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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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NGC 1792: A galactic powerhouse 

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. It is one of the world's longest glaciers outside of the polar regions.&nbsp;



“An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of glaciers in the high-elevation valleys of the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. The upper portion of Fedchenko Glacier crosses the center of the scene.”



NASA noted that most of the larger glaciers in the image show a prominent pattern of light- and dark-brown parallel lines.&nbsp;



“The darker ‘streamlines,’ known as medial moraines, give a sense of the direction of flow of the ice down the valleys. These are concentrations of debris that has been eroded by the glacier from the adjacent mountainsides or a rocky outcrop,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fedchenko-a-high-altitude-glacier">Fedchenko: A high-altitude glacier</h2>



Fedchenko Glacier stretches for approximately 48 miles and covers an area of around 270 square miles. This massive glacier is a critical source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a>, feeding several rivers and influencing the region's hydrology.



Fedchenko Glacier lies at high altitudes, with its origins in the high peaks of the Pamirs, where snow accumulates heavily. Despite being situated in a relatively arid region, the glacier's significant size and volume are maintained by substantial snowfall.&nbsp;



Named after Alexei Pavlovich Fedchenko, a Russian explorer and naturalist, the glacier was first surveyed in 1928 during Soviet-era expeditions. It plays a crucial role in climate studies, as changes in its length and mass provide insights into the effects of global warming in Central Asia.&nbsp;



The glacier is also part of a spectacular and remote landscape, surrounded by towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and rugged terrain, making it a key feature of the Pamirs' natural beauty.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-glaciers-worldwide">Threats to glaciers worldwide</h2>



Like many glaciers worldwide, Fedchenko faces the threat of retreat due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peru-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, raising concerns about water availability and ecosystem changes in the region.



Rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of glacier melting. Warmer temperatures not only melt glacier surfaces but also increase the flow of meltwater beneath them, accelerating their disintegration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-pollution-nbsp">Human activities and pollution&nbsp;</h3>



Deforestation and urbanization exacerbate these effects by reducing reflective snow cover and increasing heat absorption in nearby areas.&nbsp;



Airborne pollutants like soot and black carbon darken glacier surfaces, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight and speeding up the rate of melting. 



Industrial activities and tourism in glacier regions add physical stress and pollution, further degrading these fragile ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-supplies">Water supplies</h3>



The loss of glaciers has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts freshwater supplies for millions of people who depend on glacial runoff for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-sea-levels">Rising sea levels</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melting glaciers</a> contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, the loss of glaciers impacts biodiversity, as many species rely on cold, glacial habitats for survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-glaciers">Protecting glaciers</h3>



Efforts to mitigate these threats focus on reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> emissions, protecting glacier regions from industrial exploitation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.&nbsp;



However, without urgent action, the continued decline of glaciers will have profound implications for the planet's climate, water systems, and ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pamir-mountains-nbsp">The Pamir Mountains&nbsp;</h2>



The Pamir Mountains, often called the "Roof of the World," are a vast and rugged mountain range located in Central Asia.&nbsp;



They span across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, forming a vital part of the junction where the Himalayas, the Tian Shan, the Karakoram, the Kunlun, and the Hindu Kush converge.&nbsp;



With peaks soaring over 7,000 meters, including Ismoil Somoni Peak, the range is home to some of the highest altitudes on Earth.



The Pamir Mountains have been central to trade and cultural exchange for centuries, serving as a critical segment of the ancient Silk Road.&nbsp;



Today, the mountains are a popular destination for trekkers and explorers drawn by their breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain.



The Pamirs are not only a natural wonder but also a biological treasure trove, supporting unique wildlife that is adapted to extreme altitudes.&nbsp;



Culturally, the mountains are home to diverse communities, each with its unique traditions and ways of life, shaped by the harsh but majestic environment.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the spiral galaxy IC 5332, which is located over 29 million light-years away from Earth.



The galaxy spans approximately 66,000 light-years in diameter. This makes it notably smaller than our <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>, which is just over 100,000 light-years in diameter. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-look-at-ic-5332">Unprecedented look at IC 5332</h2>



In a stunning photo release by NASA and ESA in 2022, the spiral galaxy IC 5332 was presented in an unprecedented level of detail. The images were captured by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-incredible-new-image-of-uranus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.



This feat was made possible through the use of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which captures images in the mid-infrared spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-perspective-from-earth">Unique perspective from Earth</h2>



One of the most striking features of IC 5332, as revealed by these observations, is its almost perfect face-on orientation relative to Earth.&nbsp;



This unique perspective allows astronomers to clearly observe and admire the symmetrical arrangement of its spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-unveils-ic-5332-in-new-light">Webb unveils IC 5332 in new light</h2>



The clarity of these images represents a significant advancement over previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope, which imaged IC 5332 in ultraviolet and visible light.&nbsp;



While Hubble’s images revealed the galaxy’s symmetrical spiral arms, James Webb’s MIRI has unveiled these structures as a complex web of gas that emits infrared light at various temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-miri-instrument-on-james-webb-nbsp">The MIRI instrument on James Webb&nbsp;</h2>



Capturing this range of infrared light is no simple task. It requires highly specialized instruments that must be maintained at extremely cold temperatures.&nbsp;



The MIRI instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope is specifically designed for this purpose and performs exceptionally well. Its capabilities allow astronomers to see aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that are otherwise hidden in other wavelengths.



The detailed images provided by MIRI offer more than just a visual spectacle; they provide valuable data about the composition and temperature of the gases that make up the spiral arms of IC 5332. 



This can help scientists understand the processes of star formation within the galaxy and how these processes compare to those in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-finds-hidden-features-of-the-universe-nbsp">Webb finds hidden features of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



The images of IC 5332 served as a critical test of the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities in observing the universe in infrared light. 



As astronomers continue to explore with Webb’s full suite of instruments, many more hidden features of the universe will be revealed.



The information provided by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-discovers-second-most-distant-galaxy-in-pandoras-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also enhances our appreciation for the complex and beautiful structures that exist in our universe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-galaxies-like-ic-5332">Spiral galaxies like IC 5332</h2>



Spiral galaxies are some of the most visually striking objects in the universe, characterized by their rotating arms that extend from a central nucleus, giving them a distinct spiral appearance.&nbsp;



These galaxies are primarily made up of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. These are often surrounded by a much fainter halo of stars, many of which reside in globular clusters.



