Today's Image of the Day from NASA features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system. 



The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.



Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;



The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.



The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. 



As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.



The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings.&nbsp;



“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.



Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;



In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.



Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;



The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-uranus-nbsp">Climate of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;



Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.



Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.



Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;



The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.



“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”



The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;



It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features an extraordinary...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



“Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy,” said ESA. 



“Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way.”



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

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

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.



“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 in the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023. 



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.&nbsp;



“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-stars-in-the-sun-s-birth-cluster">Stars in the Sun's birth cluster</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-early-stages-of-planet-formation">Early stages of planet formation </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.



These stars are still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks. 



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 NASA Earth Observatory features a blanket of dust over the Tarim Basin - a vast, arid region in northwestern China. 



Mountain peaks are visible through a break in the dust. These peaks are part of Tekilik Shan, a subrange of the Kunlun Mountains.



Though not as widely known as some other mountain ranges in the area, Tekilik Shan plays a significant role in shaping local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> patterns and geography.



Its snow-covered peaks can rise above 13,000 feet, contributing to the dramatic elevation differences that define the basin’s borders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-storms-in-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Dust storms in the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



Spring marks the height of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storm</a> activity in the Tarim Basin, particularly in its southern region.&nbsp;



“It’s a time of year when regional wind patterns shift in ways that cause winds and storm systems to sweep in from the northwest,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154126/a-curtain-of-dust-over-the-tarim-basin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“In early spring, when landscapes in this region are especially dry and have minimal vegetation, land surfaces warm rapidly under the Sun’s heat every morning, fueling convection that can help loft dust upward by the afternoon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fingerlike-dust-formations-nbsp">Fingerlike dust formations&nbsp;</h2>



Satellite images revealed dust formations with fingerlike shapes that mirrored the landscape below. These projections aligned with valleys, which channeled and directed the airborne dust.&nbsp;



Ralph Kahn is an atmospheric scientist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and scientist emeritus at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.



According to Kahn, the dust may have been “self-lofting.” In this process, sunlight heats recently stirred-up surface dust, creating pockets of convection that lift it even higher into the air.



This interpretation is supported by hourly observations from Japan’s Himawari-9 geostationary satellite, which showed dust gradually rising into the Tekilik Shan throughout the day. By late afternoon, the storm had grown dense enough to obscure the mountains.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-atmospheric-dust">Decline in atmospheric dust</h2>



Long-term satellite data from MODIS suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric dust</a> levels in this region have declined by about 1.5 percent each year since the early 2000s.&nbsp;



NASA researcher Hongbin Yu attributes this trend mainly to springtime changes - such as altered wind speeds, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-moisture-can-predict-severe-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil moisture</a>, or vegetation cover - rather than shifts in other seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-in-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Rainfall in the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



“The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Takla-Makan-Desert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Takla Makan Desert</a> is one of the driest, most barren expanses on Earth. Flanked by mountain ranges on three sides and parched by the resulting <a href="https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Rain_shadow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain shadow</a>, parts of the Tarim Basin receive no more than 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) of rain per year,” noted NASA.



“Dust storms can lead to public health problems in populated areas downwind by transporting small particles, bacteria, and viruses that infiltrate human respiratory systems.”&nbsp;



NASA added that dust storms can also affect Earth’s climate by scattering and absorbing incoming solar radiation and changing the properties of clouds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscape-of-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Landscape of the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



The Tarim Basin is one of the largest endorheic basins in the world, meaning that its rivers do not drain into the sea but instead flow into interior lakes or evaporate.&nbsp;



The basin is encircled by three mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west. These ranges create a powerful rain shadow effect, making the region exceptionally dry.



At the heart of the Tarim Basin lies the Taklamakan Desert, one of the most extreme deserts on Earth. The desert is known for its high dunes, intense temperature swings, and minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-and-geology">History and geology</h2>



Despite its harsh environment, the basin has been historically significant. It was a key section of the ancient Silk Road, with several oases such as Kashgar, Khotan, and Loulan serving as vital trading and cultural centers for centuries.



Geologically, the basin is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas, and has become a focal point for China's energy exploration and development.&nbsp;



The region’s challenging climate and remote location, however, make infrastructure development and human habitation difficult.&nbsp;



The image was captured on March 27, 2025 by the Operational Land Imager instrument on Landsat 8.



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Blanket of dust covers China’s Tarim Basin

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604. The nebula is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). 



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



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



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



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



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



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



NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA



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Ghostly galaxy in the constellation Eridanus

Crater Lake&nbsp;(Klamath:&nbsp;Giiwas) is a&nbsp;crater lake&nbsp;in south-central&nbsp;Oregon&nbsp;in the western United States. It is the main feature of&nbsp;Crater Lake National Park&nbsp;and is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. The lake partly fills a nearly 2,148-foot-deep (655&nbsp;m) caldera that was formed around 7,700 (± 150) years ago&nbsp;by the collapse of the volcano&nbsp;Mount Mazama. There are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake; the evaporation is compensated for by rain and snowfall at a rate such that the total amount of water is replaced every 250 years. With a depth of 1,949 feet (594&nbsp;m),&nbsp;the lake is the&nbsp;deepest&nbsp;in the United States. In the world, it ranks ninth for maximum depth, and third for mean (average) depth. Crater Lake features two small islands.&nbsp;Wizard Island, located near the western shore of the lake, is a&nbsp;cinder cone&nbsp;approximately 316 acres (128 ha) in size.&nbsp;Phantom Ship, a natural rock pillar, is located near the southern shore.



