Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Costa Atlántica Reserve stretching along the Atlantic coast in Argentina.



“At the far southern reaches of South America, a stretch of tidal flats, shoals, and beaches serves as a refuge for migratory shorebirds and copious aquatic life,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina extends for 220 kilometers (140 miles) along the eastern shore of Tierra del Fuego. The area was designated a Ramsar site in 1995 and a provincial nature reserve in 1998." 



According to NASA, the reserve is the southernmost site both on the Ramsar list and in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-costa-atlantica-reserve">Significance of the Costa Atlántica Reserve</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is an important conservation site that signifies Argentina's commitment to preserving its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal biodiversity</a>.&nbsp;



This vast expanse of protected area serves as a sanctuary for many species, ranging from migratory birds to marine mammals and diverse plant life.



“Tidal habitats along the coast support some 135 species of birds, while crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and cetaceans feed in the productive coastal waters,” said NASA.&nbsp;



“The topography inland of Costa Atlántica, stretching into Chile to the west, is blanketed in shrubs and grassland vegetation adapted to dry conditions - part of a semiarid ecosystem known as the Fuegian steppe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-ecological-balance-nbsp">Maintaining ecological balance&nbsp;</h2>



Established to safeguard the delicate ecosystems of dunes, estuaries, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-lagoons-have-high-loads-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal lagoons</a>, the reserve plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.&nbsp;



The Costa Atlántica Reserve provides critical habitats for numerous threatened species, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-right-whales-have-shifted-their-foraging-grounds/">Southern Right Whale</a>, which finds refuge in these waters during its breeding season. 



The reserve’s sheltered bays and nutrient-rich waters create an ideal environment for mothers to nurse their calves before embarking on long migrations. 



In addition to whales, the reserve supports populations of sea lions and Magellanic penguins. Its protection is vital for the long-term survival of these species in the face of climate change and human activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-costa-atlantica-reserve-a-living-laboratory-nbsp">Costa Atlántica Reserve: A living laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is not only a refuge for wildlife but also a living laboratory for scientific research. 



Conservationists and researchers work within its bounds to monitor ecosystems, study species behaviors, and develop strategies for sustainable management. 



This ongoing research is pivotal in understanding the impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-river-deltas-face-major-threats-beyond-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal environments</a> and in devising measures to mitigate these effects.



Furthermore, the reserve illustrates the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Local communities are engaged in sustainable tourism and educational programs.&nbsp;



Through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bird-photographers-improve-nesting-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-tourism</a> initiatives, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the reserve while contributing to its preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tierra-del-fuego-archipelago">Tierra del Fuego archipelago</h2>



According to NASA, the broader landscape of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago was shaped by glaciers.&nbsp;



“Ice advanced over the mountains and lowlands during cold climatic periods between the mid-Pleistocene, about 1 million years ago, and the Last Glacial Maximum, about 20,000 years ago. San Sebastián Bay formed in a tectonic depression that was deepened by glacial erosion," noted NASA.&nbsp;



“Further evidence of glaciation, including hummocky moraines and fields of glacial erratics, appears around the bay, though it is too small to be visible in this image.”



“Partially enclosed by a long, sandy peninsula, San Sebastián Bay attracts copious migratory birds, some of which shuttle seasonally between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”



“Large populations of the Hudsonian godwit, white-rumped sandpiper, and other long-distance flyers congregate in the vast intertidal zones. This part of the reserve, however, is vulnerable to the impact of oil and gas extraction from onshore and offshore deposits.”



The image was captured on February 20, 2024 by the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a> (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an explosive eruption of Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. The photo was captured on February 13 by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on the Landsat 8 satellite.



<a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153962/river-of-fire-on-mount-etna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> noted that the natural-color scene is overlaid with an infrared signal to distinguish the lava’s heat signature on the mountain's snowy slopes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-unrest">Signs of unrest</h2>



“On February 8, 2025, Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that Mount Etna had begun exhibiting ‘signs of unrest above its background level,’”&nbsp;said NASA.



“That’s unsurprising for the frequently unruly Sicilian peak, one of the most active stratovolcanoes in the world. But the fiery explosions, disruptive ash clouds, and long lava flows that ensued stood out as being unusually spectacular to many Etna watchers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensifying-eruptions-on-mount-etna">Intensifying eruptions on Mount Etna </h2>



The activity intensified on February 10th, with lava flowing from the Bocca Nuova crater at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters above sea level.&nbsp;



According to news reports, the eruption created a striking visual as molten lava traversed the snow-covered slopes, producing rivers of lava up to 3 kilometers long and emitting ash plumes visible from several kilometers away.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> attracted thousands of tourists eager to witness the spectacle. However, the influx of visitors led to traffic congestion, obstructing emergency services and prompting warnings from local authorities about the potential dangers of approaching the active volcano.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-mount-etna-eruptions">Impacts of Mount Etna eruptions </h2>



Despite the dramatic displays, there were no reports of injuries or significant property damage, though experts continue to closely monitor the situation.



Satellite imagery has provided detailed views of the active lava flow cutting through the snow-covered slopes, with ash plumes dispersing from the summit.



“The presence of ash prompted authorities to raise the aviation color code to orange on February 13. On other days during this eruption, it was elevated to red, the highest level of concern. The airport in nearby Catania diverted flights amid hazardous conditions, according to news reports,” said NASA.



“Since Etna stirred to life this time around, crowds of hikers and even some skiers flocked to its slopes to witness the fiery displays and lava flows melting through snow. The eruption was ongoing as of February 18, with weak ash emissions and decreasing explosive activity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-volcano-with-a-long-history">A volcano with a long history </h2>



Mount Etna has a history stretching back hundreds of thousands of years. Located on the east coast of Sicily, near Catania, the volcano has shaped the landscape and influenced human civilization.



