Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Photo Credit: Denisa Mikesova

Golden Eagle

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.



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



“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 as the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023.&nbsp;



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-ngc1333">Webb’s view of NGC1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC1333 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-formation-of-the-sun">Formation of the Sun</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-significance-of-ngc-1333">Significance of NGC 1333</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, still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks.&nbsp;



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 the European Space Agency...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 78 (M78), a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion about 1,350 light-years away from Earth. 



This image was released as part of the initial series of observations from ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a>.&nbsp;



All data collected during these early observations, including a series of incredible <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_s_first_images_the_dazzling_edge_of_darkness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new views</a> of the nearby universe, is available to the public. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-messier-78">Image of Messier 78</h2>



Featured here is a high-resolution, detailed segment of a larger image showcasing Messier 78, a dynamic region of star formation obscured by cosmic dust.&nbsp;



This specific view highlights how young stars generate winds of charged particles, carving out “cavities” in the molecular clouds around them.&nbsp;



The blue hues in the image represent ionized atomic hydrogen, which is a primary component of the cloud, while the red indicates the absorption and scattering of light by dust particles.



The image captures hundreds of stars varying in brightness, illuminating their nebulous, purple surroundings. A dark, arch-like structure stretches from the upper left to the bottom right of the frame, merging into the densest, darkest clouds at the image’s base.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-site-of-star-formation-nbsp">Active site of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is not just a single nebula but part of a larger complex of stars and nebulous regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a>, which includes various other objects like dark nebulae that are visible as patches blocking light from behind.



This region is an active site of star formation, featuring many young stars and protostars, which are stars in the early stages of formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-messier-78">Viewing Messier 78</h2>



M78 is easily observable with small telescopes, and it appears as a hazy patch of light with two prominent stars near its center, which illuminate the surrounding dust.&nbsp;



The nebula is also a favorite among amateur astronomers for its beauty and relatively bright appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subject-of-scientific-interest-nbsp">Subject of scientific interest&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is fascinating not only for its visual beauty but also for its scientific interest, particularly in the study of <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> and interstellar matter.&nbsp;



The nebula consists of dense, cold gas and dust, which are essential ingredients for the birth of new stars.&nbsp;



The intense blue light that characterizes M78 is due to the reflection of starlight off these dust particles, a process known as scattering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-region-surrounding-messier-78-nbsp">Region surrounding Messier 78&nbsp;</h2>



The region surrounding M78 includes several other interesting features. For instance, there are Herbig-Haro objects within it, which are small patches of nebulosity associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly born stars</a>.&nbsp;



These objects are formed when gas ejected by young stars collides with clouds of gas and dust at high speeds, creating shock waves that glow brightly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-stages-of-star-development-nbsp">Earliest stages of star development&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, infrared observations of M78 have revealed much about the dust and colder objects in the area, which are not visible in optical light.&nbsp;



The observations have helped astronomers identify numerous young stars and brown dwarfs (objects that are too large to be planets and too small to be stars) within the nebula. 



This makes M78 a critical area for studying the earliest stages of star development and the properties of the interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp-0">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-batch-of-brilliant-images-from-the-euclid-mission-live-up-to-the-hype/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a> is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission designed to study the dark universe, particularly focusing on dark energy and dark matter, which are fundamental components that are believed to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe and shape its large-scale structure.&nbsp;



The mission aims to map the geometry of the dark universe and better understand the physics of the cosmos.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-billions-of-galaxies-nbsp">Observing billions of galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



Euclid uses two primary scientific instruments: a visible light camera (VIS) and a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer (NISP).&nbsp;



These instruments will allow Euclid to measure the shapes and redshifts of galaxies at distances of up to 10 billion light-years. By surveying more than a third of the sky, the mission is expected to observe several billion galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-dark-universe-nbsp">Studying the dark universe&nbsp;</h3>



The data collected will help astronomers in studying the effects of dark matter and dark energy in depth, testing cosmological models, and exploring new theories about the nature of the universe.&nbsp;



The mission, named after the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, seeks to address key questions related to the structure of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics governing its evolution and expansion.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Messier 78: Young stars shine through dense dust

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76, located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.



Astronomers captured this image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).



The snapshot provides not only a breathtaking view, but also deep insights into the life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and the dynamic processes within nebulae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-messier-76">Understanding Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 is categorized as a planetary nebula - a term which refers to its round, planet-like appearance when viewed through early, low-power telescopes. 



However, the term is somewhat misleading as planetary nebulae have no connection to actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>.&nbsp;



Instead, they represent an expansive shell of luminous gases expelled by a dying red giant star, which subsequently collapses into a dense, hot white dwarf. 



This transformation marks the late stages of stellar evolution for medium to low-mass stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-messier-76">Structure of Messier 76</h2>



The structure of Messier 76 is particularly notable. It includes a central ring, giving the appearance of a bar-like feature, with two distinct lobes emanating from either side. 



This formation is believed to be the result of materials ejected by the star during its red giant phase, possibly sculpted by interactions with a companion star.&nbsp;



Although this binary companion is not visible in current Hubble images, its presence is inferred from the thick disk of dust and gas aligned with its orbital plane. 



The phenomenon of the companion star potentially being absorbed by the primary star, a process akin to stellar cannibalism, is a captivating aspect of the nebula's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-environment-of-the-nebula">The dynamic environment of the nebula</h2>



At the core of the nebula, the primary star, now collapsing into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, reaches extreme temperatures. This heat is estimated to be 120,000 degrees Celsius - about 24 times hotter than the surface of our Sun.&nbsp;



This intensely hot remnant is visible as a small, bright point at the center of the nebula. Directly below this, another star can be seen; however, it is merely aligned with the nebula by chance and is not a part of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-glow-of-messier-76">Powerful glow of Messier 76</h2>



The dynamics within Messier 76 are driven by powerful forces. The central disk seems to constrict the material, creating two lobes of gas escaping along the rotational axis of the star, perpendicular to the disk.&nbsp;



The lobes are propelled outward by a potent stellar wind, moving at a staggering two million miles per hour. This rapid movement is sufficient to travel the distance from Earth to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in just over seven minutes.&nbsp;



The collision of the fast-moving gas with older, slower-moving material ejected during the star’s red giant phase results in the stunning glowing effect seen in the nebula. 



The glow, ignited by the ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf, is a spectacle of colors with red emanating from nitrogen and blue from oxygen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-moment-in-time">A cosmic moment in time</h2>



Despite its current brilliance, the existence of the Little Dumbbell Nebula is fleeting on a cosmological scale. It is expected to last only about 15,000 years - a mere moment in the lifespan of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.&nbsp;



This brief period highlights the transient nature of such cosmic phenomena, which, while short-lived, provide crucial insights into the mechanics of stellar evolution and the complex interactions within these celestial sculptures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-messier-76">More about Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was later cataloged by Charles Messier, who included it in his famous list of nebulous objects.



The nebula's faintness and small size require a good telescope to be observed effectively, with larger telescopes able to reveal more of its fine details and structure.



Studying Messier 76 helps astronomers understand the life cycle of stars and the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution. 



The materials expelled by planetary nebulae like Messier 76 eventually contribute to the interstellar medium, from which new stars and planetary systems may form.