The park has two developed campgrounds,&nbsp;Mazama Campground&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lost Creek Campground. They are open only in the summer. Mazama Campground has 214 sites for tents and RVs. Lost Creek Campground has 16 sites for tents only.&nbsp; Sleeping overnight in the park is allowed only for hotel guests, campground campers, and backpackers who obtain a&nbsp;backcountry permit. Camping in the park’s pullouts, picnic areas, and parking lots is prohibited.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

In a major breakthrough for global pollinator health, scientists have developed a new man-made food source capable of sustaining honey bee colonies without any natural pollen. 



This innovation could revolutionize beekeeping and play a crucial role in curbing the alarming rates of colony collapse that threaten agriculture worldwide.



The research is the result of a decade-long collaboration between <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> (WSU) and <a href="https://apixbiosciences.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APIX Biosciences NV</a> in Belgium. 



In extensive field trials across commercial crop pollination sites in Washington state, the new diet proved not only viable but highly effective in keeping nutritionally stressed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bee</a> colonies alive and thriving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-power-bar-for-pollinators"><a></a>A power bar for pollinators</h2>



The new food resembles compact bars - similar in appearance to energy bars for humans - that are placed directly into the hive. These bars are enriched with a complete blend of nutrients that bees would normally obtain from a diverse diet of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-alters-cloud-formation-and-changes-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen</a>. 



Once inside the colony, young worker bees process the food and distribute it to both larvae and adult bees. Much like how livestock and pets are sustained on commercial feed throughout their lives, this innovation marks the first time honey bees can be maintained entirely on an artificial diet.



“Until this study, honey bees were the only livestock that could not be maintained on a man-made feed,” said Patrick Pilkington, CEO of APIX Biosciences US. 



“The reported scientific work shows in commercial field conditions that providing nutritionally stressed colonies with our pollen-replacing feed results in a major measurable step change in colony health compared to current best practices.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-an-artificial-diet-for-bees">Why an artificial diet for bees?</h2>



The need for such a feed has become increasingly urgent as honey bees face mounting challenges in their environment. 



Changes in land use, widespread urban development, monoculture farming, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events have all contributed to a steady decline in available pollen sources.



“Honey bees are generalists and do not get all their nutrition from a single source,” explained Brandon Hopkins, a professor of pollinator ecology at WSU and co-author of the study. “They need variety in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-need-a-balanced-diet-for-optimal-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> to survive but find it increasingly difficult to locate the continuous supply of pollen they need to sustain the colony.”



Without sufficient nutrition, colonies are more vulnerable to disease, parasites, and stress from crop pollination. In recent years, colony mortality rates have soared to levels many beekeepers consider unsustainable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-inside-the-feed"><a></a>What’s inside the feed</h2>



One of the most significant scientific discoveries in the development of this new artificial diet is the identification of isofucosterol - a plant-derived molecule naturally found in pollen that is critical for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-and-flower-strips-improve-honey-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee health</a>. 



In the study, colonies fed with isofucosterol-enriched bars were able to survive an entire season without any pollen access.



Colonies that did not receive the molecule, however, showed dramatic declines, including reduced larval production, signs of adult paralysis, and even total collapse.



In addition to isofucosterol, the bars are formulated to include all essential nutrients bees require, ensuring colonies remain healthy even when natural pollen is scarce or of poor quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-trials-yield-promising-results"><a></a>Real-world trials yield promising results</h2>



To test the feed under realistic conditions, WSU scientists deployed nutritionally stressed colonies to pollinate blueberries and sunflowers - crops known to offer poor pollen nutrition. 



Compared to colonies given standard commercial feeds or no supplementation, those receiving the new diet not only survived but exhibited strong growth and improved survival rates.



“Some beekeepers don’t pollinate blueberries anymore because colonies suffer or die and the pollination fees don’t cover the losses,” Hopkins noted. 



“Blueberry pollen isn’t very nutritious for honey bees, and they aren’t adapted well to pollinating that crop. But if they have this supplemental food source, beekeepers may return to pollinating those fields since they know their bees are more likely to survive.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-decade-in-the-making"><a></a>A decade in the making</h2>



The innovation represents over 10 years of research and testing by a multi-institutional team. 



Thierry Bogaert, lead author of the study and chairman of APIX Biosciences, highlighted the scale of the effort: “The newly published work is the result of a herculean scientific effort of three teams,” he said.



These included the founders and scientists of APIX who tested thousands of ingredient combinations, WSU’s honey bee specialists, and professional beekeepers and extension teams who enabled large-scale field testing. Study co-author Anne Marie Fauvel coordinated the beekeeping collaborations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-artificial-diet-looking-ahead">An artificial diet: Looking ahead</h2>



As the agriculture industry continues to depend on pollination services from honey bees, the introduction of a reliable, artificial diet could help stabilize colonies in the face of increasing environmental stressors.



