Earth Day 2021

An asteroid impact on Mars about 11 million years ago, sending fragments of the Red Planet hurtling through space. One of these pieces eventually crashed into Earth and somehow made its way into a drawer of an old desk at Purdue University. 



This rare find, now known as the Lafayette Meteorite, has been instrumental in unlocking secrets of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manganese-discovery-ancient-mars-earth-like-water-lake-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>’ watery past, with new research recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.2443" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geochemical Perspective Letters</a> that provides insight into the timing and nature of Mars’ ancient water activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-mars-watery-past">Tracing Mars’ watery past</h2>



Scientists have long known that the Lafayette Meteorite interacted with liquid water on Mars, but the exact timing of this event was uncertain.&nbsp;



Dr. Marissa Tremblay, an assistant professor at Purdue University’s <a href="https://www.eaps.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences</a> (EAPS), led an international research team to determine the age of the water-altered minerals in the meteorite, pinpointing it to 742 million years ago.



“Dating these minerals can therefore tell us when there was liquid water at or near the surface of Mars in the planet's geologic past,” Tremblay explained.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that while liquid water wasn’t abundant on the surface at this time, it likely came from melting subsurface ice, or permafrost, caused by intermittent volcanic activity -- a phenomenon still observed on Mars today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-a-moment-in-mars-geological-timeline">Preserving a moment in Mars’ geological timeline</h2>



The study not only identified when water interacted with the meteorite but also established that the dating was unaffected by events after the meteorite left Mars.&nbsp;



“The age could have been affected by the impact that ejected the Lafayette Meteorite from Mars, the heating it experienced during the 11 million years it was floating in space, or the heating when it fell to Earth,” Tremblay said.&nbsp;



However, the team confirmed that none of these factors altered the age, validating the timeline of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-lost-most-of-its-water-but-where-did-it-go/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> interaction.



Study co-author and Purdue EAPS researcher Ryan Ickert applied heavy isotope analysis to further verify that previous data on the meteorite’s water-rock interaction had likely been skewed by other geological processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“This meteorite uniquely has evidence that it has reacted with water. The exact date of this was controversial, and our publication dates when water was present,” said Ickert.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-journey-of-the-meteorite">Mysterious journey of the meteorite </h2>



The Lafayette Meteorite’s journey to Purdue is something of a mystery. It was found in a university drawer in 1931, though how it got there remains unknown.&nbsp;



In previous research, Tremblay and her team used crop disease markers from organic contaminants found on the meteorite to narrow down when it might have fallen to Earth.



Once the meteorite was ejected from Mars, it endured constant cosmic ray bombardment in space, which produced certain isotopes, offering clues to its time of impact on Earth.&nbsp;



“Many meteoroids are produced by impacts on Mars and other planetary bodies, but only a handful will eventually fall to Earth,” Tremblay said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-time-capsules">Planetary time capsules</h2>



Meteorites like Lafayette serve as planetary time capsules, offering invaluable data on the geological and environmental history of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home worlds</a>. With their dense structure, metallic content, and magnetic properties, meteorites are often distinguishable from Earth rocks.&nbsp;



“We can identify meteorites by studying what minerals are present in them, their mineral relationships, and by checking for a fusion crust formed during entry into Earth’s atmosphere,” Tremblay explained.&nbsp;



By analyzing these traits and their chemical signatures, scientists can often determine a meteorite’s planetary origin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-history-of-meteorites">Complex history of meteorites</h2>



This research marks a significant milestone for the team, which included scientists from institutions across the globe, such as the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Center (SUERC), the University of St. Andrews, the University of Glasgow, the University of Bristol, and London’s <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum</a>.&nbsp;



“Before moving to Purdue, Ryan and I were both based at SUERC, where the argon-argon isotopic analyses of the alteration minerals in Lafayette took place,” Tremblay said.&nbsp;



Their partners at SUERC and the Natural History Museum have long contributed to studying Lafayette’s complex history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-minerals-in-meteorites">Dating minerals in meteorites</h2>



Dating the water-altered minerals in Lafayette, and others in its class of Martian meteorites called nakhlites, has been a central focus in planetary science, as they uniquely capture moments when liquid water was present on Mars.&nbsp;



Due to complex alterations over time, previous attempts to date these minerals were plagued with uncertainties.&nbsp;



However, the team has now developed a robust dating method that could be applied to other meteorites, enhancing our understanding of when water might have been present on Mars and other planetary bodies.



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



Thanks to the Stahura Undergraduate Meteorite Fund, Tremblay and Ickert’s research on the Lafayette Meteorite will continue, with the involvement of undergraduate students in Purdue EAPS.&nbsp;



This opportunity allows students to engage in real-world planetary science, helping to reveal the intricate histories of meteoritic samples.



