Ask a non-scientist about the deep, dark forests near Seattle, and many people will jump to talk about Bigfoot. And while the experts didn&#8217;t think they&#8217;d be finding any cryptids in the forest, they did respect the mystery of it all. Photo credit: Photo By MICHAEL MACOR/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

The Pacific Northwest

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 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-features-of-pangong-lake">Features of Pangong Lake </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.&nbsp;



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 Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76, located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA Space Agency&nbsp;



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Secrets of the Little Dumbbell Nebula  

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Ecologically, the Euphrates supports a range of habitats, from wetlands to desert ecosystems, making it home to diverse wildlife. 



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



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



Image Credit: NASA



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Lake Razzaza: A shrinking oasis shaped by salinity

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



“Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy,” said ESA. “Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way.”



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy ESO 300-16, which is located 28.7 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus. 



The galaxy is part of the ESO (European Southern Observatory) catalog, which includes a vast collection of galaxies observed in the southern hemisphere.



ESO 300-16 is notable for its chaotic structure, lacking the well-defined <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hubble-captures-a-collection-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral arms</a> or elliptical shape seen in many other galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ghostly-assemblage-of-stars">Ghostly assemblage of stars</h2>



According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, ESO 300-16 is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud.&nbsp;



"A rogue’s gallery of distant galaxies and foreground stars complete this astronomical portrait, which was captured by the Advanced Camera for Surveys," said ESA.



"This observation is one of a series which aims to get to know our galactic neighbors; around three quarters of the known galaxies suspected to lie within 10 megaparsecs of Earth have been observed by Hubble in enough detail to resolve their brightest stars and establish the distances to these galaxies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irregular-galaxy-structure">Irregular galaxy structure </h2>



ESO 300-16 lies at a relatively close distance to Earth compared to many other extragalactic objects, making it an interesting target for studies on galaxy formation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>. 



The galaxy's irregular structure suggests that it may have undergone past interactions with other galaxies or is in a stage of dynamic evolution.



One of the most striking features of ESO 300-16 is its wispy, diffuse appearance, with scattered patches of bright star-forming regions embedded within a fainter background. This indicates ongoing star formation, which is a common characteristic of irregular galaxies. 



Unlike large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral galaxies</a>, where star formation is often concentrated in well-organized arms, ESO 300-16's active regions are more randomly distributed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raw-material-for-star-formation">Raw material for star formation</h2>



Due to its irregular nature, the galaxy does not have a well-defined nucleus. Instead, it appears as a loose collection of stars, gas, and dust, which astronomers can study to understand the processes shaping such galaxies. 



Irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 are often rich in gas and dust, providing the raw material for new stars to form. 



Observations in different wavelengths, such as infrared and ultraviolet, can help reveal the presence of young, hot stars and cooler dust clouds that might be sites of future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.



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



Hubble observations of ESO 300-16 provide insight into the structure and stellar populations of the galaxy, helping astronomers piece together its history and evolutionary path. 



The study of galaxies like ESO 300-16 contributes to our broader understanding of how galaxies form and evolve, especially those that do not fit into the traditional classifications of spirals and ellipticals.



Because irregular galaxies are often shaped by gravitational interactions or past mergers, ESO 300-16 may have had a turbulent past. 



It could have once been part of a larger system before being disrupted, or it might have formed in an environment where gravitational influences from nearby galaxies prevented it from developing a more regular shape. 



Studying its motion and the distribution of its stars can provide clues about any past interactions it may have experienced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-the-early-universe">A glimpse into the early universe </h2>



ESO 300-16 also provides a glimpse into what some galaxies in the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-is-expanding-faster-than-science-can-explain-hubble-tension-physics-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> might have looked like. 



Many early galaxies were irregular in shape before evolving into more structured forms over time. As a result, studying nearby irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 can offer valuable analogs for understanding galaxy formation in the distant past.



Although ESO 300-16 is not one of the most famous galaxies, it remains an important object for astronomers studying irregular galaxies, star formation, and the role of interactions in shaping galactic structures. 



Image Credit: ESA



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Ghostly galaxy in the constellation Eridanus

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features dust plumes streaming over West Texas, after a storm system developed in the Central Plains of the United States. 



The low-pressure storm system produced a destructive series of severe weather events across the country.



“A powerful mid-latitude cyclone delivered a potpourri of weather hazards as it worked its way across the United States in March 2025,” said NASA.



“Beginning on March 3, the low-pressure system fanned wildfires and blinding dust storms in the Southwest, spawned severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the Southeast, fueled blizzards in the Great Plains and Midwest, and dropped heavy rain in the Northeast.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-dust-storms">Massive dust storms</h2>



In New Mexico and Texas, the storm generated massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-and-dust-storms-have-become-unpredictable-and-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>, known as "haboobs," characterized by walls of dust stretching miles wide and thousands of feet high. These dust storms led to near-zero visibility, causing hazardous driving conditions and road closures.&nbsp;



The National Weather Service issued dust storm warnings, advising residents to stay indoors and drivers to pull over safely until conditions improved



NASA elaborated on the details captured in the image. “Clouds of dust appear to originate from arid landscapes in northern Mexico and West Texas, a region that spans the Chihuahuan Desert, cattle ranches and cotton farms, and gas and oil fields.”



“Exceptional drought has gripped West Texas for the past several months, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The lack of rain has parched vegetation and dried the land surface, making the region particularly susceptible to erosion and dust storms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-storms-are-intensifying-in-the-u-s">Dust storms are intensifying in the U.S.</h2>



Santiago Gassó, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that dust storms are typical in this region at this time of year. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing longer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a> in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, so we can expect more of this type of (larger) event.”