Image Credit: ESA Space Agency&nbsp;



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Secrets of the Little Dumbbell Nebula  

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the remnants of Lake Razzaza, an artificial lake situated a few miles west of Karbala, Iraq.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> was created in the late 1970s as a flood control measure to regulate the floodwaters of the Euphrates River. 



Razzaza covers an area of approximately 1,562 square kilometers and is located in a depression where excess water from Lake Habbaniyah is diverted through a controlled escape channel or canal.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colors-of-lake-razzaza">The colors of Lake Razzaza</h2>



“The lake, also known as Baḩr al-Milḩ (‘Sea of Salt’ in Arabic), is fed by overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, which lies just outside the top left corner of the image,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153756/iraqs-sea-of-salt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The difference in water color results from the various communities of algae that thrive in the lake depending on the water temperature and salinity.”



“Green areas contain lower salt concentrations than red areas. At times when the lake receives no overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, as shown in this image, most of the lakebed is exposed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity-of-lake-razzaza">Salinity of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Over the years, the salinity of Lake Razzaza has been increasing due to inadequate water supply from the linked canal and high evaporation rates during Iraq's hot summers.&nbsp;



This rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> has led to a decline in fish populations, adversely affecting local fishermen who once relied on the lake for their livelihoods. 



By 2008, only the fish species locally known as "al-Shanik" (Acanthopagrus arabicus), of marine origin and stocked by the government, was reported to survive in the lake.&nbsp;



The lake's fluctuating water levels and increasing salinity have also impacted its recreational appeal, with few recreational areas existing around the lake.&nbsp;



Additionally, the surrounding desert landscape and low cliff shores contribute to its limited accessibility for leisure activities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-razzaza">Wildlife of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Despite these challenges, Lake Razzaza remains an important habitat for various bird species. It has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, supporting significant numbers of wintering waterfowl and serving as a breeding ground for species such as the marbled duck.&nbsp;



The lake's mudflats attract large numbers of waders and shorebirds during migration periods.&nbsp;



The surrounding area features vegetation such as Phragmites australis, Juncus acutus, Aeluropus lagopoides, Salicornia herbacea, and Schoenoplectus litoralis, along with desert shrublands including Tamarix aucherana, Prosopis farcta, and Haloxylon salicornicum.&nbsp;



Mammals reported in this region include Rüppell's fox, golden jackal, Indian grey mongoose, jungle cat, and wildcat.&nbsp;



In recent years, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> has faced environmental challenges due to reduced water inflows and increased evaporation, leading to higher salinity levels and a decline in biodiversity. 



Efforts to address these issues are essential to preserve the ecological and economic significance of Lake Razzaza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-euphrates-river-nbsp">The Euphrates River&nbsp;</h2>



The Euphrates River is one of the most significant rivers in the Middle East and holds immense historical, cultural, and ecological importance.&nbsp;



Stretching approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles), it originates in the mountains of eastern Turkey and flows through Syria and Iraq before merging with the Tigris River to form the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years, supporting ancient Mesopotamian societies, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.



The Euphrates has provided water for irrigation, enabling the development of agriculture in an otherwise arid region. Its floodplains have been vital for sustaining life and fostering the growth of cities along its course.&nbsp;



However, the river also plays a key geopolitical role, as disputes over water usage and dam construction among Turkey, Syria, and Iraq have emerged over the years, impacting water availability downstream.



Ecologically, the Euphrates supports a range of habitats, from wetlands to desert ecosystems, making it home to diverse flora and fauna.&nbsp;



However, modern challenges such as damming, pollution, and climate change threaten its flow and ecological balance. Despite these challenges, the Euphrates remains a symbol of life and resilience in the heart of the Middle East.



The image was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) on September 23, 2024.



Image Credit: NASA



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Lake Razzaza: A shrinking oasis shaped by salinity

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, which is located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. The image was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



“A prominent bar of stars stretches across the center of this galaxy, and spiral arms emerge from each end of the bar. Because NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, its disk takes on an almond shape, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” said <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-12-hubble-spies-spiral-galaxy-ngc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“As NGC 2566 appears to gaze at us, astronomers gaze right back, using Hubble to survey the galaxy's star clusters and star-forming regions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-appearance-of-ngc-2566">Complex appearance of NGC 2566</h2>



NGC 2566 lies at a considerable distance from Earth, making it a challenging object for amateur astronomers to observe in detail without powerful telescopes.&nbsp;



It can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is better observed from locations with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-light-pollution-influences-interest-in-astronomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a>.&nbsp;



The galaxy's arms are populated with young, bright stars, regions of active star formation, and interstellar gas and dust - giving it a dynamic and complex appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ages-of-stars">Measuring the ages of stars</h2>



According to NASA, data from Hubble is especially valuable for studying stars that are just a few million years old. “These stars are bright at the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to which Hubble is sensitive.”



“Using these data, researchers can measure the ages of NGC 2566's stars, which helps piece together the timeline of the galaxy's star formation and the exchange of gas between star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.”



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



Star formation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> is a fascinating and complex process that unfolds over millions of years. It begins in vast clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, which are often found in the spiral arms of galaxies or in regions of irregular or starburst galaxies.&nbsp;



These clouds provide the raw material for star formation, consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of heavier elements.



As the molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity, regions within them begin to condense and fragment, forming dense clumps. Within these clumps, protostars emerge. Their formation is driven by the gravitational pull drawing in surrounding gas. 



During this process, the gas heats up due to increasing pressure, eventually igniting nuclear fusion in the core, signaling the birth of a new star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-star-formation-nbsp-across-galaxies">Rate of star formation&nbsp;across galaxies</h2>



The rate of star formation varies across galaxies is influenced by numerous factors. In spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, star formation is most active in the spiral arms, where density waves compress gas and dust, triggering the collapse of molecular clouds. 



In contrast, elliptical galaxies, which often have little cold gas and dust, typically exhibit low rates of star formation or none at all.



Starburst galaxies, on the other hand, experience episodes of exceptionally high star formation, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-a-galaxy-collision-with-a-radiant-smile/">galactic collisions</a> or interactions. 



These events can funnel large amounts of gas into central regions, leading to intense star-forming activity. However, such bursts are usually short-lived on cosmic timescales, exhausting the available gas quickly.



The environment within a galaxy also plays a significant role. Stellar winds and supernova explosions from existing stars can both inhibit and promote star formation. They may disperse gas, preventing further collapse, or compress nearby clouds, triggering new star formation.&nbsp;



Over time, as galaxies evolve, the availability of gas diminishes, leading to a gradual decline in star formation activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-puppis-constellation-nbsp">The Puppis constellation&nbsp;</h2>



The Puppis constellation in the southern sky represents the stern of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation known as Argo Navis, which depicted the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts. 



However, Argo Navis was later divided into three separate constellations: Puppis, Carina (the keel), and Vela (the sails). Puppis is the largest of these three and contains many notable celestial objects.



This constellation is home to several bright stars, including Naos (Zeta Puppis), a hot, massive star that emits intense ultraviolet radiation. Puppis also hosts a wide variety of deep-sky objects, such as open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and nebulae. 



Among these, Messier 46 and Messier 47 stand out. Both are beautiful star clusters that are visible through binoculars or small telescopes. The region is dense with stars because it lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, making it a prime area for stargazing and astrophotography. 