Tremblay and her team’s work on the Lafayette Meteorite highlights its scientific significance, revealing a complex history that ties it to Mars’ geological past.&nbsp;



Their findings not only deepen our understanding of Mars but also set a precedent for future studies that might unveil even more about the red planet’s climate history, water activity, and potential for supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-mars-rocks-contain-signs-of-life-scientists-call-to-bring-them-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.



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Meteorite found in an old desk shows Mars had water about 700 million years ago

An asteroid impact on Mars about 11 million years ago,...

Have you ever wondered how your internet and browsing habits impact your mental health? The relationship between internet use and happiness, it turns out, isn't as simple as you might think. 



For those crossing the 50-year mark, the internet could be a portal to a more contented life. However, for the younger crowd, losing themselves in the world of online activities might not be so rosy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-internet-use">Mental health and internet use</h2>



An intriguing new study reveals that people over 50 who regularly navigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-impairs-brain-function-in-teenagers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital landscape</a> of emails, online shopping, or information seeking tend to feel happier and less blue. Eugenia Cheng of the <a href="https://www.hku.hk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hong Kong</a> led the team behind this research.



The experts classified 87,000 people aged 50 and older from 23 countries into four groups based on their internet usage: non-users, sporadic users (those using the internet less than once a week), weekly users, and daily users.



Over six years, these "silver surfers" painted a picture showing that more internet use correlated with more life satisfaction and improved health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-side-of-the-internet">Dark side of the internet</h2>



Before anyone decides to glue themselves to their screens, it's important to remember that the internet can be a source of poor mental health and distress for our younger counterparts.



Earlier research suggested that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-shocking-reality-of-website-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet</a> use among those under 50 could exacerbate anxiety, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, and exposure to online harassment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geography-and-age">Geography and age</h2>



Turning to England, the researchers discovered that only daily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-the-internet-is-not-bad-for-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet</a> users reported fewer depressive symptoms compared to the other groups.



The difference in happiness seems more pronounced for those aged 65 and above - especially for those who were unmarried, physically inactive, and not as financially comfortable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sociability-and-support">Sociability and support</h2>



Cheng's team believes that for those aged 50 and above, the internet could promote social interaction and help combat loneliness.



Beyond the social aspect, it lends a helping hand in accessing valuable information and services that offer emotional support and medical advice. But while the internet may be a tool for boosting mental health, it's not without its perils.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internet-and-mental-health-connection">Internet and mental health connection</h2>



Remember that old saying about having too much of a good thing? It perfectly applies to the internet, especially for older populations. 



Excessive internet use could cut into time for sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face socializing - the very factors important for good mental health. Moreover, there's the tricky business of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-impairs-brain-function-in-teenagers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a> fraud and misinformation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internet-boosts-mental-health">Internet boosts mental health</h2>



According to the researchers, their study highlights the potential of internet use as an effective strategy to bolster overall mental health in middle-aged and older populations.



After all, the internet serves as a lifeline for people in their twilight years, allowing them to access health-related information, build social connections, and find entertainment - all contributing positively to their mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-little-internet-goes-a-long-way">Little internet goes a long way</h2>



Let's not forget another noteworthy finding. "Silver surfers" who keep using the internet cut their risk of developing dementia in half compared to their less digital savvy peers.



"Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can in turn compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia," explained Dr. Virginia Chang, a professor at NYU School of Global Public Health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-informed-decisions-about-our-digital-habits">Informed decisions about our digital habits</h2>



The internet, like many things in life, can be a boon or a bane for mental health, depending on how we use it and, interestingly, how old we are. 



While older adults surf their way towards a healthier and happier life, our younger generations might need to tread the online waters more carefully. Either way, it seems clear that the world wide web continues to weave its complex threads into the fabric of our lives.



Within this digital maze we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigate</a> daily, let's continue to explore and learn the best ways to use it for our advantage.



As our lives become increasingly entwined with technology, studies like these offer valuable insights. They help us to question, reflect, and make informed decisions about our digital habits. In what ways can we all strike a balance in our internet use to improve our quality of life?



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Mental health and the internet: Who benefits and who suffers?

Have you ever wondered how your internet and browsing habits...

