Even though Shepard passed away in 1998, his legacy was never forgotten, and his oldest daughter, Laura Shepard Churchley, still plays a large role in keeping his memory alive. Not only does she give presentations to students around the country, but she&#8217;s also the Chair of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/spectacular-astronaut-view-of-the-northern-lights/">Astronaut</a> Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees, a position her father would look down upon with the utmost pride. Photo Credit: J. D. Cuban /Allsport / Getty Images

Like Father Like Daughter

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, where snow has finally returned after a record-breaking absence.



The Japan Meteorological Agency officially confirmed the presence of snow on Mount Fuji's peak on Thursday. The previous day, the snow could not yet be confirmed due to clouds obstructing the view of the summit.



“The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission captured this image of Mount Fuji's iconic snowcap on November 7, a day after snow was first spotted by the Japan Mereological Agency’s Shizuoka branch,” noted <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esa.int%2FESA_Multimedia%2FImages&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mount-fuji-with-no-snow">Mount Fuji with no snow</h2>



This year, Mount Fuji set a new <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fmount-fujis-snow-is-missing-for-first-time-in-130-years%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record</a> for the latest date without snowfall since records began in 1894. By the end of October, the iconic peak remained bare, surpassing the previous records of October 26, held in 2016 and 1955. 



The snow delay is attributed to record-breaking high temperatures in Japan throughout the summer and early fall.&nbsp;



The heat was influenced by factors such as El Niño, unusually warm <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fpacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a>, and shifts in the jet stream - all of which contributed to sustained warmth and hindered the usual cooling needed for snowfall​​​​​​.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-climate-concerns">Broader climate concerns</h2>



This unusual absence of snow on Mount Fuji has raised concerns about broader impacts of climate change. Snow on Mount Fuji contributes to regional freshwater supplies, suggesting potential downstream effects on water availability if these trends continue.&nbsp;



Scientists are closely studying these seasonal shifts to understand their long-term environmental implications​​​​.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-mount-fuji-s-snow">Cultural significance of Mount Fuji's snow</h2>



Snow on Mount Fuji holds deep cultural significance for Japan, symbolizing purity, beauty, and spiritual presence. In Japanese art and literature, the snow-capped Mount Fuji is celebrated as a representation of the changing seasons, serenity, and natural perfection. 



For centuries, it has inspired countless artists, including Edo-period woodblock masters like Hokusai, whose famous series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji highlights the mountain's snowy peak as a central theme.



The snow on Mount Fuji also holds spiritual significance. Many Japanese people view the mountain as sacred and associate its snow-covered peak with divine purity and tranquility. 



Shinto and Buddhist pilgrims have historically considered Fuji’s summit a place of spiritual connection, and its snowy cap enhances this reverence by emphasizing the mountain’s sublime, almost otherworldly beauty​​​​.



Mount Fuji and its snow cap have become a national symbol of resilience and identity, even influencing aspects of Japanese aesthetics. The snow represents harmony with nature and the cyclical beauty of life, which are core themes in Japanese cultural philosophy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasons-are-changing-with-the-climate">Seasons are changing with the climate</h2>



<a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fextreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is shifting the timing and length of seasons worldwide. Rising global temperatures have led to significant changes in seasonal patterns, affecting when plants bloom, animals migrate, and weather patterns stabilize.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-shifts">Temperature shifts</h3>



Warmer global temperatures have contributed to longer and more intense <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fsummers-seasons-warm-faster-than-winters-earths-climate-history%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summers</a>. For instance, spring arrives earlier in many parts of the world, with evidence showing that plants are budding and blooming sooner than they did several decades ago​​.&nbsp;



This extended warmth shortens winter and affects the typical cycles that ecosystems depend on.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-ecosystems">Impact on ecosystems</h3>



The shift in seasons can disrupt ecosystems that have evolved to rely on consistent seasonal changes.&nbsp;



For example, migratory <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fbirds-produce-fewer-offspring-as-spring-arrives-earlier-across-our-warming-world%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> often time their movements based on day length and food availability. If the seasons shift and food sources appear or disappear earlier than usual, these birds may struggle to adapt. 



Similarly, in agricultural systems, unpredictable frost dates and changing rainy seasons can reduce crop yields and impact food security​​​​.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-cycles-and-weather-patterns">Water cycles and weather patterns</h3>



Seasonal shifts also affect water availability. Warmer winters with less snow impact water supplies, especially in regions dependent on snowpack for spring and summer water flow. This can lead to drier conditions and exacerbate droughts, as seen in many parts of North America and Asia​​.



Ultimately, the seasonal shifts driven by climate change have far-reaching effects on natural ecosystems, agriculture, and human infrastructure - making climate adaptation an urgent priority.



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Snow returns to Mount Fuji after record absence 

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 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 the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-groups">Galaxy groups</h2>



“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.



HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. 



Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-blue-giants">Significance of blue giants</h2>



<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> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. 



The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.



The galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.



According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.



“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.



The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.



Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. 



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point. Despite its considerable size, Pangong Lake is relatively shallow. 



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films - most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China.



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of 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">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the aftermath of devastating floods in the Valencia region of Eastern Spain.&nbsp;



On October 29, 2024, torrential rainfall unleashed nearly a year’s worth of precipitation in just eight hours, leading to catastrophic flash floods that affected a vast area from Málaga to Valencia. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flash-floods-in-valencia">Flash floods in Valencia </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-floods-are-set-to-become-much-more-common-in-the-u-s/">Floodwaters</a> submerged entire neighborhoods and agricultural lands. Many roads and infrastructure were overwhelmed almost instantly, stranding vehicles and prompting widespread evacuations. Water levels rose faster than emergency services could respond.



One resident of Paiporta, near Valencia, told the BBC that when the water started to rise it was "like a tsunami wave."



“In a matter of minutes, flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain swept away everything in their path. With no time to react, people were trapped in vehicles, homes and businesses,” reported the Associated Press.