NASA noted that fierce winds and thick plumes of blowing dust led to traffic accidents, flight disruptions, school closures, power outages, and red and orange skies throughout the state and region.&nbsp;



“One particularly severe dust storm on March 3 sharply reduced visibility and contributed to a 21-car accident near Roswell, New Mexico.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blizzards-tornadoes-and-fire-weather">Blizzards, tornadoes, and fire weather</h2>



The storm also produced blizzard conditions in parts of the Rockies and the Plains, with heavy snowfall and strong winds making travel difficult and increasing the risk of power outages.&nbsp;



Major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee were expected to experience record low-pressure readings due to the storm's intensity.



In addition to dust storms and blizzards, the system brought severe weather to the Southern United States, including threats of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-tornado-outbreak-100-storms-touched-down-in-a-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tornadoes</a>, large hail, and strong winds.&nbsp;



North Texas, particularly the Dallas-Fort Worth area, faced significant impacts, with over 400,000 people experiencing power outages. An EF1 tornado struck Irving, Texas, leading to evacuations from damaged apartment complexes.



The storm's strong winds and low humidity levels also heightened fire risks in regions like Central Texas and Alabama. Red Flag Warnings were issued due to the increased potential for rapid and intense wildfires.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-panhandle-hook-storms-in-the-u-s">Panhandle hook storms in the U.S.</h2>



A panhandle hook is a type of low-pressure storm system that originates in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle regions and then moves northeast across the central United States.&nbsp;



These systems are named for their characteristic "hook-shaped" track, as they often travel from the southern Plains into the Midwest and Great Lakes region.



The storms typically begin as low-pressure systems in the semi-arid regions of Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico, where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets cold, dry air from the Rockies and the northern Plains.



As the system strengthens, it moves northeastward, often following a curved path that resembles a "hook" when mapped. This movement is influenced by the jet stream, which steers the storm across the central U.S.



Panhandle hook <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-fueled-unexpected-and-deadly-storms-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a> are particularly dangerous because they develop quickly and can intensify rapidly. They often occur in late winter and early spring, when temperature contrasts are strongest.



The image was captured on March 4, 2025 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Monster storm spawns severe weather across the U.S. 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency (ESA) features the distant galaxy LEDA 22057, which is located about 650 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. 



Within the galaxy lies a pale blue dot - SN 2024PI, a supernova explosion that was discovered by an automated survey in January 2024.



“The survey covers the entire northern half of the night sky every two days and has cataloged more than 10,000 supernovae,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Pale_blue_supernova_dot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The supernova is visible in this image: located just down and to the right of the galactic nucleus, the pale blue dot of SN 2024PI stands out against the galaxy’s ghostly spiral arms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-remnants-of-a-supernova-nbsp">The remnants of a supernova&nbsp;</h2>



ESA noted that the image was taken about a month and a half after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> was discovered, so it appears many times fainter than its maximum brilliance.



“SN 2024PI is classified as a Type Ia supernova. This type of supernova requires a remarkable object called a white dwarf, the crystallized core of a star with a mass less than about eight times the mass of the Sun,” explained ESA.



“When a star of this size uses up the supply of hydrogen in its core, it balloons into a red giant, becoming cool, puffy and luminous. Over time, pulsations and stellar winds cause the star to shed its outer layers, leaving behind a white dwarf and a colorful planetary nebula.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fate-of-white-dwarfs">The fate of white dwarfs</h2>



Most stars in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> will eventually transition to white dwarfs after their death. Whether or not a star becomes a white dwarf depends on its mass. 



Stars that are significantly more massive will end their lives differently. Stars that exceed the critical mass threshold of eight times the Sun undergo more violent deaths. 



After exhausting their nuclear fuel, they collapse under their immense gravity and trigger a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining core mass, they may leave behind either a neutron star or a black hole, rather than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-white-dwarf-stars-eat-heavy-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>. 



These remnants represent extreme outcomes of stellar evolution and are fundamentally different from white dwarfs.



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



Gemini is one of the twelve zodiac constellations located in the northern celestial hemisphere.&nbsp;



Its name means "twins" in Latin, reflecting its representation of the mythological twins Castor and Pollux from Greek and Roman mythology.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-of-gemini">Stars of Gemini</h3>



The stars Castor and Pollux, which form the heads of the twins, are the brightest stars in Gemini and are key to its identification.&nbsp;



Pollux is a bright orange giant star, while Castor is a multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star system</a> made up of six stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neighboring-constellations">Neighboring constellations</h3>



Gemini lies between Taurus to the west and Cancer to the east, and it is bordered by several other constellations, including Orion to the south.



It is most visible in the night sky during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in January and February.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-gemini">Significance of Gemini</h3>



The constellation is part of the ecliptic, the path that the Sun appears to take through the sky, making it significant in both astronomy and astrology.



Astronomically, Gemini is home to several interesting deep-sky objects, including the open star cluster M35, which is easily visible with binoculars or a small telescope.&nbsp;



The constellation also contains several stars and stellar systems of interest, such as variable stars and binary systems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greek-mythology-nbsp">Greek mythology&nbsp;</h3>



In Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux were the sons of Leda, but they had different fathers - Castor was mortal, while Pollux was divine, being the son of Zeus.&nbsp;



Their story is one of loyalty and brotherhood, as Pollux begged Zeus to share his immortality with Castor after his brother's death. As a result, Zeus placed them in the sky as the constellation Gemini, symbolizing their eternal bond.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-culture">Modern culture</h3>



In modern culture, Gemini continues to be associated with duality, adaptability, and communication in astrology.&nbsp;



The constellation also holds significance in space science, lending its name to NASA's Gemini program in the 1960s. This program conducted critical missions that paved the way for the Apollo moon landings.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Supernova explosion captured in the constellation Gemini 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a stunningly beautiful photo of the Hainan Strait. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite as it orbited over southern China.



“The Hainan Strait, or Qiongzhou Strait, separates Guangdong's Leizhou Peninsula on China’s mainland to the north and the island province of Hainan to the south. It also connects the Gulf of Tonkin on the west to the South China Sea on the east,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hainan-strait-nbsp">Hainan Strait&nbsp;</h2>



The Hainan Strait is narrow and shallow. At its narrowest point, the strait is about 19 miles wide. Despite this, the Hainan Strait is a busy route for shipping and transportation. It's also vital to local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> industries.