The Northern Lights have been visible much farther south than usual this year, filing social media with stunning images of colorful skies. Now, imagine an aurora so intense that it would instantly render smartphones useless as particles from the sun overwhelm electronic devices.&nbsp;



Such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-tree-rings-help-predict-extreme-solar-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme solar storms</a> are incredibly rare - only six have left their traces on Earth in the past 14,500 years, and none have been observed since the height of the Assyrian Empire nearly 2,700 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-event-from-664-b-c">A cosmic event from 664 B.C.</h2>



A research team led by Irina Panyushkina of the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>'s Laboratory for Tree-Ring Research and Timothy Jull from the Department of Geosciences has identified the last time Earth experienced such a powerful burst of cosmic radiation.&nbsp;



Their findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01618-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>, reveal a spike in carbon-14 dating to the year 664 B.C., pinpointing the timing of this elusive extreme solar storm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-solar-storms">What are solar storms?</h2>



Solar storms occur when the Sun releases massive amounts of energy in the form of solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events send high-energy particles and magnetic fields hurtling toward Earth at incredible speeds.



When these charged particles interact with Earth's magnetic field, they can create dramatic and far-reaching effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-solar-storms-through-carbon-14">Tracing solar storms through carbon-14</h2>



“After a few months, carbon-14 will have traveled from the stratosphere to the lower atmosphere, where it is taken up by trees and becomes part of the wood as they grow,” Panyushkina said.&nbsp;



By analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-largest-ever-solar-storm-discovered-through-tree-rings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree rings</a> for carbon-14, a naturally occurring radioactive variant of carbon, the team detected this ancient solar storm.&nbsp;



Determining the precise timing of such massive solar eruptions provides important data for scientists who study and develop models of the sun's activity over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signature-of-extreme-solar-storms">Signature of extreme solar storms</h2>



It wasn't until 2012 that scientists recognized extreme solar storms known as Miyake events. 



That year, Fusa Miyake, a Japanese physicist and collaborator with Panyushkina's team, published a paper reporting the storms' telltale signature: spikes in radioactive carbon isotopes in the growth rings of trees. 



Miyake events occur when the sun's electromagnetic field weakens, allowing plasma from the sun's surface to escape into space.&nbsp;



Increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunspot-sketches-from-1607-unlock-secrets-of-solar-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar activity</a> leads to protons bombarding Earth's atmosphere, triggering chemical reactions that result in spikes of radioactive isotopes.



“Thanks to radiocarbon in tree-rings, we now know that six Miyake events happened over the last 14,500 years,” Panyushkina said. “If they happened today, they would have cataclysmic effects on communication technology.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methodology-tree-rings-and-ice-cores">Methodology: Tree rings and ice cores</h2>



The research team used surgical knives to dissect individual tree rings from ancient wood samples, including those from dead trees buried in riverbanks and timbers excavated during archaeological digs.&nbsp;



Next, the researchers burned the cellulose - the main component of wood - to determine the radiocarbon content.&nbsp;



To confirm whether solar storms caused the radiocarbon spikes, the researchers compared their tree ring data to spikes found in a different isotope, beryllium-10, locked in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-cores-from-highest-tropical-peak-reveal-new-climate-clues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice cores</a> from glaciers and ice sheets.&nbsp;



Like carbon-14, beryllium-10 forms in the atmosphere due to solar particles and becomes trapped in ice through rain and snow.



“If ice cores from both the North Pole and South Pole show a spike in the isotope beryllium-10 for a particular year corresponding to increased radiocarbon in tree rings, we know there was a solar storm,” Panyushkina said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-we-predict-extreme-solar-storms">Can we predict extreme solar storms?</h2>



Although tree rings act as “archivists” recording Miyake events, researchers have not yet found evidence of a pattern in these occurrences.&nbsp;



According to Panyushkina, tree rings give us an idea of the magnitude of these massive storms, but we can't detect any type of pattern, so it is unlikely we will ever be able to predict when such an event is going to happen.



“Still, we believe our paper will transform how we search and understand the carbon-14 spike signal of extreme solar proton events in tree rings,” said Panyushkina.



“The energy from this type of event not only changes the atmosphere's radiocarbon content but also the atmosphere's chemistry. We are trying to figure out how those short-lived and powerful events affect the Earth system as a whole.”



Image Credit: NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams



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Trees hold evidence of one of Earth's most extreme solar storms

The Northern Lights have been visible much farther south than...

Rivers and streams act as vital lifelines, weaving through diverse landscapes, from secluded headwaters to vast oceans.&nbsp;



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a> play an essential role in human and environmental health, agriculture, and energy production, providing two-thirds of the United States’ drinking water.&nbsp;



Yet, compared to larger water bodies like oceans and lakes, the microbiology of rivers has remained largely underexplored.