Spiral galaxies differ from other galaxy types, such as elliptical and irregular galaxies, in their structure and content. 



The spiral arms are sites of ongoing star formation and are brighter than the rest of the disk because of the young, hot stars that are typically found there. The arms appear distinct because of their density waves, which compress the gas and dust, leading to star formation.



The rotation of the spiral arms also contributes to the galaxy's flat shape due to the centrifugal forces acting on the disk. The central bulge can vary in size and often contains older, red stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Barred spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Some spiral galaxies have a bar-shaped structure that extends from the central bulge, making them barred spirals. This bar affects the motion of stars and gas within the galaxy and can influence star formation activity.



Spiral galaxies are an important focus of study because they contain a significant amount of visible matter and play a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies.&nbsp;



Their distinct features also make them particularly useful for studying the laws of physics under extreme conditions, such as high densities and velocities.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST and PHANGS-HST Teams



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Spiral galaxy IC 5332: A complex web of gas and light

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."



According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <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 galaxy</a>.&nbsp;



NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies. This group includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.



“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.



"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-star-formation">More about star formation </h2>



Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.



The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. 



The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. 



Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is a tributary of the Congo River, one of the largest rivers in the world by discharge and depth.&nbsp;



The Ruki River, previously known as the Busira, merges with the Momboyo River near the town of Basankusu to become the Lulonga River, which eventually flows into the Congo River at the town of Lisala.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-waters-of-the-ruki-river">Dark waters of the Ruki River</h2>



"If the appearance of the muddy Amazon River evokes a coffee cut with cream, the Ruki River, coursing gently through the Congo Basin, is like a dark tea," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"On its slow path through mostly untouched lowland rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the water leaches organic material from vegetation, prompting some researchers to think it is one of the darkest blackwater rivers on Earth."



According to NASA, scientists are finding that the dissolved material in this distinctive water offers clues about the carbon cycle of tropical forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-compounds-in-the-ruki-river">Organic compounds in the Ruki River</h2>



In a recent study, researchers measured the chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-rivers-keep-antimicrobial-resistant-genes-at-bay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">composition</a> and flow of the Ruki for the first time.&nbsp;



"The study reported that, as the water color suggests, the Ruki is rich in dissolved organic carbon compounds," said NASA.



"It contains four times as much organic carbon as the Congo River and 1.5 times as much as the Rio Negro, the world’s largest blackwater river and a major tributary of the Amazon."



Due to this heavy carbon load, the researchers concluded that tropical forests like those around the Ruki might not accumulate quite as much carbon as we once thought.



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



The river is vital for the livelihoods of local communities. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-cooperate-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fishing</a> is a crucial activity, with many people depending on it for sustenance and income. The river also supports agriculture along its banks, where communities grow crops.



In many parts of the DRC, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-are-warming-up-and-losing-oxygen-faster-than-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> like the Ruki are crucial transportation corridors due to the challenging and often nonexistent road infrastructure. 



The river enables the movement of people and goods, facilitating trade and access to markets, health care, and education.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-the-ruki-river">Wildlife of the Ruki River </h2>



The region around the Ruki River is home to diverse wildlife. It is part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest area in the world, which is a critical habitat for endangered species.



Among the most notable species are elephants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-mean-chimpanzees-fare-better-in-life-than-nice-ones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a>, whose populations thrive in the surrounding forests. Other primates such as bonobos also live in this region, making it a critical area for primate conservation.



The river itself is home to various species of fish that are crucial to local livelihoods. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles are often found in the water.



Birds like kingfishers, herons, and egrets frequent the riverbanks - making it a haven for birdwatchers.



The Ruki River also supports several species of reptiles and amphibians - some of which are unique to the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-the-river-s-resources">Managing the river's resources </h2>



The region faces several challenges, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-directly-linked-to-atmospheric-mercury-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>, overfishing, and environmental degradation, which threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of people who depend on it. 



Efforts to manage and conserve the river's resources are vital for sustainable development.



Understanding and protecting the Ruki River and its surroundings are crucial for the DRC's environmental sustainability, economic development, and the well-being of its communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscapes-of-the-drc">Landscapes of the DRC</h2>



The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boasts some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes in Africa, reflecting its vast size and ecological richness. Dominated by the Congo Basin, the country is a haven for biodiversity.



Beyond its rainforests, the DRC's landscapes shift dramatically. In the east, the terrain rises into rugged mountains, including the Virunga and Rwenzori ranges, where snow-capped peaks like Mount Stanley pierce the sky. 



This region is also marked by active volcanoes such as Mount Nyiragongo, which harbors one of the world’s largest lava lakes, creating a dramatic and otherworldly spectacle.



To the south and west, the country transitions to expansive savannas with rolling grasslands and scattered trees. These areas contrast sharply with the lushness of the forests, providing vital habitats for species like lions and antelope. 



Rivers like the Ruki are a dominant feature, with the mighty Congo River coursing through the heart of the country. Its tributaries shape the lives of millions.



The image was captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a false-color image of Hurricane Otis on October 24, 2023. The following day, the storm slammed into Acapulco in the state of Guerrero as a category 5 storm. 



At the time this photo was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) sensor on the NOAA-20 satellite, Otis was still a tropical storm with sustained winds of 65 miles per hour, and was located about 210 miles south of Acapulco.&nbsp;



"Otis remained a tropical storm until the afternoon of October 24. Then, in a matter of hours, it rapidly intensified into a major hurricane. By 06:25 Universal Time (12:25 a.m. in Acapulco) on October 25, Otis made landfall near the beach resort town with sustained winds of 165 miles per hour," said NASA.



"According to news reports, Otis was the strongest hurricane on record to hit Mexico’s Pacific Coast, and the fastest-strengthening storm on record in the northeast Pacific."



Major damage to infrastructure, flooding, and mudslides have been reported in the state of Guerrero, and the extent of the destruction is still not clear. The government is scrambling to provide relief to those affected, deploying 8,400 members of Mexico's army, air force and national guard to help in the cleanup efforts.&nbsp;



Scott Braun, a research meteorologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said that Otis had “all the right ingredients” for rapid intensification.&nbsp;



“Conditions were present for rapid intensification, but it is hard to say at this time why the rate and magnitude of intensification were so great,” said Braun.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Hurricane Otis slammed into Acapulco as a category 5 storm

For a very long time, we have been under the impression that memory and learning are solely the brain's forte. Central to this belief is the fact that our brains, particularly our brain cells, store memories.