ESA pointed out that in the image, the water along the coasts is light brown due to sediment runoff. 



“The curved Leizhou Peninsula juts southward into the South China Sea. The largest island on the east coast, Donghai, forms two bays: Leizhou Bay to its south and Zhanjiang Bay to its north," noted ESA.



“Facing both bays are cities with the same names: Zhanjiang, the largest city on the peninsula, and Leizhou, which gave the peninsula its name." 



"Hainan Island dominates the bottom part of the image. The name Hainan means ‘south of the sea,’ reflecting the island's position south of the strait.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-hainan-island">History of Hainan Island </h2>



During the Mesozoic Era about 100 million years ago, Hainan Island was actually part of a larger landmass connected to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/denisovan-tooth-suggests-southeast-asia-was-a-human-diversity-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southeast Asia</a>. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-features">Geological features</h3>



Over time, the movements of Earth's plates caused this landmass to break apart and drift. Hainan separated from the continental shelf near Vietnam and moved to its current position.



This tectonic activity not only shaped the island's current location but also influenced its geological features. Hainan's landscape is characterized by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a>, volcanic formations, and rich mineral deposits, which are direct results of these ancient geological processes.



Understanding this geological history helps explain why Hainan Island has such unique and diverse natural features compared to the mainland of China and nearby regions. The island's distinct wildlife and terrain make it a fascinating subject for geologists and natural historians alike.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-diversity-nbsp">Cultural diversity&nbsp;</h3>



Hainan was once a remote and undeveloped part of China. It was used as a place of exile for disgraced officials during imperial times. 



However, it was also a place where diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultures</a> met, as evidenced by the many ethnic groups that live there, including the Li people, who are indigenous to the island.



The island really started to change in the 20th century. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Hainan was occupied by Japanese forces, which had a significant impact on its development. After the war, it became a part of the People’s Republic of China in 1950.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-development-nbsp">Rapid development&nbsp;</h3>



In the 1980s, Hainan was designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which marked the beginning of its transformation into a major economic and tourist hub. 



The SEZ status attracted significant investment and spurred rapid development, particularly in the capital city of Haikou and the resort city of Sanya.



Today, Hainan is known for its lush landscapes, tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>, and booming tourism industry. It's also becoming a key player in China's efforts to develop its free trade zones, aiming to become a major center for trade and commerce in the region.



Image Credit: ESA/ Copernicus Sentinel-2&nbsp;



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Hainan Strait in southern China

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

In a twist that sounds like science fiction, researchers have modified mouse DNA to include traits that were once found in the extinct woolly mammoth. These <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genetic-Engineering" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic engineering</a> efforts highlight growing attempts to make de-extinction a reality for vanished <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.



This project has yielded small mice bearing a fluffy, woolly coat that echoes features of the Ice Age giant. The lab results have stirred curiosity among scientists and the general public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-de-extinction-of-lost-species">De-extinction of lost species</h2>



“For us, it’s an incredibly big deal,” said Beth Shapiro, chief science officer at <a href="https://colossal.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colossal Biosciences</a> in Dallas. Scientists behind this plan envision a future where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-heliconia-species-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct creatures</a> might roam again.&nbsp;



The experts see these tiny rodents as proof that <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/CRISPR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR</a> can modify multiple genes to recreate lost traits. The technology harnesses molecular tools to snip and rearrange DNA inside living cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tweaking-the-genes">Tweaking the genes</h2>



To make the mice woolly, the researchers analyzed ancient mammoth genomes alongside elephant DNA. They disabled certain genes tied to hair texture, color, and heat regulation.



They also introduced a unique mutation found in woolly mammoths to see if it would produce thick fur. The resulting offspring exhibited curly coats that surprised many observers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-de-extinction-bring-species-back">Can de-extinction bring species back?</h2>



Vincent Lynch, a biology professor at the University at Buffalo, remains unconvinced about bringing back the vanished giants and recently voiced his skepticism. "Mammoths are extinct and cannot be ‘de-extincted’ or resurrected,” he stated.



Critics argue that the time and resources funneled into reviving extinct beasts might be better spent saving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-forests-rose-again-after-the-planets-most-extreme-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> that are currently teetering on the brink of extinction. They question whether any environment could truly accommodate the needs of species that disappeared thousands of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-stumbling-blocks">Practical stumbling blocks</h2>



Even if these genetic tweaks scale up, an elephant’s <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/african-elephant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gestation</a> lasts nearly two years, which complicates experiments. The size of the mother and the specialized procedures that are required add another layer of difficulty.



Some scientists also worry about how herds of woolly-elephant hybrids might affect fragile ecosystems. These delicate networks of living organisms can be disrupted in ways that are hard to predict.



Others are worried about overshadowing urgent efforts to protect living species. They believe well-tested conservation approaches must not lose momentum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-about-unpredictable-mutations">Concerns about unpredictable mutations </h2>



Recreating extinct species raises questions about ethics and responsibility. Some bioethicists warn that modifying living animals to resemble long-lost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/public-concern-over-species-extinctions-fades-quickly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> could create unintended suffering, especially if genetic changes cause health complications. 



Others argue that lab-engineered species might blur the lines between conservation and unnatural interference.



Scientists also face concerns about <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genetic-Drift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic drift</a>, where unpredictable mutations arise over generations. If mammoth-like elephants are introduced into the wild, they may not behave like their Ice Age relatives.



Such changes might influence their ability to interact with the environment as their ancient counterparts did, affecting everything from diet and migration patterns to social structures and survival strategies.



This uncertainty fuels debate over whether reviving extinct species serves scientific curiosity more than real-world ecological benefits.



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



Colossal Biosciences aims to produce elephant embryos with mammoth-like traits within a few years. The ambitious timeline hinges on refining gene-editing steps and ensuring safe pregnancies.



