Amazingly, the presence of great white sharks has not stopped the odd thrill-seeker such as Chambers from taking the plunge into the icy waters. And some, it seems, are even drawn to the islands to observe the predators in their natural habitat. But for most visitors, the telltale fins circling the island would certainly give them pause for thought. Photo Credit: Kike Calvo/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Great white shark haven

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features smoke streaming from Tasmania, where bushfires were ignited by dry lightning strikes earlier this month.&nbsp;



By February 5, more than a dozen fires were burning in the state's remote central and western regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bushfires-fueled-by-challenging-conditions">Bushfires fueled by challenging conditions </h2>



Communities such as Zeehan, Corinna, and Pieman Heads have been threatened, leading to evacuations and significant disruptions during the peak tourism season.



“In early February 2025, bushfires ignited in northwestern Tasmania, where they have continued to burn on the island for more than a week amid windy, warm, and dry conditions,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153933/smoke-billows-from-bushfires-in-tasmania" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Smoke from the fires is visible in this image, acquired at about 4 p.m. local time on February 12, 2025, by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA’s Aqua satellite.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-the-tasmania-bushfires">Impacts of the Tasmania bushfires</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-the-recovery-of-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> have burned over 90,000 hectares, with a combined perimeter exceeding 1,200 kilometers.



The fires are expected to continue burning for several more weeks. Due to the region's remote and challenging terrain, authorities report that significant effort is still needed to gain control over the blazes.



“According to a heatwave warning from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), much of the state’s west coast saw severe heatwave conditions on several days during the week of February 10,” noted NASA.



“The region has also been exceptionally dry. For example, the past 12-month period has been the driest on record (since 1900) along the coastal areas near Sandy Cape.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-heritage-sites">Cultural and heritage sites</h2>



One significant area under threat is the takayna/Tarkine region in northwest Tasmania. This region is home to a grove of ancient Huon pine trees, including one estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old, making it the oldest known Huon pine.&nbsp;



The Yellowband Plain fire has burned perilously close to this grove, coming within meters of these irreplaceable trees.



Firefighters from Tasmania, interstate, and New Zealand are collaborating to control the blazes and help protect the Huon pine trees, as well as Indigenous heritage sites. 



Efforts to assess and mitigate the damage have been hampered by challenging weather conditions, including low cloud cover that restricts aerial surveys. Strong winds of up to 50 miles per hour have also complicated efforts to contain the bushfires.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-is-intensifying-bushfires-nbsp">Climate change is intensifying bushfires&nbsp;</h2>



Climate change and bushfires are deeply interconnected, with rising global temperatures intensifying the frequency and severity of wildfires in many regions.&nbsp;



Warmer temperatures lead to drier conditions, reducing moisture in vegetation and making it more susceptible to ignition. Prolonged droughts - which are becoming more common due to climate change - further dry out forests and grasslands, creating an abundance of flammable material.



Extreme heat waves increase the likelihood of fires starting and spreading rapidly. Higher temperatures also contribute to stronger winds, which can fan flames and carry embers over long distances, igniting new fires. 



Additionally, shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultrafine-particles-in-wildfire-smoke-change-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a> are altering fire seasons, making them longer and more unpredictable. Some areas that previously had clear fire seasons are now experiencing fires year-round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-behavior-of-wildfires-nbsp">Shifting behavior of wildfires&nbsp;</h2>



Climate change is also affecting the way bushfires behave. Many recent wildfires have been more intense, burning hotter and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spreading faster</a> than historical fires. This makes them harder to control and increases their impact on communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. 



The destruction of forests not only contributes to immediate carbon emissions but also reduces the planet’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, creating a feedback loop that worsens climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-increased-fire-activity">Consequences of increased fire activity</h2>



Beyond the direct effects on landscapes and air quality, increased bushfire activity has severe consequences for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a>, economies, and biodiversity. 



Smoke from large wildfires contains fine particles that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, even for people far from the fire zones.&nbsp;



Wildlife struggles to escape or recover from habitat destruction, sometimes pushing species closer to extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-the-risks">Mitigating the risks</h2>



Efforts to mitigate these risks include better fire management strategies, improved early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bushfires-are-detected-500-times-faster-with-ai-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warning systems</a>, and sustainable land-use practices. 



However, long-term solutions require addressing the root cause - reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down global warming.&nbsp;



Without significant action, climate change will continue to fuel more extreme and destructive bushfires, with devastating consequences for both nature and society.



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Tasmania bushfires: A growing crisis in an era of climate change

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of Mount Nemrut, a volcano located in eastern Turkey near Lake Van.



Mount Nemrut is notable for its immense caldera, which was formed through a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a>. The caldera, one of the largest in the world, now contains several lakes such as Lake Nemrut.&nbsp;



"The eastern half of the caldera is partially filled by solidified lava flows from past eruptions. Snow cover present at the time of this photo accentuates pressure ridges that formed as the lava was flowing and cooling," noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"These pressure ridges vary in size, thickness, and orientation due to the varying viscosity and flow direction of the lavas during eruptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-lake-nemrut">Formation of Lake Nemrut</h2>



"Lake Nemrut (Nemrut Gölü) occupies the western half of the caldera, creating a rough crescent shape that partially submerges the old lava flows," said NASA.



"This freshwater lake, reaching up to 176 meters deep, is accompanied by a smaller lake at the upper-center of the caldera."



The lake was formed after the collapse of the Nemrut volcano's summit. This collapse created a massive crater, which gradually filled with water over time, forming 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>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unesco-world-heritage-site">UNESCO World Heritage Site </h2>



Mount Nemrut and its surroundings are part of a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their ecological and geological significance.



The site is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species that use the lake as a stopover during migration. The caldera also contains smaller lakes and wetlands, adding to the area's biodiversity.



Lake Nemrut is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape.



Despite its popularity, the lake remains relatively remote and unspoiled, contributing to its appeal as a natural wonder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mount-nemrut-has-shaped-the-landscape">Mount Nemrut has shaped the landscape</h2>



Geologically, Mount Nemrut is interesting because its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a> have played a key role in shaping the local landscape. 



Its last major eruption occurred around 1441 AD, which indicates that it's not currently active.



The area around Nemrut is known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and fumaroles, suggesting that there is still significant heat beneath the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tribute-to-a-king">Tribute to a king</h2>



Over thousands of years, various civilizations have inhabited the region around Nemrut, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological sites.



The summit of Mount Nemrut is dominated by a vast funerary mound constructed by King Antiochus I Theos, who ruled the Kingdom of Commagene in the 1st century BCE. 



The site was intended to serve as his tomb sanctuary and a place to commemorate the king's vision of divine kingship and unity between Eastern and Western cultures.



The mound, made of loose crushed stones, measures about 50 meters (164 feet) in height and spans a diameter of 150 meters (492 feet), creating an imposing feature visible from afar.



Surrounding the mound are terraces on the eastern, western, and northern sides, each adorned with colossal statues and reliefs. The statues, ranging in height from 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet), represent various deities, including Zeus, Apollo, Hercules, and the goddess Tyche, alongside King Antiochus himself. 