Image Credit: NASA



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NGC 2566: A cosmic eye in the Puppis constellation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp;



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-draco-nbsp">The constellation Draco&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



The Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study. 



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of South Georgia, a remote and rugged island located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. 



"Linked with the South Sandwich Islands to form a British Overseas Territory, this southern Atlantic island is a haven for a vast array of wildlife," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Around five million seals call the islands home, as well as 65 million birds of 30 different species. Migrating whales and various fish species populate the surrounding waters and there is a large penguin population."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-wildlife-of-south-georgia">Climate and wildlife of South Georgia </h2>



The island is dominated by mountains, glaciers, and fjords. Its highest peak, Mount Paget, rises to 2,935 meters, making it one of the tallest in the region.



South Georgia’s location within the Antarctic Convergence gives it a cold, maritime climate. Although not part of the Antarctic Treaty System, its environment and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> are closely linked to Antarctica. 



The island is home to vast colonies of penguins, seals, and seabirds. The surrounding waters are rich with krill, providing an abundant food source for marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguins-adapted-to-harsh-environments">Penguins adapted to harsh environments </h2>



The most notable species found here are the king penguins, which are the second-largest penguin species in the world. South Georgia also hosts large populations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-the-gentoo-penguin-the-worlds-fastest-swimming-bird/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gentoo</a> and macaroni penguins. 



The island's harsh climate, characterized by strong winds, snow, and cold temperatures, makes it a tough environment, but the penguins have adapted well. 



Their colonies - some of which number in the hundreds of thousands - can be found along the island's rugged coasts and beaches. 



The island’s isolation, combined with its plentiful food supply, makes it a critical breeding ground for these penguins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-south-georgia">History of South Georgia </h2>



The island has a history of exploration and exploitation. Captain James Cook first claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. 



During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a hub for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whaling</a> industry, with stations like Grytviken serving as operational centers. These stations have since been abandoned, and the island is now a haven for scientific research and ecotourism.



South Georgia is also notable for its role in Ernest Shackleton’s famed Endurance expedition. His crew reached the island in 1916 after an extraordinary open-boat journey from Elephant Island. Shackleton later died on South Georgia in 1922 and is buried in Grytviken.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pristine-nature-of-the-island">Pristine nature of the island</h2>



Today, South Georgia is a focus of conservation efforts. The eradication of invasive species, such as rats and reindeer, has been a significant success, allowing native wildlife to recover. 



Rats and mice were responsible for the decline of ground-nesting birds, including the South Georgia pipit, the island's only endemic bird. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reindeer-use-ultraviolet-vision-to-find-food-in-the-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reindeer</a>, which had been introduced for farming in the 19th century, caused extensive damage to the island’s vegetation, disrupting the habitat for native species.



South Georgia is uninhabited except for a small number of scientists and staff working at research stations and administrative facilities, emphasizing its role as a protected wilderness area and an essential site for understanding global environmental changes.



Its uninhabited status has helped preserve its pristine nature. Visitors to South Georgia must follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize human impact on this extraordinary island.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance-of-remote-islands">Scientific significance of remote islands </h2>



Remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islands</a> are scientifically significant for several reasons. They often serve as unique ecosystems that can provide insights into evolutionary processes, biodiversity, and adaptation. 



Due to their isolation, species on remote islands may evolve differently from their mainland counterparts, resulting in the development of endemic species that exist nowhere else in the world. 



These islands also act as natural laboratories for studying the effects of climate change, human activity, and ecological interactions, as they are more vulnerable to disturbances. 



Moreover, remote islands can offer valuable information on the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as their ecosystems are often less impacted by human-induced factors. This makes them ideal for studying natural processes in relatively undisturbed environments. 



The isolation of these islands can also help scientists study the patterns of species migration, colonization, and extinction.



Image Credit: ESA 



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South Georgia: One of the most remote islands in the world

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Messak Settafet, a rocky plateau located in the central Sahara Desert. It is part of the greater Messak Plateau, which stretches between the Erg Uan Kasa and the Murzuq Sand Sea.&nbsp;



The plateau's surface is characterized by blackened sandstone, sculpted by thousands of years of wind erosion. This dark patina, often referred to as "desert varnish," adds to its distinctive appearance. The region is starkly beautiful but harsh, with extreme temperatures and minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-the-messak-settafet">Image of the Messak Settafet</h2>



“Towering over the desert in southwestern Libya, the Messak Settafet plateau resembles the wall of a giant fortress, with its dark, erosion-resistant sandstone separating the Ubari Sand Sea to the north and the Marzūq Sand Sea to the south,” noted NASA.



“The large outcrop of Cretaceous rock features a sharp escarpment on its north side. The cliff, some 300 meters (1,000 feet) high in places, is lined with a thin dark shadow.”&nbsp;



“Dark debris from rockfalls is visible to the north. Note that an optical illusion called relief inversion can make high-elevation areas appear low and vice versa when shadows appear on the northern side of a feature.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-archaeological-significance-of-the-plateau-nbsp">Archaeological significance of the plateau&nbsp;</h2>



Messak Settafet is often referred to as the "land of stone tools" because it is one of the world's largest sites for prehistoric tools.&nbsp;



The area is littered with countless <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fstone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> and artifacts dating back to various prehistoric periods, including the Acheulean and Neolithic. These tools offer insights into early human technology and adaptation to desert environments.



“Signs of ancient tool making cover much of the plateau’s surface,” said <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “According to one archaeological survey, people discarded so many stone tools and rock fragments on the plateau over hundreds of thousands of years that roughly 75 artifacts per square meter now carpet the surface.”&nbsp;



“That makes this one of the earliest known examples of hominins modifying an entire landscape, according to the University of Cambridge archaeologists who conducted the survey.”



“Other signs of ancient activity include the bright spots that dot the image. These areas were likely quarrying pits where people dug up rocks and crafted them into tools, the archaeologists reported.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rock-art-on-the-plateau-nbsp">Rock art on the plateau&nbsp;</h2>



The plateau is home to numerous petroglyphs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negev-petroglyphs-ancient-art-rock-carvings-face-erosion-fungi-lichens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carvings</a>. These engravings depict animals, humans, and symbolic designs, providing valuable clues about the lives, beliefs, and environments of the region's ancient inhabitants.&nbsp;



“For instance, Wadi Mathendous, a prehistoric archaeological site located in the southern part of the plateau, contains engravings of rhinoceroses, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, fighting cats, giraffes, long-horned buffaloes, and elephants. The art is thought to be about 8,000 years old,” said NASA.



Some of the animals depicted, such as giraffes and elephants, indicate that the Sahara was once a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fa-lush-green-sahara-desert-helped-early-humans-migrate-out-of-africa%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">much wetter</a> and more hospitable environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-the-messak-settafet">Cultural significance of the Messak Settafet</h2>



Messak Settafet forms part of the Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. This designation highlights the area's importance for understanding early human culture and environmental changes in the Sahara.



The plateau has been a critical area for studying the migration and adaptation of early humans. Its archaeological richness offers a glimpse into how humans thrived in this region during periods when the climate was wetter.



“Although the plateau now receives less than 0.4 inches of rain annually, clues in the landscape make clear it was once much wetter,” noted NASA.