The volcano’s activity dates back at least 500,000 years, with its earliest eruptions occurring beneath the sea before the landmass emerged. Over time, lava flows, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a>, and collapses have sculpted the towering stratovolcano seen today.



Ancient civilizations were well aware of Etna’s power. Greek mythology depicted it as the forge of Hephaestus, the god of fire, while the poet Pindar described its violent eruptions. The philosopher Empedocles was even said to have perished in its fiery depths.&nbsp;



Etna’s eruptions were documented throughout Roman history, including a major event in 122 BC that devastated Catania.



During the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, Etna continued its eruptions, frequently altering its landscape and affecting nearby settlements.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-activity-of-mount-etna">Monitoring the activity of Mount Etna </h2>



One of the most devastating eruptions occurred in 1669, when lava flows destroyed several villages and overwhelmed parts of Catania’s city walls. Despite these dangers, people continued to live and farm on Etna’s fertile slopes, taking advantage of its rich volcanic soil.



Scientific study of Mount Etna began in the 19th and 20th centuries, as researchers sought to understand its behavior and mitigate its risks. Advances in monitoring technology have since helped track its activity, though eruptions remain unpredictable.&nbsp;



In modern times, Etna continues to be one of the most closely watched <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> in the world, with frequent eruptions, ash clouds, and lava flows affecting air travel and local communities.



Mount Etna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 due to its geological significance and cultural history.&nbsp;



Today, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-next-big-volcano-eruption-will-cause-global-chaos-climate-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> attracts tourists, scientists, and locals alike, serving as both a reminder of nature’s power and a source of economic and scientific interest.



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Fiery eruption of Mount Etna captured from space

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-webb-nbsp-nbsp">The power of Webb&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



The same cluster was featured as the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023.&nbsp;



According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. 



"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc-1333">Webb’s view of NGC 1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC 1333 cloud. 



“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."



The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-the-sun">Formation of the Sun</h2>



“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.



Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.



Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> is ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.



Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. 



These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;



These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-ngc-1333">Significance of NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy, still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks.&nbsp;



In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;



It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;



These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.



The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The lake was formed after the collapse of the Nemrut volcano's summit. This collapse created a massive crater, which gradually filled with water over time, forming the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a>.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Mount Nemrut: Ancient mysteries and natural marvels 

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The idea of consuming human flesh is enough to turn the stomach. It feels unnatural, grotesque, and completely at odds with the norms of modern society. Yet, history tells a different story. For some ancient cultures, cannibalism was not only practiced but carried deep meaning.



Whether as an act of survival, a form of warfare, or a ritual, the consumption of human flesh has left its mark on history.



A recent study has revealed shocking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queens-turn-to-cannibalism-recycle-bodies-for-colony-disease-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> of cannibalism among the Magdalenians, a prehistoric European culture that thrived between 17,000 and 12,000 years ago. 



Researchers have discovered that these ancient people not only consumed their enemies after battle but may have also eaten their own dead. 



The findings, based on remains found in Maszycka Cave, challenge our understanding of early human societies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-the-evidence-of-ancient-cannibalism">Unearthing the evidence of ancient cannibalism</h2>



Maszycka Cave, located about 12 miles from Krakow, Poland, has long been a significant archaeological site. More than a century ago, researchers uncovered human bones there, alongside stone tools and animal remains.



These findings suggested that the site was once home to a late Ice Age society. Recent excavations, however, have revealed something far more disturbing.



Researchers from Spain and Poland analyzed 63 human bone fragments from the cave, and uncovered clear signs of cannibalism. 



Cut marks, fractures, and evidence of flesh removal suggest that these individuals were not merely buried but processed for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannibalism-cellular-level-common-across-various-life-forms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumption</a>.



The study, published in Scientific Reports, provides undeniable evidence that the Magdalenians engaged in human consumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-consumption">Process of consumption</h2>



One of the most striking discoveries was the evidence of skull manipulation. 



Skulls from Maszycka Cave bore marks from scalping, flesh removal, and intentional fracturing. These modifications suggest that Magdalenians actively sought to access the brain, a nutrient-rich part of the body.



"The butchering process took place shortly after death, with no period reserved for the bodies to decompose or dry," the researchers stated.



Long bones, such as femurs and humeri, showed clear signs of being broken open, likely to extract marrow. This method closely resembles how ancient people processed animal bones for nutrients. 



Researchers noted that many of the cut marks on human remains were nearly identical to those found on animal bones, further supporting the idea that the bodies were treated as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosasaurs-had-fierce-survival-strategies-including-cannibalism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food source</a>.



"The position and frequency of the cut marks, as well as the targeted smashing of bones, leave no doubt that their intention was to extract nutritious components from the dead," explained first author Francesc Marginedas from the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (<a href="https://www.iphes.cat/institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPHES</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enemies-or-ritual-victims">Enemies or ritual victims?</h2>



The study raises important questions about why the Magdalenians engaged in cannibalism. 



Some experts believe it was a result of warfare, with victorious warriors consuming their fallen enemies as an act of dominance. Others suggest it may have had ritualistic significance.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cannibalism_ancient-europeans_bite-marks-bones_credit-IPHES_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cannibalism_ancient-europeans_bite-marks-bones_credit-IPHES_1s.webp" alt="Human induced modifications on cranial and postcranial remains. Cut marks (blue and yellow) due to scalping (e, u) and defleshing of the skull (c, d, f, i, j, t), percussion damage (red) on skull fragments (a, b). Defleshing marks on a mandible (g, h), on a clavicle (l, n), on a radius (o), on a femur (p, q) and on a fibula (s). Disarticulation marks on a humerus (k, r) and peeling (green) on a clavicle (m). The specimen ID is located next to the scale at the bottom of the images. Credit: IPHES" class="wp-image-1960442"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Human induced modifications on cranial and postcranial remains. Cut marks (blue and yellow) due to scalping (e, u) and defleshing of the skull (c, d, f, i, j, t), percussion damage (red) on skull fragments (a, b). Defleshing marks on a mandible (g, h), on a clavicle (l, n), on a radius (o), on a femur (p, q) and on a fibula (s). Disarticulation marks on a humerus (k, r) and peeling (green) on a clavicle (m). The specimen ID is located next to the scale at the bottom of the images. Credit: IPHES</figcaption></figure>



The practice was not limited to enemies. A 2023 study suggested that Magdalenians also consumed their deceased loved ones, possibly as a method of body disposal. 