In the meantime, these fuzzy rodents serve as a tiny window into how far science can push modifications. The experiment demonstrates a desire to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct</a> adaptations without waiting for a living mammoth to appear.



Many experts remain unconvinced that this venture will lead to practical conservation gains. Others see an inventive effort to better understand genetic traits that once shaped Ice Age creatures.



Supporters argue that advanced editing approaches might shield certain species from threats like habitat loss or disease, whereas critics counter that tinkering with extinct DNA could distract from proven strategies such as habitat restoration.



Debates aside, each step in this research reveals new layers of complexity in de-extinction. We now face the question of how far to push these technologies.



The controversies will likely intensify as the conversation shifts from lab-born mice to massive mammals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.03.641227v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioRxiv</a>.



Image Credit: Colossal Biosciences



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How creating 'woolly mice' in the lab will bring back the woolly mammoth

In a twist that sounds like science fiction, researchers have...

Researchers have identified a galaxy that existed when the universe was less than 300 million years old. 



This galaxy, known as <a href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/01HZ083EXXCJNE64ERAH2ER2FM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JADES-GS-z14-0</a>, is not only distant but also surprisingly mature. It defies our expectations about how galaxies formed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/andromeda-galaxy-shows-signs-of-violent-past-collisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early universe</a>.



NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>) observed the galaxy, and revealed its unexpected complexity. The research builds on a 2024 discovery that identified JADES-GS-z14-0 as the most distant known galaxy.



The new study focuses on the galaxy's chemical composition and growth, and offers fresh insights into what occurred during the universe’s first chapter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unexpected-galaxy-discovery">An unexpected galaxy discovery </h2>



The findings come from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/01GKT0RRJBP5ZMJRMCQNPT8SXP" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JADES</a>), a program designed to study distant galaxies. While astronomers expected to locate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-high-def-image-of-the-cosmic-web-filaments-shows-hidden-universal-highways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faraway objects</a>, this galaxy stood out in surprising ways.



"This wasn't simply stumbling upon something unexpected," said Kevin Hainline, an associate research professor at the University of Arizona’s <a href="https://astro.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steward Observatory</a>.



"The survey was deliberately designed to find distant galaxies, but this one broke the team's records in ways they didn't anticipate - it was intrinsically bright and had a complex chemical composition that was totally unexpected so early in the universe's history."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxies-hidden-in-the-early-universe">Galaxies hidden in the early universe </h2>



The galaxy’s brightness and extended structure challenge previous assumptions. "It's not just a tiny little nugget. It's bright and fairly extended for the age of the universe when we observed it," Hainline said.



The discovery of JADES-GS-z14-0 suggests that similar galaxies may be more common than previously believed.



"The fact that we found this galaxy in a tiny region of the sky means that there should be more of these out there," said lead study author Jakob Helton, a graduate researcher at Steward Observatory. 



"If we looked at the whole sky, which we can't do with JWST, we would eventually find more of these extreme objects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mature-chemical-composition">Mature chemical composition</h2>



The team used multiple instruments aboard JWST, including the Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). These tools helped identify substantial amounts of oxygen present in the galaxy - an unexpected finding for a galaxy from such an early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-structure-in-universe-is-1-4-billion-light-years-long-quipu-superstructure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic era</a>.



In astronomy, elements heavier than helium are considered metals. These metals form over multiple generations of stars, making their presence in JADES-GS-z14-0 surprising. 



The early universe contained only hydrogen, helium, and traces of lithium. The discovery of oxygen suggests the galaxy had been forming stars for around 100 million years before its observation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-long-history-of-star-formation">A long history of star formation</h2>



To create oxygen, the galaxy must have gone through several cycles of star birth and death.



"To make oxygen, the galaxy must have started out very early on, because it would have had to form a generation of stars," said George Rieke, Regents Professor of Astronomy and the study’s senior author. 



"Those stars must have evolved and exploded as supernovae to release oxygen into interstellar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-the-universe-spinning-strange-galaxy-motion-suggests-that-it-is/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a>, from which new stars would form and evolve."



This process indicates that galaxies may have started forming earlier than previously believed, shifting the timeline for the first structures in the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-and-fortunate-observation">A rare and fortunate observation</h2>



Observing JADES-GS-z14-0 required nine days of telescope time, with 167 hours of NIRCam imaging and 43 hours of MIRI imaging. The team focused on a tiny region of the sky, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colliding-galaxy-clusters-stir-up-hot-sloshing-gas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> happened to be in just the right spot for MIRI to detect.



"The <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U of A</a> astronomers were lucky that this galaxy happened to sit in the perfect spot for them to observe with MIRI," Helton said. "If they had pointed the telescope just a fraction of a degree in any direction, they would have missed getting this crucial mid-infrared data."



To explain the scale of the observation, Helton provided an analogy: "Imagine a grain of sand at the end of your arm. You see how large it is on the sky - that's how large we looked at."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-models-of-galaxy-formation">Refining models of galaxy formation</h2>



The existence of such a mature galaxy so early in cosmic history provides a valuable test for theories of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-brilliant-sombrero-galaxy-hints-at-an-expanding-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> form and evolve.



"Our involvement here is a product of the U of A leading in infrared astronomy since the mid-'60s, when it first started. We had the first major infrared astronomy group over in the Lunar and Planetary lab, with Gerard Kuiper, Frank Low and Harold Johnson," Rieke said.



These observations allow astronomers to refine their models of galaxy formation, and improve their understanding of how the universe transitioned from its initial elements to the complex chemistry that supports life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-galaxy-discovery">New era of galaxy discovery</h2>



The discovery of JADES-GS-z14-0 represents a major step forward in understanding the universe’s infancy. With new technology like JWST, astronomers can explore <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-might-have-formed-long-before-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that were previously out of reach.



"We're in an incredible time in astronomy history," said Hainline. "We're able to understand galaxies that are well beyond anything humans have ever found, and see them in many different ways and really understand them. That's really magic."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02503-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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Galaxy found in the early universe that shouldn’t exist

Researchers have identified a galaxy that existed when the universe...