More than 200 people were killed and thousands of people were rescued. According to SOS Desaparecidos, as many as 1,300 people remained unaccounted for on Friday, three days after the floods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnitude-of-the-tragedy-nbsp">Magnitude of the tragedy&nbsp;</h2>



Ángel Víctor Torres, the Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, said: “The fact that we can’t give a number of the missing persons indicates the magnitude of the tragedy.”&nbsp;



Some areas, including the Spanish town of Alfafar, are completely cut off from communication.&nbsp;



Juan Ramón Adsuara, the mayor of Alfafar, said the aid isn't nearly enough for residents trapped in an "extreme situation."



"There are people living with corpses at home. It's very sad. We are organizing ourselves, but we are running out of everything," Adsuara told reporters. "We go with vans to Valencia, we buy and we come back, but here we are totally forgotten."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-government-warning-was-not-issued-in-time">Government warning was not issued in time</h2>



On Tuesday morning, Spain's meteorological agency Aemet warned that torrential rains were forecast for the region of Valencia, before issuing a&nbsp; "maximum red alert.”



Carlos Mazon, Valencia’s regional president, said the government sent out an SMS alert reserved for the “worst possible scenario.” But according to a report from CNN, that alert was sent hours too late.



“By 5 p.m., Valencia’s emergency services were swamped by hundreds of pleas for help throughout the region,” wrote Atika Shubert, a CNN Senior International Correspondent.



“It was at 8 p.m. that cell phones finally buzzed with the public alert telling residents to stay indoors. Much too little, much too late, even for those downstream of the raging water who might otherwise have had time to prepare.”



The BBC also noted that many people have questioned the timing of the government's warning, which arrived more than 12 hours after Aemet issued its first red alert.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-in-a-warming-climate">Extreme weather in a warming climate</h2>



The deadly floods in Valencia were primarily caused by an extreme weather event that brought record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-events-are-interconnected-around-the-globe/">rainfall</a>. The intense downpour was fueled by unusually warm Mediterranean Sea temperatures, which increased moisture in the atmosphere and intensified the rainfall.&nbsp;



Climate experts link this phenomenon to climate change, as warmer seas lead to more frequent, severe storms. The combination of heavy rain and the region's limited drainage capacity led to flash flooding, overwhelming local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-floods-its-not-just-about-rainfall/">infrastructure</a>.



Rising ocean temperatures are largely driven by increased greenhouse gases that trap more heat in the atmosphere. Oceans absorb about 90% of this excess heat, leading to warmer waters, especially near the surface.&nbsp;



This warming disrupts marine ecosystems, contributing to coral bleaching and altering habitats for species like fish and marine mammals.



With the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/">climate crisis</a> intensifying, experts warn that warmer ocean temperatures will heighten the risk of rapid, destructive rainfall events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-deadliest-flood-in-europe-this-century-nbsp">Second-deadliest flood in Europe this century&nbsp;</h2>



Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the disaster was the second-deadliest flood in Europe this century and that Spain was carrying out its largest deployment of army and security force personnel in peacetime. The country was sending 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 police officers to the eastern region of Valencia on Saturday.



Four days after the devastating floods, rescuers are still searching for bodies. Thousands of volunteers are helping to clean up the thick mud that covers streets, homes, and businesses in the hardest-hit towns.&nbsp;



Prime Minister Sanchez responded to people who expressed they feel abandoned with no help or communication in the days following the tragic flooding.



“I am aware the response is not enough, there are problems and severe shortages… towns buried by mud, desperate people searching for their relatives.”



"For those who at this moment are still looking for their loved ones, the whole of Spain weeps with you."



According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/">ESA</a>, the Copernicus Emergency Rapid Mapping Service has been activated to provide satellite imagery that can support rescue and recovery efforts.



Image Credit: USGS, processed by ESA&nbsp;



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Valencia floods: A tragedy fueled by extreme weather

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a brilliant stellar nursery located about 163,000 light-years away.



According to ESA, the image is one of the most photogenic examples of the many stellar nurseries observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope during its 30-year lifetime. 



“The portrait features the giant nebula NGC 2014 and its neighbor NGC 2020 which together form part of a vast star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



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



Stellar nurseries are regions in space where new stars are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">born</a> - often within vast clouds of gas and dust called molecular clouds.&nbsp;



These areas are fascinating because they are cradles of stellar evolution, where gravity causes clumps of gas to collapse, eventually forming protostars.&nbsp;



Over time, the protostars will heat up and start the nuclear fusion process that powers a star.



One of the most well-known stellar nurseries is the Orion Nebula, which is visible to the naked eye and located about 1,350 light-years from Earth.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-a-stellar-nursery-nbsp">Dynamic nature of a stellar nursery&nbsp;</h2>



Within these nurseries, the balance between gravity and pressure determines the types of stars that form, from massive, luminous stars to smaller, cooler ones like our Sun.&nbsp;



The environment is incredibly dynamic, with powerful winds from young stars shaping the clouds and triggering the birth of even more stars.



These regions are often illuminated by the light from massive newborn stars - creating stunning, colorful displays. The light reveals the intricate structure of the dust and gas, sculpted by the energy of young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-stellar-nurseries-nbsp">Significance of stellar nurseries&nbsp;</h2>



Stellar nurseries are essential for understanding the early stages of planetary formation, as protoplanetary disks (the material from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets form</a>) are often found around young stars in these regions.



Stellar nurseries play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. They are responsible for the continuous birth of new stars that enrich the interstellar medium with heavier elements. This constant recycling of material is key to the development of future generations of stars and planets.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the study of these regions helps astronomers understand the fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of stars and the overall dynamics of the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-local-group">The Local Group</h2>



The Local Group is a collection of over 80 galaxies that includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Triangulum Galaxy, along with numerous smaller dwarf galaxies. These galaxies are bound together by gravity and span a region roughly 10 million light-years across.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-thin-disk-is-billions-of-years-older-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> and Andromeda are the dominant members, with their respective satellite galaxies orbiting them.&nbsp;



The Local Group is part of a larger structure known as the Virgo Supercluster, and its galaxies are moving toward the gravitational center of the Local Group, contributing to its dynamic nature.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-magellanic-cloud">Large Magellanic Cloud</h2>



The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the fourth largest galaxy in the Local Group and can be seen with the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



This irregular dwarf galaxy is home to the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in our cosmic neighborhood.&nbsp;



The Large Magellanic Cloud played a key role in astronomical history, particularly when the supernova SN 1987A was observed, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution.&nbsp;



The LMC's interaction with the Milky Way, along with its own companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud, is believed to influence its shape and star formation activity. Its proximity and unique properties make it a crucial object of study for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>, star formation, and the dynamics of interacting galaxies.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

Today's Image of the Day from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) features the Dark Wolf Nebula, located around 5,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius.