The heads of the statues, many of which have toppled over due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquakes</a> and erosion, lie scattered around the site.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiritual-and-religious-practices">Spiritual and religious practices</h2>



In addition to the statues, inscriptions at Mount Nemrut provide valuable historical information about the kingdom, the king's lineage, and the religious practices of the time.



The site is not only a marvel of ancient engineering but also a spiritual and astronomical center. Scholars believe the terraces were aligned with celestial events, serving as an observatory for solstices and equinoxes.



In addition to its natural and historical significance, the Nemrut volcano has been the subject of scientific study, as researchers aim to understand more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in the region, the history of its eruptions, and the potential risks it may pose in the future.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Mount Nemrut: Ancient mysteries and natural marvels 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features La Niña, a global climate event that is expected to be short-lived.



The map represents sea surface height anomalies on January 13, 2025 across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;



“Shades of blue indicate sea levels that were lower than average, while shades of red indicate areas where the ocean stood higher than normal. Normal sea level conditions appear in white,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153917/la-nina-is-here" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-onset-of-la-nina-nbsp">The onset of La Niña&nbsp;</h2>



According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea surface temperatures in the east-central equatorial Pacific dropped below average in December 2024, marking the onset of La Niña. This cooling pattern has persisted into early 2025.



NOAA's Climate Prediction Center indicates a 59% chance that La Niña conditions will continue through February-April 2025, with a likely transition to ENSO-neutral conditions during March-May 2025.



“After seven months of waiting, La Niña - the cooler sister of El Niño - finally showed up in the eastern Pacific Ocean in early December 2024. La Niña may not stick around long, though,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-la-nina">What is La Niña?</h2>



La Niña is a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle that occurs when strengthened easterly trade winds enhance the upwelling of cooler water from the depths of the eastern tropical Pacific.&nbsp;



This process leads to a significant cooling of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific near the equator. The intensified trade winds also drive warm equatorial waters westward toward Asia and Australia.&nbsp;



“This dramatic cooling of the ocean’s surface layers affects the atmosphere by modifying the moisture content across the Pacific,” explained NASA.



“In a report published on January 9, 2025, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center confirmed that La Niña conditions were present. They measured sea surface temperatures 0.7 degrees Celsius (1.3 degrees Fahrenheit) below average in an area of the tropical Pacific, from 170° to 120° West longitude, known as the Niño 3.4 region.”



“The signature of La Niña is also visible in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean as areas of lower-than-average water levels. That’s because cooler water contracts, lowering sea levels. (Conversely, warmer water expands, raising them).”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-la-nina-forecast-nbsp">La Niña forecast&nbsp;</h2>



Josh Willis, an oceanographer and Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich project scientist at JPL, pointed out that although La Niña is here, it’s not a particularly strong one.



Willis noted that during an especially strong La Niña in 2010-2011, temperatures in the tropical Pacific were about 1.6°C (2.9°F) below average in January 2011, compared to just 0.7°C (1.3°F) below average in January 2025.&nbsp;



NOAA predicts that this La Niña will remain weak and is unlikely to drop below -1°C from the average - the threshold for a moderate-strength event. Neutral conditions are expected to return during the meteorological spring.



La Niña’s interaction between the ocean and atmosphere alters global atmospheric circulation, shifting mid-latitude jet streams in ways that can intensify rainfall in some regions and cause drought in others.&nbsp;



In the western Pacific, Indonesia and Australia may experience increased rainfall. The central and eastern Pacific is expected to experience reduced cloud cover and precipitation, leading to drier conditions in Brazil, Argentina, and other parts of South America. Meanwhile, Central America may see wetter conditions.&nbsp;



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



In North America, La Niña typically brings cooler, stormier weather to the Pacific Northwest, while the southern United States and northern Mexico tend to experience warmer, drier conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-source-of-variability">Natural source of variability</h2>



“ENSO adds a natural source of year-to-year variability in global temperatures. Because such a wide swath of the Pacific is cold, La Niña tends to keep a lid on the average global surface temperature,” explained NASA.



“But even the cool water in the Pacific does not completely offset long-term warming trends; some of the hottest years on record have coincided with La Niña, such as in 2010 and 2020.”



The map is based on data that was acquired by the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite and processed by scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).&nbsp;



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La Niña has arrived - but it may not stay for long

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.



Collectively, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine glaciers</a> of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-archives-of-past-climate">Natural archives of past climate </h2>



"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"In just over two decades, Corbassière has shrunk in area and surface mass. The glacier was darker in 2023 due to lack of snow, and the glacier’s tongue had retreated."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-from-the-corbassiere-glacier">Ice cores from the Corbassière glacier</h2>



To reconstruct past concentrations of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-aerosols-impact-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, a team of scientists analyzed ice cores that were collected from the Corbassière glacier in 2018 and 2020.&nbsp;



Aerosols are tiny airborne particles that are deposited in the ice. "Such information from glaciers around the world can provide clues about past environmental conditions thousands of years ago," noted NASA.



"Ice cores contain ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions - signatures of aerosols lacing the snow that’s deposited on glaciers year after year. Ion concentrations are lower in winter than in summer because less polluted air can rise from the valley when the air is cold."



When the researchers analyzed the ice core from 2018, they found seasonal fluctuations in the amount of ion deposits - which is what they expected to find.&nbsp;



"But when we went to core the glacier in 2020, we noticed melting on the surface right away,” said Margit Schwikowski, an environmental chemist at <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> in Switzerland.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-surface-melting-on-corbassiere-glacier">Rapid surface melting on Corbassière glacier</h2>



The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. 



"This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.



Schwikowski has joined a team of other experts in an effort to preserve cores from the last remaining glaciers. Led by the <a href="https://www.ice-memory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Memory Foundation</a>, the goal of the project is to obtain ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers around the world in 20 years and collect them in a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-has-a-history-of-rapid-and-unexpected-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate archive</a>.



“Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and we may find similar issues at other sites,” said Schwikowski. She added that even at the highest altitudes in the Alps, "glaciers are on the verge of becoming unsuitable as natural paleo-archives."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-the-corbassiere-glacier">Features of the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. 



The glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.



A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. 



One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. 



This bridge not only enhances the experience for visitors but also serves as a crucial observation point for scientists studying glacier dynamics and the effects of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Swiss Alps&nbsp;</h2>



The Swiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a> are a majestic and expansive mountain range that stretches across the southern part of Switzerland, forming a part of the greater Alpine region that spreads across several countries in Europe.&nbsp;



Renowned for their stunning beauty and formidable peaks, the Swiss Alps are not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural symbol of Switzerland, epitomizing its identity as a nation of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure.



The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. Among these peaks are some of the highest in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa massif, which is the highest point in Switzerland. 



The Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss mountains, is celebrated for its unique, pyramid-like shape and is a magnet for climbers and tourists alike.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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The Corbassière glacier in the Swiss Alps

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy I Zwicky 18, which was captured in remarkable detail by the James Webb Space Telescope.