A team of aerospace engineers has recently discovered that climate change is altering conditions in near-Earth space. Over time, these shifts could limit the number of satellites that can reliably operate in Earth’s orbit.&nbsp;



Led by <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>, the new study indicates that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are causing the upper atmosphere to contract, reducing drag on older satellites and debris - and thereby threatening to make space more crowded and prone to collisions.



“Our behavior with greenhouse gases here on Earth over the past 100 years is having an effect on how we operate satellites over the next 100 years,” said study author Richard Linares, an associate professor in MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellites-highways-are-closing">Satellites highways are closing</h2>



The researchers examined the thermosphere, an important atmospheric layer where the International Space Station and the majority of satellites operate. The thermosphere naturally shrinks and expands over an 11-year solar cycle, influenced by the sun’s output.&nbsp;



However, the MIT team found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> intensify the layer’s contraction, causing densities to drop at high altitudes. As a result, orbiting objects experience less drag, enabling defunct satellites and debris to remain in orbit longer than they otherwise would.



“The upper atmosphere is in a fragile state as climate change disrupts the status quo,” said lead author William Parker, a graduate student at AeroAstro.&nbsp;



“At the same time, there’s been a massive increase in the number of satellites launched, especially for delivering broadband internet from space. If we don’t manage this activity carefully and work to reduce our emissions, space could become too crowded, leading to more collisions and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-debris-may-create-a-future-with-no-internet-or-astronaut-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a>.”



According to the team’s simulations, these effects could reduce the “carrying capacity” of certain altitudes for satellites by 50 to 66 percent by the year 2100, meaning the environment can sustain significantly fewer satellites without triggering a surge in collisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-outdated-satellites">The future of outdated satellites </h2>



When higher atmospheric layers remain dense enough, objects that reach the end of their operational life slowly lose altitude and burn up upon reentry. This self-cleaning mechanism helps clear old satellites and debris.&nbsp;



However, if drag decreases due to a contracted thermosphere, outdated spacecraft remain aloft for decades, congesting key orbital paths. Thus, less drag means extended lifetimes for space junk, which will litter various regions for decades, increasing the potential for collisions in orbit.



To arrive at this conclusion, the researchers created models of how carbon emissions affect the thermosphere and influence orbital behavior.&nbsp;



They then used these models to estimate the “satellite carrying capacity” of low-Earth orbit - a concept borrowed from ecology, referring to the maximum population an ecosystem (or, in this case, a region of space) can support without detrimental outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-satellites-can-safely-coexist">How many satellites can safely coexist?</h2>



The study involved simulating possible future greenhouse gas emissions in order to see how atmospheric density could evolve. They tested various scenarios of continued emissions growth, as well as one in which the emissions stayed at their level from the year 2000.&nbsp;



Next, they factored in known orbital dynamics and possible collisions to figure out how many satellites at different altitudes could safely coexist before collisions and debris would spiral out of control.



By 2100, the number of satellites safely accommodated within the altitudes of 200 and 1,000 kilometers might be reduced by 50 to 66% compared with a scenario in which emissions remain at year-2000 levels.&nbsp;



If space operators exceed this capacity at a given altitude, the experts warn of a “runaway instability,” in which one collision creates enough shards of debris that future collisions become much more likely.



Even in a local region, we seem to be close to approaching this capacity value today since thousands of new satellites now populate low-Earth orbit, especially from so-called megaconstellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, which provides satellite-based internet.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shifting-debris-environment">A shifting debris environment </h2>



Nowadays, there are more than 10,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit and we rely on the atmosphere to clean up the debris. But if the atmosphere is changing, the debris environment will also change.&nbsp;



These satellites deliver vital services . communication, internet, weather data, navigation - but their population growth forces many to perform regular collision-avoidance maneuvers.



If the atmosphere keeps thinning at key orbits, older and no-longer-functional craft won’t reenter and disintegrate as rapidly as they used to. As a result, defunct satellites, boosters, and other pieces of debris could float indefinitely, becoming a hazard to newer missions.&nbsp;



A single collision in one orbital shell can generate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a> that may remain in orbit for decades or centuries, triggering subsequent collisions.



“We show the long-term outlook on orbital debris is critically dependent on curbing our greenhouse gas emissions,” Parker said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-global-warming">Consequences of global warming </h2>



In the midst of rapid satellite deployments, these results underline the need for improved space-traffic management and collision-avoidance protocols to keep orbits safe.&nbsp;



The simulations also provide compelling motivation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.&nbsp;



“The megaconstellation is a new trend and we’re showing that because of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, we’re going to have a reduced capacity in orbit,” Linares explained.



By examining the intersection of climate and orbital dynamics, the researchers have uncovered one more factor that highlights the far-reaching consequences of global warming.&nbsp;



“Our behavior with greenhouse gases here on Earth over the past 100 years is having an effect on how we operate satellites over the next 100 years,” Linares concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-025-01512-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Sustainability</a>.



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Climate change is shrinking Earth’s atmosphere - and that’s bad for satellites

A team of aerospace engineers has recently discovered that climate...

Whales are not just big - they’re important contributors to healthy oceans. When they poop, they move nutrients from deep water to the surface, benefiting organisms in the marine food web.&nbsp;



Now, new research has shown that whales also ferry substantial quantities of nutrients for thousands of miles in their urine and other bodily outputs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delivering-nutrients-across-the-ocean">Delivering nutrients across the ocean</h2>



In 2010, experts revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-poop-is-a-natural-fertilizer-that-keeps-the-ocean-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>, feeding at depth and pooping at the surface, offer a critical resource for plankton growth and ocean productivity.&nbsp;



The latest study, led by the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, has found that whales transport abundant nutrients horizontally across entire ocean basins.&nbsp;



These nutrients typically travel from rich, cold waters where whales feed to warm equatorial regions where they mate and give birth, delivered in large part by their urine - though sloughed skin, calf feces, carcasses, and placentas also play a part.