A team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> (CSU) has changed that. For the first time, they have cataloged the microorganisms present in rivers spanning 90% of the watersheds in the continental U.S., detailing their roles and functions.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08240-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, highlight how river microbes influence nutrient flow, water quality, and even environmental health, opening a new frontier in microbiome research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-essential-role-of-river-microbes">The essential role of river microbes</h2>



The study underscores the critical role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> in maintaining river health. According to the research, these microorganisms act as “master orchestrators of nutrient and energy flows,” playing a significant role in determining water quality under current and future conditions.&nbsp;



The study also revealed how river microbes interact with contaminants like antibiotics, fertilizers, microplastics, and disinfection byproducts.



Notably, river microbes can degrade <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> into smaller carbon compounds. However, near wastewater treatment plants, they exhibit high levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance genes</a>, pointing to human impacts on these ecosystems.&nbsp;



“People used to think of rivers almost just as pipes, a way to move water from one place to another,” said CSU research professor Mikayla Borton, the study’s lead author.&nbsp;



“But rivers are much more than that - they’re performing all kinds of activities. And there’s a pattern to it; those activities can be predicted. Now, we know what microbes are performing some of those activities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rivers-as-integrated-systems-nbsp">Rivers as integrated systems&nbsp;</h2>



The research also lends new support to the River Continuum Concept, a decades-old theory that views rivers as integrated systems where changes upstream directly affect downstream ecosystems.&nbsp;



For instance, the health of a fish population at one point in a river depends on what happens upstream. The researchers found this interconnectedness also applies to microorganisms.



“One of the key ideas from the paper was that this tied back to river theory - how rivers change from small creeks to really large rivers. This work aligns quite well with these old theories," said co-author Matt Ross, an associate professor at CSU.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-river-microbiomes-across-the-u-s">Mapping river microbiomes across the U.S.</h2>



To catalog river microorganisms, the researchers analyzed over 2,000 microbial genomes from about 100 rivers across North America.&nbsp;



The project relied heavily on community participation, with local volunteers collecting water samples through a program run by the <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</a> (PNNL). These samples were then analyzed for microbial content.



Kelly Wrighton is a professor in CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and a co-author of the study. 



“When we look at how the land around a river is managed, we can see the processing of certain kinds of anthropogenic contaminants or chemicals through the microbes in their DNA,” said Professor Wrighton.



“There’s a very strong relationship - it suggests there’s a signal in the microbiome of how we’re living on and managing the land that is perpetuated into the river system and then downstream.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-as-indicators-of-river-health">Microbes as indicators of river health</h2>



Microbiome science is an emerging field with promising implications for environmental health. River microbes could serve as early-warning indicators of ecosystem changes, much like a canary in a coal mine.&nbsp;



“Our hope is that this information can eventually be used to develop new diagnostics that are indicators of a healthy river versus an unhealthy river,” Wrighton explained.&nbsp;



These insights could help scientists and policymakers better manage river systems and the landscapes surrounding them.



The research also uncovered six core microorganisms present in all rivers studied. These microbes, which use light as an energy source, were found to be active and predictable across the continental U.S.&nbsp;



“Microbes are active in these systems in such a way that is predictable across the continental U.S.,” said Borton. “That’s very cool, and I think it says a lot about the robustness of the science that was done prior to our work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-world-s-biggest-problems">Tackling the world's biggest problems</h2>



The study not only revealed new insights into river microbes but also showcased the potential of large-scale participatory science.&nbsp;



The project began in 2018 when Wrighton met James Stegen, a PNNL earth scientist, who was already leading a global river sampling initiative.&nbsp;



Wrighton realized that the samples collected for chemical analysis could also be studied for microbial data, launching a groundbreaking collaboration.



“There’s a lot of interest in mapping microbiomes, and there was this huge absence of microbial river data,” Wrighton said.&nbsp;



“But I was also thinking, ‘Can we do this science at scale?’ Because if we can do science like this, if we can demonstrate that it works, we can tackle the world’s big problems like climate change. We could take this and apply it everywhere.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-user-friendly-database-of-river-microbiomes">User-friendly database of river microbiomes</h2>



One of the project’s key achievements was creating a searchable, user-friendly database of river microbiome data.&nbsp;



Ross, an ecosystem scientist specializing in data analytics, helped build this platform and contextualize the findings for the study’s final analysis. “I’m really proud of the data accessibility part of this project,” Borton noted.



Borton hopes that the data infrastructure will inspire non-microbiome scientists to incorporate microbial processes into broader ecosystem models. “We need to be better at studying across landscapes, and better understanding rivers can help us do that,” Borton said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-frontier-for-environmental-science">New frontier for environmental science</h2>



This study opens the door to new research and practical applications. From tackling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> to improving ecosystem modeling, the insights gained from river microbiomes could inform solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.&nbsp;



“This is new frontier kind of stuff; we’re really opening the doors to a deeply under-characterized part of the Earth,” Stegen said. “It is extremely gratifying to have built something that will benefit a lot of folks beyond our team.”