I Zwicky 18 is a blue compact dwarf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located approximately 59 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-i-zwicky-18">Star formation in I Zwicky 18</h2>



The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> compared to other galaxies of similar age.



“The galaxy was first identified by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in the 1930’s and resides roughly 59 million light-years from Earth,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. “This galaxy has gone through several sudden bursts of star formation.”&nbsp;



According to ESA, I Zwicky 18 is typical of the kinds of galaxies that inhabited the early universe and is much smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-image-of-the-galaxy">Webb telescope image of the galaxy</h2>



“Two major starburst regions are embedded in the heart of the galaxy. The wispy brown filaments surrounding the central starburst region are bubbles of gas that have been heated by stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation unleashed by hot, young stars,” said ESA.



“A companion galaxy resides nearby to the dwarf galaxy, which can be seen at the bottom of the wider-field image. The companion may be interacting with the dwarf galaxy and may have triggered that galaxy's recent star formation.”&nbsp;



ESA explained that the “orange blobs” surrounding the galaxy are the dim glow from ancient fully formed galaxies at much larger distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-i-zwicky-18">Key characteristics of I Zwicky 18</h2>



As previously mentioned, the galaxy has a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, suggesting that it has not undergone significant stellar processing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-stellar-population-nbsp">Young stellar population&nbsp;</h3>



Despite its old age, I Zwicky 18 contains many young, hot stars. This suggests that it might have experienced a burst of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> relatively recently in its history.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-medium-nbsp">Interstellar medium&nbsp;</h3>



The galaxy has a high density of gas, which is a prime ingredient for star formation. This gas is mostly in the form of hydrogen.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics">Unusual characteristics</h3>



Its characteristics are more typical of primordial galaxies found in the early universe, making it a valuable object of study for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.



Ultimately, I Zwicky 18 provides insights into the conditions and processes that might have been prevalent in the early universe.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-of-stars-and-dust">Life cycles of stars and dust</h3>



The image was captured as part of a Webb program to study the life cycle of dust in I Zw 18.&nbsp;



“Scientists are now building off of previous research with Hubble obtained at optical wavelengths, studying individual dusty stars in detail with Webb’s equivalent spatial resolution and sensitivity at infrared wavelengths.”&nbsp;



ESA noted that this galaxy is of particular interest as its content of elements heavier than helium is one of the lowest of all known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in the local universe.&nbsp;



“Such conditions are thought to be similar to those in some of the first star-forming galaxies at high redshift, so the Webb study of I Zw 18 should shed light on the life-cycle of stars and dust in the early universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-ursa-major">The constellation Ursa Major </h2>



Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable constellations in the northern sky. 



Its name, "Ursa Major," means "Great Bear" in Latin, and it has been a significant part of various mythologies and star lore across cultures for thousands of years. 



One of the most famous asterisms within Ursa Major is the Big Dipper, a group of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The Big Dipper is often used as a navigation tool because it points to Polaris, the North Star, located in the nearby constellation Ursa Minor.



Ursa Major is best viewed in the northern hemisphere and is circumpolar, meaning it is visible year-round for much of the Northern Hemisphere. Its position changes with the seasons, rotating around Polaris, the North Star.



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



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

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

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.



It 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. 



"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>. 



Its 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 smoke from the Magdalena Valley fire, which is one of multiple fires burning in the Andes Mountains of Patagonia.



NASA noted that the fires had burned about 30,000 hectares (115 square miles) of forest in south-central Argentina by February 11, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate their homes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patagonia-fires-fueled-by-wind-and-heat">Patagonia fires fueled by wind and heat</h2>



“Strong winds and unusually high temperatures fueled the region’s blazes, which began in December 2024,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153929/fires-rage-in-patagonia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Warm, dry wind from the west crossed the Andes and swept through Lanín National Park at speeds up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) per hour in early February. As the wind flowed down the lee side of the Andes, it compressed, increasing the air temperature and driving down humidity.”&nbsp;



“A similar phenomenon occurs during the Chinook Winds, which flow down the east side of the Rocky Mountains.”



René Garreaud is an atmospheric scientist at the University of Chile. She pointed out that westerly winds crossing the Andes were stronger than average from early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/">January</a> to early February. During this same time frame, central and northern Argentina were exceptionally hot.



“Maximum temperatures hovered around 35-45 degrees Celsius (95-113 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 3-5°C above normal, according to Argentina’s national weather service. The weather service noted that these ‘extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>’ were expected to persist in parts of the country until February 12," said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-across-patagonia">Fires across Patagonia</h2>



The Patagonia wildfires have affected vast areas across multiple provinces. In the Lanín National Park, located in Neuquén Province, fires consumed over 50,000 acres of forest.&nbsp;



The challenging terrain and dense vegetation were obstacles to firefighting efforts. Fortunately, no populated areas were immediately threatened.



In Río Negro Province, the town of El Bolsón suffered significant damage. The fires destroyed more than 100 homes and led to the tragic death of an 87-year-old resident who chose to stay behind to protect his animals.&nbsp;



Authorities have determined that these fires were intentionally set, with evidence pointing to deliberate actions in multiple locations.



Chubut Province was also heavily impacted. In the town of Epuyén, approximately 2,000 hectares were burned and around 200 families were evacuated.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2025-wildfire-season">2025 wildfire season</h2>



In addition to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fewer-forest-fires-happen-today-than-in-the-past-ironically-causes-bigger-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> in Patagonia, Argentina's northeastern province of Corrientes has also been battling wildfires since January, with up to 250,000 hectares of farmland and pine forests consumed.&nbsp;



This highlights the widespread nature of the wildfire crisis affecting various regions of the country simultaneously.&nbsp;



The 2025 wildfire season in Patagonia stands as one of the most severe in recent history. The intense fire activity emphasizes the need for enhanced preventive measures and rapid response strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-in-a-changing-climate-nbsp">Wildfires in a changing climate&nbsp;</h2>



Climate change is making wildfires more frequent, intense, and widespread by altering key environmental conditions. Rising global temperatures dry out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-forest-fires-leave-scorched-earth-heating-the-planet-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>, creating more fuel for fires and extending wildfire seasons.&nbsp;



In many regions, what used to be a short fire season has now stretched to nearly year-round conditions. Higher temperatures also contribute to more intense heat waves, which further dehydrate forests and grasslands, increasing their susceptibility to ignition.



Shifting precipitation patterns play a crucial role as well. Some areas are experiencing prolonged droughts, reducing soil moisture and leaving landscapes parched.&nbsp;



When rain does arrive, it often comes in intense bursts rather than steady, soaking periods, which leads to rapid vegetation growth that later dries out and becomes additional fuel.&nbsp;



Strong winds, exacerbated by changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-from-forest-fires-have-surged-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric conditions</a>, help spread fires faster and make them harder to contain. As the climate continues to change, wildfires are becoming not just a seasonal event but a year-round challenge in many parts of the world.&nbsp;



Scientists emphasize the need for proactive adaptation measures, such as improved forest management, early warning systems, and stronger fire-resistant infrastructure, to mitigate the growing risks.