However, an innovative team of researchers begs to differ, suggesting that cells in other parts of the body partake in this memory function too.



The ability of non-brain cells to learn and form memories is a riveting discovery. 



This thought-provoking study provides us with a new understanding of memory's mechanisms and paves the way for potential advancements in learning and memory-related afflictions treatment.



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



Memory is like your brain’s personal filing system. When you experience something new -- like meeting a friend or learning a fact -- your brain encodes that information by turning it into patterns of neural activity. 



These patterns get stored in different parts of your brain, depending on what type of information it is. For example, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-brain-decides-which-memories-to-remember/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual memories</a> might be stored in areas responsible for processing images, while facts and numbers find their way into regions that handle language and logic.



Retrieving memories happens when your brain needs to access those stored patterns. It’s similar to searching for a file on your computer. 



If you want to remember your friend’s birthday, your brain activates the relevant neural pathways to bring that information back into your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consciousness-may-stem-from-unseen-dimensions-beyond-our-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conscious mind</a>. 



Sometimes, this process is seamless, but other times memories can be a bit fuzzy or mixed up, especially if they’re not accessed frequently. That’s why you might struggle to recall something you haven’t thought about in a while.



Your memory isn’t perfect, and it can change over time. Each time you recall a memory, your brain might update it with new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unlocking-memories-with-scents-may-help-treat-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information or emotions</a>, which can make the memory stronger or slightly different from the original event. Factors like sleep, stress, and even nutrition can influence how well your memory works.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-formation-and-cells">Memory formation and cells</h2>



“Learning and memory are generally associated with brains and brain cells alone, but our study shows that other cells in the body can learn and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-is-shaped-by-both-past-and-future-experience-and-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">form memories</a>, too,” explains New York University’s&nbsp;<a href="https://liberalstudies.nyu.edu/about/faculty-listing/nikolay-kukushkin.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nikolay V. Kukushkin</a>, the lead author of the&nbsp;study.&nbsp;



The goal of the research was straightforward -- to investigate if non-brain cells contribute to memory. To do this, the scientists deployed the time-honored neurological property, known as the massed-space effect.



This principle asserts that our retention capacity is better when information is studied in spaced intervals rather than crammed into a single, intensive session.



Does this strike a chord? We have all experienced the futility of last-minute cramming before tests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-test-in-non-brain-cells">Memory test in non-brain cells</h2>



In this study, the scientists simulated the process of spaced learning by examining two types of non-brain human cells -- one from nerve tissue and one from kidney tissue -- in a laboratory setting.



These cells were exposed to varying patterns of chemical signals, akin to the exposure of brain cells to neurotransmitter patterns when we learn new information.



The intriguing part? These non-brain cells also switched on a "memory gene" - the same gene that brain cells activate when they detect information patterns and reorganize their connections to form memories.



So, how exactly did the scientists gauge the memory and learning process? 



They ingeniously engineered the non-brain cells to generate a glowing protein, which indicated whether the memory gene was active or dormant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-cells-learning-and-pulses">Memory cells, learning, and pulses</h2>



The results of this innovative research were nothing short of astounding. 



It turned out that these cells were able to discern when the chemical pulses (simulating bursts of neurotransmitters in the brain) were repeated rather than simply prolonged -- much like neurons in our own brains when we opt for break-filled studying instead of continuous cramming.



When the pulses were delivered at intervals, they activated the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-is-essential-for-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> gene" more intensely and for a longer duration than when the same treatment was administered all at once - a perfect demonstration of the massed-space effect.



“This reflects the massed-space effect in action,” says Kukushkin, a clinical associate professor of life science at NYU Liberal Studies and a research fellow at NYU’s Center for Neural Science. 



“It shows that the ability to learn from spaced repetition isn't unique to brain cells, but, in fact, might be a fundamental property of all cells.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-how-memory-works">Understanding how memory works</h2>



Not only does this research on non-brain cells introduce fresh perspectives to study memory, but it also holds promise for potential health-related benefits.



“This discovery opens new doors for understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> works and could lead to better ways to enhance learning and treat memory problems,” notes Kukushkin.



“At the same time, it suggests that in the future, we will need to treat our body more like the brain -- for example, consider what our pancreas remembers about the pattern of our past meals to maintain healthy levels of blood glucose or consider what a cancer cell remembers about the pattern of chemotherapy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-this-research">Implications of this research</h2>



As we explore this fascinating new research on non-brain cells, the pressing question remains - how will this impact our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brains-create-three-copies-of-every-memory-we-make/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of memory formation</a>?



What implications does this discovery hold for the future of learning and memory-related treatments? Only time will tell. 



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The research team also included Thomas Carew, a professor in NYU’s Center for Neural Science; Tasnim Tabassum, an NYU researcher; and Robert Carney, an NYU undergraduate researcher. The study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (R01-MH120300-01A1).



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53922-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Memory is stored in cells throughout the body, not just the brain

For a very long time, we have been under the...

It's no secret that the global health community has been grappling with the catastrophic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic since it arose in 2019. This disease has presented unprecedented challenges in treatment and prevention, and we still do not fully understand the behavior of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.



As of today, the World Health Organization has documented over 770 million COVID-19 cases worldwide, indicating the extensive reach and impact that this virus has had on global populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-how-covid-19-travels">The mystery of how COVID-19 travels</h2>



While we have decent knowledge about how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-virus-lingers-body-two-years-after-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> enters our bodies - by attaching onto healthy cells in our nose and throat - there remains a level of mystery about how COVID-19 further travels and spreads once inside an airway, and how it contributes to severe illness and long-term complications.



But recently, thanks to extensive research efforts and collaborative studies, a new piece of the puzzle has been identified. The findings offer fresh insights that may inform future treatment strategies and preventive measures.



Scientists at <a href="https://www.nm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern Medicine</a> embarked on a mission to uncover the mysteries of SARS-CoV-2 's proliferation in our bodies.



One of their most significant findings was that the virus uses our body's own mucus as its personal highway into the lower lungs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mucus-the-unexpected-accomplice">Mucus: The unexpected accomplice</h2>



In their study, which was published recently in Nature Communications, the researchers performed live imaging on human bronchial epithelium cells after they were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 virus.



Their observations revealed the virus' cunning tactic - the movement of our own mucus helps the virus to travel inside the respiratory tract.



This eventually leads to the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-covid-19-is-transmitted-through-aerosols/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious aerosols</a>, which can further affect other individuals.