“We are confident that the product will positively impact beekeepers and growers once it’s available to purchase in the US, which is targeted for mid-2026,” Pilkington said. 



“Meanwhile, we are working with WSU and the beekeeping community across the USA to develop the best way to make use of this new tool in agricultural settings.”



With beekeepers facing crisis-level losses year after year, this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope - and a concrete way to better support the insects that help feed the world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.3078" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Artificial diet offers hope for saving endangered honey bees

In a major breakthrough for global pollinator health, scientists have...

Wild animals, shaped by evolution, are adapted to survive in harsh ecosystems. These adaptations may now hint at solutions to human reproductive health and pregnancy challenges. 



Dr. Michelle Shero, assistant scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>), has explored this link through the study of seals.



“When people think about biomedical research, they probably don’t immediately think about wildlife such as birds, cheetahs, bears, or seals – but they should,” said Shero.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fasting-seals-and-pregnancy-diabetes">Fasting seals and pregnancy diabetes</h2>



Human pregnancy involves complex metabolic changes. One problematic condition that arises fairly commonly is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which affects up to 25% of pregnancies.



It usually resolves after childbirth but can have lasting effects on both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-reveal-hidden-danger-of-microplastics-to-unborn-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mother and baby</a>. Conventional medicine treats GDM with diet, exercise, or medication, all aimed at lowering maternal blood glucose levels.



Marine mammals take a different path. Phocid seals, such as the Weddell or hooded seal, enter a fasting state during reproduction. They stop eating altogether while nursing, and lose up to 40% of their body mass.



Despite this, both mothers and pups thrive. This remarkable strategy hinges on reversible insulin resistance - a condition that looks like GDM but causes no harm.



Unlike humans, fasting seals maintain high blood sugar levels without accumulating ketones or damaging tissues. Their insulin levels stay low. Glucose continues circulating, and supports energy needs without tipping into metabolic dysfunction.



This balance results from finely tuned hormonal shifts and tissue-specific insulin responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-transfer-in-seal-pregnancies">Sugar transfer in seal pregnancies</h2>



In humans, high maternal glucose levels lead to excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horse-miscarriages-offer-insights-into-human-pregnancy-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fetal</a> growth and complications. Seals flip this script.



In Weddell seals, the fetus has higher glucose levels than the mother. This shift happens due to unique blood cell glucose ratios and slow glucose turnover.



These features suggest a controlled nutrient transfer that supports the fetus without risking overgrowth. Learning from this could improve treatments for gestational diabetes in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-seals-survive-with-low-oxygen">How seals survive with low oxygen</h2>



Seals dive deep, holding their breath for hours. Their bodies can stockpile oxygen and use it with surgical precision. Blood flow prioritizes the brain, heart, and uterus while cutting supply to muscles.



“What marine mammals do to make it possible for them to dive for so long is really amazing,” said Shero. 



“This is even more incredible when we consider the fact that every time the adult seal dives, her fetus is brought along and responds in much the same way on all those dives too.”



Marine mammals maintain this dive reflex even under extreme oxygen deprivation. Their bodies withstand arterial oxygen pressures that would knock humans unconscious. They also avoid tissue damage during reoxygenation through powerful anti-inflammatory responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-human-fetuses-from-hypoxia">Protecting human fetuses from hypoxia</h2>



During birth, some babies can experience oxygen deprivation, which may lead to lifelong damage. Currently, humans rely on cesareans and heart rate monitoring to avoid this dangerous situation.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-provide-a-window-into-the-oceans-twilight-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seals</a> offer a better model as their pregnancy includes repeated, deep fetal hypoxia. Learning their strategies could reshape approaches to neonatal care.



Adaptations like splenic contractions, vascular shunting, and blunted nitric oxide responses may hold keys. Seals also collapse their lungs underwater to prevent nitrogen toxicity, then re-expand them with surfactant-rich linings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressing-pause-on-pregnancy">Pressing pause on pregnancy</h2>



Another adaptation that seals show is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-stress-may-have-lasting-effects-on-fetal-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">embryonic</a> diapause. After mating, many pinnipeds delay embryo implantation. This ensures pups are born during optimal conditions. In some species, diapause can last months.



Shero noted that this ability may exist in other mammal species, including humans. “Learning how to ‘hit pause’ on pregnancy until conditions are optimal, like seals do, would be a breakthrough,” she explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-embryo-pause-vs-freezing">Natural embryo pause vs. freezing</h2>



Current IVF protocols freeze embryos. This can damage DNA and lower success rates. If doctors could trigger a safe metabolic pause like diapause, embryos could wait for the best moment to implant.



Reciprocal studies show that sheep embryos paused in a mouse uterus resume normal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-start-bonding-with-their-baby-before-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development</a>. This points to a shared mechanism among mammals. One rare IVF case even documented a human embryo in diapause for five weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-seals-teach-us-about-pregnancies">What seals teach us about pregnancies</h2>



Seals survive under pressure - literally and figuratively. Their biology can reshape our understanding of what’s “normal” in health.



“In seeking ways to improve human health, we should be looking to the extraordinary feats of wild animals – they have often found the most innovative solutions,” Shero concluded.