“Deeply incised dried stream valleys, or wadis, crisscross the plateau, indicating significant past water flow. The small, bright features scattered across the plateau are sand and silt deposits left where water once pooled.”



The Messak Settafet, like many remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert</a> regions, faces challenges such as erosion, vandalism of ancient rock art, and the potential impacts of development. 



Efforts to preserve its archaeological treasures are vital for protecting its cultural and scientific significance.



The image was captured November 17, 2024 by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Messak Settafet plateau in the Sahara Desert

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

The idea of life continuing on Earth without humans has a way of catching our attention. Our species has spread across land and sea, altering the planet in countless ways.



Still, Earth’s history shows that no species lasts forever. It can be sobering to consider a future without us, but it also sparks plenty of curiosity about what might follow in our absence.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-anadoluvius-turkae-suggests-humans-originated-in-europe-not-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human beings</a> have been at the center of ecological change on Earth for thousands of years. Our inventions and communities have reshaped forests, oceans, and even the atmosphere. 



Yet many researchers say nature will adapt once we are gone. This leads to questions about who - or what - would occupy our spot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-after-humans">Earth after humans</h2>



<a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/tim-coulson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Tim Coulson</a> from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> has spent years studying biology and evolution. He believes our disappearance could open the door to surprising new species that take over Earth’s ecological roles.



In his book, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459065/the-universal-history-of-us-by-coulson-tim/9780241662304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Universal History of Us</a>, he traces life’s entire history and zeroes in on a single, striking prediction about what might come next.



One of his main themes involves evolution, which he describes as the “gradual change in living organisms over time as they better adapt to their environments.”



He emphasizes that “most mutations are harmful, but a few provide a survival or reproductive advantage.” Because genes are heritable, these beneficial mutations become more common over generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-selection-and-change">Natural selection and change</h2>



Mutations, in Coulson’s view, drive life forward despite the risks. Yet he reminds readers that no species is permanent.



“Extinction is the fate of all species, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">including humans</a>, although let’s hope our demise is far in the future.” 



That message can feel unsettling. But it also serves as a reminder that every life form, no matter how successful, eventually faces an endpoint.



Coulson’s outlook stems from years of research into how species emerge, survive, and sometimes vanish. “I started to wonder what species might take our place if humans, and our close great ape relatives, were to die out,” he says.



Once humans are removed from the picture, Earth's ecosystems could find balance again, which might allow new creatures to fill the empty slots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-forms-of-intelligence-emerge">New forms of intelligence emerge</h2>



Nobody knows if the next ruling life form would mirror humanity. Coulson proposes that “new forms of intelligence and complexity could emerge in unexpected ways.”



This opens the possibility that a future species might come up with solutions and technologies unlike any we can picture right now.



Some believe that primates are the likeliest successors, but Coulson raises doubts.



“Primates depend heavily on strong social networks,” he explains, along with the idea that “they engage in activities like hunting, grooming, and defense, which are essential for their survival. These constraints might help them struggle to adjust to a world undergoing dramatic ecological shifts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-successor-to-humans-on-earth">Potential successor to humans on Earth</h2>



In place of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate relatives</a>, Coulson offers a contender that many might find startling: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-octopus-day-the-intelligent-creatures-of-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the octopus</a>. He points to their cleverness and adaptability.



“Their ability to solve complex problems, communicate with one another in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-ringed-octopus-a-master-of-deception-inspires-new-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flashes of color</a>, and manipulate objects suggests that, given the right <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turquets-octopus-dna-tells-scientists-that-west-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse-is-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental conditions</a>, they could evolve into a civilization-building species.”



He adds, “their advanced neural structure, decentralized nervous system, and remarkable problem-solving skills make several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-dumbo-octopus-captured-on-film-and-video-in-hawaii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species of octopus</a> well suited for an unpredictable world.”



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-seas-impair-octopus-vision-to-a-critical-extent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Octopuses</a> already have a reputation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-octopus-has-mastered-the-art-of-multispecies-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">being creative</a> and a bit mischievous. 



“Some individuals even escape from their tanks at night in some research centers, visiting those of their neighbors, believe it or not,” Coulson says. They are known to use tools, open jars, and display signs of curiosity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-underwater">Life underwater</h2>



If humans were gone, oceans might become even more central to Earth’s future. Though land-based creatures have typically held top positions on the food chain, Coulson notes a critical challenge for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-octopuses-dream-a-recent-study-shows-octopuses-sleep-is-very-similar-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a>.



“Octopuses are unlikely to adapt to life on land due to their lack of a skeleton, which makes swift and agile movement out of water challenging,” he explained.



"With evolutionary advances, it is possible, if not probable, that they might develop ways to breathe outside of water and eventually hunt terrestrial animals like deer, sheep, and other mammals - assuming they have survived the catastrophic event that drove humans extinct."



That sounds extreme. Yet Coulson is simply highlighting how evolution can lead life down paths that seem impossible at first.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-octopus-earth-look-like">What would octopus-Earth look like?</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-adapt-to-seasonal-temperatures-by-rewiring-their-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Octopuses</a> might build underwater habitats, find new ways to interact with their surroundings, and even reach beyond the waves one day.



“Would octopuses build vast underwater cities and come onto land wearing breathing apparatus to shoot a deer? We’ve no way of knowing,” he says.



No one predicted that ancient primates would slowly turn into bipedal humans with advanced technology.



Coulson believes that “random mutations, unforeseen extinction events, and population bottlenecks can all significantly influence the trajectory of evolution.” This means the future is wide open, shaped by countless variables that scientists can’t fully predict.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impossible-to-know-fun-to-think-about">Impossible to know, fun to think about</h2>



“The future of life on Earth is shaped by countless variables,” he points out. The path of evolution might take strange turns. Some scenarios might never pan out. Others could surprise us by unfolding in real time.



“But could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses replace humans</a> - and potentially also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primates-face-an-uncertain-future-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a> - if they were to die out? Absolutely. They could become the brains of the sea.”



For now, it remains an intriguing thought experiment to imagine aquatic invertebrates overseeing a planet once dominated by upright mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imagining-earth-without-humans">Imagining Earth without humans</h2>



Coulson does not claim that this outcome is inevitable. Instead, he suggests it as a lesson in how nature might rearrange itself without us. 



Earth’s past is packed with examples of life enduring massive upheavals. It’s possible that intelligence, in some form, might spring up long after humans are gone.



His book underscores evolution’s capacity to produce forms and behaviors that seem strange from our perspective.



This speculation encourages us to think about the delicate nature of our own hold on the planet. Our species is part of a story that began ages ago, and life will keep moving forward, one step at a time.



The full interview was published in <a href="https://the-european.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The European</a>.



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What animal will replace humans as Earth's dominant species? This scientist has an idea

The idea of life continuing on Earth without humans has...

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are extraordinary, fleeting explosions of radio waves. These signals, often originating from neutron stars or black holes, last for just a millisecond but carry immense energy, briefly surpassing the brightness of entire galaxies. 



Since their first detection in 2007, astronomers have identified thousands of these bursts, originating from distances as vast as 8 billion light-years away. However, their exact sources have remained an enigma.



A breakthrough study by MIT researchers, published in the journal Nature, sheds new light on this cosmic puzzle. 



