Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the spiral galaxy NGC 5643, which is located roughly 40 million light-years away in the constellation Lupus.&nbsp;



NGC 5643 belongs to the Hubble classification SBc, indicating that it is a barred spiral galaxy with loosely wound arms.&nbsp;



Its orientation, nearly face-on to Earth, provides astronomers with an exceptional view of its detailed spiral structure and central bar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-5643-a-grand-design-spiral-nbsp">NGC 5643: A grand design spiral&nbsp;</h2>



“NGC 5643 is what’s known as a grand design spiral, referring to how the galaxy’s two large, winding spiral arms are clear to see,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images">ESA</a>. “The spiral arms are defined by bright blue stars, lacy reddish-brown dust clouds and pink star-forming regions.”



“As fascinating as the galaxy appears at visible wavelengths, some of NGC 5643’s most interesting features are invisible to the human eye.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-activity-in-ngc-5643">Intense activity in NGC 5643</h2>



This galaxy is notable for its Seyfert 2 nucleus, a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN). The intense activity in its core is powered by a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/">black hole</a> that accretes surrounding material, emitting energy across a wide range of wavelengths.&nbsp;



“When a supermassive black hole ensnares gas from its surroundings, the gas collects in a disc that heats up to hundreds of thousands of degrees. The superheated gas shines brightly across the electromagnetic spectrum, but especially at X-ray wavelengths,” said ESA.



Observations have revealed jets and outflows of material emanating from the nucleus, likely driven by the black hole’s activity.&nbsp;



NGC 5643’s AGN has been studied extensively for its role in galactic evolution, particularly in how its energetic processes interact with the galaxy’s interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-ngc-5643-x-1">The mystery of NGC 5643 X-1</h2>



However, ESA pointed out that NGC 5643’s active galactic nucleus isn’t the brightest source of X-rays in the galaxy.&nbsp;



“Researchers using ESA’s XMM-Newton discovered an even brighter X-ray-emitting object, called NGC 5643 X-1, on the galaxy’s outskirts. What could be a more powerful source of X-rays than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/">supermassive black hole</a>?”&nbsp;



“Surprisingly, the answer appears to be a much smaller black hole! While the exact identity of NGC 5643 X-1 is not yet known, evidence points to a black hole that is about 30 times more massive than the Sun.”&nbsp;



“Locked in an orbital dance with a companion star, the black hole ensnares gas from its stellar companion, creating a superheated disc that outshines the galactic center,” said ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-5643">Star formation in NGC 5643</h2>



NGC 5643 also exhibits prominent regions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">star formation</a> within its spiral arms. These areas are rich in gas and dust - the raw materials for birthing new stars - and glow brightly in ultraviolet and infrared light.&nbsp;



Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) have helped uncover the complex interplay between star formation and the galaxy's central activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-ionized-gas-regions-nbsp">Extended ionized gas regions&nbsp;</h2>



A defining feature of NGC 5643 is the presence of its extended ionized gas regions, which are shaped by the galaxy's AGN activity and star-forming regions.&nbsp;



These structures have been mapped through optical spectroscopy, revealing intricate patterns that help astronomers understand the physical conditions of the gas, such as density, temperature, and composition.



The galaxy also has a dust lane that crosses its nucleus, partially obscuring direct observations of the central region in visible light.&nbsp;



Overall, NGC 5643 offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of barred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/">spiral galaxies</a> with active nuclei, serving as a valuable resource for studying the interactions between supermassive black holes, star formation, and galactic evolution.



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



Lupus is a constellation located in the southern sky, its name meaning "wolf" in Latin. It has been known since antiquity and was cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy.&nbsp;



Once part of the larger constellation Centaurus, Lupus was later recognized as a distinct constellation. It is relatively faint but holds historical significance in mythology, often associated with a sacrificial wolf in ancient stories.



Lupus is bordered by other constellations like Scorpius, Centaurus, and Libra. Its stars do not form a particularly striking pattern, but it contains a variety of interesting astronomical features. Among them are numerous double stars, globular clusters, and other deep-sky objects, visible through telescopes.&nbsp;



For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, Lupus is best seen in the winter and spring months, while it appears closer to the horizon for those in northern latitudes.



This constellation also lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/">Milky Way</a>, offering a rich field of stars and nebulae for stargazers. Despite its modest brightness, Lupus holds a special place in the science of astronomy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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NGC 5643: Secrets of a spiraling galactic powerhouse

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Mount Nemrut: Ancient mysteries and natural marvels 

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) features the Dark Wolf Nebula, located around 5,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius.



According to ESO, this image of the dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-reveal-the-ring-nebula-as-it-has-never-been-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> creates the illusion of a wolf-like silhouette against a colorful cosmic backdrop.&nbsp;



“This image takes up an area in the sky equivalent to four full Moons, but is actually part of an even larger nebula called Gum 55. If you look closely, the wolf could even be a werewolf, its hands ready to grab unsuspecting bystanders,” noted <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESO</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-dark-nebulae">Observing dark nebulae </h2>



Dark nebulae are dense regions in space filled with gas and dust that absorb visible light, making them appear as dark patches against brighter backgrounds.&nbsp;



Unlike emission or reflection nebulae, dark nebulae do not glow on their own. Instead, they obstruct and obscure the light from stars and other objects lying behind them.&nbsp;



This characteristic makes them challenging to observe using visible-light telescopes, as they absorb and scatter light rather than reflecting or emitting it.&nbsp;



However, when viewed in infrared, where their obscuring effect is reduced, dark nebulae reveal intricate details about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-the-perseus-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular clouds</a> they contain.