This further complicates the debate over whether their cannibalistic acts were driven by necessity or belief.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-culture-of-art-and-violence">A culture of art and violence</h2>



Despite these gruesome discoveries, the Magdalenian culture was known for its artistic achievements. 



They left behind intricate cave paintings, carved tools, and engraved bones. Their artwork, found in locations such as the famous Lascaux caves in France, suggests a society that valued creativity and expression.



"The wide range of artistic evidence points to favorable living conditions during this period. It therefore seems unlikely that cannibalism was practiced out of necessity," said Professor Thomas Terberger from the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>.



This presents an interesting paradox. How could a culture so advanced in artistic expression also engage in cannibalism? One possibility is that cannibalism was not about survival but about power, belief, or warfare. 



It may have been a way to mark territory, strike fear into enemies, or maintain social order within their groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannibalism-linked-to-population-pressure">Cannibalism linked to population pressure</h2>



Researchers believe that growing population pressure during the late Ice Age may have played a role in the rise of violent cannibalism. 



As resources became scarce, competition between groups intensified. The increase in territorial conflicts could have led to extreme acts of violence, including consuming enemies as part of warfare.



"It is possible that this was an example of violent cannibalism. After the last Ice Age, there was population growth, and that may have led to conflicts over resources and territories," said Marginedas.



At Maszycka Cave, human remains were found mixed with settlement debris, suggesting that the dead were not treated with respect. 



This further supports the idea that these individuals were not honored in death but were instead treated as food or trophies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannibalism-across-human-history">Cannibalism across human history</h2>



The Magdalenians were not the first to engage in cannibalism, nor were they the last. 



Evidence of human consumption dates back 1.45 million years to Kenya, where a shin bone fossil bore cut marks consistent with butchery. 



Throughout <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stellar-cannibalism-scientists-find-the-remnants-of-devoured-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history</a>, various cultures have engaged in cannibalism for different reasons, whether due to starvation, warfare, or religious rituals.



"Cannibalism is a behavior that has been documented at various times in human evolution," said co-author Dr. Palmira Saladié.



"In prehistoric contexts, it could respond both to survival needs and to ritual practices or even to dynamics of intergroup violence."



The Magdalenians may have practiced it more frequently than other groups, but it was by no means unique to them. 



Archaeologists have uncovered similar evidence among Neanderthals, early Homo sapiens, and even societies from more recent historical periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-the-magdalenian-legacy">Rethinking the Magdalenian legacy</h2>



This discovery forces us to rethink how we view the Magdalenian people. They were not just artists and hunters but also warriors and possibly ritualistic cannibals. Their society was complex, shaped by both creativity and brutality.



Cannibalism during this period was not necessarily widespread, but it was also not unheard of. It was likely a response to specific circumstances, whether conflict, population pressure, or deeply held beliefs. 



The remains at Maszycka Cave offer a rare glimpse into this brutal aspect of their culture, challenging our assumptions about early human societies.



While we may never fully understand the motivations behind Magdalenian cannibalism, this research brings us closer to uncovering the realities of life in prehistoric Europe. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-86093-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Cannibalism: Ancient Europeans ate both enemies and loved ones

The idea of consuming human flesh is enough to turn...

Mars, often seen as a dry and dusty world, holds surprising beauty in its skies. While Earth’s clouds are made of water vapor, Martian clouds contain something quite different - frozen carbon dioxide, also known as dry ice.



These clouds appear in stunning shades of red and green, creating an otherworldly spectacle that continues to intrigue scientists.



Recently, NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/msl-curiosity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosity rover</a> captured breathtaking images of these drifting clouds. Taken over 16 minutes on 17 January 2025, these images reveal a fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/martian-phenomenon-causes-spectacular-glowing-clouds-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric phenomenon</a>.



Known as noctilucent, or “night shining” clouds, these spectacular structures glow in the fading light of the setting sun. For this reason, they are also referred to as twilight clouds.



Sometimes, they even display a rainbow-like effect known as iridescence. The more scientists observe these clouds, the more they learn about Mars's atmosphere and its ever-changing weather patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-clouds-on-mars">Formation of clouds on Mars</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-mars-clouds-catalogued-in-stunning-new-online-photo-atlas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> clouds form under extreme conditions. They exist as either water ice clouds or carbon dioxide ice clouds. 



Water-ice clouds tend to form at lower altitudes, while frozen carbon dioxide clouds appear much higher up, where temperatures are even colder. 



These dry ice clouds are the only ones on Mars known to create iridescence, when sunlight scatters through the tiny particles and creates a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mars-clouds_rainbow-colors_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shimmering display of colors</a>.



Curiosity’s latest images show these twilight clouds of dry ice floating at altitudes between 37 and 50 miles (60 to 80 kilometers) above the Martian surface.



As they drift, some plumes fall as low as 31 miles (50 kilometers) before evaporating due to rising temperatures. 



This movement offers valuable clues about the Martian atmosphere and how it behaves at different temperatures.



In contrast, water-ice clouds travel in the opposite direction. these clouds hover around 31 miles (50 kilometers) above the rover, forming and dissipating as the atmosphere shifts. 