By examining FRB 20221022A, a signal detected 200 million light-years away, the team pinpointed its origin near a highly magnetized neutron star.



The findings provide the first concrete evidence that some FRBs emerge from the magnetosphere - the chaotic, magnetic region surrounding such stars.



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



When a massive star runs out of fuel and goes supernova, the core that’s left behind can collapse into a super-dense ball called a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-star-collisions-push-the-limits-of-extreme-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a>. 



These stars are so dense that a teaspoon of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-jets-cannibals-neutron-stars-explosions-contain-life-elements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> material could weigh about as much as Mount Everest. 



What makes them even more fascinating is that they're mostly made up of neutrons - subatomic particles that normally hang out inside the nucleus of atoms. 



The incredible pressure from the collapsing star pushes electrons and protons together to form these neutrons, making the star ridiculously dense and compact.



Neutron stars can spin incredibly fast, sometimes up to several hundred times per second. And they have intense magnetic fields, which can generate beams of radiation that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/garden-sprinkler-s-shaped-jet-found-distant-neutron-star-circinus-x1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shoot out from their poles</a>. 



If one of these beams happens to point toward Earth, we get a glimpse of a phenomenon called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-guitar-nebula-a-pulsars-dazzling-performance-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a pulsar</a>. This makes the neutron star appear to "pulse" as it spins, like a cosmic lighthouse. 



Despite being small in size, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-sun-like-stars-with-secret-companions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron stars</a> pack a punch with their gravitational pull, and they can even warp space-time around them, causing weird effects like time dilation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-twinkle-of-fast-radio-bursts">Decoding the twinkle of fast radio bursts</h2>



To trace the origins of FRB 20221022A, the researchers employed a technique called scintillation. This phenomenon, which is akin to the twinkling of stars, occurs when light from a small, bright source passes through gas, causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-radio-signal-reaches-earth-after-8-billion-years-frb-20220610a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variations in brightness</a>.



The team analyzed the FRB’s brightness fluctuations and discovered that the burst originated from an extremely compact region, no more than 10,000 kilometers wide.



“This means that the FRB is probably within hundreds of thousands of kilometers from the source,” explained study lead author Kenzie Nimmo.



“That’s very close. For comparison, we would expect the signal to be tens of millions of kilometers away if it originated from a shockwave.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-released-from-magnetic-fields">Energy released from magnetic fields</h2>



The team’s analysis revealed that FRB 20221022A likely exploded from a region just 10,000 kilometers away from a neutron star - a distance comparable to the span between New York and Singapore. This proximity strongly suggests that the burst emerged from the neutron star’s magnetosphere.



“In these environments of neutron stars, the magnetic fields are really at the limits of what the universe can produce,” said Nimmo. “There’s been a lot of debate about whether this bright <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farthest-known-fast-radio-burst-traced-to-rare-cluster-of-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio emission</a> could even escape from that extreme plasma.”



“The exciting thing here is, we find that the energy stored in those magnetic fields, close to the source, is twisting and reconfiguring such that it can be released as radio waves that we can see halfway across the universe,” noted Kiyoshi Masui, an <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> associate professor of physics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elusive-origins-of-fast-radio-bursts">Elusive origins of fast radio bursts</h2>



The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (<a href="https://chime-experiment.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CHIME</a>) has significantly advanced our understanding of FRBs. Since 2020, this unique radio telescope array has detected thousands of bursts. 



However, the origins of these bursts have remained elusive due to competing theories. Some suggest FRBs arise from the turbulent magnetosphere near compact objects, while others propose they originate from far-out shockwaves.



The scintillation analysis by the MIT team rules out the latter possibility for FRB 20221022A. Instead, their findings confirm the burst’s origin within a magnetically chaotic environment, reinforcing the role of neutron stars as central players in producing FRBs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polarization-another-key-insight">Polarization: Another key insight</h2>



In a companion study, researchers from <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> observed a highly polarized signal from FRB 20221022A.



This polarization traced a smooth S-shaped curve, reminiscent of signals from pulsars, which are magnetized, rotating neutron stars.



“To see a similar polarization in fast radio bursts was a first,” the McGill team reported. This evidence supported the MIT team’s scintillation-based conclusion that the burst’s origin was in the immediate vicinity of the neutron star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milestone-in-understanding-fast-radio-bursts">Milestone in understanding fast radio bursts</h2>



The precision of this study is staggering. The team successfully traced the FRB’s origin to a region just 10,000 kilometers wide - a feat akin to measuring the width of a DNA helix from the moon.



“There’s an amazing range of scales involved,” said Masui.



These findings mark a milestone in understanding FRBs. By combining scintillation techniques with CHIME’s vast dataset, scientists can now pinpoint the origins of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-energy-flash-brighter-than-a-galaxy-traveled-8-billion-light-years-to-reach-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bursts</a> with unprecedented accuracy.



“These bursts are always happening, and CHIME detects several a day,” noted Masui. “There may be a lot of diversity in how and where they occur, and this scintillation technique will be really useful in helping to disentangle the various physics that drive these bursts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-physics-and-magnetic-fields">Extreme physics and magnetic fields</h2>



The research was made possible by support from numerous institutions, including the <a href="https://www.innovation.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada Foundation for Innovation</a>, the <a href="https://www.dunlap.utoronto.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dunlap Institute</a> for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and the <a href="https://tsi.mcgill.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trottier Space Institute</a>.



The study’s MIT co-authors, along with collaborators from multiple institutions, have paved the way for deeper insights into the enigmatic world of fast radio bursts.



As scientists continue to unravel these cosmic phenomena, the universe's most brilliant radio <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-radio-burst-traveled-through-space-for-8-billion-years-to-reach-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flares</a> may hold the key to understanding extreme physics and magnetic fields at the edge of what the cosmos can produce.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08297-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Deep space radio waves originated from a surprising source

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are extraordinary, fleeting explosions of radio...

Our brain is the organ that most distinguishes us from other primates. Its large size, complexity and capabilities exceed those of any other species on our planet. 



However, we share up to 95% of our genome with chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. So how can such closely related species - at the genomic level - exhibit such stark differences in brain function?&nbsp;



It turns out, certain brain cell types may hold the key, according to a study led by Professor Soojin Yi at the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>. The research was conducted with collaborators at the <a href="https://www.imim.cat/en_index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute in Barcelona</a>.



The findings show that while humans and chimpanzees share many of the same genes, alterations in gene activity may account for distinctive features of the human brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-the-focus-to-gene-expression">Shifting the focus to gene expression</h2>



Researchers have long known that genes serve as a blueprint for an organism, but actual biological processes hinge on how, when, and to what extent these genes are turned on or off.&nbsp;



Scientists quantify this by measuring messenger RNA (mRNA), the molecule that relays a gene’s instructions to cellular machinery.&nbsp;



As they compared the human genome to that of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-feel-the-pressure-to-perform-with-an-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a>, scholars once believed the differences resided in the genes themselves.&nbsp;



However, with well over 90% genetic similarity, that explanation alone appeared insufficient. Instead, gene expression - the amount of mRNA produced - seems to be the crucial factor in explaining why the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-human-brain-processes-visual-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human brain</a> diverges so markedly from primate relatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-expression-and-brain-evolution">Gene expression and brain evolution</h2>



There is growing evidence that even tiny alterations in how genes are regulated can lead to significant changes in anatomy and behavior. “Differential gene expression is really how human brains evolved,” Yi said.