By revealing the hidden dynamics of river microbes, this research redefines how we understand rivers - not as mere conduits for water but as vibrant, interconnected ecosystems shaped by the smallest forms of life.



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Microbes play a big role in shaping the health of rivers

Rivers and streams act as vital lifelines, weaving through diverse...

Uranus has long captivated scientists with its mysteries, particularly those that remain hidden within our solar system. 



Decades-old data from Voyager 2, a NASA spacecraft, has now breathed new life into our understanding of this distant, enigmatic planet, settling age-old questions that have puzzled researchers for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basics-of-planet-uranus">Basics of planet Uranus</h2>



Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun, and it has this wild tilt -- it's basically spinning on its side with an axis tilt of about 98 degrees. 



This unique tilt leads to some extreme seasons that last over 20 Earth years each. The planet's blue-green hue comes from methane in its atmosphere, which absorbs red light and reflects blue, giving it that cool color.



Uranus has a set of rings and 27 known moons, most of which are named after characters from Shakespeare's plays. While its rings aren't as flashy as Saturn's, they're still pretty interesting.



 And talk about cold -- Uranus has the coldest planetary atmosphere in the solar system, dipping down to -224 degrees Celsius (-371 Fahrenheit). 



Finally, it takes about 84 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun, so a single year on Uranus is basically a lifetime for the average human.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voyager-2-meets-uranus">Voyager 2 meets Uranus</h2>



In 1986, Voyager 2 embarked on a momentous journey that brought it into close proximity with Uranus, providing the first -- and so far, only -- detailed examination of this unique, sideways-rotating planet.



This flyby not only unveiled new moons and rings but also introduced perplexing enigmas that challenged the scientific community. 



Solving these mysteries and understanding their broader implications is akin to piecing together a cosmic puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexplained-oddities-of-uranus">Unexplained oddities of Uranus</h2>



The presence of energized particles around Uranus was a conundrum. Here was a planet, rotating on its side and challenging the established understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> trap particle radiation. 



Uranus, known for its unusual properties, was once again surprising the experts.



Scientists re-analyzed data from the notable flyby a few decades ago and, in an exciting twist, identified that an unexpected, cosmic occurrence had thrown this distant planet a curveball.



The experts discovered that, just before the spacecraft’s flyby, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> had peculiarly squashed the planet’s magnetic field, leading to a dramatic compression of Uranus' magnetosphere.



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



“The spacecraft saw Uranus in conditions that only occur about 4% of the time,” stated Jamie Jasinski, a scientist based at <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California and the lead author of a new study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02389-3">Nature Astronomy</a>.



Imagine the odds. Had Voyager 2 arrived just a few days earlier, it would have recorded a completely different magnetosphere around Uranus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-the-magnetosphere">Mysteries of the magnetosphere</h2>



Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-solar-shockwave-has-cracked-earths-magnetosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetosphere</a> plays a crucial role in maintaining life on our planet by protecting us from the ionized gas jets that the Sun releases.



Comprehending how magnetospheres operate carries immense significance not just for us, but for understanding the distant, less-explored planets in our solar system.



In their quest to understand Uranus' magnetosphere, scientists were confused by what they witnessed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 2</a> data. 



Despite a marked absence of plasma, the planet's magnetosphere boasted electron radiation belts with an intensity second only to the notorious radiation belts of Jupiter. 



This posed an enigma, as the Uranian moons, which should have been a significant source of water ions, were believed to be inactive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-solar-wind-event">Unexpected solar wind event</h2>



The latest data analysis suggests that the solar wind, a flow of charged particles released from the Sun's upper atmosphere, could be the key to solving this puzzle.



It is possible that, as the solar wind compressed the planet's magnetosphere, it also drove the plasma out of the system.



The intensity of the solar wind event could have increased the magnetosphere's dynamics, thereby providing a source for the radiation belts.



This discovery has led researchers to speculate that the five major moons of Uranus might be geologically active, contradicting previous beliefs. 



They suggest that these moons could have been continually spewing ions into the surrounding magnetosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewed-focus-on-uranus-and-future-exploration">Renewed focus on Uranus and future exploration</h2>



The National Academies’ 2023 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey has highlighted the study of Uranus as a key objective for future NASA missions.



Linda Spilker from the JPL, who was involved in the Voyager 2 mission, elaborated on the findings.