This research was supported by the <a href="https://everypagefound.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Every Page Foundation</a> and other science bodies, including <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a> and WHOI.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.fertstertreports.org/article/S2666-3341(25)00026-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">F&amp;S Reports</a>.



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Seal pregnancies reveal clues for treating birth complications

Wild animals, shaped by evolution, are adapted to survive in...

Trees in tropical forests, which thrive in some of the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth, are known for their staggering diversity. But a new study shows that the chemical diversity hidden within those trees may be just as impressive - and just as important.



Trees don’t just differ in size, shape, or leaf color. Each one brings its own chemical strategy to the forest floor, using unique compounds to fend off pests and diseases. Researchers from <a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> and the Missouri Botanical Garden set out to learn more about this chemical variation. 



The findings shed light on the ecological forces that make tropical forests so rich in diversity. Furthermore, the research offers a reminder that these forests aren’t just beautiful - they may also hold the key to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-extinction-threatens-the-future-of-medicine-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future medicines</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-trees-reveal-through-their-leaves">What trees reveal through their leaves</h2>



The research team analyzed leaves from 470 tree species, gathered as part of the Madidi Project - a large-scale survey in Bolivia’s Andes Mountains.



By focusing on trees from both low and high elevations, the team was able to compare how chemical compounds shift across climates. Using mass spectrometry, the experts identified over 20,000 unique chemical compounds in the leaf samples.



“It’s an amazing level of chemical diversity,” said Jonathan Myers, a professor of biology at Washington University.



Many of these compounds help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants survive in harsh conditions</a> - especially in the warm, humid, and insect-rich tropics.



Over one-third of the compounds were terpenoids, chemicals that plants use to ward off threats like insects and pathogens. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruits-and-plants-are-powerful-allies-for-disease-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terpenoids</a> are already known for their medicinal uses. Some can fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and kill harmful bacteria and viruses.



Another quarter of the compounds were alkaloids, a class of chemicals found in many well-known medicines, including painkillers and antimalarial drugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-as-a-defense-strategy">Diversity as a defense strategy</h2>



As the researchers moved up in elevation, the diversity of both tree species and their chemical compounds decreased. In plots at 4,000 feet, they found nearly 140 species of trees per hectare. At 11,000 feet, there were fewer than 20 species.



This shift also impacted chemical diversity. Trees at higher elevations, even from different species, tended to rely on similar types of chemical compound defenses. But in the highly competitive lowland forests, chemical originality was the norm.



“If a tree has the same chemistry as a neighbor, it could be vulnerable to the same herbivores and pathogens," said Myers.



In contrast, if each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-forests-with-diverse-tree-species-increases-likelihood-of-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> uses different compounds for protection, it becomes harder for insects and diseases to adapt to all of them at once.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-global-tree-chemical-library">Building a global tree chemical library</h2>



The findings support efforts to study and protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-have-strategies-to-survive-in-nutrient-poor-soils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a> - not only for their biological value but also for their chemical potential.



The team contributed their data to a growing global database of tree and plant compounds. “With such a database, researchers could look for unique chemicals that could have real value for society,” said Myers.



The study also raises larger questions about how plant chemistry varies across regions. Myers is involved in a separate National Science Foundation project comparing tree communities from the Amazon, Canada, and the forests near Tyson Research Center in Missouri.



While the local forests can’t match tropical diversity, they are still richer in species and chemicals than the conifer-heavy forests of the north.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-patterns-of-plant-diversity">Global patterns of plant diversity </h2>



What drives this pattern of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>? Climate might be a major factor. Warmer, wetter, and more stable environments allow more plant species to thrive - each with its own set of defenses. 



This chemical arms race may help explain why tropical regions are rich in both species and compounds. According to Professor Myers, it could be another clue to understanding global patterns of plant diversity.



The take-home message is clear: Every tree in the forest is not only a life form but also a tiny chemistry lab. And the more species we protect, the more likely we are to preserve the invisible tools they use to survive - tools that could someday help us too.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.70069" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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How a tree's chemical defense could spark future medical breakthroughs

Trees in tropical forests, which thrive in some of the...

Hidden in the bushes of South Australia, a tiny bird is singing. But its voice carries more than a melody. In the superb fairy-wren, song is not just for romance or rivalry. It may also reveal something deeper - personality.



Birdsong has long fascinated biologists. It's central to mating and territory defense. It can also hint at an individual’s condition or cognitive skill. 



But one question remained mostly untouched: can song reflect personality traits, especially in female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-the-2024-eclipse-revealed-about-bird-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>? A new study answers that with a confident yes.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> set out to explore this in wild superb fairy-wrens, a species where both sexes sing. 



The results, published in Royal Society Open Science, reveal how personality traits like exploration and aggressiveness influence the complexity of bird song. And it’s not just males that sing with meaning.



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



In animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> research, personality refers to consistent differences in behavior across time and situations. Some birds are bold, while some are shy. Some explore widely, yet others stay safe. These traits affect how animals survive, mate, and interact with the world.



Dr Diane Colombelli-Négrel and her team studied two key personality traits: exploration and aggressiveness. These have ecological relevance. 



Exploratory birds are often more curious and likely to investigate unfamiliar environments. Aggressive birds may confront rivals and defend territory more strongly.