According to ESO, this image of the dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-reveal-the-ring-nebula-as-it-has-never-been-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> creates the illusion of a wolf-like silhouette against a colorful cosmic backdrop. 



“This image takes up an area in the sky equivalent to four full Moons, but is actually part of an even larger nebula called Gum 55. If you look closely, the wolf could even be a werewolf, its hands ready to grab unsuspecting bystanders,” noted <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESO</a>.



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



Dark nebulae are dense regions in space filled with gas and dust that absorb visible light, making them appear as dark patches against brighter backgrounds.&nbsp;



Unlike emission or reflection nebulae, dark nebulae do not glow on their own. Instead, they obstruct and obscure the light from stars and other objects lying behind them.&nbsp;



This characteristic makes them challenging to observe using visible-light telescopes, as they absorb and scatter light rather than reflecting or emitting it.&nbsp;



However, when viewed in infrared, where their obscuring effect is reduced, dark nebulae reveal intricate details about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-the-perseus-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular clouds</a> they contain.



According to ESO, astronomers study these clouds of frozen dust because they often contain new stars in the making.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-wolf-nebula-nbsp">Dark Wolf Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Dark Wolf Nebula is part of a larger complex known as the Lupus Molecular Cloud, one of several significant star-forming regions close to Earth.&nbsp;



Inside of dark nebulae, the conditions are prime for star formation. The dense gas and dust clump together under gravitational forces, and as the clouds contract, they heat up, eventually igniting nuclear fusion and forming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new stars</a>.



The Dark Wolf Nebula is known for revealing young, low-mass stars, or T Tauri stars, which are in the early stages of their evolution. These stars are still surrounded by disks of material that may eventually form new planets.



This nebula is typically studied in infrared, which allows scientists to look beyond the obscuring dust to observe the processes of star formation.&nbsp;



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



Scorpius is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky. It resembles a scorpion with a long, curved tail and stinger.&nbsp;



Located in the southern sky, Scorpius is especially visible during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



The constellation is often associated with the story of Orion in Greek mythology. According to legend, the scorpion was sent by the goddess Artemis to kill Orion, the great hunter, either as punishment for his arrogance or to protect her animals, depending on the version of the tale.&nbsp;



The gods later placed both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a> and Scorpius in the sky, but in opposite parts of the heavens so they would never be seen together - as Scorpius rises in the east and Orion sets in the west.



Scorpius contains several notable stars and deep-sky objects. Its brightest star, Antares, is a red supergiant often referred to as the "Heart of the Scorpion" due to its reddish hue and central position.&nbsp;



Antares is one of the largest visible stars in the sky and has a luminosity tens of thousands of times greater than that of our Sun.&nbsp;



Scorpius is located close to the core of the Milky Way, making it a rich region for star clusters and nebulae. Among these are the Butterfly Cluster and the Ptolemy Cluster, both of which are visible to the naked eye under dark skies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-the-dark-wolf-nebula">Image of the Dark Wolf Nebula </h2>



“This image shows in spectacular detail how the dark wolf stands out against the glowing star-forming clouds behind it,” noted ESO.



“The colorful clouds are built up mostly of hydrogen gas and glow in reddish tones excited by the intense UV radiation from the newborn stars within them.”



The picture was created from images taken at different times. Each of the images has a filter that makes a different color of light visible.&nbsp;



Observations of the Dark Wolf Nebula provide astronomers with valuable information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of stars</a> and the environments in which they form.



The image was captured by the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile.



Image Credit: ESO/VPHAS+ team



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Dark Wolf Nebula in the constellation Scorpius

Today's Image of the Day from the European Southern Observatory...

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

Movies have a certain magic about them. They can make us laugh, cry, or gasp in surprise, all the while sparking our imaginations. But did you know they could also provide a window into the workings of our brains?



A fascinating new study, utilizing cutting-edge technology, is pushing the boundaries of neuroscience by using movies to map the human brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-beyond-the-resting-state">Moving beyond the resting state</h2>



Traditionally, functional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-imaging-method-will-unravel-mysteries-of-neural-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain imaging</a> studies have largely focused on the resting state. Here, participants lie still and think without any external stimulus.



Although this process has yielded some interesting insights, it leaves a significant portion of the brain's landscape uncharted. 



The scientists believed that using movies as external stimuli might light up these unexplored areas of the brain, giving them a more complete picture of how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-is-constantly-making-predictions-about-the-world-and-your-place-in-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain functions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-movies-as-windows-into-the-brain">Using movies as windows into the brain</h2>



Conducted by scientists at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT), this innovative research project used fMRI scans to map the brains of participants as they watched clips from various movies - both Hollywood hits like "Inception" and "The Social Network," as well as independent films.



The goal was to observe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-brain-responds-to-bad-smells-within-300-milliseconds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how the brain responds</a> to different components of the movie - scenes involving people, dialogue, action, and inanimate objects.



"Our work is the first attempt to get a layout of different areas and networks of the brain during naturalistic conditions," noted Reza Rajimehr, first author and neuroscientist at MIT.



"There is no stimulus - people are just thinking internally, so you don't know what has activated these networks. But with our movie stimulus, we can go back and figure out how different brain networks are responding to different aspects of the movie."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-s-response-to-movies">The brain's response to movies</h2>



The team obtained brain scans from 176 young adults, all of whom had watched the same 60-minute sequence of movie clips.



Using machine learning techniques, the scientists were able to identify distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-impairs-brain-network-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain networks</a> involved in the processing of the movie content.



In reviewing this data, the researchers recognized 24 distinct brain networks, each correlating with specific aspects of sensory or cognitive processing. 