“The flyby was packed with surprises, and we were searching for an explanation of its unusual behavior. The magnetosphere Voyager 2 measured was only a snapshot in time," said Spilker.



"This new work explains some of the apparent contradictions and will once again change our view of Uranus." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-voyager-2">The legacy of Voyager 2</h2>



Despite being billions of miles away, Voyager 2 continues to communicate with Earth using NASA's Deep Space Network, specifically via the antenna in Canberra, Australia. 



It is still operational, collecting data on the interstellar medium and is expected to continue transmitting data until at least 2025​​​​​​.



Decades after it was launched, Voyager 2 continues to serve as a cornerstone for scientific discovery, offering invaluable insights into the mysteries of our solar system.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02389-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Uranus mystery finally solved almost 40 years after flyby from Voyager 2 spacecraft

Uranus has long captivated scientists with its mysteries, particularly those...

We all know that the winds bring in rain, but have you ever heard of them bringing in microbes? In a significant scientific discovery, a team of atmospheric, health, and climate specialists from Spain and Japan have found a diverse range of fungi, bacteria, and viruses riding on the winds high up in Earth's atmosphere.



By collecting and testing air samples from 1,000 to 3,000 meters up in the sky, these researchers have assessed the possibility of these microorganisms surviving in extreme atmospheric conditions and hitching a ride on winds across continents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-winds-dust-and-microbes">Journey of winds, dust and microbes</h2>



Dust, as we know, isn't a homebody. It loves to travel. Scientists have known for a while that dust can journey thousands of miles in the atmosphere. 



Dust from Africa finds its way to both North and South America. But what's new and even more intriguing is the fuller picture of what this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> carries with it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-airborne-microbial-world">Inside the airborne microbial world</h2>



Researchers took to the skies over Japan in a small charter plane to collect wind samples, hoping to discover the heights at which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-emerged-as-major-source-of-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> could survive.



The samples were then brought down to Earth for some lab-based sleuthing. A detailed DNA analysis of the samples revealed that these high-altitude hitchhikers were quite diverse, including a range of fungi, bacteria, and viruses.



And the little creatures weren't just surviving; they were thriving. In lab dishes, many of the microbes were still viable, which means that they could reproduce and continue to grow.



In total, the air samples contained 266 different types of fungi and 305 types of bacteria. Many of these microorganisms are commonly found in soil or plants, which clearly indicates their likely origins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-pathways-the-invisible-highways">Atmospheric pathways: The invisible highways</h2>



Now, where did these microbes come from? The researchers believe that most of them came from China, which means they had traveled at least 2,000 kilometers.



The high-altitude winds, it seems, can carry these microbes over significant distances.



This has fascinating implications because, if microorganisms can travel thousands of kilometers and survive high up in the atmosphere, they could potentially spread diseases worldwide. This is exactly what the current research proposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pathogens-high-in-the-sky">Pathogens high in the sky</h2>



The thought of airborne pathogens crossing continents is quite unsettling. While we knew that winds and dust particles could carry microbes over long distances, this study takes things up a notch.



The researchers found many airborne microbes that are known to inhabit the human body, particularly in the mouth and intestines.



While they caution that this doesn't necessarily prove a direct link between these microbes and health effects, it does open up the possibility of a new route for disease transmission.



Intriguingly, some of these sky-high microbes could be linked to soil or plants, suggesting that they might have been swept up into the atmosphere from land sources. Does this mean that poor sewage or waste disposal could supply pathogens for such a skyward journey?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blowing-microbes-in-the-wind">Blowing microbes in the wind</h2>



The study shows that microbes can be lifted by pressure systems, such as the Siberian High, and transported from agricultural regions in northeast China to other parts of the world. This also highlights the potential for insects to spread over large areas through these atmospheric conveyer belts.



But it's not just about human health. Think about the potential impact on ecosystems worldwide. Pathogens that are known to us, like E. coli and various Staphylococcus species, could be floating up there in the sky, ready to descend on unsuspecting habitats.



So where do we go from here?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions-on-wind-and-microbes">Future directions on wind and microbes</h2>



Understanding how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-walking-ecosystems-and-microbes-rule-their-evolution/">microorganisms</a> endure and prosper in such harsh conditions could help scientists develop better strategies for mitigating disease spread.



There's a whole new field of research now focusing on the upper atmosphere and how it might harbor and transport microbes across different regions and seasons.



"This study confirms the long-distance transport of microbial pathogens, which has important implications for public health, and environmental protection," said study co-author Xavier Rodó.



So, the next time you look up at the sky, just remember - there is more up there than meets the eye. And while this reality might seem a little unsettling, it also represents a vast new field of scientific discovery.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2404191121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Microbes hitch rides on winds across continents

We all know that the winds bring in rain, but...