The image was captured on February 9 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



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Multiple fires are raging in Patagonia 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



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



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-galaxies">Spiral galaxies</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-pavo">The constellation Pavo</h2>



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

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

Toxins can give valuable insights into how molecules interact with biological targets, helping scientists design safer and more effective compounds.



Whether for life-saving drugs, species control, or agriculture, understanding a molecule’s precise targets is crucial for ensuring its safe and effective use.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute</a> in Israel have developed an innovative AI-powered pipeline to predict how natural toxins interact with proteins. 



By combining artificial intelligence with traditional research methods, they are unlocking new possibilities in ecological studies and drug development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-a-deadly-snail-toxin">Secrets of a deadly snail toxin</h2>



The journey of these scientists kicked off from an unlikely source - a toxin from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cone-snail-venom-could-be-used-to-produce-painkillers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cone snail</a> (Conus striatus) that affects both insects and fish. This protein is composed of 60 amino acids and is shot into the prey by the snail using a sharp barb.



Dr. Izhar Karbat and Dr. Eitan Reuveny set out to investigate how the cone snail toxin Conkunitzin-S1 (Cs1) works to immobilize fish, despite not affecting mammals or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mollusks-evolution-shishania-aculeata-spiny-armor-no-shells-500-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mollusks</a>.



The experts found that Cs1 blocks potassium channels that are central to cell function in fruit flies and other insects. However, the molecular target of this toxin in fish remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-to-ai-for-answers">Turning to AI for answers</h2>



Unable to pinpoint the target of the Conkunitzin toxin using traditional methods, the scientists turned to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-proves-very-useful-to-doctors-when-diagnosing-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a>.



“Three years ago, we tried our best tools at the time to find the target of the Conkunitzin toxin, and we failed because the tools were not good enough. And then came a big revolution in structural biology driven by artificial intelligence,” said Karbat.



This presented an invaluable tool for their research, which enabled the experts to use a two-pronged approach to identify the fish potassium channels that were most vulnerable to Cs1.



They harnessed the power of AlphaFold, an AI program, to predict how the toxin might bind to different fish potassium channels. 



Next, the researchers developed another AI model, ET3, to analyze how water molecules navigate around these channels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-pinpoints-the-toxin-s-true-targets">AI pinpoints the toxin’s true targets</h2>



By leveraging ET3 to analyze a broad range of fish potassium channels - beyond what was previously possible - the experts identified the exact channels targeted by Cs1 and how the toxin disrupts their function.



Essentially, if potassium channels act as tiny doors regulating ion flow in and out of cells, Cs1 functions like a lock that jams those doors shut.



“Using molecular dynamics and the new AI-driven structural tools, we were able to find the small subset of channels in fish which bind our toxins with high affinity and are probably the real target of the cone snail,” said Dr. Karbat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-precise-targets-for-new-drugs">Identifying precise targets for new drugs </h2>



Beyond unraveling the mystery of Cs1’s impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>, the researchers see broader applications for their AI-powered approach. 



“This new pipeline offers exciting opportunities and future prospects with ecological studies, to study real chemical interactions in real ecological systems,” said Dr. Karbat.



Additionally, the same methodology could be applied to drug development, helping to identify precise targets for new drugs while avoiding unintended interactions.



“If you develop a drug that would activate a channel in the human brain, you wouldn’t want the same drug to affect a channel in the human heart and cause a heart attack,” noted Dr. Karbat.



“The power of this pipeline is that we can concentrate on a target, or any molecule that we are interested in, and find its match,” added Dr. Reuveny, emphasizing the effectiveness of this approach. .



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-ai-s-role-in-molecular-research">Expanding AI’s role in molecular research</h2>



The success of this AI-powered pipeline extends far beyond the study of cone snail toxins. 



The ability to predict molecular interactions accurately could transform the way scientists approach drug discovery, environmental toxicology, and even disease treatment.



One of the most promising applications lies in developing highly specific drugs that target only the intended receptors, thus minimizing side effects. By refining molecular targeting, AI can help create treatments that are both safer and more effective.



Additionally, this approach could be used to study natural toxins other than Cs1, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-snail-venom-possible-key-to-improving-diabetes-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">venom</a> components from other marine creatures, snakes, scorpions or even plants.



Understanding how these compounds interact with biological systems could inspire new medical treatments, from pain relief to antimicrobial drugs.



The research also holds promise for ecological conservation. By mapping how toxins influence different species, scientists can better predict how environmental changes or chemical pollutants may affect ecosystems.



As AI continues to revolutionize molecular biology, tools like AlphaFold and ET3 will likely become standard in many areas of research, bridging the gap between computational predictions and real-world biological interactions.



The work will be presented at the <a href="https://www.biophysics.org/2025meeting/program/">69th Biophysical Society </a>Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.



Image Credit: Courtesy of Eitan Reuveny and Izhar Karbat.



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Cone snail toxin has inspired a breakthrough in drug discovery

Toxins can give valuable insights into how molecules interact with...

Cocoa is the backbone of the $100 billion chocolate industry, and the source of livelihood for millions of small-scale cocoa farmers in warm tropical climates. Unfortunately, climate change makes it increasingly difficult for these farmers to maintain productivity, putting the future of this crop under growing threat.



The increased global consumption of cocoa has already provoked plantation expansion and intensified cultivation schemes - frequently at the expense of local biodiversity and long-term ecosystem resilience.



As the sector struggles with these issues, scientists are working on solutions that can safeguard cocoa production and the ecosystems they depend on. New findings suggest that nature itself may hold the key to securing cocoa’s future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skyrocketing-cocoa-costs">Skyrocketing cocoa costs</h2>



In December 2024, cocoa prices soared to an unprecedented $12,646 per metric ton. Experts link this jump to years of adverse weather, which has been linked to climate change, and the cocoa swollen shoot virus in West Africa. 



As a result, manufacturing costs for chocolate have surged more than 167% over the past two years, forcing retailers to raise prices.



Consumers now face higher chocolate costs at checkout, weighing whether a favorite sweet is worth the extra expense.



Hershey’s buying practices mean current cocoa costs won’t hit shelves right away. Still, the company stated, “We continue to collaborate with our retail partners to ensure we offer a variety of products that meet the right occasions and price points for our consumers.” A 1-pound bar of Hershey’s remains $14.99 for now.



Dirk Van de Put of Mondelez International cited “unprecedented cocoa cost inflation,” while cocoa futures rose 143%. 



“Every time we get rain in West Africa, the futures change. People are watching it that close. It’s just crazy. There’s a lot of money on the table in this exchange,” said Branch. 



The Ivory Coast and Ghana produce 70% of all cocoa, making adverse weather and disease - often tied to climate change - key factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-threats-to-cocoa-farming">Climate threats to cocoa farming</h2>



A collaborative research effort has shed light on the growing risks that climate change poses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cocoa-production-in-africa-is-under-extreme-climate-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cocoa production</a>.