These encompassed areas such as recognizing human faces or bodies, interacting with inanimate objects, and processing speech or social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-s-operational-dynamics">The brain's operational dynamics</h2>



Interestingly, the study highlighted an inverse relationship between 'executive control domains' (brain regions responsible for planning, problem-solving, and prioritizing information) and regions with specific functions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-coordinate-group-activities-for-language-processing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language processing</a>. 



"Executive control domains are usually active in difficult tasks when the cognitive load is high," said Rajimehr.



"It looks like when the movie scenes are quite easily comprehendible, for example if there’s a clear conversation going on, the language areas are active."



"But in situations where there is a complex scene involving context, semantics, and ambiguity in the meaning of the scene, more cognitive effort is required, and so the brain switches over to using general executive control domains."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-movie-brain-mapping">Future of movie-brain mapping</h2>



Although this study provides a comprehensive analysis of average brain activities, the scientists acknowledge that there is more ground to be covered.



The next step is to investigate how individual brains differ in their responses to movie content. This can pave the way for understanding how age, developmental disorders, or psychiatric conditions may impact these neural responses.



“In future studies, we can look at the maps of individual subjects, which would allow us to relate the individualized map of each subject to the behavioral profile of that subject," noted Rajimehr.



"Now, we’re studying in more depth how specific content in each movie frame drives these networks - for example, the semantic and social context, or the relationship between people and the background scene.”



This research marks a new milestone in understanding the human brain. By coupling neuroscience with the power of cinema, scientists are moving closer towards unraveling the secrets of our complex mind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-movie-based-brain-mapping">Implications of movie-based brain mapping</h2>



The study's approach of using movies to stimulate brain activity opens doors to a range of applications beyond basic research. 



One potential area of exploration is in diagnosing and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.



By observing how brains with specific conditions respond to film sequences compared to healthy brains, scientists could identify unique neural signatures or deviations. This could ultimately lead to more tailored interventions or therapies.



Moreover, using movie stimuli could offer insight into how cultural and environmental factors shape brain responses. Different populations may process the same movie scenes differently, revealing underlying cognitive and emotional processing that varies across cultures.



The ability to decode these differences might prove essential in understanding global psychological patterns and enhancing cross-cultural empathy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0896627324007268" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuron</a>.



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How movies illuminate our brains

Movies have a certain magic about them. They can make...

Sleep is one of biology’s enduring mysteries. Present across nearly all animal groups, from jellyfish and insects to birds and mammals, sleep is marked by reduced movement, muscle relaxation, and an increased need to make up for lost sleep.&nbsp;



But despite its prevalence, scientists still don’t fully understand how sleep rhythms are controlled.&nbsp;



New research at the <a href="https://brain.mpg.de/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Brain Research</a> is shedding light on these mechanisms in an unexpected source: the Australian dragon lizard (Pogona vitticeps).&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08162-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, reveal that sleep in reptiles may share ancient roots with mammals and birds, and could help unravel the evolutionary history of sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-states-in-the-australian-dragon-nbsp">Sleep states in the Australian dragon&nbsp;</h2>



In humans and many animals, sleep is divided into two primary states: slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS).&nbsp;



Slow-wave sleep, characterized by slow brain activity, typically begins sleep cycles, followed by rapid eye movement sleep, which shows brain activity levels similar to wakefulness and includes rapid eye movements and muscle twitches.&nbsp;



This alternation of sleep states is called the ultradian rhythm, which varies across species. In humans, for instance, a full SWS-REMS cycle lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, while in the Australian dragon, each cycle lasts just one minute.



Eight years ago, researchers at Max Planck, led by director Gilles Laurent, discovered REM-like sleep in the Australian dragon lizard.&nbsp;



This discovery suggested that REMS could be an ancient trait shared across amniotes - a group that includes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-secrets-of-the-evolution-of-prehistoric-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a>, birds, and mammals - dating back roughly 320 million years.&nbsp;



The research team, including postdoctoral scientists Lorenz Fenk and Luis Riquelme, explored why this ultradian rhythm cycles so quickly in reptiles and what drives these alternating states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-pattern-generator">Central pattern generator </h2>



To investigate further, the team looked for signs of a central pattern generator (CPG), a neural circuit that produces rhythmic motor outputs like walking or breathing. CPGs are well-known in motor control, but their potential role in regulating sleep was novel.&nbsp;



“This idea of a sleep CPG was completely counterintuitive because CPGs control motor output, whereas sleep is characterized by the near absence of motor activity,” Laurent noted.



To test their hypothesis, the researchers introduced external cues, such as short bursts of light, to see if they could reset the lizards’ sleep cycles - a phenomenon known as phase-dependent reset. 



This is similar to “tripping on a stone while walking,” explained Riquelme, where the rhythm is affected by the timing of the disruption.&nbsp;



The team found that brief light pulses to the lizards’ closed eyes reset their REM-SWS cycle, pointing to the influence of a CPG-like mechanism in regulating these sleep states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partial-independence-in-sleep-rhythms">Partial independence in sleep rhythms</h2>



Another discovery revealed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-threatens-the-future-of-8-in-10-lizards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a>’ sleep rhythms could be manipulated even while they were awake. This indicates that the circuits driving sleep - and the transition between SWS and REMS - might function independently.&nbsp;



“This is important because it suggests that sleep and the alternation between SWS and REMS are at least partially independent,” Fenk noted.



Further, the study found that although SWS and REMS alternation occurs on both sides of the brain, only one side can be disrupted, causing it to fall out of sync with the other.&nbsp;



After a one-sided perturbation, the two hemispheres quickly re-synchronize, suggesting two interconnected CPGs, one for each side of the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-evolution-of-sleep">Understanding the evolution of sleep</h2>



The findings open intriguing questions about the evolution and flexibility of sleep regulation across species.&nbsp;



According to the scientists, these findings are exciting since they link neural circuits usually associated with motor activity to the regulation of sleep states when the body is at rest.&nbsp;



Such circuits, likely based in the brainstem, may be adaptable enough to explain the diverse sleep patterns seen in animals, but more research is needed to determine their exact composition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-is-essential-for-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">function</a>.