According to ESO, astronomers study these clouds of frozen dust because they often contain new stars in the making.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-wolf-nebula-nbsp">Dark Wolf Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Dark Wolf Nebula is part of a larger complex known as the Lupus Molecular Cloud, one of several significant star-forming regions close to Earth.&nbsp;



Inside of dark nebulae, the conditions are prime for star formation. The dense gas and dust clump together under gravitational forces. As these clouds contract, they heat up, eventually igniting nuclear fusion and forming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new stars</a>.



The Dark Wolf Nebula is known for revealing young, low-mass stars - or T Tauri stars - which are in the early stages of their evolution. These stars are still surrounded by disks of material that may eventually form new planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-scorpius-nbsp">The constellation Scorpius&nbsp;</h2>



Scorpius is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky. It resembles a scorpion with a long, curved tail and stinger.&nbsp;



Located in the southern sky, Scorpius is especially visible during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and during the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. 



The constellation is often associated with the story of Orion in Greek mythology. According to legend, the scorpion was sent by the goddess Artemis to kill Orion, the great hunter, either as punishment for his arrogance or to protect her animals, depending on the version of the tale.&nbsp;



The gods later placed both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a> and Scorpius in the sky, but in opposite parts of the heavens so they would never be seen together - as Scorpius rises in the east and Orion sets in the west.



Scorpius contains several notable stars and deep-sky objects. Its brightest star, Antares, is a red supergiant often referred to as the "heart of the scorpion" due to its reddish hue and central position. 



Antares is one of the largest visible stars in the sky and has a luminosity that is tens of thousands of times greater than that of our Sun. 



Scorpius is located close to the core of the Milky Way, making it a rich region for star clusters and nebulae. Among these are the Butterfly Cluster and the Ptolemy Cluster - both of which are visible to the naked eye under dark skies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-the-dark-wolf-nebula">Image of the Dark Wolf Nebula </h2>



“This image shows in spectacular detail how the dark wolf stands out against the glowing star-forming clouds behind it,” noted ESO.



“The colorful clouds are built up mostly of hydrogen gas and glow in reddish tones excited by the intense UV radiation from the newborn stars within them.”



The picture was created from images taken at different times. Each of the images has a filter that makes a different color of light visible.&nbsp;



Observations of the Dark Wolf Nebula provide astronomers with valuable information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of stars</a> and the environments in which they form.



The image was captured by the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile.



Image Credit: ESO/VPHAS+ team



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Dark Wolf Nebula in the constellation Scorpius

Today's Image of the Day from the European Southern Observatory...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76, located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.



Astronomers captured this image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).



The snapshot provides not only a breathtaking view, but also deep insights into the life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and the dynamic processes within nebulae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-messier-76">Understanding Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 is categorized as a planetary nebula - a term which refers to its round, planet-like appearance when viewed through early, low-power telescopes. 



However, the term is somewhat misleading as planetary nebulae have no connection to actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>.&nbsp;



Instead, they represent an expansive shell of luminous gases expelled by a dying red giant star, which subsequently collapses into a dense, hot white dwarf. 



This transformation marks the late stages of stellar evolution for medium to low-mass stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-messier-76">Structure of Messier 76</h2>



The structure of Messier 76 is particularly notable. It includes a central ring, giving the appearance of a bar-like feature, with two distinct lobes emanating from either side. 



This formation is believed to be the result of materials ejected by the star during its red giant phase, possibly sculpted by interactions with a companion star.&nbsp;



Although this binary companion is not visible in current Hubble images, its presence is inferred from the thick disk of dust and gas aligned with its orbital plane. 



The phenomenon of the companion star potentially being absorbed by the primary star, a process akin to stellar cannibalism, is a captivating aspect of the nebula's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-environment-of-the-nebula">The dynamic environment of the nebula</h2>



At the core of the nebula, the primary star, now collapsing into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, reaches extreme temperatures. This heat is estimated to be 120,000 degrees Celsius - about 24 times hotter than the surface of our Sun.&nbsp;



This intensely hot remnant is visible as a small, bright point at the center of the nebula. Directly below this, another star can be seen; however, it is merely aligned with the nebula by chance and is not a part of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-glow-of-messier-76">Powerful glow of Messier 76</h2>



The dynamics within Messier 76 are driven by powerful forces. The central disk seems to constrict the material, creating two lobes of gas escaping along the rotational axis of the star, perpendicular to the disk.&nbsp;



The lobes are propelled outward by a potent stellar wind, moving at a staggering two million miles per hour. This rapid movement is sufficient to travel the distance from Earth to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in just over seven minutes.&nbsp;



The collision of the fast-moving gas with older, slower-moving material ejected during the star’s red giant phase results in the stunning glowing effect seen in the nebula. 



The glow, ignited by the ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf, is a spectacle of colors with red emanating from nitrogen and blue from oxygen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-moment-in-time">A cosmic moment in time</h2>



Despite its current brilliance, the existence of the Little Dumbbell Nebula is fleeting on a cosmological scale. It is expected to last only about 15,000 years - a mere moment in the lifespan of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.&nbsp;



This brief period highlights the transient nature of such cosmic phenomena, which, while short-lived, provide crucial insights into the mechanics of stellar evolution and the complex interactions within these celestial sculptures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-messier-76">More about Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was later cataloged by Charles Messier, who included it in his famous list of nebulous objects.



The nebula's faintness and small size require a good telescope to be observed effectively, with larger telescopes able to reveal more of its fine details and structure.