More significantly, the study suggests possible methods for farmers to maintain productivity, without further encroaching on our much-needed forests.



The research, which sought to understand the crucial factors that shape cocoa yields, was conducted in Brazil, Ghana, and Indonesia, whose combined production covers a third of the world's cocoa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollinators-boost-yields-up-to-20">Pollinators boost yields up to 20%</h2>



One key finding of the study was that increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a> rates could effectively augment yields by a significant fifth. 



As understood from the study, many cocoa plantations are currently incompletely pollinated, which prevents them from reaching their full yield potential.



"Cocoa is pollinated by tiny insects such as midges and thrips, and it comes as quite a surprise that most of the time there simply isn’t enough pollination happening to produce the cocoa crop that is possible," said Dr. Acheampong Atta-Boateng, who recently completed his doctoral work at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



Changes in temperature also influence yields, a fact that highlights the vulnerability of cocoa-producing regions to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



Sites where temperatures were higher by up to 7 degrees recorded cocoa yields that were reduced by between 20 and 31%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cocoa-farming-vs-future-climate">Cocoa farming vs. future climate</h2>



The concluding recommendations of the study highlight practical, feasible strategies to enhance pollination and manage the growing impact of climate change. 



Priorities include maintaining leaf litter and other understory biomass, preserving soil organic matter, providing suitable shade, and cutting back on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-herbicides-linked-to-diminished-brain-functioning-in-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical use in agriculture</a>.



"This research shows that sustainable agricultural methods can significantly improve cocoa yields without farm expansion or intensification," stressed Dr. Tonya Lander from the University of Oxford, the lead author of the study.



By adopting biodiversity-centered, climate-resilient farming techniques, the cocoa sector can both increase production and safeguard farmers' livelihoods.



"The rising demand for cocoa and the short-term economic benefits to farmers has led to plantation expansion and ecological homogenization at the expense of biodiversity and vital ecosystem services, like pollination," said Dr. Tom Wanger of <a href="https://en.westlake.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westlake University</a> in China.



"This study highlights the long-term risks of this approach, and how pollination can be a solution that works, alongside climate-resilient agricultural systems, to achieve long-term, ecologically and financially sustainable solutions," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implementing-sustainable-practices">Implementing sustainable practices</h2>



Although the research emphasizes increased pollination and climate-resilient agriculture, the adoption of these practices on a large scale needs unified action by farmers, policy makers, and industry leaders.



The small-scale cocoa farmers, who are the backbone of the industry, do not have access to the resources and information for adopting these sustainable farming practices.



One of the most significant challenges is striking a balance between short-term economic pressures and long-term sustainability. 



Most farmers operate on limited finances, making it hard to invest in biodiversity-friendly methods or move away from chemical-based agriculture. 



Offering financial incentives, such as subsidies or premium pricing for sustainably grown cocoa, may help bridge this gap by encouraging farmers to adopt more eco-friendly practices.



Additionally, farmer training and education initiatives can enable producers to learn about the importance of pollinators and adopt practices that promote biodiversity.



Methods such as agroforestry - growing cocoa trees with other indigenous plants - can increase pollination rates while also providing additional sources of income.



Though demand stays strong, rising production expenses and uncertain supply may reshape chocolate prices for years to come.



However, by investing in sustainable solutions now, the cocoa sector can help ensure that generations to come can still enjoy chocolate while protecting the livelihoods of farmers and the ecosystems that support them.



---



This study was an international collaboration involving scientists from the University of Oxford, Westlake University in China, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz in Brazil, and the University of Göttingen in Germany



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/commsenv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Chocolate and cocoa prices have doubled in the past year, here's why

Cocoa is the backbone of the $100 billion chocolate industry,...

Across Kenya, grasslands serve as a crucial lifeline for both local communities and wildlife, from elephants and giraffes to hyenas. However, climate-driven drought is drying out these habitats, forcing animals and people to vie for diminishing resources - and fueling conflict.&nbsp;



Now, new research shows that restoring more grassland significantly reduces clashes and boosts safety for everyone.



“Grassland restoration is playing a role in reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-wildlife conflicts</a>, social conflicts and the overall feeling of insecurity in Chyulu Hills, Kenya,” said study leader Camila Donatti, a scientist at Conservation International.&nbsp;



“Grasslands maintain 60% of the livestock produced in Kenya and support 70% of all the wildlife that is found outside protected areas, so people, livestock, and wildlife rely on those grasslands for their survival and live in close proximity. This means this system is ideal for studying the connections between grassland restoration and peace and security.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-droughts-escalate-competition-for-resources">Droughts escalate competition for resources</h2>



With the climate crisis intensifying, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a> have grown more severe, reducing vegetation and leaving less food for both livestock and wildlife.&nbsp;



In Chyulu Hills, researchers surveyed 1,567 households and found that 89% faced some form of conflict with wildlife, while 32% experienced social disputes with other residents. The area is predicted to suffer even more pronounced droughts in the next 30 years, further imperiling resources and livelihoods.



“Grasslands prevent soil erosion while supporting agriculture and livestock grazing, which sustain the livelihoods of pastoralists and farmers in Kenya,” explained Maureen Mwanzia, formerly with Conservation International Kenya and now a statistician at the World Health Organization.&nbsp;



“Additionally, they support rich biodiversity. Beyond their ecological functions, grasslands hold cultural significance and offer tourism and recreation opportunities, making their protection and restoration essential for both environmental and human well-being.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-conflicts-in-restored-grasslands-nbsp">Tracking conflicts in restored grasslands&nbsp;</h2>



Beginning in October 2021, 11,000 hectares of grassland in the Chyulu Hills were earmarked for rehabilitation. 



From September 2022 to October 2023, researchers interviewed local households near these restored sites to understand the scale of human-wildlife interactions, such as crop raids and livestock attacks. The team also wanted to document social tensions, like disagreements over land use.



“Of the total households interviewed, 23% had at least one member experiencing non-lethal attacks by wildlife,” Donatti said. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-elephant-conflict-will-escalate-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elephants</a>, giraffes, lions, spotted hyenas, and buffalos were the most likely species to be involved.”&nbsp;



Conflicts often spiked during the rainy season, when predators sometimes turn to livestock and herbivores stray into ripening fields.



However, the study revealed that households near larger restored grassland areas encountered fewer wildlife conflicts, though overall conflict levels stayed relatively flat across time. Researchers attribute this to the still-limited size of restored grasslands compared with animals’ broad ranges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restored-grassland-reduces-community-disputes">Restored grassland reduces community disputes</h2>



Besides curbing wildlife clashes, restored grassland appeared to lower social conflicts and a sense of insecurity within local populations. 



Over the study period, people’s perceptions of safety generally improved where more habitat restoration was underway - though women-led households reported more social conflict and uncertainty than male-led households.



“However, we only have 16 months of data,” Donatti cautioned. “Tracking conflicts should continue in the area to understand long-term patterns.”&nbsp;



“Additionally, the information we requested from household members relates to the conflicts and mitigation strategies we have previously identified; other conflicts and strategies may have been happening in the area.”