"The virus goes where the mucus goes," said Mark Becker, the leading student author of the study.



We generally understand mucus as a protective shield against infection, that traps viruses and other harmful particles before they can enter the tissues. Our own ciliated cells help to "sweep" dirty mucus upwards towards the throat, thus keeping the respiratory surfaces clean.



Ironically, when exploited by the SARS-CoV-2 virus , this protective defense becomes an accomplice that aids the spread after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-impacts-the-brain-through-inflammation-not-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infection</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-19-insights-and-future-research">COVID-19 insights and future research</h2>



While funding for COVID-19 related research has started to decrease, the experts remain hopeful. 



They believe their discovery of how COVID-19 travels could have substantial applications in the context of other viral diseases as well, specifically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-variant-linked-to-both-covid-risk-and-hiv-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HIV</a>.



"The mucosal environment most similar to the lungs is the upper female reproductive tract," noted study senior author Dr. Thomas Hope.



Perhaps, then, this understanding of how the virus that causes COVID-19 manoeuvres through the respiratory tract can open doors to new research on other diseases that may similarly exploit the supply of mucus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-story-of-scientific-innovation">A story of scientific innovation </h2>



The success of this study is also a reflection of the robust infrastructure and commitment at Northwestern Medicine.



"The university really supported us and that is a testament to what a great environment Northwestern Medicine is," noted Dr. Hope.



It's a story of scientific innovation, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the virus that has turned our world upside down. And above all, it's about teamwork - because that's how scientific breakthroughs happen.



This research contributes to the ever-growing body of knowledge about COVID-19. It demonstrates the virus's surprisingly strategic use of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body's own defenses</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-19-insights-and-innovative-treatments">COVID-19 insights and innovative treatments</h2>



The newfound understanding of SARS-CoV-2's behavior in the mucosal environment has sparked interest in developing innovative treatment approaches.



Researchers are now looking at how this knowledge could be applied to create therapies that reinforce mucosal barriers, potentially preventing viral entry and spread. 



This type of preventive treatment could revolutionize how viral diseases are managed, particularly for infections that target mucosal tissues.



By focusing on fortifying the body’s first line of defense, scientists hope to reduce the severity and transmission of certain viral diseases.



Beyond COVID-19, these strategies could offer hope for combating other viruses that similarly exploit mucosal pathways, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 



The potential for cross-applicability means that advancements made now could lay the groundwork for a more resilient response to future viral outbreaks, and create a broad-spectrum approach to viral prevention and treatment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53791-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How the COVID-19 virus travels deep inside our lungs

It's no secret that the global health community has been...

A prescription medication that has been available in the U.S. since 1992, which many people recognize for treating hair loss and enlarged prostate, seems to have another significant health benefit.



Recent research suggests that a drug called finasteride could lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. That's a surprising twist for a drug that's been around for decades.



Curiosity led <a href="https://fshn.illinois.edu/directory/jaume6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jaume Amengual</a>, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the <a href="https://fshn.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a>, to explore this unexpected connection. 



After noticing something unusual in a national survey, he decided to dig deeper. 



"When we looked at the men taking finasteride in the survey, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-fish-oil-in-combating-high-cholesterol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol levels</a> averaged 30 points lower than men not taking the drug. I thought we'd see the opposite pattern, so it was very interesting," Dr. Amengual enthused.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lowering-cholesterol-with-finasteride">Lowering cholesterol with finasteride?</h2>



The initial clue came from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey</a> conducted between 2009 and 2016. 



This survey collects health information from thousands of Americans. In this data, men using finasteride as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-natural-cure-male-baldness-highly-effective-sugar-2-deoxy-d-ribose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hair loss treatment</a> had significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to those who weren't on the medication. 



A 30-point difference is substantial and caught the researchers' attention. But observational studies have limitations. The sample size of men over 50 using finasteride was small. 



"This was not a clinical study in which you can control everything perfectly," Amengual noted. "It was more of an observation that led us to say, 'Okay, now we've seen this in people. Let's see what happens in mice.'"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-observation-to-experimentation">From observation to experimentation</h2>



To get a clearer picture, the team turned to laboratory mice. Doctoral student <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-molina-ba3099197/?locale=es_ES" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Molina Chaves</a> conducted experiments on mice predisposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fathers-diets-impact-the-heart-health-of-their-daughters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atherosclerosis</a> -- a condition where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup. 



The mice were fed different doses of finasteride along with a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet.



"Mice that were given a high dose of finasteride showed lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/certain-gut-bacteria-lower-cholesterol-and-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol levels</a> within the plasma as well as in the arteries," Molina Chaves said. "There were also fewer lipids and inflammatory markers in the liver." 



These findings suggested that finasteride doesn't just lower cholesterol in the blood but might also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifestyle-choices-in-young-adulthood-impact-cognitive-ability-in-midlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce inflammation</a> and plaque formation in arteries.



While the highest dose had significant effects, it's not a dose humans would take. 



"It's an incredibly high level of the drug. But we use mice as a model, and they are extremely resistant to things that would kill any of us," Amengual explained. "So it is not that wild when you think about it that way." 



The results in mice provide a direction for future human studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finasteride-testosterone-and-heart-disease">Finasteride, testosterone, and heart disease</h2>



So why would a hair loss drug affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-eating-eggs-is-not-bad-for-your-health-despite-years-of-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol levels</a>? It comes down to hormones. 



Finasteride works by blocking a protein that activates testosterone, specifically reducing levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-with-low-testosterone-have-a-higher-risk-of-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dihydrotestosterone (DHT)</a>. DHT is linked to hair loss, prostate enlargement, and, as it turns out, possibly heart disease.



"I was reading about this medication one day, and I started to notice that there were not many long-term studies of the implications of the drug," Amengual said. 



"Initially, it was just my own curiosity, based on the fact that hormone levels are known to have an effect on atherosclerosis, hair loss, and prostate issues. So, we decided to dig into it."



Testosterone and its derivatives can influence the development of atherosclerosis. By altering these hormone levels, finasteride might indirectly impact cholesterol metabolism and inflammation, leading to improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-expectations-of-men-are-bad-for-their-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-surprises-from-finasteride">More surprises from finasteride</h2>



Interestingly, these findings might benefit more than just men dealing with hair loss or prostate issues. 



Transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy often face a higher risk of heart disease due to hormonal changes. 



Finasteride is sometimes prescribed during gender transitions to manage hair loss triggered by hormone treatments.