The existence of two types of clouds moving in different directions adds another layer of complexity to the Martian climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-mars-s-twilight-clouds">Discovering Mars's twilight clouds</h2>



Twilight clouds on Mars are not a new discovery. NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-pathfinder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pathfinder mission</a> first spotted them in 1997. However, Curiosity did not observe them until 2019. 



When it finally captured its first images of iridescence, scientists realized they had stumbled upon something remarkable.



This marks the fourth Martian year in which Curiosity has recorded twilight clouds. The phenomenon occurs at the start of fall in the planet’s southern hemisphere. 



These high-altitude clouds of frozen carbon dioxide glow as the sun dips below the horizon, creating a breathtaking visual effect.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mars_colorful-clouds_ice_atmosphere_NASA_GRL_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mars_colorful-clouds_ice_atmosphere_NASA_GRL_1s.webp" alt="Iridescent clouds are shown in cylindrical projection. Mosaics are shown from sols (a) 3,047, (b) 3,048, (c) 3,050, (d) 2,425, and (e) 3,049. The axes are at azimuth 270°, elevation 15°, with tick marks every 5° (azimuth) and 1° (elevation). Scattering-angle contours are at 5° intervals with a yellow 30° contour. The image in (d) is shown at twice the resolution of the others. Credit: NASA/GRL" class="wp-image-1960439"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iridescent clouds are shown in cylindrical projection. Mosaics are shown from sols (a) 3,047, (b) 3,048, (c) 3,050, (d) 2,425, and (e) 3,049. The axes are at azimuth 270°, elevation 15°, with tick marks every 5° (azimuth) and 1° (elevation). Scattering-angle contours are at 5° intervals with a yellow 30° contour. The image in (d) is shown at twice the resolution of the others. Credit: NASA/GRL</figcaption></figure>



Mark Lemmon, an atmospheric scientist with the <a href="https://www.spacescience.org/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Science Institute</a>, has studied these clouds extensively. 



“I’ll always remember the first time I saw those iridescent clouds and was sure at first it was some color artifact,” he said. “Now it’s become so predictable that we can plan our shots in advance; the clouds show up at exactly the same time of year.”



Scientists use these observations to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-can-engulf-the-entire-planet-of-mars-but-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> clouds form. Studying the size and growth rate of cloud particles helps researchers gain deeper insight into the planet’s atmospheric behavior. Each image captured by Curiosity adds to our appreciation of this phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-carbon-dioxide-clouds">Mystery of carbon dioxide clouds</h2>



Despite years of observations, one question remains unanswered - why do carbon dioxide twilight clouds appear only in certain regions of the Martian atmosphere?



Curiosity, which explores Gale Crater near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-white-christmas-australe-scopuli-region-changing-polar-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> equator, has frequently captured them. Pathfinder, which landed in Ares Vallis, also detected them. 



However, NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance rover</a>, located in Jezero Crater, has yet to record any since its landing in 2021.



Scientists believe that some areas of Mars may be more suitable than others for the formation of these clouds. One possible explanation involves gravity waves, which can cool the atmosphere enough for carbon dioxide to freeze into ice.



However, this process is not fully understood.



“Carbon dioxide was not expected to be condensing into ice here, so something is cooling it to the point that it could happen. But Martian gravity waves are not fully understood and we’re not entirely sure what is causing twilight clouds to form in one place but not another,” Lemmon shared.



This atmospheric mystery continues to challenge scientists. By studying how these clouds appear and change over time, researchers hope to unlock new insights into Martian weather and climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-perspective-from-curiosity-s-mastcam">Unique perspective from Curiosity’s Mastcam</h2>



The latest images of twilight clouds were taken using one of Curiosity’s Mastcam cameras. 



However, these images have a distinct appearance. Instead of a full-frame view, the clouds appear within a partially open circle. This is because the filter wheel on the left 34 mm Mastcam has become stuck; this limits its field of view.



Despite this issue, the camera remains functional. The rover’s right 100 mm Mastcam provides higher-resolution, color images that capture a more detailed picture of the Martian skies. These observations continue to help scientists track changes in the atmosphere.



Curiosity recently completed an exploration of the Gediz Vallis channel, an area shaped by ancient water activity. Now, the rover is moving to a new region that is filled with fascinating geological features.



Among them is boxwork, a structure formed by groundwater. These formations look like giant spiderwebs from space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-mars-s-ancient-past">Investigating Mars’s ancient past</h2>



Curiosity’s journey is not just about studying clouds - it also seeks clues about Mars’s past. Recently, the rover visited an impact crater called “Rustic Canyon.”



This small crater, measuring 67 feet (20 meters) in diameter, has lost much of its rim due to erosion. Its shallow depth suggests that it formed millions of years ago.



Scientists study impact craters because they can reveal hidden materials from beneath the surface. When a meteor strikes Mars, it can expose rock layers that have been buried for eons. 



These ancient materials may contain preserved organic molecules that offer insights into the planet’s history.



Since Mars’s surface is constantly exposed to radiation, organic molecules tend to degrade over time. However, deeply buried materials have a better chance of remaining intact.



By analyzing samples from craters, researchers hope to understand whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-records-a-martian-day-from-dawn-to-dusk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> once had conditions suitable for microbial life.



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



Curiosity’s observations of Martian clouds provide a deeper understanding of the planet’s climate and atmosphere. 



Each new image offers valuable information about cloud formation, atmospheric cooling, and seasonal weather changes.



The ongoing mystery of carbon dioxide twilight clouds remains unsolved, but with continued research, scientists may one day uncover the factors that cause them to form in some areas but not others.



As Curiosity moves forward in its mission, it will continue exploring new terrains and capturing more stunning views of the Martian sky. 



Each discovery brings humanity one step closer to understanding the Red Planet and its potential for hosting past or present life.



The full study can be read in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024GL111183" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Martian skies have spectacular, glowing clouds at sunset

Mars, often seen as a dry and dusty world, holds...