Studying Messier 76 helps astronomers understand the life cycle of stars and the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution. 



The materials expelled by planetary nebulae like Messier 76 eventually contribute to the interstellar medium, from which new stars and planetary systems may form.



Image Credit: ESA Space Agency&nbsp;



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Secrets of the Little Dumbbell Nebula  

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Westerlund 1 - a young star cluster located in the Milky Way galaxy.&nbsp;



Discovered by Swedish astronomer Bengt Westerlund in 1961, the cluster is composed of thousands of stars - many of which are supergiants - and contains some of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive stars</a> ever observed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-image-of-westerlund-1">Webb image of Westerlund 1</h2>



“The open cluster Westerlund 1, showcased in this new Webb Picture of the Month, is located roughly 12,000 light-years away in the southern constellation Ara (the Altar) where it resides behind a huge interstellar cloud of gas and dust,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“Westerlund 1 is an incomparable natural laboratory for the study of extreme stellar physics, helping astronomers to find out how the most massive stars in our galaxy live and die.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-special-about-westerlund-1">What is special about Westerlund 1?</h2>



According to ESA, the unique draw of Westerlund 1 is its large, dense, and diverse population of massive stars. The star cluster is unparalleled in the known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy in terms of the number of stars and the richness of spectral types and evolutionary phases.&nbsp;



“All stars identified in this cluster are evolved and very massive, spanning the full range of stellar classifications including Wolf-Rayet stars, OB supergiants, yellow hypergiants (nearly as bright as a million Suns) and luminous blue variables. Because such stars have a rather short life, Westerlund 1 is very young, astronomically speaking,” said ESA.



“Astronomers estimate the cluster’s age to be somewhere between 3.5 and 5 million years (its exact age is still a matter of debate), making it a newborn cluster in our galaxy.”



Westerlund 1 is expected to gradually evolve from an open cluster to a globular cluster - a spherical collection of stars that are tightly bound together by gravity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-the-milky-way-galaxy-nbsp">Star formation in the Milky Way galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The Milky Way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> forms roughly 1 to 2 stars per year on average. This star formation rate is relatively moderate compared to more active galaxies, which can produce dozens or even hundreds of stars annually.



The Milky Way galaxy used to produce many more stars, likely hitting its peak about 10 billion years ago. At that time, dozens (or possibly even hundreds) of stars were created in the Milky Way each year.&nbsp;



“Astronomers think that most of this star formation took place in massive clusters of stars, known as ‘super star clusters.’ These are young clusters of stars that contain more than 10,000 times the mass of the Sun, packed into an unbelievably small volume. They represent the most extreme environments in which stars and planets can form,” said ESA.&nbsp;



“Only a few super star clusters still exist in our galaxy - of which Westerlund 1 is one - but they offer important clues about this earlier era when most of our galaxy’s stars formed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impressive-example-of-a-star-cluster-nbsp">Impressive example of a star cluster&nbsp;</h2>



ESA noted that Westerlund 1 is an impressive example of a super star cluster because it contains hundreds of very massive stars. Some of these stars shine with the brilliance of almost a million suns, while others are two thousand times larger than the sun. 



“Indeed, if the Solar System was located at the heart of this remarkable cluster, our sky would be full of hundreds of stars as bright as the full Moon."



The large population of massive stars in Westerlund 1 indicates that it will greatly influence its surroundings, noted ESA. With such a high concentration of these stars, the cluster is expected to host over 1,500 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a> within the next 40 million years. 



This "super" star cluster offers astronomers a rare glimpse into one of the most extreme environments in the Universe. 



Westerlund 1 is set to play a key role in advancing our understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>, particularly massive ones, are formed.



The image was captured as part of The Extended Westerlund 1 and 2 Open Clusters Survey (EWOCS) with Webb’s Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam). 



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Westerlund 1: Stars with the brilliance of a million suns

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

The instructions NASA gave the enthusiastic Oklahoman were simple: go into space solo, survive, and study zero gravity's prolonged effects on the human body. At least, this was the mission as far as the public was concerned... Photo Credit: NASA via Space Flight Insider

Oklahoman

Turns out, giraffes have a distaste for inclines. The tall, majestic, and gracefully lumbering creatures of Africa's grasslands aren’t fans of hilly terrain and actively avoid slopes greater than 20 degrees. 



These findings, set to be presented at the British Ecological Society’s (BES) Annual Meeting in Liverpool, underline critical implications for giraffe conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giraffes-avoid-steep-slopes">Giraffes avoid steep slopes</h2>



In a new study, experts monitored the movements of 33 GPS-collared <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giraffes-are-suffering-a-silent-extinction-and-need-more-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giraffes</a> in South Africa.



The results showed that giraffes avoid steep slopes due to the energy required to navigate them and the risk of falling. Researchers found that giraffes tolerate gradients of up to 12° only when these lead to areas with favorable vegetation.



“We often think of giraffes roaming in large, flat grassland savannas in Africa, but that's not really their true habitat. There are also rolling hills, deep riverbeds, and high plateaus,” noted Jessica Granweiler, a PhD candidate at the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> and the study presenter.



“Our study shows that giraffes much prefer flat areas. They will tolerate some steepness to access food, but simply cannot access areas above a 20° gradient. It's quite shocking when you look at distribution maps.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-challenges-of-steep-terrain">Conservation challenges of steep terrain </h2>



The findings reveal a stark mismatch between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-giraffe-day-2024-a-towering-celebration-of-the-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giraffes</a>’ preferred habitats, including flat areas and gentle slopes, and the locations of many protected reserves.