"Over the past decade, doctors have started prescribing this drug for individuals transitioning either from male to female or female to male. In both cases, the hormonal changes can trigger hair loss," Amengual said. 



"The interesting thing is that transgender people are also at a higher risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/depression-and-cardiovascular-diseases-are-genetically-linked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>. So this drug could have a potential beneficial effect to prevent cardiovascular disease not only in cis men, but also in transgender individuals."



This opens up the possibility that finasteride could serve a dual purpose for transgender patients, helping with hair loss while also reducing heart disease risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-catch-understanding-finasteride-risks">What's the catch? Understanding finasteride risks</h2>



Of course, no medication is without risks. Finasteride can cause side effects, and it's important to consider them. 



Some users experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-exhibit-better-sexual-health-eating-a-plant-based-vegan-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual side effects</a> like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume. These effects happen because finasteride reduces DHT, which plays a role in sexual function.



There have also been reports of psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and mood changes. While not everyone experiences these, they're important to monitor. 



Physical side effects can include breast tenderness or enlargement, rashes, and swelling in the hands or feet. Rarely, finasteride can affect liver enzymes, so regular medical check-ups are recommended.



A small percentage of users report persistent side effects even after stopping the medication, a condition referred to as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). 



Symptoms can include ongoing sexual dysfunction and psychological issues. Research is ongoing to understand and address these concerns.



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



These discoveries suggest that finasteride could have a role in heart health beyond its current uses. More research is needed, though. 



Clinical trials involving people would help determine if the cholesterol-lowering effects seen in mice also occur in humans at practical doses.



"This was not a clinical study in which you can control everything perfectly," Amengual emphasized. "It was more of an observation that led us to say, 'Okay, now we've seen this in people. Let's see what happens in mice.'"



If future studies confirm these benefits, finasteride could become part of a strategy to prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, especially in populations at higher risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-hope-proceed-with-eyes-wide-open">A new hope? Proceed with eyes wide open</h2>



Finasteride has been around for a while, helping many with hair loss and prostate issues. Now, it might have a new role to play in promoting heart health. 



This could be significant not just for men but also for the transgender community and others at risk of cardiovascular disease.



As with any medical treatment, it's crucial to consult healthcare providers before making changes. Finasteride's potential benefits must be balanced with its risks. But this research opens up exciting possibilities.



The full study was published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jlr.org/article/S0022-2275(24)00012-9/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Lipid Research</a>.



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Old drug now called a "magic pill" because it regrows hair and improves heart health

A prescription medication that has been available in the U.S....

Color,Laser,Beams,Fantail,In,A,Haze

Can light itself, perhaps from a laser, cast a shadow? It might seem like a trick, but under certain conditions, the answer to this paradoxical question is "yes." 



Researchers have discovered that a laser beam can act like an opaque object, blocking another beam of light and creating a visible shadow. 



This finding challenges our traditional understanding of how light behaves.



"Laser light casting a shadow was previously thought impossible since light usually passes through other light without interacting," said Raphael A. Abrahao, the research team leader from <a href="https://www.bnl.gov/world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brookhaven National Laboratory</a> and the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a>.



His team has opened the door to new ways of thinking about light and its interactions, pushing the boundaries of optics and could lead to innovative technologies that harness light in unexpected ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasers-lights-and-lunch">Lasers, lights, and lunch</h2>



The idea started over a lunch conversation. 



Some scientists noticed that experimental schematics made with 3D visualization software depicted the shadow of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-received-laser-communication-from-10-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser beam</a>, treating it as a solid cylinder rather than accounting for the physics of light. 



This sparked a lively discussion. 



"What started as a funny discussion over lunch led to a conversation on the physics of lasers and the nonlinear optical response of materials," remembered Abrahao. 



"From there, we decided to conduct an experiment to demonstrate the shadow of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossible-quantum-effects-observed-atoms-positioned-closely-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser beam</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-laser-light-cast-a-shadow">Making laser light cast a shadow</h2>



To explore this curious idea, the team set up an experiment using a high-power green laser directed through a cube made of standard ruby crystal. 



At the same time, they illuminated the cube with a blue laser from the side. When the green laser entered the ruby, it changed the material's response to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-effects-of-artificial-blue-light-remain-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blue wavelength</a>. 



The interaction between the two light sources created a shadow on a screen -- a dark area where the green laser blocked the blue light.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/laser-beam-light_casing-shadow_credit-Optica_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/laser-beam-light_casing-shadow_credit-Optica_1s.webp" alt="Researchers showed that a laser beam can sometimes act like a solid object and cast a shadow that is visible to the naked eye. In the picture, the shadow appears as the horizontal line traversing the blue background. Credit: R. A. Abrahao, H. P. N. Morin, J. T. R. Pagé, A. Safari, R. W. Boyd, J. S. Lundeen" class="wp-image-1950880"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers showed that a laser beam can sometimes act like a solid object and cast a shadow that is visible to the naked eye. In the picture, the shadow appears as the horizontal line traversing the blue background. Credit: R. A. Abrahao, H. P. N. Morin, J. T. R. Pagé, A. Safari, R. W. Boyd, J. S. Lundeen</figcaption></figure>



The effect occurs due to a nonlinear optical process. Nonlinear optics involves light interacting with a material in an intensity-dependent way, allowing one light beam to influence another. 



"Our demonstration of a very counter-intuitive optical effect invites us to reconsider our notion of shadow," Abrahao explained. 



In this case, the green laser increased the optical absorption of the blue laser in the ruby crystal, creating a region where less blue light passed through -- essentially, a shadow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-very-cool-but-why-does-it-matter">Very cool, but why does it matter?</h2>



Nonlinear optics is a field that studies how light behaves in materials under high-intensity conditions. 



When light is intense enough, it can change the properties of the material it passes through, affecting how other light waves move through that material. 



This is different from linear optics, where light beams pass through each other without interaction.



"Our understanding of shadows has developed hand-in-hand with our understanding of light and optics," Abrahao noted. 



This new finding could prove useful in various applications such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bose-einstein-condensate-bec-rare-form-quantum-matter-created-with-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optical switching</a> -- devices in which light controls the presence of another light -- or technologies that require precise control of light transmission, like high-power lasers. 



It could also impact the development of optical computing, where light is used instead of electricity to process information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-laser-light-s-shadow">Measuring laser light's shadow</h2>



The researchers measured the shadow's contrast based on the laser beam's power, finding a maximum contrast of approximately 22%. 