“These coastal areas often have clear waters, a sign of low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-was-plentiful-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a>, and many have coral reef ecosystems,” said Joe Roman, a biologist at the University of Vermont, who co-led the research.&nbsp;



“The movement of nitrogen and other nutrients can be important to the growth of phytoplankton, or microscopic algae, and provide food for sharks and other fish and many invertebrates.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-long-distance-nutrient-pipeline">A long-distance nutrient pipeline</h2>



The researchers found that in oceans worldwide, great whales - including right whales, gray whales, and humpbacks - carry around 4,000 tons of nitrogen each year into coastal zones in the tropics and subtropics.&nbsp;



They also deliver more than 45,000 tons of biomass. Before commercial whaling decimated whale populations, this offshore-to-inshore “nutrient pipeline” could have been three or more times larger.



For instance, scientists estimate that thousands of humpback whales migrate annually from a vast foraging region in the Gulf of Alaska to a smaller breeding area in Hawaii.&nbsp;



The team shows that the nutrient inputs - tons of excretions, skin, and carcasses - provided by whales in the <a href="https://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary</a> are about double the amount brought in by local oceanic processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-whale-conveyer-belt">The whale conveyer belt</h2>



“We call it the ‘great whale conveyor belt,’ or it can also be thought of as a funnel because whales feed over large areas, but they need to be in a relatively confined space to find a mate, breed, and give birth. At first, the calves don’t have the energy to travel long distances like the moms can,” Roman explained.&nbsp;



Another factor is that the whales likely remain in shallow, sandy waters to muffle their calls. “Moms and newborns are calling all the time, staying in communication,” he added. “And they don’t want predators, like killer whales, or breeding humpback males, to pick up on that.”



Therefore, nutrients that are widely dispersed over feeding zones become concentrated in limited tropical and subtropical habitats, “like collecting leaves to make compost for your garden,” as Roman put it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-animals-massive-migrations">Large animals, massive migrations</h2>



During summer, fully grown whales gorge on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-satellites-track-antarctic-krill-are-these-tiny-ocean-shrimp-in-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">krill</a>, herring, and other prey in high-latitude waters near Alaska, Iceland, and Antarctica. Recent studies indicate that North Pacific humpback whales can gain about 30 pounds daily in spring, summer, and fall.&nbsp;



This substantial fat build-up supports an incredible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a>: baleen whales routinely travel thousands of miles to tropical breeding grounds without eating. Gray whales, for example, make a nearly 7,000-mile journey between feeding grounds off Russia and calving sites along Baja California. 



Meanwhile, some humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere migrate over 5,000 miles from waters near Antarctica to areas off Costa Rica.



During these treks, they burn off hundreds of pounds a day and excrete substantial amounts of nitrogen-rich urea. One Icelandic study found that feeding fin whales can release more than 250 gallons of urine daily, while humans typically excrete less than half a gallon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-life-on-a-different-scale-nbsp">Living life on a different scale&nbsp;</h2>



Whales have the longest migrations of any mammal and are outsized creatures in every sense.&nbsp;



“Because of their size, whales are able to do things that no other animal does. They’re living life on a different scale,” said co-author Andrew Pershing, an oceanographer at the nonprofit organization Climate Central.&nbsp;



“Nutrients are coming in from outside - and not from a river, but by these migrating animals. It’s super-cool, and changes how we think about ecosystems in the ocean. We don’t think of animals other than humans having an impact on a planetary scale, but the whales really do.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circulatory-system-of-the-planet-nbsp">Circulatory system of the planet&nbsp;</h2>



Prior to commercial whaling that started in the 1800s, nutrient transfers would likely have been much larger, Pershing argued. He noted that researchers do not yet fully understand inputs from blue whales - the largest animals on Earth - which were heavily hunted in the twentieth century. 



“There’s basic things that we don’t know about them, like where their breeding areas are,” said Pershing, noting that humpback populations are recovering in some places, but blue whale numbers remain severely diminished.



“Lots of people think of plants as the lungs of the planet, taking in carbon dioxide and expelling oxygen. For their part, animals play an important role in moving nutrients,” said Roman.&nbsp;



“Seabirds transport nitrogen and phosphorus from the ocean to the land in their poop, increasing the density of plants on islands. Animals form the circulatory system of the planet - and whales are the extreme example.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56123-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Whales transport nutrients across entire ocean basins in their urine

Whales are not just big - they’re important contributors to...

For years, red wine has been romanticized as the “healthy” alcohol. Some credit its deep ruby hue and rich antioxidants with protective effects - particularly against cancer.



The main reason? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resveratrol-may-boost-female-fertility-naturally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resveratrol</a>. This plant compound, found in grape skins, has been linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Many have assumed that a glass of red is safer than other forms of alcohol.



But, new research from Brown University suggests otherwise. A comprehensive meta-analysis examined the effects of both red and white wine on cancer risk. The results? No special protection from red wine. Even more surprising - white wine may actually increase the risk of skin cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-wine-vs-white-wine">Red wine vs. white wine</h2>



“We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess whether red wine is truly a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-polyphenols-promote-heart-health-youthful-skin-and-a-healthy-waistline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthier choice</a> than white wine,” Cho said. 



“Our analysis included as many published epidemiological studies as possible that separately explored the relationship between red and white wine consumption and cancer risk. The results revealed no significant difference in cancer risk between red and white wine overall."



“However, we did observe a distinction when it came to skin cancer risk. Specifically, the consumption of white wine, but not red wine, was associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.”



The research included 42 studies and nearly 96,000 participants. Red and white wine showed no major differences in overall cancer risk. But white wine? It stood out. According to the findings, those who drank white wine had a 22% higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to red wine drinkers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-wine-might-increase-cancer-risk">White wine might increase cancer risk</h2>



Scientists are still piecing the puzzle together. One possible explanation lies in acetaldehyde - a byproduct of alcohol metabolism.