By applying the 20° gradient threshold, the researchers calculated the amount of inaccessible land for giraffes in key African countries. For example, in Namibia and Tanzania, nearly 8,000 km² of habitat, about half the size of Wales, is unusable for giraffes.



Similarly, in Kenya and South Africa, about 4,000 km² of land is inaccessible. Alarmingly, one-third of the countries analyzed had more unsuitable terrain within protected reserves than outside them.



“If a reserve is, say, 200 hectares but has a large mountain in the middle, from a giraffe’s perspective, this reserve is not 200 hectares anymore. We need to start including topography in giraffe conservation planning and habitat assessments, especially for small fenced reserves,” said Granweiler.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giraffe-conservation-must-address-slopes">Giraffe conservation must address slopes</h2>



Current habitat suitability models often focus on factors such as vegetation, predation, and human disturbance - neglecting the role of topography.



This oversight may result in conservation efforts that fail to meet giraffes’ ecological needs. The study highlights the necessity of integrating geographic and physical limitations into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-four-unique-giraffe-species-across-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat assessments</a>.



“Steep and rugged environments are challenging for large-bodied animals, like giraffes. Unfortunately, natural and protected areas are more likely to be placed in such places, which can lead to a mismatch between the landscapes animals ‘want’ to use and the landscapes that we have ‘left’ for them,” noted Professor Susanne Shultz.



“Incorporating geography and physical limitations in habitat assessments can help avoid conserving animals in inappropriate places.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-giraffes-around-slopes">Analyzing giraffes around slopes</h2>



The research repurposed GPS data collected from 2011 to 2023 by Dr. Francois Deacon’s team at the <a href="https://www.ufs.ac.za" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Free State</a>, South Africa. 



This dataset included information from 33 giraffes, comprising 10 males and 23 females, across five reserves in South Africa. By combining the GPS data with topographic maps, the researchers identified the slopes giraffes could and couldn’t navigate.



“The more awareness we can bring to giraffe ecology, the more research effort there will be on this species in the future,” said Dr. Francois Deacon.



“The fact that we are still discovering major limitations or drivers of their ecology and behaviour is worrying. But research like ours helps closing this gap in knowledge and will help better management and conservation of giraffes in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture-for-giraffe-conservation">Bigger picture for giraffe conservation</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-precarious-state-of-kordofan-giraffes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giraffes</a> inhabit 21 African countries, but their populations have been declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. 



Conservation initiatives are vital for their survival. This study highlights the importance of considering topography in conservation planning to ensure suitable habitats for giraffes.



“Giraffes are tolerant animals and resilient to many things like food availability and human pressures, but this is a scenario where they simply may not be able to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giraffes-gained-their-long-necks-for-food-not-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt</a> due to physiological limits,” Granweiler concluded.



By addressing these challenges, conservationists can create more effective strategies to protect giraffes, their habitats, and the slopes they rely on.



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Giraffes hate slopes, and it’s threatening their survival

Turns out, giraffes have a distaste for inclines. The tall,...

For almost 60 years, mathematicians have struggled to answer the age-old question: will your sofa fit around the corner of the new place you are moving to?



However, Jineon Baek of Yonsei University in Korea has made a breakthrough. His 100-page proof addresses the infamous "moving sofa problem," a mathematical conundrum that’s perplexed scholars since the mid-20th century.



Finally, there’s clarity on what kind of furniture fits through tight corners without causing chaos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birth-of-the-moving-sofa-problem">Birth of the moving sofa problem</h2>



The story <a href="https://epubs.siam.org/doi/10.1137/1008074" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">begins in 1966</a> when Austrian-Canadian mathematician Leo Moser formalized the "moving sofa problem." 



While it might seem trivial, the puzzle taps into deep mathematical principles of combinatorics and geometry. 



It asks a deceptively simple question: What is the largest two-dimensional shape that can navigate an L-shaped corner in a corridor of unit width?



Imagine trying to move a perfectly rectangular piece of furniture through a narrow hallway. A square unit fits easily, but as the object’s dimensions grow, the maneuver becomes impossible. Moser’s challenge captured the frustration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-plumbing-is-full-of-microbial-communities-that-might-be-a-health-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movers</a> everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-semi-circle-sofa">Semi-circle sofa</h2>



British mathematician John Hammersley took an early <a href="https://archive.org/details/hammersley1968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crack at the problem in 1968</a>. He designed a sofa that combined a semicircle with a square featuring a semicircular bite. 



His creation was <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finger-counting-boosts-math-skills-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mathematically efficient</a> and could maneuver around an L-shaped corner with an area of 2.2074 units. 



Hammersley also established an upper limit of 2.8284 units, suggesting no sofa larger than that could fit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-solution">Refining the solution</h2>



Nearly 25 years later, Joseph Gerver of <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers University</a> refined Hammersley’s design. By rounding edges and incorporating additional arcs, Gerver proposed a new sofa shape with an area just over 2.2195 units. 



His solution was “locally optimal,” meaning it was the best possible shape under the constraints he defined. 



Yet, without a universal formula for all potential sofa shapes, mathematicians couldn’t rule out the possibility of an even larger design.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-moving-sofa-problem">Solving the moving sofa problem</h2>



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000187081830416X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In 2018,</a> Yoav Kallus of the <a href="https://www.santafe.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Fe Institute</a> and Dan Romik from the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, added a modern twist. 



Using computer simulations, the team theorized that a sofa shape with an area as large as 2.37 units might be feasible. Their work reignited interest in the problem and pushed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mathematical boundaries</a> further.