That's similar to the contrast of a tree's shadow on a sunny day. They also developed a theoretical model that accurately predicted the shadow contrast. 



This alignment between experiment and theory strengthens the validity of their findings.



The ability to control one light beam with another could lead to advances in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-data-transmission-speed-record-set-by-scientists-using-optical-cables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optical communication</a> and signal processing. 



For instance, optical switches that use light instead of electronic signals could operate at much higher speeds and with less energy loss. 



This discovery might also contribute to the development of new types of lasers with adjustable properties for use in medicine, manufacturing, or scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



"This discovery expands our understanding of light-matter interactions and opens up new possibilities for utilizing light in ways we hadn’t considered before," Abrahao concluded. 



The team plans to investigate other materials and laser wavelengths that can produce similar effects. They are curious to see how different combinations might enhance or alter the shadow effect.



The notion that light can cast a shadow on light challenges fundamental ideas in physics. It invites scientists and engineers to rethink how we can manipulate light for advanced technologies. 



This discovery is a reminder that even well-established concepts can be revisited and that curiosity can lead to surprising insights.



From a casual conversation to a laboratory breakthrough, the journey of this discovery highlights the importance of questioning assumptions. The shadow of a laser beam is just one example of how much more there is to learn.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://opg.optica.org/optica/fulltext.cfm?uri=optica-11-11-1549&amp;id=563468" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Optica</a>.



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If shadows are created by light, how can light cast its own shadow?

Can light itself, perhaps from a laser, cast a shadow?...

Ever pondered the extraordinary migratory journeys of birds? 



These feathered wanderers traverse thousands of kilometers, exhibiting an incredible knack for endurance and navigation that almost seems magical. 



In past research, the stars, the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field have all been implicated as means by which birds find their way to faraway places.



A recent study has shed new light on how birds use the magnetic field to navigate, and the findings challenge previously held beliefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-bird-migration">The science behind bird migration</h2>



The research was conducted by scientists from <a href="https://www.bangor.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bangor University</a> in Wales, and focused on the migratory behavior of Eurasian reed warblers, which are small songbirds.



The study presents an intriguing hypothesis: these birds employ only the Earth's magnetic dip and variation to identify their position and set their direction.



This revelation is a significant stride away from the conventional belief that all aspects of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a>, particularly total intensity, are essential to precise navigation. 



For years, it was believed that birds carry a 'map-and-compass' navigation system. They identify their location using this "map," and the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-bats-use-earths-magnetic-field-as-a-compass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compass</a>" aids in maintaining the correct direction towards their destination.



However, the precise nature of this 'map' has always been a topic of debate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-birds-respond-to-virtual-displacement">How birds respond to virtual displacement </h2>



The experiment involved subjecting the warblers to "virtual displacement."



The birds experienced artificially adjusted values of magnetic inclination (the dip angle of the field lines) and declination&nbsp;(the difference between the direction to the geographic and magnetic poles).



This simulation created the illusion of a geographic relocation while maintaining a consistent total magnetic intensity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-use-certain-cues-to-navigate">Birds use certain cues to navigate</h2>



The results were nothing short of astonishing. Despite the simulated relocation, the birds recalibrated and redirected their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-geese-adapt-by-finding-a-new-migratory-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory routes</a> as though they were in an entirely different location. 



This behavior suggests that birds can determine their position and direction using only certain magnetic cues, even if other aspects of the magnetic field, such as total intensity, remain unchanged.



"What's interesting is that these findings reveal that the birds don't necessarily need all components of the Earth's magnetic field to determine their position. They can rely solely on inclination and declination, which are also used in compass orientation, to extract their location," explained Professor Richard Holland, the study's leader, who specializes in animal behavior. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-understanding-of-how-birds-navigate">New understanding of how birds navigate</h2>



These findings indicate that birds are equipped with a sophisticated and adaptable internal navigation system.



This system allows them to adjust to environmental changes, even in situations they've never encountered before.



"It remains to be seen whether birds use the total intensity of the Earth's magnetic field for navigation in other contexts, but what we've shown is that these two components - magnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-birds-know-when-its-time-to-stop-migrating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inclination</a> and declination - are enough to provide positional information," stated Prof. Holland.



This study carves out exciting avenues for further research into animal navigation. It sets a solid foundation for broader biological studies, including into how animals decipher and interact with their environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-advantage-of-magnetic-navigation">Evolutionary advantage of magnetic navigation</h2>



This newfound understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-migration-is-influenced-by-social-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird migration</a> and navigation raises questions about how these magnetic cues evolved and why they became central to avian migration.



The ability to rely on magnetic dip and variation could provide birds with a reliable, all-weather navigation system that ensures their survival across vast distances.



Unlike visual landmarks or celestial cues, magnetic fields are constant and unaffected by weather, providing an advantage in conditions where other methods might fail.



The evolutionary benefits of this specialized navigation system are immense. Birds that migrate successfully are better equipped to find food, suitable climates, and breeding grounds, thereby enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction.



This adaptability suggests that magnetic navigation may have been a critical trait for birds that traverse unpredictable environments, such as oceans or dense forests, where visual or auditory landmarks are scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



Moreover, understanding the mechanics behind this capability opens doors to potential applications in biomimicry and navigation technologies. 



Researchers may one day harness the principles behind avian magnetic navigation to develop new, eco-friendly navigation tools or improve current systems used in aviation and marine transport. 



This study highlights how much we still have to learn from nature's most seasoned travelers.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1363" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a>.



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Birds navigate using clues from Earth's magnetic field

Ever pondered the extraordinary migratory journeys of birds? These feathered...

Beautiful,Night,Landscape,,Old,Volcano,,Crater,Lake.,The,Colorful,Star

From the tiniest fluctuations after the Big Bang, gravity has orchestrated the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, creating the vast cosmic web we see today.



Gravity isn't just what keeps us grounded -- it's been shaping the universe since its earliest days. Recent studies have provided the most precise tests of gravity on the grandest scales imaginable. 



By examining how cosmic structures have grown over the past 11 billion years, scientists have confirmed that gravity behaves just as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-glitch-in-gravity-expands-the-theory-of-general-relativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Einstein's theory</a> of general relativity predicts, even across billions of light-years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desi-tracks-gravity-over-11-billion-years">DESI tracks gravity over 11 billion years</h2>



Pauline Zarrouk, a cosmologist at the French National Center for Scientific Research (<a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a>) working at the Laboratory of Nuclear and High-Energy Physics (LPNHE), has been exploring this cosmic evolution.