Previous studies hinted at links between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-adapt-their-survival-strategies-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personality</a> and signaling, especially in males. But no one had tested how these links play out in both sexes - or how they affect learned traits such as song complexity. This made superb fairy-wrens, where both males and females sing, a perfect subject.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairy-wrens-learn-songs-throughout-life">Fairy-wrens learn songs throughout life</h2>



Superb fairy-wrens are insectivorous songbirds native to southeastern Australia. They live in social groups, often with a breeding pair and several helpers. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-birds-are-more-at-risk-from-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> sing complex "chatter songs" that serve both mating and defensive purposes. Juveniles start singing full songs about 50 days after fledging.



Song learning starts early, even in the egg. Birds learn from their parents and others nearby. Adults may continue learning, suggesting they are open-ended learners.



“Regardless of their sex or life stage, individuals that were more exploratory had more element types per song, which may be explained by the possibility that more exploratory birds approach and learn from a wider variety of tutors compared to less exploratory birds,” said Dr Colombelli-Négrel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-song-style-linked-to-bird-personality">Song style linked to bird personality</h2>



Between 2019 and 2023, researchers captured 102 color-banded birds - 62 males and 40 females - at Cleland Wildlife Park. Each bird went through two personality tests while in short-term captivity.



To measure exploration, they placed each bird in a novel environment - a flight cage divided into sectors. The more sectors a bird visited in five minutes, the more exploratory it was.



To measure aggressiveness, they used a mirror test. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-living-in-cities-are-usually-more-colorful-and-less-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birds</a> that spent more time near their reflection were considered more aggressive. 



The researchers then released the birds back into their territory. Over several months, the team recorded 1,034 chatter songs.



They analyzed these for complexity - counting the number of unique element types, rare elements, and syllables. The experts also compared song traits between adults and fledglings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-increases-song-complexity">Exploration increases song complexity</h2>



Exploratory birds had more element types per song. This finding held true regardless of sex or life stage. 



The research indicates that curious individuals are exposed to more vocal tutors. They hear a wider variety of song elements and may include these in their own songs.



More exploratory individuals also had more rare element types. This suggests a broader learning scope. They don’t just copy common tunes - they gather and use the unusual ones too.



Interestingly, the number of songs recorded also predicted element diversity. This supports the idea that superb fairy-wren songs are highly variable and change with context.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bold-birds-sing-fewer-syllables">Bold birds sing fewer syllables</h2>



More aggressive individuals produced songs with fewer syllables. Aggressive fledglings, but not adults, had more element types per song. In birds, singing behaviors - shaped in part by personality - play a critical role in mating and territory defense.



This pattern reveals something about the trade-offs in song structure. More aggressive individuals, perhaps focused on signaling dominance or defending space, may prioritize efficiency over complexity. 



Their songs are shorter but still effective. In fledglings, however, aggression coincided with more varied element types. 



One possibility is that these young birds experiment more to assert dominance. Adults, already established in their roles, may have less need to vary their songs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-males-and-females-sing-differently">Do males and females sing differently?</h2>



The study revealed that females sang songs with more syllables than males, regardless of their personalities. This contrasts with earlier findings in some fairy-wren populations.



Despite singing differently, males and females did not differ in exploration or aggression scores. Both sexes showed similar consistency in personality traits, and both advertised those traits through song.



“Our study supports the idea that both male and female birds can advertise their personality when singing, which may be important for mate choice,” said Dr Colombelli-Négrel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-songs-personality-and-mating">Bird songs, personality, and mating</h2>



The research adds weight to the idea that birdsong carries more than just mating or territorial messages. It may also serve as an honest signal of behavioral type.



More exploratory birds might signal adaptability. They may be preferred by mates for their diverse repertoires. Aggressive birds might use simpler, more direct songs to assert control or deter rivals.



Whether these song traits influence reproductive success in superb fairy-wrens remains to be tested. But in other species, females do prefer songs linked to cognitive or exploratory traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-singing-might-show-intelligence">Singing might show intelligence</h2>



If personality shapes song learning, then vocal signals may help listeners judge a potential mate’s behavior - even before meeting them. A song could hint at curiosity, social habits, or risk-taking style.



In species like the zebra finch, females preferred the songs of males who solved problems faster. If similar dynamics exist in fairy-wrens, song may be an indicator of intelligence or flexibility.



The link between personality and song complexity may also affect social learning. More sociable fledglings might pick up more element types simply by being around more tutors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-sing-to-express-themselves">Birds sing to express themselves </h2>



The superb fairy-wren’s chatter song is more than a call. It is a self-portrait painted with sound. This study shows that personality shapes that portrait, adding complexity or simplicity depending on the individual.



By examining both sexes and different life stages, the researchers have uncovered how traits like curiosity and boldness echo through the air. 



The findings open new questions about how birds learn, express themselves, and choose mates. In these tiny birds, personality doesn't just fly - it sings.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241497" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Birds express their personalities through song

Hidden in the bushes of South Australia, a tiny bird...

A major new study may help solve a long-standing puzzle in planetary science: why the meteoroids that are most likely to carry the building blocks of life so rarely make it to Earth.



Although carbon-rich asteroids are widespread in our solar system, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-meteorites-tell-us-about-their-birthplace-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorites</a> containing carbonaceous material represent only a tiny fraction of what we find on the ground. 