The researchers set out to identify precisely which genes in specific types of brain cells might exhibit notable differences in expression among humans, chimpanzees, and other primates.



Until recently, scientists typically studied gene expression by taking tissue samples that contained mixtures of cell types. This approach made it difficult to pinpoint the unique activity patterns within different classes of brain cells.&nbsp;



In the new study, the team tackled this challenge by using modern techniques capable of analyzing single-cell nuclei. By isolating and sequencing the genetic content of individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cells-develop-faster-in-space-than-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain cells</a>, the researchers could categorize them according to cell type before measuring gene expression levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-cell-types-among-primates-nbsp">Varying cell types among primates&nbsp;</h2>



This focus on specific cell populations yielded a wealth of detail about how gene activity in individual regions and cell types varies among primates.&nbsp;



Data from humans, chimpanzees, and macaques revealed that many genes exhibit shared expression patterns, but humans often display enhanced expression.&nbsp;



Certain cell types, such as those linked to vital cognitive processes, show particularly strong upregulation in humans when compared to other primates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glial-cells-and-brain-expansion">Glial cells and brain expansion</h2>



Neurons attract much of the attention in discussions of the human brain’s capabilities. But the study highlights that glial cells - non-neuronal cells that provide structural support, insulation, and other vital functions - may also play a critical part in distinguishing the human brain from its primate cousins.&nbsp;



Human brains generally have a higher ratio of glial cells to neurons than chimpanzee brains, hinting at how these support cells could contribute to advanced cognitive abilities.



One especially noteworthy subset of glia, known as oligodendrocytes, appears to demonstrate significant differences in gene expression. These cells form myelin sheaths that protect neurons and speed up the transmission of signals.&nbsp;



The researchers discovered that humans maintain a higher proportion of precursor oligodendrocytes than chimpanzees do, a difference that may underlie extended development times and heightened plasticity in the human brain.



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



Though the study examined only certain brain regions, its insights suggest that gene expression in additional areas of the brain might also differ substantially among primates.&nbsp;



Yi and her collaborators plan to investigate these questions and delve into the molecular mechanisms that power these evolutionary shifts.&nbsp;



The experts also intend to explore more distantly related species to reconstruct the broader evolutionary history and to assess how archaic humans, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-belong-to-the-same-species/">Neanderthals</a> and Denisovans, fit into the narrative.



In the larger context, gene expression research holds promise for explaining how relatively minor genomic differences yield large functional disparities. It shows that evolution can occur via subtle adjustments in the regulation of existing genes rather than the wholesale creation of new genes.&nbsp;



By refining our understanding of these regulatory networks in the brain, scientists are one step closer to explaining how humans achieved their exceptional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-do-not-harm-childrens-cognitive-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive abilities</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2411918121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>,



Image Credit: Matt Perko



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From genes to genius: What makes the human brain unique?

Our brain is the organ that most distinguishes us from...

Hula hooping, often considered a playful pastime, raises intriguing scientific questions. What keeps a hula hoop up against gravity? Are some body types better for hula hooping than others?”



A team of mathematicians from New York University (NYU) sought answers to these questions, and uncovered findings that extend beyond hula hooping to potential engineering applications.



The study, published in the&nbsp;Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the first to investigate the physics and mathematics of hula hooping.



Study senior author Leif Ristroph is an associate professor at NYU’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.



“We were specifically interested in what kinds of body motions and shapes could successfully hold the hoop up and what physical requirements and restrictions are involved,” explained Ristroph.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-physics-of-hula-hooping">Testing the physics of hula hooping</h2>



To investigate, the researchers created miniature robotic hula hoopers at <a href="https://math.nyu.edu/aml/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU’s Applied Mathematics Laboratory</a>. 



Using 3D-printed shapes representing human forms - such as cylinders, cones, and hourglass shapes - the team tested gyrating motions that were powered by motors.



These shapes were scaled to one-tenth human size, and hoops of about six inches in diameter were set into motion. High-speed video captured the dynamics of the hoop movements.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="OCk5PM2663-4185363-12187" type="single"]</div>



The experiments revealed surprising results. The specific gyration motion or the body’s cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular or elliptical) didn’t significantly impact the hoop’s ability to twirl. 



“In all cases, good twirling motions of the hoop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-can-bend-way-more-than-your-brain-lets-you-believe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">around the body</a> could be set up without any special effort,” Ristroph explained.



However, maintaining the hula hoop’s elevation against gravity required specific body features. A sloping surface, akin to hips, helped push the hoop upward, while a curvy waist provided stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-excel-at-hula-hooping">Why some excel at hula hooping</h2>



The findings shed light on why some individuals naturally excel at hula hooping while others struggle. 



“People come in many different body types - some who have these slope and curvature traits in their hips and waist and some who don’t,” noted Ristroph. “Our results might explain why some people are natural hoopers and others seem to have to work extra hard.”



This insight ties body mechanics to hula hooping ability, and offers a mathematical explanation for what many have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-perception-we-see-the-world-based-on-what-we-expect-to-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observed anecdotally</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-applications-of-the-research">Practical applications of the research</h2>



The study went beyond analyzing the mechanics of hula hooping by creating mathematical models that captured the dynamics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>. 



These models provided formulas to explain how motion, body shape, and forces interact to keep the hoop in motion. While they were developed to understand hula hooping, these equations have practical applications in other fields, particularly in engineering and industrial design.



“We were surprised that an activity as popular, fun, and healthy as hula hooping wasn’t understood even at a basic physics level,” said Ristroph. 



“As we made progress on the research, we realized that the math and physics involved are very subtle, and the knowledge gained could be useful in inspiring engineering innovations, harvesting energy from vibrations, and improving in robotic positioners and movers used in industrial processing and manufacturing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-hula-hoops-to-high-tech">From hula hoops to high-tech</h2>



The study initially aimed to explore the seemingly straightforward mechanics of hula hooping. However, it uncovered principles that have significant applications beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-too-much-can-cause-premature-aging-even-if-you-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a> itself. 



By analyzing how energy transfers and movements keep the hoop in motion, researchers identified ways to harness similar energy from vibrations. These insights could optimize energy usage in various devices.



Moreover, the findings offer potential improvements in robotic designs, particularly in enhancing the precision and efficiency of robotic movers and positioners used in manufacturing and industrial processes. This means that understanding hula hooping could help develop more effective machines and systems.



In essence, the research shows how studying a playful activity like hula hooping can lead to advances in science and technology. It demonstrates how fundamental physics can drive innovative solutions in unexpected areas, and bridge the gap between recreation and engineering progress.



The research was a collaborative effort by Ristroph, NYU doctoral student Olivia Pomerenk, and former undergraduate student Xintong Zhu.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2411588121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Video Credit: NYU’s Applied Mathematics Lab



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How hula hooping inspires robotics and energy efficiency

Hula hooping, often considered a playful pastime, raises intriguing scientific...

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the world. Masks, lockdowns, travel bans, and public health mandates became the norm in 2020, as virus cases surged.



The World Health Organization estimates that over three million lives were lost to the virus in its first year alone, marking a profound impact on health systems and economies worldwide.