Jineon Baek’s recent work builds on this foundation. By employing an advanced mathematical technique called an injective function, Baek mapped the key properties of Gerver’s sofa design. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acceptable-area-of-the-sofa">Acceptable area of the sofa</h2>



Baek analyzed how these properties could be extended to larger dimensions, ensuring that the sofa's shape would remain viable for navigating tight spaces. 



Through this rigorous approach, Baek conclusively demonstrated that 2.2195 units is the absolute maximum area for a sofa that can successfully pass through an L-shaped corner in a 1-unit-wide corridor. 



While his findings are still awaiting peer review, they currently represent the most thorough and convincing resolution to this longstanding mathematical problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-mathematical-reasoning">The power of mathematical reasoning </h2>



The proof from <a href="https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/index.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yonsei University</a> might settle the question for a single L-shaped corner, but real-world challenges often involve more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complexity</a>.



For instance, if a second corner in the opposite direction appears, mathematicians recommend Romik’s “ambidextrous sofa,” a shape designed for dual-corner navigation.



While the moving sofa problem might seem niche, it highlights the power of mathematical reasoning in solving practical problems. 



Baek’s work not only contributes to geometry and combinatorics but also showcases how abstract mathematics can have unexpected real-world applications. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-mathematical-puzzles">Similar mathematical puzzles</h2>



The moving sofa problem is part of a broader category of mathematical puzzles exploring geometry, optimization, and navigation. Several other problems remain open, including:



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Piano Mover's problem:&nbsp;This generalization asks how to maneuver any shape through a constrained environment, like a hallway with obstacles, using minimal movements.</li>



<li>Packing problems:&nbsp;How can irregularly shaped objects fit into a confined space most efficiently? This problem has practical applications in manufacturing and shipping industries.</li>



<li>The “Kissing Number” problem in higher dimensions:&nbsp;While solved in certain dimensions, this puzzle explores how many spheres can touch another sphere in higher-dimensional spaces.</li>



<li>Optimal pathfinding in dynamic environments:&nbsp;How do you determine the shortest path through a space when obstacles are constantly moving or changing?</li>



<li>The moving table problem:&nbsp;Similar to the moving sofa, this problem investigates how to rotate and translate a table-like object through tight spaces without tipping it.</li>
</ol>



These challenges highlight the interplay of creativity, computation, and mathematical theory. Solving them could unlock further insights with practical applications in robotics, logistics, and even game design.



The study is published in <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.19826" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a>. 



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'Moving sofa' problem: Mathematician solves a century-old puzzle

For almost 60 years, mathematicians have struggled to answer the...

Dogs aren't just pets - they are members of the family. So naturally, you would want them to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible.



A recent study from the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a> sheds light on when dogs are considered to reach "old age" and the common health challenges they face as seniors.



Published in the&nbsp;Journal of Small Animal Practice, the research provides valuable guidance for dog owners aiming to ensure their pets enjoy healthy and comfortable golden years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-do-dogs-reach-old-age">When do dogs reach old age?</h2>



The experts analyzed veterinary electronic health records (EHRs) to determine the average age at which dogs are classified as old by veterinarians. On average, dogs enter old age at 12.5 years. However, this milestone varies by breed:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Smaller breeds:&nbsp;Jack Russell Terriers and similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-use-soundboards-to-express-their-needs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeds</a> tend to age more slowly, reaching old age closer to 14 years.</li>



<li>Larger breeds:&nbsp;Labrador Retrievers and other large breeds are considered old much earlier, around 12 years.</li>
</ul>



The findings highlight that aging is not a "one-size-fits-all" process, with breed-specific differences playing a key role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-health-issues-in-senior-dogs">Common health issues in senior dogs</h2>



The research identified five major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-dogs-are-rapidly-evolving-in-strange-ways-due-to-nuclear-radiation-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health concerns</a> frequently affecting older dogs:



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Weight-related issues (35%):&nbsp;This includes being overweight, underweight, or experiencing weight loss.</li>



<li>Musculoskeletal problems (33%):&nbsp;Conditions like stiffness and mobility challenges are prevalent.</li>



<li>Dental Conditions (31%):&nbsp;Problems range from tartar buildup to periodontal disease.</li>



<li>Skin-related problems (28%):&nbsp;Lumps, infections, and hair loss are common.</li>



<li>Digestive issues (22%): Symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea are often observed.</li>
</ol>



"This study allowed us for the first time to examine when vets start noting that dogs are now in a stage of their life where they consider them to be 'elderly' or 'senior,'" said Professor Carri Westgarth, who led the research.



"By analyzing what signs owners were noticing and conditions the vets were diagnosing, we can improve our understanding of how to provide the best care for our dogs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caring-for-senior-dogs">Caring for senior dogs</h2>



The study provides valuable advice for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-dogs-were-bonding-much-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet owners</a> to ensure their aging dogs remain healthy and happy:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understand-breed-specific-aging-needs">Understand breed-specific aging needs</h3>



Different dog breeds age at different rates, and each breed may face unique health challenges as they get older. 



By learning how your dog’s breed typically ages, you can better prepare for issues they may encounter and provide the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-simple-technique-instantly-reduces-heat-stress-in-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best care</a> at the right time.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-address-common-conditions-early">Address common conditions early</h3>



Older dogs often experience specific health issues such as weight problems (either overweight, underweight, or weight loss), dental issues (like tartar build-up or gum disease), and mobility challenges (such as joint stiffness). 