After analyzing nearly 8,500 fireball events from 39 countries, researchers now believe the Sun and Earth’s atmosphere destroy or weaken meteoroids before scientists can collect and study them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteoroids-with-life-bearing-ingredients">Meteoroids with life-bearing ingredients</h2>



For decades, scientists have puzzled over why fewer carbonaceous meteoroids reach Earth than predicted. Models estimate that over half of all meteoroids are carbon-rich, but only about 4% of meteorites ever recovered on Earth fit that category.



These carbonaceous meteorites are of great scientific interest because they may hold clues to life’s early ingredients. 



“Carbon-rich meteorites are some of the most chemically primitive materials we can study - they contain water, organic molecules, and even amino acids,” explained lead author Patrick Shober, an astronomer at the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Observatory</a>.



“However, we have so few of them in our meteorite collections that we risk having an incomplete picture of what’s actually out there in space and how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-on-the-dwarf-planet-ceres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks of life</a> arrived on Earth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-only-the-strongest-survive">Only the strongest survive</h2>



A two-step filtering process likely causes the scarcity of carbonaceous meteorites on Earth, the new study reveals. 



First, many of these meteoroids are exposed to extreme thermal stress as their orbits bring them close to the Sun. Repeated heating and cooling weakens the material, causing it to break apart long before it reaches Earth.



“We’ve long suspected weak, carbonaceous material doesn’t survive atmospheric entry,” said co-author Hadrien Devillepoix, an astronomer at <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a>. "What this research shows is that many of these meteoroids don’t even make it that far. They break apart from being heated repeatedly as they pass close to the Sun.”



The second layer of filtering happens when meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere. Those already weakened by solar heating are far less likely to survive the intense forces of atmospheric entry. 



Data show compact, high-strength meteoroids “baked” in orbit are more likely to survive and land intact on Earth. That means what we recover on Earth is not representative of what’s actually out there in space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-meteoroids-are-especially-fragile">Some meteoroids are especially fragile</h2>



In addition to the dangers posed by the Sun’s heat and Earth’s atmosphere, the study also found that certain kinds of meteoroids are especially fragile due to gravitational interactions. 



When large asteroids pass close to planets, they can be torn apart by tidal forces. The fragments from these disruptions, while potentially abundant, rarely survive the trip to the ground.



The researchers used data from 19 fireball camera networks around the world, spanning continents and hemispheres, to track incoming meteoroids and assess their physical characteristics. In total, they examined 7,982 impacts and 540 likely meteorite falls, making this the most comprehensive study of its kind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteoroids-and-life-on-earth">Meteoroids and life on Earth</h2>



The implications of these findings go beyond statistics. Carbonaceous meteoroids may have carried water, volatiles, and amino acids - key ingredients for life on early Earth. If most of these are being destroyed before reaching the ground, it means we may be missing a huge part of the story.



“Understanding what gets filtered out, and why, is key to reconstructing our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiral-structure-discovered-at-the-edge-of-our-solar-system-oort-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>’s history and the conditions that made life possible,” noted Shober.



Their scarcity suggests we may have underestimated their impact simply because we haven’t been able to study them properly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-future-space-missions">Shaping future space missions</h2>



The study’s conclusions could have far-reaching effects. Future space missions targeting asteroids - especially those involving sample return - may need to reconsider which types to explore.



The findings are also relevant to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary defense</a>, since understanding how fragile different types of meteoroids are helps to refine models for assessing potential threats from space.



“This finding could influence future asteroid missions, impact hazard assessments and even theories on how Earth got its water and organic compounds to allow life to begin,” said Shober.



This research urges scientists to rethink meteorite interpretations and be cautious about conclusions that are based only on existing collections. The rocks that reach Earth may tell only part of the story.



Now, thanks to fireball networks and large-scale observational data, researchers are beginning to fill in the gaps - revealing how cosmic forces shape not just our skies, but perhaps even the very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainwater-may-have-played-a-key-role-in-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of life</a> itself.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02526-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Meteoroids that never reach Earth may hold clues to life's origins

A major new study may help solve a long-standing puzzle...

In the high-altitude valleys of northern Pakistan, where snow-capped peaks loom above all year round, communities are facing a water crisis. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-winters-lead-to-lower-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warmer winters</a> have brought less snowfall and disrupted the spring melt that traditionally waters their fields.



But instead of waiting for help to arrive, local farmers have turned to a surprising source for potential solutions - YouTube.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-youtube-sparks-hope-in-a-water-crisis">YouTube sparks hope in a water crisis</h2>



In the Skardu valley of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/batura-glacier-in-the-gilgit-baltistan-region-of-pakistan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gilgit-Baltistan</a>, farmers living at elevations up to 2,600 meters found themselves struggling to irrigate their apple and apricot orchards. They searched for potential solutions that could alleviate their water shortage.



“We discovered artificial glaciers on YouTube,” said Ghulam Haider Hashmi. The videos featured Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer and environmental activist from Ladakh, India, who introduced this unique method of storing water nearly a decade ago: ice stupas.



These cone-shaped ice towers are created during the freezing winter by spraying water from village streams into the air. This water would otherwise run down the mountain sides in streams and be wasted to farming. 