“Finally, household surveys do not properly capture retaliatory measures on wildlife. These should be assessed using a different methodology.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-large-scale-grassland-restoration-nbsp">Potential of large-scale grassland restoration&nbsp;</h2>



Based on these findings, Mwanzia underscored the potential for large-scale grassland restoration to foster both ecological and social benefits.



“I would like to see the integration of grassland restoration into national and international environmental and development strategies, with dedicated funding and resources,” said Mwanzia.&nbsp;



“Policies should address human-wildlife and social conflicts while incorporating gender-sensitive approaches that consider the unique challenges faced by men and women in grassland areas.”



With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-are-racing-to-adapt-to-climate-shifts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a> intensifying and tensions escalating, the study highlights grassland restoration as a nature-based approach that can defuse conflicts, support livestock, and protect wildlife. 



As other regions face similar climate pressures, Kenya’s experience may offer a guide on how bolstering natural habitats can help sustain communities and preserve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-earths-biodiversity-can-be-tracked-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2024.1431316" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Environmental Science</a>.



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Restored grasslands bring more peace to Africa 

Across Kenya, grasslands serve as a crucial lifeline for both...

A newly published study investigates how complex chemical mixtures respond to repeated environmental fluctuations, providing insights into prebiotic processes that may have paved the way for life on Earth.&nbsp;



By exposing various organic molecules to cycles of drying and rehydration, researchers observed continuous transformations, selective organization, and synchronized shifts among molecular populations. These behaviors help clarify how early chemical systems could have achieved the complexity needed for life.



The study, published in <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41557-025-01734-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Chemistry</a>, demonstrates that repeated wet-dry cycles not only altered chemical compositions but also guided these shifts in a structured, rather than random, way.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that changing environmental factors might have played an active role in fostering the molecular diversity that was necessary for life to emerge on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-early-environmental-cycles">Simulating early environmental cycles</h2>



To explore how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-to-lifes-beginnings-found-in-ancient-chemical-reactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical evolution</a> may have played out billions of years ago, scientists subjected mixtures containing diverse functional groups - such as carboxylic acids, amines, thiols, and hydroxyls - to multiple rounds of drying out and rehydration.&nbsp;



In essence, they mimicked the environmental swings thought to be common on the early Earth, including periods of moisture followed by arid conditions.&nbsp;



Rather than producing disorganized reactions, the mixtures organized themselves and evolved along predictable patterns.



This challenges the notion that early chemical pathways were entirely haphazard. Instead, the results imply that nature’s fluctuations - like brief rain showers in ancient shallow ponds or tidal zones - could have steered molecules in specific, constructive directions.&nbsp;



Over long spans of time, these guided transformations may have led to increasingly sophisticated molecular systems akin to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks of life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-changes-and-chemical-reactions">Environmental changes and chemical reactions</h2>



The study was conducted by Dr. Moran Frenkel-Pinter from the Institute of Chemistry at the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a> and Professor Loren Williams from the <a href="https://www.gatech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia Institute of Technology</a>.



The research team shows how chemical systems evolve steadily while preserving structural coherence. Their focus was on continuous transformation: even as molecules changed or formed new bonds, the overall system avoided devolving into chaos.



Chemical evolution generally refers to the gradual complexification of molecules in conditions that predate life. This concept is essential for explaining how biologically relevant compounds, such as amino acids and nucleotides, eventually appeared.&nbsp;



While much prior research zeroed in on individual chemical reactions or specific molecules, this new work sets up a more all-encompassing model of how an entire mixture might behave under environmental changes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-cycles-and-molecular-variety">Environmental cycles and molecular variety </h2>



In particular, the researchers uncovered three significant observations. First, chemical systems continued to evolve without reaching a stable equilibrium, suggesting that persistent environmental stimuli, like wet-dry cycles, can keep driving new reactions.&nbsp;



Second, although the mixtures contained many types of molecules, they did not expand into an unwieldy soup of complexity. Instead, certain chemical routes were favored, restricting random pathways and maintaining organization.&nbsp;



Finally, different molecular species showed interlinked patterns of emergence and decline, implying that some molecules depended on or facilitated the formation of others in a coordinated way.



Collectively, these aspects highlight how environmental shifts could encourage the development of molecular variety while preserving orderly growth - characteristics essential to the emergence of living systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-mechanisms-for-the-emergence-of-life">Potential mechanisms for the emergence of life</h2>



By focusing on how entire mixtures adapt and transform over multiple cycles, the study helps bridge the gap between classical prebiotic chemistry (which often probes single reactions) and the broader question of how life got started.



“This research offers a new perspective on how molecular evolution might have unfolded on early Earth,” said Frenkel-Pinter.



“By demonstrating that chemical systems can self-organize and evolve in structured ways, we provide experimental evidence that may help bridge the gap between prebiotic chemistry and the emergence of biological molecules.”



The team envisions that repeated wet-dry cycles in ancient environments - like shallow basins or tidally influenced regions - could have systematically steered chemical mixtures to form increasingly complex networks.&nbsp;



Over time, such processes could cultivate the right conditions for molecules capable of replication and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-metabolism-has-evolved-to-become-energetically-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, key signatures of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-life-on-earth">Early stages of life on Earth</h2>



Though primarily aimed at unraveling life’s early stages, the study’s findings might also be applied in synthetic biology and nanotechnology.&nbsp;



The authors suggest that controlled chemical evolution - exploiting periodic changes in the environment - could lead to new ways of producing molecular systems with desired traits. This might include specialized polymers, novel catalysts, or even biologically inspired <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanotech-material-graphene-passes-human-safety-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanomaterials</a>.



Additionally, a better understanding of how chemical systems self-organize could inform <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oral-peptides-pave-the-way-for-new-drug-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug development</a>, helping researchers design molecules that adapt to varied conditions within the human body.&nbsp;



The self-organizing principle could also prove beneficial in engineering tasks where complex, adaptive behavior is desired - much like living cells operate via coordinated chemical pathways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-simple-molecules-to-complex-life">From simple molecules to complex life</h2>



While this study highlights how fluctuations in ancient Earth’s environment might have propelled chemical complexity, many questions remain about the full path from simple molecules to the first true life forms.&nbsp;



The authors advocate for broader experiments that expand on the current approach: using more varied chemical compositions, testing different pH levels or temperature ranges, and coupling the results with genetic-like feedback mechanisms.



The researchers hope this approach will unravel further details about how molecules collaborate, outcompete, and reshape one another in dynamic chemical “ecosystems.”&nbsp;



Such knowledge is not only essential for understanding how life may have arisen but could also guide how we harness or replicate these evolutionary tricks in modern science and industry.



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Earth’s cycles may have sparked the chemical foundations of life

A newly published study investigates how complex chemical mixtures respond...

Songs, both taught and self-made, undoubtedly shape our auditory landscape during childhood. At this time, we often sing our hearts out, carefree and uninhibited by the responses of others. 



A recent study by Analía Capponi-Savolainen, a doctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>, has investigated how singing experiences shape the lives of today's children in a culturally diverse school in Southern Finland. The research focused on six- and seven-year-old students.