By addressing these problems early, you can help prevent them from becoming more serious or affecting your dog’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-speech-changes-when-we-talk-to-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of life</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schedule-regular-vet-visits">Schedule regular vet visits</h3>



Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for catching health problems early. During these visits, the vet can identify any signs of aging-related issues, like arthritis or heart conditions, and suggest preventive measures or treatments. 



Early detection can significantly improve your dog’s chances of living a longer, healthier life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-provide-a-balanced-diet">Provide a balanced diet</h3>



As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. It’s important to adjust their diet to ensure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients, especially to maintain a healthy weight and support joint, heart, and digestive health. Consult your vet for age-appropriate food recommendations.



Based on the study’s findings, the researchers developed the Ageing Canine Toolkit, which includes a free checklist for owners to monitor signs of aging that might require veterinary advice.



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



This research highlights the importance of tailoring care to your dog’s specific needs as they age. 



"Older dogs are estimated to account for 30% to 40% of patients seen in veterinary practice," noted the researchers. "Their health can be negatively impacted by a wide variety of age-associated issues affecting all body systems; as a result, the healthcare needs of dogs change as they age."



By understanding the unique aging patterns of different breeds and being proactive about common health issues, dog owners can make a significant difference in their pets' quality of life as they grow older. 



The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13809" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Small Animal Practice</a>. 



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Dogs' healthcare needs change as they enter 'old age'

Dogs aren't just pets - they are members of the...

Imagine that the mental fog often associated with growing older could lift, giving you the energy to keep up with your grandkids, and keeping your memory trustworthy - all thanks to a commitment to fitness.



Recent research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that this idea is worth considering.



The findings of the study carry profound implications for our understanding of aging, fitness, and cognition. The research indicates that fitness holds the key to a sharper mind and greater vitality in old age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiorespiratory-fitness-in-later-life">Cardiorespiratory fitness in later life</h2>



The researchers explored the links between cardiorespiratory fitness and its implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-diet-may-protect-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a> during the later part of our lives. They found that higher cardiorespiritory fitness can help conserve critical cognitive abilities that often wane with age.



Intriguingly, this correlation holds true regardless of significant risk factors like age, or the presence of the high-risk gene APOE4.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiorespiratory-fitness-and-cognition">Cardiorespiratory fitness and cognition</h2>



Cardiorespiratory fitness refers to the capacity of the body's circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen to muscles during physical activity. This is known as one's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerobic-exercise-boosts-cognitive-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerobic</a> capacity, and it can be improved at any stage in life by doing regular aerobic exercise.



Previously, good cardiorespiratory fitness has been associated with a lowered risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-dementia-scientists-say-three-factors-matter-most/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> and age-related cognitive decline.



The researchers set out to pinpoint precisely which cognitive faculties benefited from maintaining good cardiorespiratory fitness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relationship-between-fitness-and-cognitive-health">Relationship between fitness and cognitive health</h2>



The researchers assessed cardiorespiratory fitness among a group of 648 individuals between the ages of 65 and 80.



They used a treadmill running test to analyze peak oxygen consumption, a standard measurement of cardiorespiratory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-natural-born-endurance-runners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endurance</a>. 



The experts evaluated cognitive ability using a suite of validated neuropsychological tests that measured multiple domains including processing speed, working memory, visuospatial processing, episodic memory, and executive function/attentional control.



The results were fascinating. Even when considering factors like gender, education years, and weight, higher cardiorespiratory fitness correlated positively with better performance across all cognitive domains.



This was true regardless of the individual's age or whether they carried the high-risk APOE4 gene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-cognitive-function-with-fitness">Preserving cognitive function with fitness</h2>



The correlation between fitness and cognitive ability was noticeably stronger in women, those with less education, and those taking beta-blockers. The benefits were particularly notable within the domains of processing speed and executive function/attentional control.



While this is an observational study and cannot definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship, it does bring forth an intriguing hypothesis. 



The researchers propose that aerobic fitness might enhance cerebral blood flow, stimulate neuron growth, develop new synaptic connections, bolster neurotransmitter systems, and modify the structure of grey and white matter - all of which could potentially preserve cognitive function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-battle-strategies-for-aging">Innovative battle strategies for aging</h2>



"These findings highlight cardiorespiratory fitness as an essential health factor for preserving multidomain cognitive functioning in older adulthood," concluded the researchers.



This lends credibility to the focus on individualized exercise programs that consider cardiorespiratory fitness to optimize cognitive health as we age.



While this research is ongoing, it provides compelling evidence that keeping fit might not just be about physical health - but mental longevity too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-steps-to-protect-cognitive-health">Simple steps to protect cognitive health</h2>



The results clearly highlight the advantage of fitness for maintaining cognitive function, but how can these findings be incorporated into daily life?



Experts&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;that&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;moderate-to-vigorous&nbsp;levels of&nbsp;aerobic activities - whether brisk walking, jogging, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-commuting-cycling-to-work-linked-to-enormous-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cycling</a>, or swimming - is beneficial for cardiorespiratory fitness.



According to the World Health Organization, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Two strength training exercises per week can also support cardiorespiratory health.



In the case of older adults, the programs should focus on sustainable activities that are very enjoyable and easy to maintain.



Group classes,&nbsp;outdoor activities, or even setting&nbsp;reasonably&nbsp;achievable goals through fitness trackers might provide the needed motivation to be consistent.



This&nbsp;will&nbsp;help&nbsp;to enhance&nbsp;physical health in&nbsp;a&nbsp;more&nbsp;active&nbsp;way, while at the same time improving mental&nbsp;toughness and maintaining&nbsp;a sharper mind well into our later years.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2024/11/27/bjsports-2024-108257" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>.