This compound can damage DNA, increasing the likelihood of cancerous mutations. White wine might contain higher levels of acetaldehyde than red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-chronic-wounds-with-gold-and-red-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a>, making it a bigger threat.



There are also lifestyle habits to consider. People who drink wine may be more likely to spend time outdoors - whether at vineyards, rooftop brunches, or beachside gatherings. Sun exposure, combined with alcohol’s potential to impair DNA repair, could make skin cancer more likely.



The connection isn’t fully understood, but the evidence showed that white wine drinkers had a greater risk of skin cancer compared to those who preferred red wine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-wine-and-cancer-risk-in-women">White wine and cancer risk in women</h2>



Another surprising discovery was white wine’s impact on women. The study found that women who drank white wine had a 26% higher risk of developing cancer.



What makes women more vulnerable? Hormones could be a factor. Alcohol consumption has been linked to increased estrogen levels, which may contribute to hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer. 



Since white wine tends to be more popular among female drinkers, its risks deserve closer scrutiny.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-red-wine-s-antioxidants">What about red wine’s antioxidants?</h2>



For years, red wine has been hyped as a heart-healthy, disease-fighting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-and-depression-study-challenges-self-medication-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beverage</a>. Much of this reputation comes from resveratrol. 



In lab studies, resveratrol has shown promising anti-cancer effects - slowing tumor growth, reducing inflammation, and even interfering with cancer cell reproduction.



So why doesn’t red wine protect against cancer? It is likely because the amount of resveratrol in a glass of wine is too small to make a meaningful difference.



Research suggests that resveratrol is rapidly metabolized in the body, preventing it from reaching levels high enough to be truly beneficial. Ultimately, the idea of red wine as a cancer shield doesn’t hold up when put to the test.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture-alcohol-and-cancer">The bigger picture: Alcohol and cancer</h2>



Beyond the red vs. white debate, one fact remains clear - alcohol itself is a known carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence that it contributes to cancer.



Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that can damage DNA and prevent cells from repairing themselves. In 2020 alone, alcohol consumption was linked to over 740,000 cancer cases worldwide. It plays a role in cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, colon, breast, and esophagus.



This means that while some alcoholic drinks may be worse than others, none are completely risk-free.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-the-future">What this means for the future</h2>



This research adds weight to an ongoing discussion: does the type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/semaglutide-shows-promise-in-reducing-alcohol-cravings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a> you drink matter? 



While red and white wine appear to have similar overall risks, the strong link between white wine and skin cancer - especially in women - raises serious concerns.



Future studies will need to investigate why white wine has this specific impact. 



Is it due to a particular chemical compound? Drinking habits? A combination of factors? Until scientists find clearer answers, these findings offer a reason to rethink assumptions about alcohol and health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moderation-is-key">Moderation is key</h2>



Wine has long been associated with relaxation, indulgence, and even sophistication. But science continues to chip away at its reputation as a "healthy" choice.



The takeaway? Moderation is key. Those who choose to drink should do so with full awareness of the risks - knowing that no type of alcohol is truly safe when it comes to cancer. 



Red wine might not be the protective elixir some had hoped for, and white wine may come with its own unique dangers.



At the end of the day, the choice is personal. But it’s always better to make that choice informed.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/534" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrients</a>.



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Red or white? The surprising truth about wine and cancer risk

For years, red wine has been romanticized as the “healthy”...

Millions of lives are lost each year as a result of smoking's negative effects, but a new study has discovered another hidden danger in cigarette smoke and discarded cigarette waste.



Researchers at the <a href="https://tu-dresden.de/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Dresden</a> (TUD) have found that harmful compounds in cigarettes greatly increase the development and dissemination of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, both in the environment and in the lungs of smokers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-dangers-of-cigarette-waste">Hidden dangers of cigarette waste</h2>



“Cigarette filters contain many of the&nbsp;toxic substances&nbsp;found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-smoke-exposure-elevates-cancer-risk-in-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cigarette smoke</a>,” explained Dr. Uli Klümper from the Institute of Hydrobiology at the TUD.



“In our study, we found that when these filters end up in waterbodies, they are increasingly colonized by potentially pathogenic bugs and bacteria displaying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a>, as these are particularly well adapted to the adverse conditions on the filters.”



The research group found that cigarette waste not only pollutes the environment but also poses significant public health risks. 



As these discarded cigarette butts sit in lakes, rivers, and oceans, resistant bacteria multiply rapidly on them.



This could result in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotics-for-childhood-infections-are-becoming-ineffective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infections</a> that are more difficult to treat, which poses an additional public health concern that had previously gone largely unnoticed.



“This underlines the need for stricter measures against the careless discarding of cigarette butts, and highlights another hidden health hazard caused by smoking,” said Dr. Klümper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cigarette-waste-and-microbial-communities">Cigarette waste and microbial communities </h2>



There are many complex ways in which cigarette waste interacts with microbial ecosystems, influencing their balance and behavior. 



Cigarette butts, often discarded without a second thought, create a toxic microenvironment that selects for the survival of the most resilient bacteria. 



These bacteria, many of which already possess antibiotic resistance, thrive in polluted water bodies and form dense biofilms on cigarette filters.



Biofilms are communities of microbes, including bacteria, that adhere to surfaces and transfer genetic material more effectively than planktonic (drifting) bacteria.



The poisonous chemicals seeping from cigarette filters enhance this activity, so bacterial populations become more likely to transfer resistance genes. 



With time, these fortified bacterial colonies can find their way into natural water systems, facilitating the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections from the environment to humans.



By acting as both a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-effects-of-pollutants-on-river-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutant</a> and an incubator for dangerous pathogens, cigarette waste is not just an eyesore but a public health hazard that demands urgent intervention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-severe-infections-in-smokers">Risk of severe infections in smokers</h2>



Apart from the ecological consequences, the research discovered similarly worrying effects for consumers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-bans-could-help-prevent-1-2-million-lung-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tobacco</a>.