The presence of a CPG-like mechanism in lizard sleep suggests that these circuits may exist across other vertebrates, such as birds and mammals.&nbsp;



This could mean that sleep has deeper evolutionary roots than previously understood, potentially stretching back to the earliest amniotes.&nbsp;



The team’s research may even help answer one of the most fundamental questions in biology: why sleep evolved in the first place.



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



The study raises significant questions for future research. Could a similar CPG mechanism be found in mammals or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>? If so, how might it account for the different sleep cycle durations seen in these groups?&nbsp;



And what about animals with vastly different sleep requirements, like dolphins, which can sleep with one hemisphere of the brain at a time?



Understanding the precise role of these circuits in sleep regulation could ultimately offer insights into the purpose of sleep itself.&nbsp;



While researchers have some understanding of sleep’s restorative functions, the exact benefits remain elusive. Studying how different species control and experience sleep may shed light on why it persists across the animal kingdom, even in vastly different forms and durations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-sleep-in-the-australian-dragon">Studying sleep in the Australian dragon </h2>



The study’s results could also change how scientists approach the study of sleep in general. CPGs, which were once thought to be limited to controlling physical actions, may now be central to understanding cognitive and physiological processes that occur when the body is at rest.&nbsp;



“This discovery suggests that sleep and other complex biological rhythms may be regulated by neural circuits we typically associate with movement,” Fenk said.



These findings lay the groundwork for new research into the role of CPGs in sleep, potentially reshaping our understanding of sleep across diverse animal groups.&nbsp;



For now, the Max Planck team’s work offers an exciting glimpse into the evolutionary origins of sleep, highlighting that even in rest, the brain is remarkably active, controlled by rhythms that may date back millions of years.&nbsp;



As researchers continue to uncover the mysteries of sleep, the study of the humble Australian dragon lizard offers a valuable clue about the complexities that lie within the seemingly simple act of sleep.



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Australian dragons reveal new clues about the mysteries of sleep 

Sleep is one of biology’s enduring mysteries. Present across nearly...

Tremendous,Formation,Of,Permafrost,-,Amazing,Mountain,Landscape,In,The

A few decades ago, it was established that the farthest corners of our planet had conserved carbon in frozen permafrost for many years. However, recent studies led by experts at NASA suggest that Arctic permafrost is approaching a tipping point.



As it thaws, the permafrost is releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane - both of which accelerate global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frozen-arctic-permafrost">Frozen Arctic permafrost</h2>



Permafrost is ground that remains permanently frozen, typically year-round, for extended periods - often spanning decades, centuries, or even millennia.



Found mostly in the Earth’s northern regions, such as the Arctic and parts of Alaska, Canada, and Siberia, permafrost serves as a natural storehouse of carbon. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abrupt-permafrost-thaw-releases-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frozen ground</a> traps organic matter like dead plants and animal remains that have not fully decomposed due to the low temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underground-carbon-safe">Underground carbon safe</h2>



Over time, these materials accumulate vast amounts of carbon, effectively locking it underground in what has long been considered a "carbon safe."



However, as the Arctic warms at an accelerated rate - up to four times faster than other regions - permafrost begins to thaw. This thawing process releases previously stored greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere.



These heat-trapping gases contribute to global warming, turning permafrost from a carbon sink into a source of emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gases-released-from-permafrost">Greenhouse gases released from permafrost </h2>



A recent study led by scientists at NASA and <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a> provides intriguing insights into this vast permafrost region.



The study meticulously accounts for where and how greenhouse gases are making their escape as the Arctic warms up. 



The researchers discovered that, between 2000 and 2020, emissions from the land nearly overshadowed the carbon dioxide absorbed by it.



The permafrost region, thus, is increasingly contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-permafrost-thaw-in-alaska-threatens-global-climate-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. This phenomenon is also linked to another greenhouse gas - methane. While not as long-lived as carbon dioxide, methane can pack quite a punch within its short lifetime, trapping heat much more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tipping-the-balance-of-permafrost">Tipping the balance of permafrost</h2>



Abhishek Chatterjee is a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California and a co-author of the study.



"We know that the permafrost region has captured and stored carbon for tens of thousands of years,” said Chatterjee.



“But what we are finding now is that climate-driven changes are tipping the balance toward permafrost being a net source of greenhouse gas emissions."



Perhaps the concept of permafrost needs a bit more unpacking. A slice from the core of permafrost unveils layers upon layers of icy soils. These soils are chock-full of dead plant and animal matter, which can be carbon-dated using various techniques.



This is the organic carbon that microbes feed on when permafrost thaws and decomposes, expelling some of it as greenhouse gases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-permafrost-emissions">Tracking permafrost emissions</h2>



Scientists have been using an array of methods to track emissions - from ground-based instruments and aircraft to satellites.



NASA's Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (<a href="https://above.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ABoVE</a>) zeroes in on Alaska and western Canada. However, taking measurements across the vast northern expanses is anything but straightforward.



The new study, part of the Global Carbon Project’s RECCAP-2 effort, monitored three greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide - across 7 million square miles of permafrost terrain from 2000 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-release-across-arctic-ecosystems">Carbon release across Arctic ecosystems </h2>



The experts found that forests absorbed slightly more carbon dioxide than they released. However, this was largely offset by carbon dioxide emissions from lakes and rivers as well as from forest and tundra fires.



The findings suggest that greenhouse gases contributed to planetary warming over the 20-year period. But over a 100-year timeframe, emissions and absorptions would primarily balance each other out.



Thus, the region has been oscillating between serving as a carbon source and a weak carbon sink.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-complex-picture-has-emerged">A complex picture has emerged</h2>



To reach these conclusions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-exposing-the-dangers-of-melting-permafrost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thawing</a> permafrost and its greenhouse gas emissions, the scientists had to use a combination of methods.



"Bottom-up” methods estimated emissions using ground and air-based measurements as well as ecosystem models, whereas “top-down” methods used atmospheric measurements from satellite sensors, including NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite.



“This study is one of the first where we are able to integrate different methods and datasets to put together this very comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-melting-arctic-sea-ice-could-disrupt-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> budget into one report,” Chatterjee said. “It reveals a very complex picture.”