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Cardiorespiratory fitness linked to greater cognitive function in later life

Imagine that the mental fog often associated with growing older...

In late September, 2024, a hurricane named Helene hit the Florida coast bringing devastating rain and fierce winds. That event did not stop at the ground level, however. 



As NASA has announced, the International Space Station detected something unexpected above Earth’s surface -- some kind of waves pushing through the atmosphere about 55 miles above the planet.



These were not visible to anyone looking up from their backyard, but they were there, showing that even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experiencing-awe-in-nature-has-a-powerful-effect-on-emotional-well-being/">powerful</a> weather down here can have a connection to unseen patterns much higher up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-atmospheric-waves">Invisible atmospheric waves</h2>



High overhead, there is a layer of the atmosphere called the mesosphere. It is located roughly 31 to 55 miles above ground. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-red-sprite-lightning-captured-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The mesos</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-red-sprite-lightning-captured-from-space/">phere</a> might seem pretty far removed from everyday concerns. Still, it can be disturbed by severe weather far below.



On the day Helene hit, NASA’s instruments captured signs of a type of atmospheric wave, not related to the space-time ones Einstein predicted, but rather ones formed by events like hurricanes.



According to <a href="https://www.usu.edu/today/story/a-dream-realized-usu-physicist-pioneers-new-era-of-atmospheric-waves-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Taylor</a> from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-under-the-ice-secret-base-camp-found-in-greenland/">NASA</a>, this unexpected observation gives a new dimension to the way in which people think about how storms affect even the thin air at tremendous heights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-signature-revealed-by-the-iss">Strange signature revealed by the ISS</h2>



The equipment responsible for detecting this phenomenon is the Atmospheric Wave Instrument, known as AWE. 



Installed outside the International Space Station in 2023, it was built to observe “atmospheric glow,” a faint light from gases at high altitudes.



When Helene struck, AWE’s sensors picked up a pattern reminiscent of “ripples,” that revealed how the hurricane stirred the air so far above. 



This observation extended westward from the coast, showing that the disturbance traveled far beyond the main storm zone.



It is not a surprise that this kind of insight emerged from a view point perched high above Earth. The ISS is an ideal spot for catching details that would never show up in ordinary weather measurements closer to home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-weather-instrument">New weather instrument</h2>



AWE’s role is to reveal connections between surface storms and the upper atmosphere. Instead of looking at just the turbulent weather patterns people know -- winds, rain, and lightning -- it looks upward. It tracks how changes below might ripple upward into the mesosphere and beyond.



By doing this, it can help figure out what knocks the atmosphere off its usual balance. Before AWE, these subtle patterns might have gone unnoticed, leaving big questions about how the environment <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meaningful-dream-experiences-can-boost-your-work-productivity/">works</a> as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-changes-that-can-affect-satellites">Tiny changes that can affect satellites</h2>



The air up there is thin, but it still matters. When these small waves appear, they can influence conditions that matter for satellites. 



Engineers worry about anything that might shift or change the density of air at high altitudes because satellites can run into unexpected resistance.



The variations are slight, but in space technology, even a tiny adjustment can mean the difference between a satellite staying safely in orbit or drifting into trouble. 



Now, with AWE’s observations, there is a tool to help understand these subtle shifts before they become a headache.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-atmospheric-waves-matter">Why atmospheric waves matter</h2>



Communication satellites, weather satellites, and even the signals people rely on for navigation can depend on stable conditions high up there. 



Some might think the harsh environment of space operates independently from Earth’s weather.



That is not always true. A strong hurricane, like Helene, can trigger changes that bubble all the way up. 



By having instruments that keep an eye on these patterns, researchers can plan better. They can figure out if a future storm might rearrange the air enough to cause problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-the-mesosphere">Secrets of the mesosphere</h2>



Observing these waves was made possible by a set of telescopes known as the Advanced Mesospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5c-is-almost-certainly-out-of-reach/">Temperature</a> Mapper (AMTM). 



NASA has indicated that AMTM is sensitive enough to catch details that might slip past ordinary sensors.



The mesosphere’s cold temperatures - around -150°F (-101°C) - do not stop AMTM from seeing the subtle infrared signals that reveal hidden activity. 



Thanks to this technology, a little-known part of the atmosphere is now more accessible than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautious-steps-forward">Cautious steps forward</h2>



Data from AWE and AMTM help more than just the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gigoutella-mauretanica-best-preserved-trilobite-fossils-ever-found/">scientific community</a>. If engineers know that storms can send disruptions upward, they might make satellites more resilient. If communication teams know that certain conditions can change signal paths, they can plan.



It is like learning a new piece of the puzzle about how Earth’s upper atmosphere and surface weather connect. Before, much of this was speculation. Now, there is something solid to rely on, even if it involves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awe-inspires-scientific-interest/">phenomena</a> not visible to the naked eye.



Events like hurricanes already cause plenty of trouble on the ground. Flooded streets, knocked-down power lines, and lost homes are tragic and serious concerns. 



However, who would have thought that these storms could have such reach that they could touch layers of air so high up that few people ever consider them?



Thanks to AWE, what was once a mystery is now a bit clearer. The discovery is one more sign that we live in a world where everything is somehow interconnected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-ready-for-surprises-above">Getting ready for surprises above</h2>



The presence of these waves might lead to better forecasts, not just for regular weather but also for what goes on closer to space. 