Smokers inadvertently speed up the transmission of antibiotic-resistant germs in their lungs, diminishing the efficacy of antibiotic therapy at times of infection.



The researchers used laboratory tests that modeled conditions within the human lungs, but in artificial lung fluid. They made a striking observation: toxic substances in cigarette smoke stressed out bacteria in lung fluid.



Under this stress, bacteria exchanged antibiotic resistance genes at an accelerated rate, significantly increasing their spread.



“In our experiments with an artificial lung medium, we were able to show that the toxic substances that accumulate in the lung fluid due to&nbsp;cigarette smoke&nbsp;trigger a stress reaction in the bacteria which, among other things, more than doubles the frequency with which&nbsp;resistance genes&nbsp;are passed on between bacteria via plasmids,” explained the researchers.



This reaction effectively speeds up the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, thus complicating medical treatments and increasing risks of severe infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-call-to-action">Global call to action</h2>



Countless lives are lost each year from cigarette-smoking-related illnesses, but the new findings point towards an even stronger rationale for curtailing cigarette smoking without delay.



Reduction in cigarette waste pollution benefits communities by constraining the propagation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water bodies.



Simultaneously, stopping smoking cuts exposure to harmful bacteria, enhancing health conditions overall.



The research highlights the need for stronger public policy and heightened public understanding regarding the threat posed by cigarette waste - an overlooked source of antibiotic resistance bacteria.



Ultimately, the research indicates that smoking dangers run much deeper than they appear, and threaten health in ways that need urgent attention and response.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP14704" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health Perspectives</a>.



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Cigarette waste fuels antibiotic resistance

Millions of lives are lost each year as a result...

Scientists have discovered that sleep may hold clues about potential memory issues years before any noticeable slips.



Researchers have been <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13872877251319742" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying</a> electrical brain activity during sleep to search for early markers of cognitive decline. Using artificial intelligence (AI) to check these signals, the team identified 85% of individuals who later developed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-night-of-lost-sleep-can-trigger-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thinking problems</a> with an overall accuracy of 77%.



The experts analyzed electroencephalography patterns that were recorded overnight. The AI analysis uncovered faint differences in electrical rhythms between those who later developed memory issues and those who did not. 



After looking at the results, Dr. Shahab Haghayegh from <a href="https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a> emphasized how this technology could transform early detection efforts.



“Using novel sophisticated analyses, advanced information theory tools, and AI, we can detect subtle changes in brain wave patterns during sleep that signal future cognitive impairment, offering a window of opportunity for intervention years before symptoms appear,” said Dr. Haghayegh.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gamma-waves-reveal-memory-risks">Gamma waves reveal memory risks</h2>



Experts have been especially interested in <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3084194/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gamma frequency bands</a>, which range roughly between 30 to 60 hertz. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/gamma-wave" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gamma waves</a> are linked to memory and attention, and changes in these ranges can signal trouble for brain health.&nbsp;



Disruption in gamma signals has been <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-neuro-062111-150444" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noted</a> in people with emerging cognitive impairment, hinting that small shifts in the speed or coordination of these bursts might appear earlier than more obvious signs of forgetfulness.



Researchers also point out that many normal sleepers pass through several stages each night, and there might be red flags across multiple stages. Each category of sleep, including deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupils-reveal-how-active-the-brain-is-even-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, carries particular brain-wave footprints that AI can analyze.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-findings-matter">Why these findings matter</h2>



<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a> and other types of <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> remain a growing concern worldwide. This memory challenge affects more than 55 million people internationally, often leading to serious health burdens for families and communities. 



While there are no guaranteed cures for many forms of dementia, some treatments may slow or reduce symptoms in earlier phases.



Over the past few years, scientists have been racing to find ways of predicting who might be at risk before significant thinking problems develop. 



Many approaches involve advanced scans or fluid tests that can be costly. Brain activity recordings offer a simpler strategy with comfortable EEG headbands that people can wear at home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-earlier-interventions">Potential for earlier interventions</h2>



Sleep science has shown that deep rest is involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-helps-prevent-unwanted-memories-from-popping-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> and memory. 



Older adults frequently have changes in deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-timing-has-a-powerful-effect-on-our-mood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, but not all shifts spell trouble. The trick lies in spotting patterns that hint at future impairment, which is precisely what these new methods aim to do.



“The new, FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are effective at the earlier stages of dementia, but not the more advanced stages,” said Dr. Kun Hu, physiologist in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-sleep-and-memory">Future research on sleep and memory</h2>



One vision for this research is wearable EEG devices that people might use on multiple nights. 



The information collected over a week or more could yield deeper insights than a single test. Gathering more data might refine how precisely the system can spot troubling sleep signals before memory loss begins.



Another angle could be looking at whether the brain’s electrical patterns can be safely adjusted overnight to maintain healthy thinking. The researchers suggest that carefully timed stimulation during sleep may eventually help nudge wave activity in beneficial ways.



This approach still requires proper clinical trials, but the possibilities have captured attention among those studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-sleep-patterns-affect-your-health-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>-based therapies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-alert-to-sleep-signals">Staying alert to sleep signals</h2>



Some people hesitate to learn about their risk of cognitive impairment. However, early awareness can give families time to plan, or may prompt lifestyle changes that support brain health.



Lifestyle routines such as staying physically active, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-less-than-seven-hours-high-blood-pressure-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">getting enough rest</a>, and engaging in social and mental challenges have been linked to better outcomes in many aging studies.



No single test should ever define a person’s health future. Even so, it’s encouraging to see how sleep-based measurements might one day fit into regular health checkups. 



If these&nbsp;sleep&nbsp;signals can be reliably caught and confirmed, it would give individuals a better shot at staving off serious&nbsp;memory decline.



The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13872877251319742" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease</a>.



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Your sleep may predict memory loss years in advance

Scientists have discovered that sleep may hold clues about potential...

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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

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