However, by spraying it into the sub-zero conditions, the water droplets freeze mid-air, and tumble down, forming towering cones that resemble Buddhist stupas.



“The water must be propelled so that it freezes in the air when temperatures drop below zero, creating ice towers,” explained Zakir Hussain Zakir, a professor at the <a href="https://uobs.edu.pk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Baltistan</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-region-dependent-on-melting-snow">A region dependent on melting snow</h2>



Gilgit-Baltistan is home to around 13,000 glaciers - more than any other place outside the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar regions</a>. Its snow-fed rivers are vital to life across Pakistan, a country that’s mostly arid and depends on these upstream sources for over 75% of its water.



As climate patterns shift, these fragile sources are becoming increasingly unreliable, deepening the national water crisis.



While the region’s breathtaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> and lakes attract tourists, scientists stress that snowmelt, not glacial melt, remains the primary water source for local communities.



“From late October until early April, we were receiving heavy snowfall. But in the past few years, it's quite dry,” said Sher Muhammad, a researcher at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-glaciers-as-a-lifeline">Artificial glaciers as a lifeline</h2>



The first ice stupas in Gilgit-Baltistan were constructed in 2018. Since then, more than 20 villages have adopted the technique.



“More than 16,000 residents have access to water without having to build reservoirs or tanks,” said Rashid-ud-Din, provincial head of GLOF-2, a joint UN-Pakistan initiative.



Muhammad Raza, a farmer from the village of Hussainabad, said eight stupas built in his community this winter stored about 20 million liters of water. 



“We no longer have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-fueling-a-global-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water shortages</a> during planting,” he explained. The ice stupas begin melting in spring, just when the crops need water the most.



“Before, we had to wait for the glaciers to melt in June to get water, but the stupas saved our fields,” added Ali Kazim, another farmer in the valley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-crops-more-hope">More crops, more hope</h2>



For Bashir Ahmed, a 26-year-old farmer in the nearby village of Pari, the change has been dramatic. "We planted our crops in May,” he said. Prior to the artificial glaciers, the village only had one growing season, but crops can now be planted two or three times a year, noted Ahmed.



This improvement comes at a critical time. Between 1981 and 2005, Pakistan’s temperature rose twice as fast as the global average, which has accelerated the country’s ongoing water crisis. Its 240 million people live in a country where 80% of the land is arid or semi-arid.



Though glaciers in the Karakoram range have shown more resilience, many others are melting fast, increasing flood risks while at the same time reducing long-term water availability.



For many in these mountain communities, the shift from helplessness to action has brought a new sense of purpose. 



“Faced with climate change, there are neither rich nor poor, neither urban nor rural; the whole world has become vulnerable. In our village, with the ice stupas, we decided to take a chance,” said 24-year-old Yasir Parvi. And for now, that chance is paying off - one icy cone at a time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-water-crisis-is-far-from-over">The water crisis is far from over</h2>



While artificial glaciers have given these communities a powerful tool, they are not a permanent fix for Pakistan’s deepening water crisis.



Across the country, rising temperatures, shrinking snowfalls, and shifting weather patterns continue to strain already limited resources. Millions of people still rely on water sources that are vulnerable to climate change.



But what’s happening in Gilgit-Baltistan offers a hopeful reminder that, even in remote corners of the world, ordinary people can find ways to respond, adapt, and survive.



Their efforts show that small-scale innovations, when rooted in community and driven by urgency, can make a lasting difference in the face of a global challenge.



Information for this article came from a <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250406-artificial-glaciers-boost-water-supply-in-northern-pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a> by AFP.



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Artificial glaciers are helping farmers survive a water crisis

In the high-altitude valleys of northern Pakistan, where snow-capped peaks...

As climate patterns shift and seasons grow less predictable, trees must adapt in ways science is only beginning to understand. Beneath their bark and branches lies a powerful, invisible system: a circadian clock. 



Much like the one that governs human sleep cycles, the tree's biological clock regulates daily and seasonal activities. It tells the tree when to grow, when to bud, and when to conserve energy. 



Now, researchers at <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a> have unlocked more of this inner world. Their recent study shows how genetic changes to this clock can help trees better align with the rhythm of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-use-an-inner-clock-to-grow-nbsp">Trees use an inner clock to grow&nbsp;</h2>



Most earlier studies explored plant circadian rhythms under greenhouse conditions. While useful, these environments don’t capture nature’s chaos - temperature swings, shifting daylight, rainfall variation, and insect threats. 



In the wild, trees must handle all these factors while maintaining their growth and seasonal behaviors.



To tackle this, researchers at the Umeå Plant Science Centre studied 68 genetically modified Populus trees under both controlled and natural conditions. Over several years, they examined how alterations to specific clock-related genes influenced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a>, leaf senescence, and bud activity.



The team's approach combined advanced statistical modeling with experimental plant biology. Each modified tree had a distinct genetic profile targeting clock components like TOC1, LHY, GI, or EBI1.



The goal was to pinpoint how internal timing shapes external performance. The field experiments added crucial context, allowing the team to track the effects of gene modification under real-world seasonal cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circadian-clock-controls-tree-growth">Circadian clock controls tree growth</h2>



“Our study is the first to combine datasets from greenhouse and field studies to show that multiple aspects of the circadian clock system influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-absorb-much-more-carbon-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> growth and the timing of life-cycle events,” said Bertold Mariën, lead author of the study.