Evolution has shaped life on Earth for billions of years. Organisms adapt to their surroundings, developing traits that help them survive. From bacteria resisting antibiotics to viruses mutating to evade vaccines, evolution is always at work. 



But what if evolution itself could change over time?



A new study from the University of Michigan (U-M) explores this very idea. The research suggests that evolution does not just happen - it improves itself. 



The ability to evolve, known as "evolvability," might be something that organisms can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance over generations</a>.



Luis Zaman, an evolutionary biologist at <a href="https://umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U-M</a> and the study’s lead author, finds this concept fascinating. 



"Life is really, really good at solving problems. If you look around, there's so much diversity in life, and that all these things come from a common ancestor seems really surprising to me," said Zaman. 



"Why is evolution so seemingly creative? It seems like maybe that ability is something that evolved itself."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-the-potential-to-adapt">Evolution and the potential to adapt</h2>



Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-of-lifes-evolution-extended-by-nearly-1-5-billion-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary theories</a> focus on how mutations increase an organism’s fitness in its environment. A beneficial mutation gives an organism a survival advantage, helping it pass those traits to future generations. 



However, evolvability is different. It does not focus on immediate fitness. Instead, it increases an organism’s potential to adapt to new challenges in the future.



"This forward-looking feature of evolvability makes it contentious. We think it's important. We know it happens. Why it happens and when it happens is something we're less clear about," Zaman explained.



"We were trying to figure out: Can we see the evolution of evolvability in a more realistic computational model?"



To answer this question, the researchers designed an experiment to simulate evolution. They wanted to explore whether populations could develop an improved ability to evolve when faced with changing environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-model-to-test-evolution">Building a model to test evolution</h2>



To test their hypothesis, the researchers built a computational model using logic functions. They compared the model to a population that could only consume certain types of berries. 



In one environment, red berries were beneficial, while blue berries were toxic. In another, the roles reversed. A population could only thrive in one of these two conditions at a time.



They ran two different scenarios. In one, the environment remained stable, meaning a population only had to adapt once. 



In another, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment changed regularly</a>, forcing the population to shift between eating red and blue berries.



The goal was to observe how populations adapted under these different conditions and whether their ability to evolve improved over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-change-boosts-evolvability">Environmental change boosts evolvability</h2>



The results revealed something remarkable. Populations exposed to shifting environments showed a significant increase in evolvability. 



Instead of becoming specialists in one condition, they developed traits that allowed them to survive in both.



Mutations increased a thousandfold in populations that had to switch between eating red and blue berries. 



This meant that organisms were not just adapting to their current surroundings - they were also developing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ability to adapt</a> to future changes more efficiently.



The key takeaway was that exposure to varying conditions could push populations to evolve in a way that made them better at evolving itself. 



This supports the idea that evolvability is not just a byproduct of evolution but a trait that natural selection can shape over time.



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



The researchers used a computational system called Avida to simulate evolutionary processes. This system allowed them to track how populations changed in response to fluctuating environments.



"You can think of the evolved computer programs as pathways of multiple genes made up of computer codes," said Zaman. "Each time the environment fluctuates, this pathway needs to be reconfigured to eat the new berries."



Mutational neighborhoods played a crucial role in this process. These neighborhoods represent genetic variations that allow populations to shift their survival strategies. 



Instead of relying on entirely new mutations, organisms could modify existing genetic pathways to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-both-predictable-and-random/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt</a> more quickly.



By studying these genetic shifts, the researchers gained deeper insights into how organisms adjust to unpredictable environments. Rather than starting from scratch each time, populations could "learn" how to evolve more efficiently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-time-on-evolvability">Impact of time on evolvability</h2>



The researchers also investigated how the timing of environmental changes influenced evolvability. 



They tested three different scenarios: one where environments changed every generation, one where they changed every ten generations, and another where they changed every hundred generations.



The results showed that when environments changed too quickly, populations struggled to develop evolvability. 



However, even long cycle periods - hundreds of generations - could lead to significant improvements in an organism’s ability to adapt.



"Once a population has achieved this evolvability, it seems like it didn't get erased by future evolution," Zaman said.



This suggests that once evolution improves its ability to evolve, that trait does not disappear. Instead, it becomes a permanent feature, shaping how future generations adapt to their surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-way-of-thinking-about-evolution">New way of thinking about evolution</h2>



This study challenges the traditional view of evolution as a purely reactive process. Instead, it suggests that evolution can refine itself over time, becoming more efficient in adapting to changing environments.



If evolvability can evolve, it raises new questions about how life has <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-walking-ecosystems-and-microbes-rule-their-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">persisted and diversified</a> over billions of years. 



Organisms that develop a greater capacity for adaptation may have a long-term advantage over those that rely solely on immediate survival traits.



By demonstrating that evolution itself can evolve, this research opens new possibilities for understanding the complexity of life. 



It suggests that the ability to change and improve is not just a random occurrence but a fundamental aspect of how life progresses.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413930121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Evolution itself is found to be evolving as life constantly learns to adapt

Evolution has shaped life on Earth for billions of years....

Muscle health plays a vital role in overall well-being, affecting strength, mobility, and longevity. While exercise and protein intake have long been the cornerstones of muscle maintenance, new research suggests that diet alone may have a powerful influence. 



A recent study from Western New England University (WNE) has introduced an unexpected player in muscle health - grapes.



This study reveals that consuming grapes daily could alter muscle gene expression, potentially enhancing strength and resilience. These findings offer a new perspective on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resveratrol-may-boost-female-fertility-naturally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural foods</a> impact the body at a genetic level.



With millions of people struggling with age-related muscle loss, the potential benefits of grapes in maintaining muscle function are both exciting and significant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exceeding-nutritional-benefits">Exceeding nutritional benefits</h2>



Every year, people around the world consume approximately 30 million tons of grapes, making them one of the most widely eaten fruits. 