In collaboration with the international team behind the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (<a href="https://www.desi.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI</a>), Zarrouk and her colleagues have traced how cosmic structures grew over the past 11 billion years.



Using data from DESI, the researchers provided the most precise test to date of gravity on the largest scales. 



"General relativity has been very well tested at the scale of solar systems, but we also needed to test that our assumption works at much larger scales," Zarrouk explained. 



"Studying the rate at which galaxies formed lets us directly test our theories and, so far, we're lining up with what <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">general relativity</a> predicts at cosmological scales."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-einstein-is-smiling-from-the-grave">Einstein is smiling from the grave</h2>



Their findings confirm that gravity behaves as Einstein's theory of general relativity predicts, even across the immense distances of the universe. 



This validation supports our leading model of the cosmos and narrows down alternative theories of gravity that have been proposed to explain puzzling observations, like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-expansion-rate-dark-energy-measured-11-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accelerating expansion</a> of the universe often attributed to dark energy.



The study also sheds light on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gravity-search-south-pole-neutrinos-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutrinos</a> -- the elusive particles that zip through space almost undetected. 



Previous experiments determined that the combined mass of the three types of neutrinos should be at least 0.059 electron volts (eV/c²). For perspective, an electron has a mass of about 511,000 eV/c². 



DESI's results suggest that the total mass of neutrinos should be less than 0.071 eV/c², tightening the constraints on these mysterious particles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desi-gravity-and-cosmic-structure">DESI, gravity, and cosmic structure</h2>



"Both our BAO results and the full-shape analysis are spectacular," said Dragan Huterer, a professor at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> and co-lead of DESI's group interpreting the cosmological data. 



"This is the first time that DESI has looked at the growth of cosmic structure. We're showing a tremendous new ability to probe modified gravity and improve constraints on models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>. And it's only the tip of the iceberg."



DESI is no ordinary telescope. Mounted on the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at <a href="https://kpno.noirlab.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kitt Peak National Observatory</a>, it's capable of capturing light from 5,000 galaxies at once. 



Funded by the DOE Office of Science, the project is now in its fourth year of surveying the sky and aims to collect data from roughly 40 million galaxies and quasars by the time it's done.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testing gravity</a> at cosmic scales is crucial. While Einstein's theory has passed every test within our solar system, there's always the possibility that it might behave differently across the vastness of space. 



By confirming that gravity acts as expected over billions of light-years, scientists can be more confident in their models of how the universe has evolved. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpreting-the-desi-data">Interpreting the DESI data</h2>



<a href="https://profiles.utdallas.edu/mishak">Dr. Mustapha Ishak-Boushaki</a>, a professor of physics in the <a href="https://nsm.utdallas.edu/">School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics</a> at UT Dallas, co-led the DESI working group that interpreted the cosmological data.



“For this round of DESI results, I focused my efforts at UT Dallas on conducting a large part of the analysis on gravity, which puts constraints on how matter in the universe moves and how large-scale structures, such as clusters of galaxies, evolve,” explained Ishak-Boushaki. 



“The results from DESI, combined with datasets from other experiments, are consistent with general relativity theory operating at cosmic scales, although they do not completely exclude other theories of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/central-theory-of-quantum-gravity-is-modeled-in-the-laboratory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modified gravity</a>.”



The new results provide an extended analysis of <a href="https://news.utdallas.edu/science-technology/desi-findings-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI’s first year of data</a>, which in April contributed to the largest 3D map of the universe to date and revealed hints that <a href="https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2024/04/04/desi-first-results-make-most-precise-measurement-of-expanding-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy might be evolving</a> over time.



“The latest analysis is also consistent with our previous findings that give preference to the theory that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a> is not constant, but dynamic, which is a very important result for cosmic acceleration,” Ishak-Boushaki said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-this-happen">How did this happen?</h2>



The collaboration is currently analyzing data from the first three years and expects to present updated measurements of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-suggests-that-dark-energy-comes-from-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a> and the universe's expansion history by spring 2025. 



The recent results align with earlier hints that dark energy might be evolving over time, adding to the excitement for what's to come.



"Dark matter makes up about a quarter of the universe, and dark energy makes up another 70 percent, and we don't really know what either one is," said Mark Maus, a PhD student at <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a> and UC Berkeley who worked on theory and validation modeling pipelines for the new analysis. 



"The idea that we can take pictures of the universe and tackle these big, fundamental questions is mind-blowing."



The study utilized nearly 6 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lonely-quasars-in-the-early-universe-cannot-be-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies and quasars</a>, allowing researchers to peer up to 11 billion years into the past. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-desi-and-gravity">What's next for DESI and gravity?</h2>



To sum it all up, with just one year of data, DESI has made the most precise overall measurement of the growth of cosmic structures, surpassing previous efforts that took decades.



The DESI project is remarkable not just for its technological capabilities but also for its collaborative spirit. 



With over 900 researchers from more than 70 institutions worldwide, it's a testament to what can be achieved when the global scientific community comes together.



As we await the next round of results, one can't help but wonder: What other secrets of the universe are waiting to be uncovered? 



The quest to understand gravity, dark matter, and dark energy continues, and each new discovery brings us a little closer to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.



The full study was published in <a href="https://data.desi.lbl.gov/doc/papers/">several scientific journals</a>.



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"Mind-blowing" gravity discovery proves Einstein right again

From the tiniest fluctuations after the Big Bang, gravity has...

Dark matter has always been one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics. While we can't see it directly, most scientists are certain it's out there because of its gravitational pull on galaxies. The "Dark Big Bang" theory may have the answer. 



What if dark matter came from its own separate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-the-big-bang-theory-is-correct-what-exactly-happened/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, a kind of cosmic encore that happened after the original Big Bang we all know about?



While we can't see it directly, most scientists are certain it's out there. But where did it come from?



Assistant Professor Cosmin Ilie and student researcher Richard Casey are shedding new light on this cosmic enigma. 



They've been exploring an intriguing idea that might change how we understand the origins of dark matter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-big-bang-theory">Dark Big Bang Theory</h2>



Their work at <a href="https://www.colgate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colgate University</a> builds on a concept proposed by scientists Katherine Freese and Martin Winkler from the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a>. 



In 2023, Freese and Winkler suggested that dark matter might have its own origin story -- a separate event they're calling the "Dark Big Bang." 



This event could have occurred shortly after the conventional Big Bang, adding a new chapter to the universe's early history.



