’ immune defenses weakened.



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



Scientists suggest that warmer waters might also shift prey distributions. That could complicate the dolphins’ feeding patterns, leaving them in worse shape and more likely to get sick.



Some experts worry that higher temperatures might boost the activity of disease-causing organisms in the ocean. If pathogens grow faster, dolphins become more likely to encounter them.



Taken together, these factors seem to form a harmful cycle: weaker dolphins, more pathogens, and chemicals that make everything worse. A multi-layered plan is needed to address all these pressures at once.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-chemicals-still-pollute-waters">Old chemicals still pollute waters</h2>



Even though PCBs were banned in the U.K. more than 40 years ago, they remain a concern. They have a tendency to cling to sediment and can linger in the environment for very long periods.



Certain manufacturing processes still lead to trace amounts of PCBs that find their way into water. Regulators face a tough challenge in tightening controls and removing older sources of these chemicals.



Rosie Williams has pointed out that these persistent compounds keep surfacing in new samples. Some are found in estuaries or coastal areas where industrial runoff takes a toll.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-protective-measures">A call for protective measures</h2>



Marine biologists often describe <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/early-bloom-toxic-algae-southern-california-sickens-hundreds-sea-lions-and-dolphins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a>, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants in ocean waters as forces that aggravate existing <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389423014863" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a>. A rise in sea temperature comes on top of everything else, stacking stress upon stress.



“The ocean is facing ‘a triple planetary crisis’ – climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss – but we often look at threats in isolation,” said Williams.



She and her fellow authors believe that better management of industrial waste and more effective water treatment will help break this cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-ocean-chemicals-to-save-dolphins">Tackling ocean chemicals to save dolphins</h2>



Environmental groups have tried to remove contaminated sediments through dredging in certain places. Others hope to enhance filtration techniques so persistent chemicals get trapped before they spread any further.



Experts also note that PCBs are not the only cause for concern. Similar substances, like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a href="https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>), also carry toxic <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es001834k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> that might harm both wildlife and people if not regulated.



“While we cannot reverse the contamination that has already occurred, it is critical to prevent further chemical inputs into the environment,” said Taylor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphin-health-shows-marine-future">Dolphin health shows marine future</h2>



Many researchers agree that dolphins serve as a valuable bellwether for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elevated-mercury-levels-discovered-in-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> health. If top predators suffer, it can reflect risks to smaller organisms and ultimately to human communities too.



Environmental scientists have stressed that these findings should guide policies for marine protection. Even though we cannot simply erase toxins already in the waters, curbing any additional discharge might limit the damage over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-chemicals-for-dolphin-survival">Reducing chemicals for dolphin survival</h2>



Going forward, experts will determine which regions have the highest levels of PCB pollution. Some areas may need urgent interventions, especially if incidents of dolphin stranding keep increasing.



Ecosystems are complicated, and climate shifts could spark changes that no one has fully predicted. Observers hope that early and decisive action will give marine life a chance to adapt without getting overwhelmed by chemical burdens.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07858-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Dolphins face serious threats from chemical pollution and ocean warming

Dolphins in waters around the United Kingdom have faced mounting...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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