While they are valued for their rich nutritional content, their health benefits extend well beyond basic nutrition. 



Scientific research has shown that grapes positively impact various aspects of health, including cardiovascular function, kidney health, and skin vitality.



Additionally, grapes contain compounds that support eye health by protecting against oxidative stress, which can contribute to vision decline. 



Their role in gastrointestinal health is also noteworthy, as grapes promote digestion and contribute to a balanced gut microbiome.



With their wide-ranging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health advantages</a>, grapes have become more than just a tasty fruit - they are a natural source of essential compounds that support overall well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grapes-change-muscle-genes">Grapes change muscle genes</h2>



With this study, researchers have shed light on the dynamic influence daily grape consumption exerts on muscle gene expression. 



The effects are significantly more profound in females, which intriguingly brings male and female muscle characteristics closer to each other at a metabolic level.



Genes tied to lean muscle mass showed an upward trend, while those related to muscle degeneration displayed a decline, pointing towards improved muscle function. 



These revelations open up potential pathways for tackling age-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-muscles-may-soon-be-able-to-regenerate-like-other-muscles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle</a> loss, a challenge faced by 10-16% of elderly individuals.



Dr. John Pezzuto, senior investigator of the study, is the Dean of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at <a href="https://wne.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western New England University</a>.



"This study provides compelling evidence that grapes have the potential to enhance muscle health at the genetic level," noted Dr. Pezzuto.



"Given their safety profile and widespread availability, it will be exciting to explore how quickly these changes can be observed in human trials."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-grapes-affect-muscles">How do grapes affect muscles?</h2>



The fascinating field of nutrigenomics discusses the influence of diet on gene expression and the corresponding impact of genetic variation on dietary responses. 



The researchers examined how daily intake of two servings of grapes impacted genetic expression patterns within muscle. 



Intriguingly, the male and female muscles that usually exhibit significant differences converged into a unified phenotype under the grape-inclusive diet.



The DNA of a single species, including humans, doesn’t vary notably from one individual to another. However, the primary factor that sets us apart is the expression of DNA, otherwise known as the phenotype. 



The ingestion of grapes brought about changes in the phenotypic gene expression of male and female muscle, predominantly in females, resulting in an aligned metabolic parameter between the two.



In another fascinating observation, specific genes linked with favorable muscle health - such as lean muscle mass - were enhanced. At the same time, genes associated with deteriorating muscle health were reduced.



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



The researchers plan to conduct further studies to understand the specific biological processes responsible for these genetic changes in muscle function. 



They also aim to determine how quickly these changes occur after regular grape consumption.



By identifying the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon, scientists can better assess how grapes contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-fuels-neuron-growth-through-muscle-signals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle health</a> and whether their effects vary among different individuals.



As nutrigenomics advances, this study represents a significant step toward developing new dietary strategies for maintaining muscle strength and preventing age-related decline. 



If future research confirms these findings, incorporating grapes into daily nutrition could become a practical and accessible way to support muscle health across all age groups. 



This study opens the door for a deeper exploration of how natural foods can positively influence the body at the genetic level.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/4/695" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foods</a>.



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Eating grapes every day can transform your body in a unique way

Muscle health plays a vital role in overall well-being, affecting...

Strange as it sounds, some scientists think the earliest life forms on Earth may have painted our planet in shades of purple rather than the green we see today. 



This idea, known as the Purple Earth hypothesis, suggests that single-celled organisms depended on a less complex molecule than chlorophyll to harness sunlight.



NASA-supported work points to retinal as that pivotal molecule, which lent these microbes a vivid violet color. 



The concept has been investigated by astrobiologist Dr. Edward Schwieterman of the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a>, and professor Shiladitya DasSarma of the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>.



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



Chlorophyll is the green pigment that makes plants, algae, and some bacteria look so vibrant. More importantly, it’s the powerhouse behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revealing-the-secrets-of-photosynthesis-through-pep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> - the process that lets plants turn sunlight into energy.



Without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gardening-hack-called-green-gold-chlorophyll-works-like-magic-for-houseplants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chlorophyll</a>, life as we know it wouldn’t exist because it’s the first step in producing the oxygen we breathe and the food we eat.



This molecule absorbs light, mostly from the blue and red spectrum, while reflecting green, which is why leaves look green. 



It's packed into tiny structures inside plant cells called chloroplasts, where the magic of photosynthesis happens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-color-from-a-different-molecule">Early color from a different molecule</h2>



While modern plants rely on chlorophyll, it may not have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-building-blocks-of-life-zinc-arrived-on-early-earth-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s first choice for photosynthesis. Retinal is simpler and was likely present on Earth when atmospheric oxygen was scarce.



During that period, known for low oxygen and a hazy sky, scientists believe sunlight was still abundant enough to power these purple microbes. This scenario points to a very different Earth from the lush, leafy version we see now.



Many of these primeval organisms fell under the archaea umbrella, a group that thrives in environments hostile to most other life. 



One notable example is often called halobacterium, a bright purple microbe that survives in salty spots like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-salt-lake-is-rapidly-shrinking-and-experts-have-identified-the-causes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Salt Lake</a>.



Despite its name, halobacterium is not a bacterium but an archaeon that uses photosynthesis in a less common way. It absorbs green wavelengths through retinal and reflects red and blue, which produces its striking purple appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-purple-earth-turned-green-nbsp">How purple Earth turned green&nbsp;</h2>



Over time, other organisms evolved the more efficient pigment, chlorophyll, enabling them to harvest sunlight at stronger wavelengths.



This shift eventually overshadowed the retinal-based approach and helped fuel the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/it-took-200-million-years-for-earth-to-get-its-oxygen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Oxygenation Event</a>, when oxygen levels in our atmosphere rose dramatically.