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Thawing permafrost is becoming an enormous source of global warming

A few decades ago, it was established that the farthest...

Did you know that coyotes are among the most successful predators on our continent? These highly adaptive and clever coyotes have made a home on our lands, and their interaction with the environment is a fascinating tale of survival, adaptation, and resilience to hunting.



A recent study led by The University of New Hampshire brings new insights into how native coyotes are navigating different challenges from environmental pressures such as urban expansion, hunting, and competition amongst carnivores.



Surprisingly, their response is rather unanticipated, presenting a counterintuitive relationship with human hunting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-coyote-conundrum">The coyote conundrum</h2>



Remington Moll is an assistant professor of natural resources and the environment at the <a href="https://www.unh.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New Hampshire</a> and the leading scientist of this study.



"Intensive coyote removal can obviously reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coyotes-can-make-puppy-dog-eyes-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> in the short term, but removal can also result in younger coyote populations with higher reproduction and immigration rates," explained Moll. 



“In our study, we detected more coyotes in places where hunting was allowed over several years. This suggests that, on average, hunting did not reduce coyote abundance and perhaps even increased it locally in certain areas."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-practices-and-coyotes">Hunting practices and coyotes</h2>



This investigation, one of the largest-scale studies of coyote populations to date, examined the highly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cooperative-hunting-does-not-require-complex-thinking-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex dynamics</a> shaping coyote populations across a diverse range of habitats - from rural to suburban.



The research team relied on data from over 4,500 cameras set up across the country by the Snapshot USA project, combined with satellite-derived habitat metrics, and analyzed using cutting-edge modeling techniques.



This comprehensive approach allowed for an evaluation of various factors such as habitat type, competition with larger carnivores, hunting practices, and suburban expansion on coyote populations. 



The result is a more unobscured understanding of how coyotes respond to multifarious environmental pressures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interaction-of-predators">Interaction of predators</h2>



Roland Kays, a research professor with <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>’s College of Natural Resources and study co-author, added another interesting dimension to the story.



“Our work suggests that promoting the recovery of large carnivores, especially in certain habitats, is more likely to decrease the number of coyotes than people directly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-interesting-technique-hunt-big-animals-clovis-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting</a> them,” said Kays.



The study discerned that the presence of larger carnivores, such as black bears and pumas, affected coyote numbers in a habitat-specific manner. For example, black bears had a stronger limiting effect on coyotes in forested areas, whereas pumas exerted a similar influence in open environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thriving-coyote-populations">Thriving coyote populations </h2>



Here's the twist - while urban development tends to reduce coyote numbers at local scales due to increased human presence and habitat fragmentation, the story changes with a broader perspective. 



At larger, suburban scales, coyote populations actually thrive. Fragmented habitats and edges offer access to both natural and human-modified resources, proving to be favorable for these intelligent animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coyote-across-the-u-s">Coyote across the U.S.</h2>



Regional variation in coyote populations across the U.S. was another significant finding of the study. 



High numbers have been observed in the southwestern U.S., with comparatively lower populations in the northeast, reflecting the diverse ecological and geographical factors at play.



"Coyotes are the most successful carnivores on the continent. Having spread throughout the eastern United States, coyotes come into regular contact with humans. However, until now, the factors influencing the number of coyotes across suburban, rural and wild landscapes have remained largely unclear," said Moll.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-research">Significance of the research</h2>



This research marks a significant stride in achieving that understanding, underscoring the complexity of coyote survival dynamics and their adaptability in the face of various challenges. 



With this data, scientists can now map out coyote abundance, a tool that could aid both in conservation and coyote management across the country.



Now, what does this mean for you as a citizen? Perhaps the next time you spot a coyote, you'll remember their intricate story of survival from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting strategies</a> of the world.



Cohabitation with wildlife, like coyotes, is a part of our world that deserves to be understood, valued, and protected. Can we imagine a world where we live harmoniously with our wild neighbors? Only time will tell.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ecog.07390" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecography</a>.



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Hunting coyotes actually boosts their numbers

Did you know that coyotes are among the most successful...

In the 1990s, a Japanese scientist, Shigeyuki Yamato, noticed an unusual species of shrimp swimming around in local intertidal waters. It was striking because it had unique black-and-white coloration, similar to the coat of the iconic giant panda. 



Decades later, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-deep-sea-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-bahamas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new species</a> has been officially named and introduced to science as Melita panda, the newest melitid amphipod. Its recognition highlights the importance of dedicated research and the fact that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a> still holds many surprises for those who look carefully.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-of-crustacean-discovery">The journey of crustacean discovery</h2>



Before its unique coloring gave the Melita panda its name, there were already 63 recognized species of Melita <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-crustaceans-prey-on-jellyfish-to-survive-the-polar-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphipods</a>, with 16 of them found in Japan.



Researchers Ko Tomikawa, from <a href="https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/gshs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hiroshima University's Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences</a>, and Hiroyuki Ariyama, from the Osaka Museum of Natural History, returned to the intertidal waters of Wakayama Prefecture where the original specimen had been found. 



There, they collected significant numbers of the black-and-white amphipods for detailed morphological and genetic analyses. These studies confirmed that the small, shrimp-like crustacean is indeed a new species.



The researchers suggest that there may be many more unidentified and undescribed species of Melita amphipods in Japan's coastal waters.



"Study on the amphipod Crustacea in the coastal zone of Japan is lagging behind," said Tomikawa. 



"In order to accurately assess species diversity, taxonomic studies are necessary. We hope the discovery of a new species of amphipod with the familiar coloring of the panda pattern will increase the public's interest in biodiversity and taxonomy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melita-panda-a-tribute-to-species-taxonomy">Melita panda: A tribute to species taxonomy</h2>



In reality, our understanding of the world's species diversity, especially in marine ecosystems, is still in its infancy. Identification is an essential step in understanding the biological and conservation needs of species all over the world.



"Despite the fact that biodiversity conservation is a global issue, species diversity and other aspects of biodiversity are still not fully understood," said Tomikawa.