Rather than viewing such experiences solely as performances, Capponi-Savolainen reveals the depth of children's connection with singing and how they utilize it to shape their everyday lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-children-s-voices-to-life">Bringing children's voices to life </h2>



The study involved 44 children, half of which shared their experiences through in-depth interviews. The students explained what singing means to them in their everyday lives. Capponi-Savolainen selected seven of these narratives in her doctoral dissertation to illustrate the children's responses.



"Children use singing to create their own spaces of trust and freedom for their personal purposes: to cope with everyday struggles, to create new ways of acting and participating, and to exercise their political voice," Capponi-Savolainen explained. 



"For example, in these spaces, they can choose to sing or not sing, or to sing and dance simultaneously. They can choose their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-triggers-unique-prediction-zones-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>."



She noted that these self-created soundspaces can be as public or private as the child desires - from singing and dancing with friends in the neighborhood to quietly humming in secluded spaces at school.



Capponi-Savolainen found that children formed important relationships through singing. Some of the children reported that they sang loudly, with full vocal potential, when singing with friends, but that they sang softly when alone. Private singing was also very important to the children. 



Interestingly, the study found the children's singing experiences at school, especially those that were adult-led, were quite different from their personal singing experiences. 



Some children enthusiastically shared songs from their home <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-causes-similar-emotional-experiences-and-sensations-in-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultures</a> while others chose to keep their personal song realms tucked away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-childhood-songs">A new perspective on childhood songs</h2>



Childhood singing experiences have traditionally been examined through lenses of vocal development, pedagogical methods, and song repertoires.



However, this study urges a shift in perspective. It emphasizes the importance of considering how children perceive their singing experience, especially in diverse educational environments.



Capponi-Savolainen's study does not treat singing as just a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-student-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">performance</a> or a skill to be measured in educational settings. 



Instead, it paints a picture of singing as an ecological occurrence, a means of existing, communicating, and connecting with the world. It can be likened to a bridge that links the personal and academic realms of a child's daily life.



This research, guided by global and national policies such as the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child and Finland’s Child Strategy, calls for greater consideration to be given to the children's perspectives in decision-making that affects their lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tuning-into-children-s-unique-experiences">Tuning into children's unique experiences</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-students-learn-is-key-to-helping-them-succeed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teaching methods</a> must take into consideration the unique experiences, voices, and cultural backgrounds of every child.



Capponi-Savolainen urges educators to navigate away from the traditional methods of teaching songs and instead tune into the unique experiences and perspectives of children.



"We are constantly asked to find new ways to listen to our children, but the question is how to listen and how to respect what is heard," she noted.



"To see the ‘real child’ in front of us, awareness is needed, but in order to make a difference, we need action. Learning from children about what singing means to them and creating a curriculum of care through singing is a way to do this."



The idea is not to focus on measuring a child's singing skill but to enable singing as a vibrant activity that bridges home and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/school-field-trips-linked-to-better-student-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">school experiences</a>. Central to this approach is creating an environment that cares for each child as a unique individual and as part of society.



The study has opened an unexplored path in the field of children's singing experiences. The research has also established the significance of singing in a child's communication, self-expression, identity, and social connection.



Details of this research are available in a University of Helsinki <a href="https://www.uniarts.fi/en/events/analia-capponi-savolainen-childrens-singing-ecologies-in-culturally-diverse-societies/">press release.</a>



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Finding their voice: How singing empowers children

Songs, both taught and self-made, undoubtedly shape our auditory landscape...

Time usually moves from yesterday to tomorrow in a straight line. Many people accept this without question, but some scientists suspect our sense of forward progression could be missing an entire other direction.



Evidence now suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physicists-make-bold-claims-that-time-is-an-illusion-question-its-existence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">time</a> may operate in both directions at once, though we remain oblivious to the backward flow. 



The research was led by Dr. Andrea Rocco, an associate professor of physics and mathematical biology at the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Surrey</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-time-really-only-move-forward">Does time really only move forward?</h2>



“One way to explain this is when you look at a process like spilt milk spreading across a table, it's clear that time is moving forward. But if you were to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">play that in reverse</a>, like a movie, you'd immediately know something was wrong – it would be hard to believe milk could just gather back into a glass," said Dr. Rocco.



He points out that certain physical laws appear neutral about the direction of time, yet our everyday world does not reflect that neutrality. This divide sparks curiosity about whether forward-only time is just a convenient interpretation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-physics-suggests-time-may-reverse">Quantum physics suggests time may reverse</h2>



In the quantum domain, tiny particles can show bizarre behavior that seems unnatural on larger scales. 



When these particles interact with an environment, they form a type of open quantum system that can leak energy or information in subtle ways.



Scientists suspected that once those details escaped into a huge environment, there was no coming back, reinforcing the idea of a one-way timeline. The new study challenges this belief by suggesting that the fundamental equations allow for a hidden reverse route as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-surprise-factor">The surprise factor</h2>



Mathematical models revealed an unexpected consistency in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-caps-changing-earths-rotation-need-negative-leap-second/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">equations</a> when time was flipped. The researchers noticed that certain adjustments, normally used to simplify the math, did not break the possibility of reverse flow at all.



“The surprising part was that even after simplifying our equations, they behaved the same whether moving forward or backward in time. This had to be the case because the 'memory kernel' is symmetrical,” said Dr. Thomas Guff, who led the calculations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loophole-allows-time-to-move-backward">Loophole allows time to move backward</h2>



One detail often overlooked is the time-discontinuous factor, which preserves an odd balance in the equations. 



While everyday experience pushes us to assume time can only move forward, the time-discontinuous factor keeps the backward path mathematically valid.



In practice, this means a system could, in theory, follow a trajectory that looks normal in reverse. At larger scales, we rarely see this because chaos and complexity hide such reversals from casual observation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-directions-are-possible">Two directions are possible </h2>



According to the experts, the second law of thermodynamics still holds even when two directions are possible. 



Entropy, which measures disorder, grows from whichever point we label as the start, so each direction still looks irreversible from its own vantage point.



In other words, you cannot spontaneously return spilled milk to the glass if you view that event as your baseline. The laws do not demand a single universal arrow; they only state that disorder tends to go up from any chosen beginning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-moving-forward-and-backward">Time moving forward and backward</h2>



Some believe that if the universe had a clear initial condition, it might have sprouted two directions of time at once. We follow one arrow, but there could be another evolving away from the same cosmic starting point.



This idea may seem bold, but it raises fundamental questions about why time appears to move in only one direction in our everyday experiences. 



In the physical world, we observe events unfolding in a forward sequence - water spills but does not unspill, people age rather than grow younger, and past events remain fixed while the future remains uncertain.



However, some scientific theories suggest that this forward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-travel-study-reveals-the-fate-of-coastal-marshes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movement</a> may not be an inherent feature of time itself but rather a product of how we perceive and interact with the universe.



By studying hidden symmetries in quantum systems, researchers are investigating whether time has an underlying balance, allowing it to move both forward and backward under certain conditions. 