Retinal-based life did not disappear, but it was no longer the dominant force shaping the planet’s surface color. Chlorophyll-using organisms thrived, turning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-planets-formed-in-the-harsh-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s general look from purple to green.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-colorful-life">Searching for colorful life</h2>



Astrobiologists suspect exoplanets might host creatures that still rely on retinal. 



“If the Purple Earth hypothesis was correct and there was a dominance of purple organisms in the early Earth, then we might be able to find another planet that’s at an earlier stage of evolution,” said DasSarma.



Color signals from these far-off worlds could reveal whether simple purple life is out there. Early retinal-based photosynthesis might offer a stepping stone before more advanced pigments evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purple-pockets-on-modern-earth">Purple pockets on modern Earth</h2>



Although Earth is now mostly green, places like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/salt-is-building-up-in-the-bottom-of-the-dead-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dead Sea</a> still shine with violet hues thanks to halobacterium. These hardy microbes thrive in extreme salt concentrations that deter many other forms of life.



By studying these vibrant spots, researchers gain insights into how purple life could survive on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-earth-discovered-in-the-habitable-zone-of-its-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial terrains</a> with similarly tough conditions. 



Observing them also helps scientists refine the signals they might seek on exoplanets.



Today’s vegetation has a recognizable red edge, where leaves strongly absorb red light but reflect a specific infrared wavelength. 



Retinal, on the other hand, would likely create a different type of spectral fingerprint that peaks in the green region.



Scientists are calling for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-78071-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">instruments</a> that can track a wider range of wavelengths to detect such signatures. This approach broadens our view of what life might look like on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-other-planets-collected-first-water-from-unexpected-source-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> circling distant stars.



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



Advances in telescope technology will soon allow more detailed observations of exoplanet atmospheres and surfaces. 



Analysts hope to find color patterns that reflect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological processes</a>, whether they resemble chlorophyll or something entirely different. 



A confirmed Purple Earth <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20170011333" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phase</a> would be a key reminder that life can take unexpected paths. 



“This is another reference point in a library of potential biosignatures that we can search for elsewhere,” said Schwieterman. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-earth-s-purple-past-matters">Why Earth’s purple past matters</h2>



The Purple Earth hypothesis remains unproven, yet it encourages new ways of thinking about our planet’s past and the search for life beyond. 



If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/looking-to-earths-ancient-climate-to-predict-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s earliest successful photosynthesizers truly glowed purple, then that color might reappear wherever organisms adopt retinal as their main solar sponge.



This imaginative view highlights life’s capacity to adapt in surprising ways. It also urges us to look for signals we might otherwise miss if we focus only on what we see today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.05791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrobiolo</a><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.05791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gy</a>.



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"Purple Earth" hypothesis is gaining scientific momentum

Strange as it sounds, some scientists think the earliest life...

Early explorers wondered why two neighboring islands, separated by the Wallace Line, had such different wildlife. They saw tigers and elephants on one side, while marsupials lived just a short boat ride away.



Dr. Penny Van Oosterzee, an ecological researcher at <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a>, has studied these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutions-many-solutions-nature-finds-multiple-paths-to-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> for years. She sees them as a reminder of how physical barriers can split habitats even when they sit close by.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wallace-line-separates-species">The Wallace Line separates species</h2>



The Wallace Line runs through Southeast Asia, marking where Asian species give way to Australian species. 



It crosses narrow waters between Borneo and Sulawesi, and between Bali and Lombok, which lie only about 15 miles apart.



Even though it is not an official border, it acts like one for many animals. Flocks of Asian birds thrive on one side, but groups of Australian cockatoos stay on the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-invisible-fence">An invisible fence </h2>



A deep ocean trench, known as the Makassar Strait, is key to this puzzle. During past ice ages, many islands were connected by land bridges when sea levels dropped.



Yet that submerged gap never vanished here, so animals could not simply wander across. Highly specialized species remained where they could find food, avoid predators, and keep up their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embryo-development-shows-how-evolution-had-many-options-to-choose-from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival strategies</a>.



Even birds, which can fly, tend to stay within their familiar habitats because of differences in climate and food availability. The Wallace Line, in many ways, acts like an invisible fence shaped by nature’s own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolving-evolution-how-life-learns-to-adapt-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">design</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-makassar-strait-the-basics">Understanding the Makassar Strait - the basics</h2>



The Makassar Strait is a narrow stretch of water that runs between the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi in Indonesia. 



It connects the Celebes Sea in the north to the Java Sea in the south, making it a key passage for ships traveling between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. 



The strait isn’t just a busy maritime route - it’s also home to some incredible marine life. 



Strong ocean currents flow through, bringing nutrient-rich waters that support vibrant coral reefs, fish, and even deep-sea creatures. 



It’s a hotspot for divers and researchers alike, offering a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich underwater biodiversity.



The region is also a key focus for climate change research, as rising sea levels and shifting currents affect both marine ecosystems and coastal communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wallace-line-shaped-evolution">The Wallace Line shaped evolution</h2>



This unique divide helped shape some early ideas about how species change over time. It sparked thoughts on biogeography, the study of how plants and animals are distributed across the planet.



When Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently <a href="https://evolution.berkeley.edu/the-history-of-evolutionary-thought/1800s/natural-selection-charles-darwin-alfred-russel-wallace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> about natural selection in the mid-1800s, they each pointed to real-world examples of animals adapting to local conditions. 



The stark difference between these islands stood out to Wallace.



His observations supported the idea that species do not appear randomly but evolve based on their environment. 



The Wallace Line became one of the strongest cases for how geographic barriers can drive the formation of new species.



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



There are debates over the geographic accuracy of the line. Researchers have <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/article/130/1/225/5802023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">called</a> for the boundary line to be redrawn.&nbsp;



“We suggest that Wallace’s Line be redrawn such that the landmass is placed on the Australasian side of this fundamental biogeographical boundary,” wrote Jason Ali and colleagues from the University of Hong Kong.