"As a first step toward species conservation, we conducted a taxonomic study of amphipod Crustacea, which boasts high species diversity around Japan."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-melita-panda">Understanding Melita panda</h2>



The researchers conducted detailed morphological studies of the physical characteristics of body parts in the crustacean to ascertain their differences from other melitid amphipods. 



Unlike other familiar crustaceans, M. panda individuals are very small. The first male specimen collected was a mere 0.2 in (6 mm), with females being even smaller. 



The panda-like pattern was found to consist of black markings on a body that was white. The antennae, sides, head and posterior abdomen were all black, while the rest of the body was white.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinctive-differences-in-melita-panda">Distinctive differences in Melita panda </h2>



The researchers also used nuclear and mitochondrial genes for phylogenetic analysis, hoping to gain deeper insights into the species' evolutionary relationships with other crustaceans and how it fits within the broader family tree.



Melita panda was found to be closely related to two other Melita amphipods, namely M. nagatai and M. koreana.



What clearly sets Melita panda apart from the other two species, however, are its distinctive coloring and its physical differences.



Melita panda boasts unique gnathopods - claws extending from the second thoracic segment - that are positioned more forward than in the other Melita amphipods.



It also features unique setae - bristles that look like hairs. These three species together form a monophyletic group, meaning that they share a common evolutionary ancestor, M. hoshinoi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-ahead-for-crustacean-research">What lies ahead for crustacean research</h2>



As the researchers continue to study this newest Melita, they're optimistic about what lies ahead.



"Hopefully, a detailed study of the ecology and behavior of Melita panda will reveal the reason for its panda pattern," said Tomikawa. 



But, the research doesn't end with Melita panda. Tomikawa noted that further taxonomic studies on amphipods in uninvestigated areas are expected to lead to the discovery of additional new species. 



"Continued taxonomic studies are expected to elucidate the biodiversity in the coastal environments of the Japanese archipelago and provide important basic data for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pronghorn-lessons-conservation-crucial-preventing-species-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species conservation</a>."



These discoveries remind us of just how much we have yet to learn about the biodiversity that surrounds us.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/128858/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ZooKeys</a>.



Image Credit: Ko Tomikawa/Hiroshima University



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Meet Melita panda: The black-and-white crustacean shrimp

In the 1990s, a Japanese scientist, Shigeyuki Yamato, noticed an...

It's no secret that albatrosses are a mobile bunch. These birds don’t shy away from a little trip and, thanks to the wind, cover several hundred thousand miles to feast on fish and other creatures in the open ocean. 



Albatrosses are so attuned to the wind that some larger species have a difficult time taking off in calm weather.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-much-wind-can-albatrosses-handle">How much wind can albatrosses handle?</h2>



A recent study led by the University of Liverpool’s School of Environmental Science reveals a surprising discovery: there's a limit to how much wind these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-makes-it-harder-for-seabirds-to-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> can handle.



The researchers found that two species of albatrosses, despite being expert fliers, found it challenging to eat during very stormy weather. Under these conditions, finding food becomes risky or even downright dangerous.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research </h2>



The experts analyzed data collected at South Georgia in the southwest Atlantic Ocean. They used tracking devices from the British Antarctic Survey to measure when and where the birds were resting, flying, or eating. 



In addition, satellite measurements of wind, rain and water clarity were used to gauge when these birds encountered stormy conditions.



Study lead author Jamie Darby conducted the research while at the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a> and is now based at <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Cork</a>. 



“This combination of data is a very powerful tool for understanding how albatrosses behave, especially when they are so difficult to observe directly," noted Darby. 



“On several occasions, we tracked wandering albatross flying in very strong storm winds. During these times, the logger data tell us that the albatrosses barely fed at all. Not only did they not manage to eat, but they also landed and took off more regularly."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoiding-extreme-weather">Avoiding extreme weather</h2>



“The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/albatrosses-use-infrasound-for-long-distance-navigation-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albatrosses</a> seem to avoid severe winds by landing on the water, but then cannot rest for long, probably because such strong wind would cause waves to break over them regularly,” said study co-author Dr. Ewan Wakefield from Durham University.



Wandering albatrosses, with the largest wingspan of any bird (up to 12 feet), are adapted for efficient flight in Southern Ocean winds.



Despite this incredible feat, they are not immune to the adverse effects of extreme weather. Recent studies have documented several instances of albatrosses avoiding the strongest wind in storm systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-adapted-albatrosses">Wind-adapted albatrosses </h2>



“This study allows us to understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-makes-it-harder-for-seabirds-to-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal behavior</a> when they are in places and conditions that make it almost impossible for us to see them directly. This includes extreme weather, like Southern Ocean storms," said project principal investigator Dr. Samantha Patrick.



"Knowing what animals do in these conditions, and how they cope, is really important. It’s a way to figure out how they will be affected by changes in their environment.”



The research implies that wind-adapted albatrosses could be disadvantaged by more widespread extreme winds, as finding food becomes difficult or dangerous.



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



The findings from this study hold important implications for the conservation of albatrosses, as climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.



Understanding how these birds respond to such conditions is crucial for developing strategies to protect them. Conservationists can use this knowledge to inform marine protected area design and enforce policies that mitigate human impact on albatross habitats. 



By anticipating how future wind patterns might hinder their ability to feed, conservation efforts can be tailored to support the resilience of these magnificent creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-s-impact-on-albatrosses">Wind's impact on albatrosses</h2>



This study opens the door for further research into the behavioral adaptations of albatrosses and other seabirds to extreme weather conditions.



As technology advances, more sophisticated tracking devices and environmental sensors will allow researchers to gather even finer-scale data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-have-highly-sensitive-beaks-to-locate-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird movements</a> and environmental conditions. 



Future studies could explore how juvenile albatrosses learn to navigate and respond to stormy weather or how changes in prey availability during storms impact albatross feeding strategies. 



Such research can deepen our understanding of how winds and climate change affect not only albatrosses but marine ecosystems as a whole.



The study was funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) in the UK and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the U.S.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01372-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Strong winds make it difficult for albatrosses to feed

It's no secret that albatrosses are a mobile bunch. These...