These studies aim to determine whether time's apparent one-way flow is simply a limitation of our human experience or a more profound law of nature.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-87323-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Time may not just move forward, experts think it may also rewind

Time usually moves from yesterday to tomorrow in a straight...

Humanity has long wondered whether intelligent life is a rare cosmic accident or an inevitable outcome of planetary evolution. For decades, scientists have debated the probability of intelligent beings arising elsewhere in the universe.



Some argue that our existence depends on a series of nearly impossible steps, making it unlikely that similar beings exist beyond Earth. 



Others suggest that evolution follows predictable patterns, meaning life like ours could be common on other planets.



A new study from researchers at Penn State challenges the idea that intelligence is an improbable fluke. Their model suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-super-earth-hd-20794-found-just-20-light-years-away-is-best-target-yet-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> evolves as planetary conditions shift, making intelligence less about luck and more about timing. 



The findings reshape the discussion about our origins and the likelihood of discovering extraterrestrial civilizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-intelligent-life-rare">Is intelligent life rare?</h2>



For years, the dominant theory explaining the rarity of intelligent life has been the "hard steps" model. 



First proposed by physicist Brandon Carter in 1983, this idea suggests that life’s progression from simple organisms to intelligent beings required multiple, extremely difficult evolutionary steps.



Carter’s model assumes that, because it took billions of years for humans to appear on Earth, the odds of intelligent life arising elsewhere must be extremely low.



However, the new study challenges this assumption. Researchers argue that Earth's environment was initially inhospitable to complex life, and evolutionary breakthroughs occurred when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-alien-life-may-be-as-simple-as-watching-microbes-move/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions became suitable</a>. 



This suggests that intelligence may not be the result of rare luck but a natural outcome of planetary development.



“This is a significant shift in how we think about the history of life,” said Jennifer Macalady, professor of geosciences at <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>. 



“It suggests that the evolution of complex life may be less about luck and more about the interplay between life and its environment, opening up exciting new avenues of research in our quest to understand our origins and our place in the universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-environmental-conditions">Role of environmental conditions</h2>



The new model proposes that key evolutionary transitions, such as the emergence of complex cells and multicellular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-chances-that-alien-life-exists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>, were made possible by gradual changes in Earth's atmosphere and oceans. 



Life did not evolve randomly but rather in response to shifts in environmental factors like oxygen levels, temperature, and ocean chemistry.



For example, complex animals require sufficient oxygen to survive. Earth's atmosphere became oxygen-rich due to the activities of photosynthesizing microbes and bacteria, which created the right conditions for more advanced life to appear. 



“We're arguing that intelligent life may not require a series of lucky breaks to exist,” said Dan Mills, postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Munich</a>. 



“Humans didn't evolve ‘early’ or ‘late’ in Earth’s history, but ‘on time,’ when the conditions were in place. Perhaps it’s only a matter of time, and maybe other planets are able to achieve these conditions more rapidly than Earth did, while other planets might take even longer.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-different-perspective-on-time">A different perspective on time</h2>



The "hard steps" model is based on the assumption that evolution should be measured against the lifespan of the sun. 



With the sun expected to last around 10 billion years, and Earth already 5 billion years old, Carter suggested that intelligent life must be extremely rare since it appeared relatively late.



The new study takes a different approach. Instead of measuring evolution against the sun’s lifespan, researchers suggest using a geological time scale. Evolution follows planetary changes, not the arbitrary ticking of a cosmic clock.



“We’re taking the view that rather than base our predictions on the lifespan of the sun, we should use a geological time scale, because that's how long it takes for the atmosphere and landscape to change,” commented Jason Wright, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State.



“These are normal timescales on the Earth. If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hydrothermal-vents-earths-blueprint-for-finding-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> evolves with the planet, then it will evolve on a planetary time scale at a planetary pace.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-how-intelligent-life-evolves">Rethinking how intelligent life evolves</h2>



One reason the "hard steps" model remained dominant for so long is its astrophysical origins. Astrophysics has traditionally shaped how scientists think about planetary formation and the conditions required for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-life-may-be-lurking-deep-underground-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>. 



However, evolution is a biological process influenced by planetary chemistry, ocean currents, and atmospheric shifts.



To create their new model, the research team combined insights from astrophysics, geobiology, and planetary science. 



This interdisciplinary approach allowed them to challenge long-held assumptions and present a more comprehensive view of how life evolves.



“This paper is the most generous act of interdisciplinary work,” said Macalady, who also directs Penn State’s <a href="https://astrobiology.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrobiology Research Center</a>. 



“Our fields were far apart, and we put them on the same page to get at this question of how we got here and are we alone? There was a gulf, and we built a bridge.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-new-model">Testing the new model</h2>



The researchers are now working to test their alternative model by studying planetary atmospheres and evaluating evolutionary "hard steps" under different environmental conditions. 



They suggest searching for biosignatures, such as oxygen, in the atmospheres of exoplanets to determine whether life-supporting conditions develop elsewhere.



They also plan to investigate whether supposed "hard steps" in evolution were truly as rare as previously thought. 



By studying single-celled and multicellular life in different environmental settings, they aim to determine whether major evolutionary transitions could occur under a broader range of conditions than previously assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-evolutionary-milestones-truly-unique">Are evolutionary milestones truly unique?</h2>



Another important question the team hopes to explore is whether key evolutionary breakthroughs - such as the emergence of oxygenic photosynthesis, eukaryotic cells, and animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxygen-levels-on-exoplanets-reveal-presence-of-alien-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellularity</a> - were truly one-time events in Earth's history.



They suggest that similar evolutionary advances may have occurred multiple times but left no fossil record due to extinction or environmental changes.



If such innovations occurred more than once, it would suggest that evolution follows a predictable path, which increases the chances that life similar to ours exists elsewhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-intelligent-life-exist-on-many-planets">Could intelligent life exist on many planets?</h2>



The study presents a hopeful view of life’s potential beyond Earth. If intelligence arises naturally when planetary conditions align, then the universe may be filled with civilizations at different stages of development.



“This new perspective suggests that the emergence of intelligent life might not be such a long shot after all,” Wright said. “Instead of a series of improbable events, evolution may be more of a predictable process that unfolds as global conditions allow."



"Our framework applies not only to Earth, but also other planets, increasing the possibility that life similar to ours could exist elsewhere,” he added.



As scientists continue to refine their understanding of evolution and the role of planetary conditions, new discoveries may bring us closer to answering one of humanity’s greatest questions: Are we alone in the universe?



-----



The study was co-authored by Adam Frank of the University of Rochester. The research received support from Penn State’s Astrobiology Research Center, the Penn State <a href="https://exoplanets.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds</a>, the Penn State <a href="https://www.pseti.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center</a>, <a href="https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/research/astrobiology-at-nasa/exobiology/">NASA</a>'s Exobiology program, and the German Research Foundation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads5698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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New study: Intelligent life is likely very common throughout the universe

Humanity has long wondered whether intelligent life is a rare...

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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



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.

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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