Shifting a line on a map may seem simple, but it shows how active science can be. As more research appears, definitions can move, and old ideas can adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wallace-line-and-human-history">The Wallace Line and human history</h2>



The idea of a boundary extends to humans and not only wildlife. The racial and political effects of the line have been studied at length.&nbsp;



“The difference between these two people had already been noticed by early European travelers, together with the difference in flora and fauna,” noted Fenneke Sysling from the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands.



Many decades ago, claims emerged that certain groups east of the line shared traits with Papuans, while those west of the line fit the Malay category. 



Debates around these claims have carried into modern times, highlighting how complex human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> can be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographic-borders-and-human-evolution">Geographic borders and human evolution</h2>



Various projects track bird populations, insects, and even marsupials (kangaroo) to see how borders and evolution link together. 



Shallow seas no longer block human travel, yet animals remain bound by their own quirks.



Scientists ask whether climate changes or habitat loss might shift wildlife distributions in the future. Updates on these studies add another layer of intrigue to a line first drawn in the 19th century.



The Wallace Line demonstrates how subtle geographic forces can create stark contrasts in living things. It also reminds us that physical distance is not always the main factor - evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history</a> and chance play major roles.



With all of the debates and shifting perspectives, one thing is clear: the planet holds more surprises than any single line can capture.



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The Wallace Line: A natural border line that no species will cross

Early explorers wondered why two neighboring islands, separated by the...

Large birds, the closest relatives of dinosaurs, have demonstrated their intelligence by solving physical challenges to access food. Scientists have now shown that emus and rheas, part of the palaeognath group, can tackle complex tasks.



Despite their reputation for lacking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brain-study-will-shed-new-light-on-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligence</a>, emus successfully developed a new technique to obtain food. They aligned a hole with a food chamber and adjusted its position efficiently in 90% of trials.



A male rhea not only used this method but also invented another - rotating a central bolt until the task collapsed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-crows-and-parrots">Beyond crows and parrots</h2>



Dr. Fay Clark, from Bristol’s <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/psychology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Psychological Science</a>, emphasized the importance of expanding avian research beyond commonly studied species.



“A large body of research shows that crows and parrots are effective problem-solvers, and while scientists have recently taken interest in other birds like gulls and birds of prey, all of these birds belong to the same phylogenetic group, Neognathae," noted Dr. Clark.



“The problem? The more we study the same species repeatedly, the more we create an ‘echo chamber’ of knowledge and create a false impression that other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brains-fossil-reveals-roots-of-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> are less ‘intelligent’ but in reality they haven’t been studied to the same level.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-limits-of-palaeognaths">Cognitive limits of palaeognaths</h2>



Dr. Clark's research involved three palaeognath species - emus, rheas, and ostriches - at a local zoo.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rethinking-brain-evolution-birds-and-mammals-took-different-paths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> participated in ten test sessions using a rotating wheel that had to be aligned with a hole to receive a food reward. While emus and rheas demonstrated problem-solving abilities, the ostriches in this study did not innovate.



“We classify palaeognath innovation as low level or simplistic – and it is certainly not as complex as the innovation we see in crows and parrots," Dr. Clark explained.



“However, it is still a very important finding. There were no reports of technical innovation in palaeognaths before our study, and there was a prevailing view that they are ‘dumb’ birds."



“Our research suggests that is not true and that technical innovation may have evolved far earlier in birds than previously thought.”



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



The study's authors plan to extend their research to more bird species, particularly those that have not been traditionally studied in cognitive science. 



A broader sample of birds interacting with the same rotating wheel task could help identify patterns in problem-solving abilities across different evolutionary groups.



Additionally, future research could explore how environmental factors influence intelligence. 



Do birds that face frequent challenges in the wild develop better problem-solving skills? How does social structure impact cognitive development? Answering these questions could deepen our understanding of avian intelligence.



“The more we study palaeognath birds, the more we can understand the broader picture of bird cognition. And because palaeognaths birds are the closest living relatives to dinosaurs, research might shed light on how dinosaurs behaved,” said Dr. Clark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-environment-in-bird-intelligence">Role of environment in bird intelligence</h2>



Bird intelligence does not exist in isolation - it develops in response to environmental challenges. Species that regularly face obstacles in the wild may develop problem-solving skills as a survival strategy.



For instance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-navigate-using-clues-from-earths-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> that forage in unpredictable conditions or compete for scarce resources might be more likely to innovate. 



Emus and rheas, which live in diverse habitats, may benefit from adaptability. Ostriches, however, tend to rely on speed and size rather than problem-solving to escape predators, which could explain their different approach to the task.



By studying birds in different settings, scientists can better understand how environment influences cognitive development. Future research could compare problem-solving abilities between wild and captive birds to see how natural challenges shape intelligence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-bird-intelligence">Rethinking bird intelligence</h2>



The study challenges long-standing assumptions about intelligence in birds. By shifting the focus beyond traditionally studied species, scientists are uncovering new insights into the cognitive abilities of different bird groups. 



Palaeognaths, once thought to be among the least intelligent birds, have now demonstrated problem-solving skills that suggest a more complex picture of avian intelligence.



As research continues, it is likely that more bird species will prove to be capable of innovation and learning. The findings not only reshape how we view bird intelligence but also prompt new discussions about the evolutionary roots of problem-solving behavior. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-88217-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Large flightless birds are more intelligent than we realized

Large birds, the closest relatives of dinosaurs, have demonstrated their...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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As you might assume, a new gorilla appearing in the mountains is going to attract some attention. Unsurprisingly, the troop&#8217;s dominant male noticed the visitor and came over to check it out. Photo Credit: Fodors

Alpha Male

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