Now, half a decade later, researchers continue to explore how we can better prepare for future respiratory diseases. 



A study from the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Surrey</a>, led by Dr. Richard Sear, sheds light on the effectiveness of combined public health measures in mitigating airborne viral transmission.



These findings offer valuable insights for managing not just future pandemics but also seasonal illnesses like flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-use-gps-to-move-precisely-within-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viruses are tiny invaders</a> that can wreak havoc on all living organisms. They’re not alive in the traditional sense because they can't function on their own. 



Instead, they hijack the machinery of living cells to make copies of themselves. Think of them as little hackers. 



Once they break into a cell, they insert their genetic material, tricking the cell into making more viruses. This process can damage the host, sometimes causing illness or disease in the process.



What’s wild is how viruses evolve. They’re masters of survival, constantly mutating to adapt and outsmart our immune systems. 



Some viruses, like the common cold or the flu, come and go with seasons, while others, like HIV or COVID-19, have made a much longer-lasting impact. 



Despite all their troublemaking, viruses can also play a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-on-arctic-ice-may-help-fight-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crucial role in ecosystems</a>, sometimes even helping in processes like gene transfer or controlling the population of other microorganisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-viral-transmission">Fighting viral transmission</h2>



Dr. Sear, an associate professor at Surrey’s School of Mathematics and Physics, examined how COVID-19 spreads through airborne transmission.



His work combined data modeling with information from the UK’s NHS COVID-19 app to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies like mask-wearing and improved ventilation.



“I’ve tried to measure how effective strategies, such as mask-wearing, are for the transmission of airborne viruses. This is both for any future pandemic, and for seasonal flu,“ said Dr. Sear.



“I combined modeling with data from the UK’s NHS COVID-19 app. While these estimates are highly approximate, they provide guidance on the value of measures such as face masks, social distancing and improved indoor air quality, which could be tested in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-quality-face-masks">High quality face masks</h2>



Among the protective measures studied, high-quality face masks stood out as particularly effective. Masks like N95/FFP2 reduced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/virus-lifespan-and-transmission-boosted-by-high-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 transmission</a> rate by approximately ninefold when worn universally. 



Even when used individually, these masks cut transmission risk by threefold, regardless of the contact duration. However, surgical and cloth masks were found to be much less effective by comparison.



The study highlights the importance of prioritizing high-quality masks in future public health strategies, not just for pandemics but also for managing seasonal respiratory illnesses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-indoor-ventilation-a-key-strategy">Improving indoor ventilation: A key strategy</h2>



Beyond high-quality masks, ventilation plays a crucial role in reducing virus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-use-gps-to-move-precisely-within-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transmission</a>. Viral particles tend to accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces, especially during close-contact interactions, speaking, or coughing. 



Dr. Sear’s study found that doubling indoor air turnover rates - whether through open windows, increased airflow from air conditioning systems, or improved mechanical ventilation - can lower transmission risk by as much as 30%.



Coupling better ventilation with physical distancing further enhances protection, creating a multi-layered approach to airborne transmission prevention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-behavioral-factors">Environmental and behavioral factors</h2>



The variability in COVID-19 transmission rates can be influenced by multiple factors, including viral load, individual susceptibility, and environmental conditions. 



Some contacts pose a significantly higher risk than others, emphasizing the need for public health strategies that address both environmental and behavioral aspects.



“The COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-covid-19-virus-travels-deep-inside-our-lungs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic</a> was terrible for many of us, which is why it’s important that we learn from our experiences. It also demonstrated how quickly we can develop and roll out vaccines when faced with a global health crisis,“ noted Dr. Sear.



“Moving forward, both we as individuals and our leaders have an opportunity to apply these lessons to better control respiratory diseases - not only to head off any future pandemics, but to also manage seasonal diseases such as flu and RSV.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-to-reduce-viral-transmission">Strategies to reduce viral transmission </h2>



The lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the value of preventive measures in controlling airborne diseases. 



Investing in high-quality masks, improving indoor air quality, and promoting behavioral changes like distancing and masking during outbreaks can significantly reduce viral transmission risks. 



These strategies will not only help in preventing future pandemics but also improve management of seasonal respiratory illnesses.



By understanding and applying these findings, society can better protect itself from the health and economic impacts of airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-infection-equips-the-body-to-fight-off-the-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a>. 



As Dr. Sear’s study demonstrates, simple yet effective measures like wearing N95 masks and enhancing ventilation can make a substantial difference in reducing virus transmission and saving lives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/pre/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevE.110.064302" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review E</a>.



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Preparing for the next pandemic: What scientists are doing to keep us safe

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the world. Masks, lockdowns, travel...

Shrimp aquaculture plays a big role in global food production. People who work in this sector face a constant battle with viruses and diseases that can wipe out entire ponds of shrimp and other crustaceans in a short time. 



One infection that has authorities and farmers on high alert is <a href="https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/white-spot-disease.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white spot disease</a>, also known as WSD. It appears most often in Pacific white shrimp and, once it hits, the losses can be massive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-behind-the-shrimp-turmoil">Virus behind the shrimp turmoil</h2>



Communities across continents rely on shrimp for both nutrition and economic stability, which is why identifying the cause of WSD and finding a cure is so important.



Scientists have identified <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2855118/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white spot syndrome virus</a> (WSSV) as the major culprit behind WSD. Its spread is not limited to a single region, and cases are documented on farms around the world. 



WSSV can travel through water, and infected broodstock pass it down to their young. That means containment is never easy when infection strikes.



“The development of robust detection methods and studies on the ecology of WSSV in wild populations should be a priority,” contends <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22S%C3%A1nchez-Paz%20A%22%5BAuthor%5D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arturo Sánchez-Paz</a> from the Biological Research Center of the Northwest SC (Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (<a href="https://www.cibnor.gob.mx/unidades-foraneas/guaymas/laboratorios-gys/laboratorio-experimental-acuicola-gys" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIBNOR</a>)).



White spot disease stands out for how quickly it causes losses. Statistics from the <a href="https://www.woah.org/en/disease/white-spot-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Organization for Animal Health</a> show that it is “extremely contagious and has a high mortality rate.”



This puts shrimp farmers on edge, since a sudden outbreak can ruin an entire season. Many rely on practices like regular monitoring and improved pond management to spot any signs of infection before it gets out of hand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-worries-for-producers">Economic worries for producers</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-solve-lobster-farming-secrets-after-120-years/">Farm-raised</a> shrimp is a significant export item in many countries. A fast-moving virus undercuts producer confidence and can shake global markets if outbreaks spread too far.&nbsp;



“White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the most serious viral pathogen of cultured shrimp. It is a highly virulent virus that can spread quickly and can cause up to 100 % mortality in 3–10 days,” according to a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3550756/#:~:text=White%20spot%20syndrome%20virus%20(WSSV,mortality%20in%203%E2%80%9310%20days." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> published by the Department of Fishery Microbiology at College of Fisheries (<a href="https://www.cofm.edu.in/departments.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COFM</a>), in collaboration with Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (<a href="https://www.kvafsu.edu.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KVAFSU</a>), in Mangalore, India.