In both greenhouse chambers and open fields, some trees with altered clock genes grew significantly taller or faster. Others delayed leaf senescence or bud set, effectively prolonging the growth period. 



These effects were most pronounced in northern Sweden, where short summers restrict tree development. The researchers observed that the clock doesn’t just set a tree’s internal rhythm - it fine-tunes how trees respond to day-length and environmental signals.



For instance, the lhy-10 and toc1-5 variants displayed faster growth in outdoor conditions, suggesting that their altered clocks helped trees maximize growth within shorter seasons. 



These core clock genes are part of a feedback loop that coordinates when cells divide, when leaves expand, and when energy is stored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-genes-helps-trees-grow-stronger">Changing genes helps trees grow stronger</h2>



“This study is a proof-of-concept that trees conditioned to a particular length of day at a certain latitude can be adapted to a new latitude, effectively extending their growing season," explained study co-author Maria E. Eriksson. 



"This is especially useful at higher latitudes like in Northern Sweden where short growing seasons limit timber production."



Among the most promising findings was the role of EBI1, a gene previously associated with stress resistance in Arabidopsis. Trees with modified EBI1 generally showed faster growth and higher chlorophyll content index (CCI), a sign of delayed leaf aging. 



These trees didn't just grow more - they remained greener for longer. That extended greening can boost photosynthesis and carbon storage.



The study also highlighted how different promoters affected growth. AtGA20ox1 trees, which overproduce gibberellins, grew quickly and developed more biomass. 



Interestingly, some trees increased growth even with a shorter growth period, showing that timing can be more important than duration. The type of genetic promoter used, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-might-be-misleading-us-about-climate-change-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree’s</a> background genotype, both influenced the outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clockwork-in-leaves-and-roots">Clockwork in leaves and roots</h2>



The research also supported a shift in how we think about tree development. Traditional views focused heavily on carbon source limitation, assuming trees grow more when photosynthesis is high. 



But this study adds weight to an alternative model: growth is also limited by when internal conditions - like water pressure and hormone levels - meet the right thresholds.



The circadian clock seems to act as a gatekeeper, opening and closing growth windows in sync with environmental conditions. For example, the team found that cell division and DNA replication were gated to nighttime, when the risk of DNA damage is lower, and air humidity supports turgor pressure in cells.



Even root clocks may follow different rhythms than leaf clocks, leading to asynchronous growth. Such tissue-specific timing mechanisms further complicate models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> behavior but also offer new opportunities to improve forestry by targeting these internal dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-tree-clocks-for-better-forests">Using tree clocks for better forests</h2>



"In the future, forestry management could be improved by integrating trees’ circadian clocks and their natural growth cycles with traditional practices,” said Eriksson. "In this way, tree growth and resilience could be optimized in a changing world.”



Integrating the clock into forestry could enable smarter planting schedules, more efficient use of resources, and the development of trees suited to rapidly warming regions. But there’s more. These findings may reshape how global vegetation models are built.



“By properly incorporating our findings on the circadian clock into global vegetation models, we can improve predictions of how forests will respond to climate change,” said Mariën.



That’s because many existing models treat trees as passive responders to light and temperature. They don’t account for how internal clocks modulate those responses. Adding this layer of complexity could significantly improve how we predict carbon uptake and forest health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-timing-and-forest-management">Tree timing and forest management</h2>



This work is more than a scientific milestone - it’s a step toward a new kind of forestry. The researchers call it chronosilviculture: aligning forest management with biological timekeeping. 



Instead of forcing trees into rigid planting cycles, foresters could one day select species or cultivars with clock traits tailored to specific climates or latitudes.



By revealing how the circadian clock acts as nature’s master of ceremony, the Umeå team has given foresters and ecologists a powerful new tool. With climate change pushing ecosystems to their limits, understanding how trees grow with their natural rhythm may be the smartest way forward.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44323-025-00034-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Biological Timing and Sleep</a>.



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Timing is everything: How trees use an inner clock for smarter growth

As climate patterns shift and seasons grow less predictable, trees...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

<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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Big Bend National Park&nbsp;is an American&nbsp;national park&nbsp;located in&nbsp;West Texas, bordering Mexico. The park has national significance as the largest protected area of&nbsp;Chihuahuan Desert&nbsp;topography&nbsp;and&nbsp;ecology&nbsp;in the United States, and was named after a&nbsp;large bend&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Rio Grande/Río Bravo. &nbsp;The park protects more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. Additional park activities include scenic drives, programs led by Big Bend park rangers, and stargazing.



There are&nbsp;four&nbsp;campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. The National Park Service (NPS) operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds that provide drinking water and restroom facilities. In addition, a full hookup RV camping area is operated by the park concessioner, Forever Resorts. Reservations are required for Big Bend National Park Campgrounds. Reservations can be made by visiting&nbsp;recreation.gov. For visitors with rugged vehicles, or the willingness to leave the road behind and backpack into the wild, Big Bend provides options for&nbsp;backcountry camping. A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping and river trips.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

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