Front,View,Of,The,Terminus,Of,Hisinger,Glacier,,Dickson,Fiord,

Tsunamis are powerful natural phenomena capable of reshaping entire coastlines. Modern technology is now capable of helping scientists to study them in remarkable detail. 



The ability to monitor and analyze these massive waves in real-time has revolutionized our understanding of their behavior and impact, providing invaluable data that can inform safety protocols and predictive models.



This technological prowess recently helped unravel the nine-day-old reverberations of a tsunami in Greenland, a rare and complex event captured by the International SWOT Satellite. 



The satellite's advanced imaging capabilities revealed unprecedented insights into how the tsunami waves moved and persisted within the steep walls of Dickson Fjord, thereby contributing significantly to the field of oceanography.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-things-first-what-s-a-tsunami">First things first -- what's a tsunami?</h2>



Tsunamis are a massive series of ocean waves that can cause a whole lot of trouble when they hit land. 



These waves aren't like the regular ones you surf on -- they're much bigger and can travel very fast across the ocean. 



When they reach the shore, they can flood coastal areas and cause serious damage.



Now, what causes tsunamis? Well, they're usually triggered by underwater disturbances like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or even landslides. 



When the ocean floor suddenly moves, it displaces a huge amount of water, and that energy creates waves that spread out in all directions. Essentially, it's the sudden movement under the sea that sets off these giant waves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swot-satellite-tsunami-discovery">SWOT satellite tsunami discovery</h2>



At the core of this investigation were scientists from <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California and France’s CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales).



These dedicated professionals collaborated on the international Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission. 



Their joint efforts led to the discovery of unique shapes formed by tsunamis trapped within the steep walls of Greenland's Dickson Fjord.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-picture-paints-a-thousand-words">A picture paints a thousand words</h2>



On September 17, 2023, the day following a massive rockslide, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-launches-revolutionary-satellite-to-monitor-earths-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWOT satellite</a> was at the right place at the right time, collecting water elevation measurements in the Dickson Fjord. 



By comparing these measurements with those recorded a few weeks prior, the scientists got a clear image of the aftermath of the tsunami.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenland-tsunami_SWOT-satellite_NASA_1m.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenland-tsunami_SWOT-satellite_NASA_1s.webp" alt="A SWOT data visualization shows water on the northern side of Greenland’s Dickson Fjord at higher levels than on the southern side on Sept. 17, 2023. A huge rockslide into the fjord the previous day led to a tsunami lasting nine days that caused seismic rumbling around the world. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory" class="wp-image-1950872"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A SWOT data visualization shows water on the northern side of Greenland’s Dickson Fjord at higher levels than on the southern side on Sept. 17, 2023. A huge rockslide into the fjord the previous day led to a tsunami lasting nine days that caused seismic rumbling around the world. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</figcaption></figure>



The SWOT satellite captured a colored data visualization, indicating higher water levels with lighter colors and lower levels with darker tones. 



The findings suggested that the northern side of the fjord reached certain points where water levels were almost 4 feet (1.2 meters) higher than on the southern side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milestone-in-the-field-of-research">Milestone in the field of research</h2>



Astoundingly, this was the first instance where the SWOT satellite had the opportunity to examine the shape of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tsunami-wave-from-tonga-eruption-was-90-meters-tall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tsunami wave</a>. 



“SWOT happened to fly over at a time when the water had piled up pretty high against the north wall of the fjord,” said Josh Willis, a sea level researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. 



“Seeing the shape of the wave - that’s something we could never do before SWOT."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-origins-of-the-tsunami">Tracing the origins of the tsunami</h2>



A paper published recently in Science traced the <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">seismic</a> signals of the tsunami back to its roots.



More than 880 million cubic feet of rock and ice, equivalent to 25 million cubic meters, had plummeted into Dickson Fjord, triggering the tsunami that sloshed around within the fjord.



The fjord is a part of a network of channels on Greenland's eastern coast, with the depth of about 1,772 feet (540 meters) and width of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers), while its walls tower over 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) high.



Interestingly, because the fjord is far from the open ocean and confined, the energy from the tsunami's motion had limited opportunities to dissipate. 



This resulted in the wave moving back and forth approximately every 90 seconds for a surprising duration of nine days.



These findings demonstrate how modern technology can help us unravel nature’s mysteries. The international SWOT satellite, through its unique capabilities, has managed to provide us with a fresh understanding of tsunamis and their prolonged effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-technology-and-monitoring-tsunamis">Satellite technology and monitoring tsunamis</h2>



The SWOT satellite's ability to capture and analyze detailed water elevation data showcases the immense potential of satellite technology in monitoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>.