As a result, governments sometimes intervene to tighten import and export rules. That can lead to shipping delays or additional checks that drive up costs for farmers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurdles-in-prevention-and-control">Hurdles in prevention and control</h2>



Experience in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrimp-homing-smell-chemicals-their-navigate-underwater/">shrimp</a> farms highlights some routine practices that limit the spread of white spot disease. 



Operators reduce contamination by quarantining new stock and sterilizing equipment. If infection appears, culling can be an effective way to stamp out the virus before it spreads further. 



Though these actions are not pleasant, they often keep other ponds safe. Even so, the virus has ways of getting around these barriers. 



Vigilance is vital because water can easily carry infections from one pool to another, even over long distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-shrimp-viruses">Fighting shrimp viruses</h2>



Modern labs have built early detection kits to test whether shrimp carry WSSV. A major focus involves identifying infected shrimp before they show outward signs of sickness. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquaculture-impacts-wild-fish-much-more-than-we-thought/">aquaculture sector</a> also benefits from gene-based projects that aim to develop virus-resistant shrimp. Careful attention helps producers pinpoint which shrimp are at risk. Over time, that alerts farms so they can stop the pathogen from spreading.



Plenty of experts work together to bring new ideas that might lessen the blow of white spot disease. Governments look into better policies that support clean water and safer import rules. 



Breeders try to create stronger shrimp lines that can hold up against WSSV. Producers also adopt biosecurity protocols that include disinfecting ponds before each new stocking cycle.



If everyone follows best practices, farmers have a stronger shield against these infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perception-and-safety">Public perception and safety</h2>



Folks who enjoy shrimp might wonder how these outbreaks affect what lands on their dinner plates. Fortunately, WSSV does not cause harm to humans, and experts confirm that farmed shrimp remain safe to eat when handled properly.&nbsp;



Still, no one wants to see massive losses at the farm level. Sustaining healthy shrimp stocks means finding new ways to manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/">water quality</a> and reduce viral load, which protects both farmers and consumers.



Groups that care about shrimp production continue to share their knowledge through conferences and scientific journals. That leads to better guidelines for early detection and stronger biosecurity tools. 



Industry specialists believe that coordinating with local governments will improve reporting processes and encourage transparent data collection. 



In the long run, breakthroughs in genetics, virology, and management strategies may cut losses and allow the shrimp sector to thrive without constant fears over white spot disease.



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Shrimp crisis: Alarming virus threatens global seafood supplies

Shrimp aquaculture plays a big role in global food production....

Researchers at the University of Iowa have called for a universal practice of surveying patients about their physical activity levels. The proposal is based on findings that highlight a powerful relationship between regular exercise and a lower risk of chronic diseases. 



The study, led by Lucas Carr, an associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology, focused on more than 7,000 patients at the <a href="https://uihc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-activity-and-chronic-disease">Physical activity and chronic disease</h2>



The research team compared self-reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/any-type-of-physical-activity-can-help-protect-the-brain/">physical activity</a> data with medical records. They found a significant connection between higher levels of physical activity and better health outcomes.&nbsp;



Moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes a week was linked to a reduced risk of developing 19 chronic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">illnesses</a>. These included cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.



Those who reported doing little or no exercise were more prone to develop these chronic diseases, emphasizing the pressing need to address inactivity among patients. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-activity-surveys-and-exercise-prescriptions-nbsp">Physical activity surveys and exercise prescriptions&nbsp;</h2>



Drawing on these results, the Iowa researchers suggest that health care systems should incorporate physical activity surveys into patient visits and offer relevant health and wellness services to those at greatest risk.



“In our health care environment, there's no easy pathway for a doctor to be reimbursed for helping patients become more physically active,” said Professor Carr. 



“And so, for these patients, many of whom report insufficient activity, we need options to easily connect them with supportive services like exercise prescriptions and/or community health specialists.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lowering-the-risk-of-chronic-diseases-nbsp">Lowering the risk of chronic diseases&nbsp;</h2>



This study originated from a desire to better understand how physical activity might affect overall health outcomes.&nbsp;



Collaborating with Dr. Britt Marcussen, a family medicine physician at UI Health Care, Professor Carr introduced a physical activity questionnaire for patients visiting for annual wellness exams. 



Between November 2017 and December 2022, individuals answered two simple questions: how many days per week they performed moderate to vigorous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a>, and how many minutes in total they exercised at that intensity.



Data from more than 7,000 participants showed a significant gap between people who met the recommended thresholds for weekly exercise and those who were mostly sedentary.&nbsp;



The group of patients who exercised 150 minutes or more per week appeared to be at notably lower risk for the range of chronic illnesses examined. Meanwhile, those reporting limited or no exercise had a higher propensity to develop these diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-about-the-study-population">Observations about the study population</h2>



In addition to analyzing participants who took the survey, the research team also considered a group of 33,000 patients who did not receive the questionnaire.&nbsp;



The investigators found that those who responded to the survey tended to be younger and healthier than the non-responders, potentially reflecting a tendency for individuals who attend annual wellness exams to be more engaged in healthy behaviors overall.



Still, the central takeaway remains that reported physical activity levels correlated closely with the presence or absence of various chronic diseases, validating the essential role of regular exercise in promoting long-term health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-the-critical-role-of-nature-in-human-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a>.



“We believe this finding is a result of those patients who take the time to come in for annual wellness exams also are taking more time to engage in healthy behaviors, such as being physically active,” Carr said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promoting-physical-activity-in-medical-settings">Promoting physical activity in medical settings</h2>



Identifying patients who are largely sedentary is just one step, according to the researchers. They also propose that health care systems implement practical methods to help these individuals become more active, such as referrals to exercise programs, community health resources, or professional exercise prescriptions.&nbsp;



The experts point to a lack of structured pathways for physicians to be reimbursed for providing exercise guidance, which hinders widespread adoption of this type of support.



In a related investigation, published in the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39657641/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Physical Activity and Health</a>, Carr’s team discovered that insurance providers reimbursed almost 95 percent of claims for exercise counseling when health care providers billed for it.&nbsp;



“Our findings suggest the recommended physical activity billing codes are reimbursed at a high rate when providers submit them for reimbursement, which reinforces the idea to make physical activity surveys and counseling services available,” explained Professor Carr.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-toward-a-healthier-future">Moving toward a healthier future</h2>



This series of studies underscores the value of easily administered questionnaires for identifying patients who may be at elevated risk of chronic diseases, as well as the importance of follow-up measures that connect sedentary individuals with services to help them become more active.&nbsp;



The results are consistent with a broader body of evidence linking regular physical activity with reduced risks of many major health conditions.



By advocating for a simple, rapid, two-question survey, the researchers at the University of Iowa demonstrate how such a tool can fit seamlessly into routine medical appointments without overburdening patients or clinicians.&nbsp;



They believe this approach provides not only valuable data on patient health but also a means to intervene and lessen the impact of chronic conditions.



The authors argue that widespread integration of physical activity questions in clinical settings could bring noticeable public health benefits, particularly if paired with robust exercise counseling and resources for those who need it.&nbsp;



With the knowledge that insurance often reimburses exercise counseling, physicians and hospital administrators may find it easier to build these options into patient care, helping fight the epidemic of chronic disease and fostering healthier lifestyles overall.



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Fitness-focused medicine: Physical activity reduces chronic disease risk

Researchers at the University of Iowa have called for a...

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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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...