Typically, we think of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a> as the singular event that created all matter, including dark matter. But this new theory proposes that dark matter was born from a distinct process. 



It involves a quantum field that only interacts with the dark sector and starts out trapped in a false vacuum state. 



When it decays, it could produce dark matter particles in a burst of energy akin to a second Big Bang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dark-matter">Understanding dark matter</h2>



When we look at how galaxies rotate or how light bends around massive objects (a phenomenon called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-carousel-lens-galaxy-alignment-reveals-dark-matter-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational lensing</a>), we notice things don't add up unless there's some invisible mass exerting extra gravity.



Scientists have been scratching their heads over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">what dark matter actually is</a>. It's not made of the same particles that make up stars, planets, and us. 



It doesn't interact with electromagnetic forces, which is why it doesn't glow, reflect, or block light. 



Think of it as an invisible framework that holds galaxies together. Without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-consist-of-particles-that-travel-faster-than-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, galaxies would probably fly apart because there's not enough visible mass to keep them intact. 



So, while we can't see dark matter directly, its gravitational fingerprints are all over the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-the-big-bang">What exactly is the Big Bang?</h2>



This theory suggests that everything we see today -- from the tiniest particles to the largest galaxies -- began from an unimaginably hot and dense state about 13.8 billion years ago. 



At that moment, the universe didn't explode into space; rather, space itself began expanding. All matter, energy, space, and even time came into existence and started stretching outwards.



Think of it like this: the universe was once compressed into a point smaller than an atom, and then it started expanding and cooling. 



This expansion allowed particles to form atoms, which eventually led to the creation of stars and galaxies. 



We see evidence of this event in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-is-even-darker-than-we-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic microwave background radiation</a>, which is like a faint afterglow left over from the Big Bang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-and-the-big-bang">Dark matter and the Big Bang</h2>



Ilie and Casey took this concept and ran with it. In their recent study, they examined all the ways this Dark Big Bang could fit within what we already know from experiments and observations. 



Most excitingly, they uncovered a range of scenarios that hadn't been considered before, opening up new possibilities for how dark matter came to be.



“Detecting gravitational waves generated by the Dark Big Bang could provide crucial evidence for this new theory of dark matter,” said Ilie. 



He believes that upcoming experiments could give us the tools we need to test this idea like never before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-waves-and-the-dark-big-bang">Gravitational waves and the Dark Big Bang</h2>



Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time, caused by massive events like merging black holes or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-stars-may-hold-the-key-to-understanding-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron stars</a>. 



The 2023 detection of background gravitational waves by the NANOGrav collaboration might be linked to this Dark Big Bang. If that's the case, we could be on the verge of a major breakthrough.



“With current experiments like the International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA) and the <a href="https://www.skao.int/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Square Kilometer Array</a> (SKA) on the horizon, we may soon have the tools to test this model in unprecedented ways,” Ilie added. 



These experiments could detect the specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-particles-solution-gravitational-wave-mystery-bose-einstein-condensate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational wave</a> signals predicted by the Dark Big Bang theory, providing crucial evidence to support or refute it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



If the Dark Big Bang theory holds water, it could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. 



Not only would it explain the origin of dark matter, but it could also give us new insights into the early moments after the Big Bang. 



This theory highlights the importance of gravitational waves in studying the cosmos. As we get better at detecting these waves, we might uncover more secrets hidden in the universe's earliest moments.



By refining our understanding of these parameters, we might even uncover new physics that goes beyond our current theories.



The work by Ilie and Casey is a significant step in solving one of the biggest puzzles in physics. 



As future experiments provide more precise measurements, their findings could help confirm whether the Dark Big Bang is the true origin of dark matter.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prd/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevD.110.103522" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review D</a>.



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"Dark Big Bang" theory attempts to explain origin of dark matter

Dark matter has always been one of the biggest mysteries...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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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



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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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the galaxy ESO 300-16, which is located 28.7 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus



According to ESA, the galaxy is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud.&nbsp;



&#8220;A rogue’s gallery of distant galaxies and foreground stars complete this astronomical portrait, which was captured by the Advanced Camera for Surveys,&#8221; said ESA.



&#8220;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.&#8221;



&#8220;A team of astronomers proposed using small gaps in Hubble’s observing schedule to acquaint ourselves with the remaining quarter of the nearby galaxies.&#8221;



ESO 300-16 is a relatively small and remote dwarf galaxy. It is sometimes known as a &#8220;compact blue dwarf galaxy&#8221; because of its size and the intense blue colors indicating active star formation.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically small, but they have high star-forming rates for their size. This kind of galaxy can provide insights into the process of star formation as well as galaxy evolution in general.



Dwarf galaxies are of particular interest to astronomers because they can help to provide understanding about the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early universe. They&#8217;re also thought to play a role in the assembly of larger galaxies over cosmic time.



By studying galaxies like ESO 300-16, astronomers can hope to better understand how galaxies grow, evolve, and interact over time.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA



—&#8211;



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A ghostly assemblage of stars make up the galaxy ESO 300-16

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features what appears to be a ghostly face peering out of Trou au Natron, a deep volcanic pit in northern Chad.&nbsp;



Trou au Natron is a volcanic crater (or maar) located in the Sahara desert. It's part of the Tibesti Mountains, a chain of volcanic formations.&nbsp;



The crater is filled with natron, a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na2CO3·10H2O) and around 17% sodium bicarbonate (also called baking soda) along with small quantities of sodium chloride (salt) and sodium sulfate.&nbsp;



This mixture gives the crater its name, as "natron" refers to this type of salt, which was historically used in a variety of ways, including mummification by the ancient Egyptians.&nbsp;



Trou au Natron is noteworthy for its stark and impressive landscape, with steep crater walls surrounding the salt flat inside. The photo was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station on February 12, 2023.



"The edge of the 'face' is partly formed by shadows cast by the rim of a caldera - a type of volcanic crater formed after an explosive eruption or the collapse of the surface into a partially-emptied magma chamber," said NASA.



"The 'eyes' and 'nose' are cinder cones - steep conical hills built around volcanic vents. The cinder cones are thought to be relatively young in geological terms, likely forming within the past few million years and possibly as recently as the past few thousand years."



"The white area around the 'mouth' is a mineral crust made of a salt known as natron - a mixture of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium sulfate. It forms as hot spring water pools on the surface and evaporates, and mineral-rich steam rises from the surface of the geothermally active area."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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