COVID-19 presents a broad range of symptoms, varying in intensity from mild to severe and even life-threatening, especially among those with pre-existing health conditions. Despite current strains generally producing milder symptoms, individuals with underlying conditions still face heightened risks of severe illness. 



Now, researchers at <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emory University</a> have made a breakthrough in predicting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-can-increase-the-severity-of-covid-19-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 severity</a> by analyzing autoantibodies in the nasal cavity. 



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.adq1789" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Translational Medicine</a>, offer a path to more tailored treatment plans that could benefit high-risk individuals by informing rapid treatment options, such as taking antiviral medications like Paxlovid within a week of symptom onset to reduce the risk of severe complications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-covid-19-through-antibodies">Tracking COVID-19 through antibodies</h2>



The study monitored 125 patients with COVID-19 ranging from mild to severe cases over nearly two years. The researchers tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibodies-improve-in-quality-for-months-after-covid-19-vaccination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibodies</a> both in the blood and in the nasal airways and found that over 70% of individuals with mild or moderate COVID-19 developed specific autoantibodies in the nasal cavity. 



Surprisingly, these nasal autoantibodies were associated with milder symptoms, better antiviral responses, and quicker recovery times.



According to the study’s lead researcher, Eliver Ghosn, a faculty member at Emory’s Lowance Center for Human Immunology and Emory Vaccine Center, the presence of these autoantibodies in the nose appears to play a protective role by regulating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-deadly-molds-attack-the-immune-system-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune system</a>. 



“Generally, autoantibodies are associated with pathology and a negative prognosis, causing increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-inflammation-damages-heart-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation</a> that would indicate more severe disease,” Ghosn said. “What’s interesting about our findings is that with COVID-19, it’s the opposite.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-immune-pathway">Distinct immune pathway</h2>



These nasal autoantibodies seem to latch onto inflammatory molecules produced by the patient’s own cells early in infection, potentially preventing excessive inflammation.&nbsp;



The autoantibodies then diminish as recovery progresses, suggesting they serve as an immune response mechanism to keep the inflammatory process balanced.&nbsp;



This nasal response, in contrast to autoantibodies in the blood, could mark a distinct immune pathway that guards against severe disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-responses-in-the-nasal-cavity-nbsp">Immune responses in the nasal cavity&nbsp;</h2>



Earlier studies showed that autoantibodies in the blood often predispose COVID-19 patients to severe illness. However, these studies have largely overlooked the nasal cavity, which is the actual entry and initial infection site for the virus.&nbsp;



This new study reveals that immune responses in the nasal cavity may function differently, with nasal autoantibodies potentially offering a layer of protection, unlike those found in the blood.



“The key to this puzzle was to look directly at the site of infection, in the nose, instead of the blood,” Ghosn explained.&nbsp;



“While autoantibodies in the blood were linked to bad prognosis, producing them only in the nose soon after infection is linked to efficient recovery.” This distinction underscores the potential for site-specific immune responses in respiratory illnesses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-tool-to-detect-local-antibodies">New tool to detect local antibodies</h2>



To analyze antibodies produced at the infection site in the nose, the Ghosn lab developed a new diagnostic tool called FlowBEAT.&nbsp;



This biotechnology allows for a more efficient, comprehensive measurement of antibodies in nasal swabs, which could soon have applications for other respiratory illnesses like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-influenza-virus-hack-our-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influenza</a> and RSV. 



Unlike traditional tests, which generally measure only a single antibody type, FlowBEAT can evaluate all human antibody types against dozens of viral and host antigens in one test.



“Historically, the technology to measure antibodies has low sensitivity and is inefficient since they are limited to measuring one or a few antibodies at a time,” Ghosn explained.&nbsp;



“With FlowBEAT, we can take any standard nasal swab and perform a combination test to simultaneously measure all human antibody types against dozens of viral and host antigens in a single tube.”&nbsp;



This new technology enables a more sensitive and scalable way to measure nasal autoantibodies, providing valuable insights into infection severity and improving diagnostic capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-respiratory-infections-more-effectively-nbsp">Combating respiratory infections more effectively&nbsp;</h2>



The study also opens the door to examining whether this nasal autoantibody response is a common immune defense mechanism in other respiratory infections.&nbsp;



If similar responses are identified in cases of flu or RSV, this could represent a new understanding of how the body mounts protective immunity against a range of viral infections.



“If this nasal autoantibody response turns out to be a common mechanism to protect us against other viral infections, it can be a paradigm shift in how we study protective immunity,” Ghosn said.&nbsp;



He envisions this discovery sparking new research avenues and therapeutic strategies for combating respiratory infections more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-precise-treatment-decisions-nbsp">More precise treatment decisions&nbsp;</h2>



Following the findings, Ghosn’s team is collaborating with Emory’s patent office to create a diagnostic tool that uses leftover samples from routine nasal swabs taken for COVID-19 tests.&nbsp;



Such a tool could help healthcare providers assess patients’ immune responses in real time, enabling timely, more precise treatment decisions.



Ben Babcock, a PhD candidate who led the study, emphasized the significance of real-time immune monitoring.



“Imagine if we could capture the immune response in real-time, right in the clinic. A just-in-time test could give physicians and patients the real-time information they need to make faster, smarter treatment decisions,” said Babcock.



If successful, this tool could redefine how respiratory infections are managed in clinical settings, providing patients and healthcare providers with more control over treatment timelines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-treatment-for-respiratory-infections-nbsp">Personalized treatment for respiratory infections&nbsp;</h2>



The potential for nasal autoantibodies to influence treatment strategies represents an important step toward personalized respiratory care.&nbsp;



As Ghosn notes, this discovery challenges traditional perspectives on autoantibodies and offers a promising pathway for real-time diagnosis and treatment options not only for COVID-19 but also for other respiratory infections.&nbsp;



With further development and clinical testing, FlowBEAT and similar technologies could make it possible to accurately predict disease progression and severity, giving patients a better chance of recovery with minimal complications.



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Nasal swab test can predict severe COVID-19 infections

COVID-19 presents a broad range of symptoms, varying in intensity...

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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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...