Unlike traditional, on-ground sensors, satellites offer a comprehensive view of remote locations, like Greenland’s fjords. This capability is crucial for capturing disaster impacts and building predictive models for better preparedness.



The September 2023 event in Dickson Fjord demonstrated how satellite imaging has evolved to reveal the movement of tsunami waves over nine days, offering insights that were previously unattainable.



Such data enhance our understanding of energy dynamics within confined areas, informing disaster response and risk mitigation efforts.



Beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-may-help-with-earlier-tsunami-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tsunami monitoring</a>, satellites like SWOT play a vital role in observing storm surges, flooding, and sea-level rise. 



Integrating satellite data with real-time analytics paves the way for quicker, more effective responses to natural disasters, thereby contributing to safer and more resilient communities.



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NASA records a 650-foot tsunami in Greenland that shook the Earth for 9 days

Tsunamis are powerful natural phenomena capable of reshaping entire coastlines....

Our vast forests, those endless expanses of green mesmerizing beauty, showcase the incredible diversity of Mother Nature. However, rising forest damage threatens their role in maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting stable economies.



In a surprising turn of events, a recent study shows that forests seem to be facing an unwelcoming reality - increased vulnerability. And the culprit? Lack of diversity in tree species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-forest-diversity-matters">Why forest diversity matters</h2>



Life as we know it thrives on the principle of diversity. The more diverse an ecosystem, the more resilient it turns out to be. But what happens when this diversity dwindles?



When you explore the heart of the forest, areas dominated by a single species, such as the lodgepole pine, may reveal a striking vulnerability. Experts have identified significant risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> lacking species diversity.



The research on forest damage was led by researchers at Umeå University and the <a href="https://www.slu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish University of Agricultural Science</a> in Uppsala.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-that-threaten-forest-health">Factors that threaten forest health</h2>



Swedish forests have their fair share of visitors, but not all of them are welcome. 



Fires, insects, cervids like moose, and fungi, are among the uninvited guests. These factors chip away at the health of the forest, sometimes to such an extent that they disrupt the ecosystem's functionality.



This impact is not just an environmental concern. It has significant implications on the forest industry, which relies on the forest's ability to provide wood and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-forest-damage">Climate change and forest damage</h2>



Our forests are up against another formidable foe - climate change. As the temperatures increase and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the forests face a heightened risk of damages.



“In a warmer climate with more extreme weather and new pest organisms, and with a more intense forestry, forest damages are expected to become more common and more severe," said Micael Jonsson of <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a>, who led the study. 



"It is therefore important to understand causes of forest damages and whether it can be prevented." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-on-forest-diversity">Findings on forest diversity</h2>



The research team relied on vast data collected by the Swedish national forest inventory since 2003. They sought to identify the most prevalent types of tree damages and what escalates the risk of trees getting damaged.



Knocking down assumptions, wind and snow damage topped the list, followed by forestry-related destruction and damage caused by fungi. Sadly, 94 percent of all trees had suffered some level of damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-to-forest-damage">Vulnerability to forest damage</h2>



The researchers observed that coniferous trees in younger stands, especially in warmer parts of Sweden, were at a higher risk for damages. And amongst all, the lodgepole pine, an introduced species, seemed to bear the brunt.



Jonsson and his team noted that introducing species like lodgepole pine may not be in the best interest of a profitable forestry in Sweden.



Not all news is bad news, though. The study reveals an encouraging finding: forests having a broader spectrum of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> displayed resilience against extensive damages, especially in warmer climates.



So, Mother Nature has given us a hint - diversification may be the key to healthier, more resilient forests in the face of climate change!



“We must adapt Swedish forests and forest management methods to a future warmer climate," said study co-author Jan Bengtsson at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science.



"Including more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-living-organism-consists-of-47000-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> species in production forests seems to be an adaptation that could work!” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-room-for-improvement">Room for improvement</h2>



While the study brings forward several valuable insights, it also sheds light on the challenges encountered during research. 



“The national forest inventory collects important data for our understanding of the forest, but when it comes to the damage inventory, the data quality needs to improve to be fully usable in forestry practices,” said study co-author Jon Moen of Umeå University.



In conclusion, the study provides a compelling case for diversifying our forests and adapting our forestry practices. 



Can we thwart the looming risk of forest damages and create healthier, more thriving forests? Only time will tell, but for now, it's clear that we have some changes to make.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70071" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>.



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Forests face rising damage risks as their diversity dwindles

Our vast forests, those endless expanses of green mesmerizing beauty,...

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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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