If meteorologists and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/">scientists</a> know that an upcoming storm might send disturbances high above, they can pass that along to operators of satellites and other machines in orbit. Over time, this could lead to better strategies to keep valuable equipment safe and secure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iss-atmospheric-waves-and-the-future">ISS, atmospheric waves, and the future</h2>



What happened with Helene is just the start of learning about how weather at Earth’s surface talks to the air high above. 



NASA says that, with these early findings in hand, the AWE can keep recording subtle signals during different types of storms.



Each new piece of data helps build understanding, potentially giving everyone better tools to keep communications stable and satellites safe. 



That kind of information may seem far removed from daily life, but it has a subtle impact on the technology and networks people rely on every day.



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International Space Station observes something unknown 55 miles above Earth

In late September, 2024, a hurricane named Helene hit the...

According to the most commonly accepted theory, modern humans left Africa around 60,000 years ago, mingling with Neandertals along the way. 



This interaction left a legacy of two to three percent Neanderthal DNA in the genomes of people outside Africa.



However, the story of the first modern humans in Europe and the timing of their intermingling with Neanderthals remains incomplete. 



A recent study sheds light on this chapter, uncovering new connections between early European humans and Neanderthals.



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



Neanderthals were our closest extinct relatives, living alongside early modern humans in Europe and parts of Asia for hundreds of thousands of years. They first appeared around 400,000 years ago and thrived until about 40,000 years ago. 



Unlike the stereotypical image of burly, brutish cave dwellers, Neanderthals were actually quite sophisticated. 



They built shelters, made clothing from animal hides, and even created art and jewelry, showing a level of creativity and culture that rivals our own.



Physically, Neanderthals were well-adapted to the cold climates of the Ice Age. They had robust bodies with strong muscles, shorter limbs, and a wider ribcage compared to modern humans, which helped them conserve heat. 



Their large noses may have warmed and humidified the cold, dry air they breathed. Neanderthals also had larger brains than us, though their brain structure was different, suggesting they processed information in unique ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zlaty-kun-and-ranis-sites">Zlatý kůň and Ranis sites</h2>



The Zlatý kůň site in Czechia holds a critical piece of this puzzle. Archaeologists discovered a skull there, estimated to be 45,000 years old, and belonging to an early modern human.



Unfortunately, this individual’s cultural and archaeological context remained unclear. Nearby, the Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany, presented another mystery. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/early-humans_genome-sequenced_Zlaty-kun_Ranis-group_Czechia-Europe_credit-Tom-Bjorklund_1m.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/early-humans_genome-sequenced_Zlaty-kun_Ranis-group_Czechia-Europe_credit-Tom-Bjorklund_1s.webp" alt="Illustration of the Zlatý kůň/Ranis group. Around 45,000 years ago, individuals from Ranis in Germany and Zlatý kůň in Czechia likely traveled together across the open steppe landscapes of Europe. Credit: Tom Björklund for Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology" class="wp-image-1953468"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration of the Zlatý kůň/Ranis group. Around 45,000 years ago, individuals from Ranis in Germany and Zlatý kůň in Czechia likely traveled together across the open steppe landscapes of Europe. Credit: Tom Björklund for Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology</figcaption></figure>



This site, about 230 km from Zlatý kůň, housed tools linked to the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician (LRJ) culture, but it was unclear if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-neanderthals-mastered-adhesive-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> or modern humans created them.



Thirteen bone fragments from Ranis had previously been analyzed and revealed mitochondrial DNA from modern humans. 



Yet mitochondrial DNA, a small fraction of the genome, could not clarify their broader genetic relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-zlaty-kun-and-ranis">Link between Zlatý kůň and Ranis</h2>



A breakthrough came with a new study, published in Nature, that provided the link between Europe's first modern humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homo-juluensis-new-human-species-vanished-just-fifty-thousand-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a>.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.eva.mpg.de/index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology</a> analyzed the nuclear genomes of the thirteen specimens from Ranis, and uncovered genetic ties between Zlatý kůň and the Ranis population. 



The bones from Ranis represented at least six individuals, including a mother-daughter pair and other distant relatives.



“To our surprise, we discovered a fifth- or sixth-degree genetic relationship between Zlatý kůň and two individuals from Ranis," noted lead author Arev Sümer.



"This means that Zlatý kůň was genetically part of the extended family of Ranis and likely also made LRJ-type tools.” 



The study also sequenced high-quality genomes from the skull found at Zlatý kůň and a well-preserved male bone from Ranis, referred to as Ranis13. 



These genomes represent the oldest high-quality modern human genomes sequenced to date.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-european-with-african-traits">European with African traits</h2>



Genetic analysis revealed that individuals from both Zlatý kůň and Ranis likely had dark skin, dark hair, and brown eyes.



This aligns with their recent African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/isolation-played-a-key-role-in-neanderthal-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestry</a>. By analyzing shared genetic segments, the researchers estimated that their population consisted of only a few hundred individuals, dispersed over a broad region.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/early-humans_genome-sequenced_Zlaty-kun_Ranis-group_credit-Tom-Bjorklund_1m.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/early-humans_genome-sequenced_Zlaty-kun_Ranis-group_credit-Tom-Bjorklund_1s.webp" alt="Illustration of Zlatý kůň, who belonged to the same population as the Ranis individuals and was closely related to two of them. Credit: Tom Björklund for Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology" class="wp-image-1953469"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration of Zlatý kůň, who belonged to the same population as the Ranis individuals and was closely related to two of them. Credit: Tom Björklund for Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology</figcaption></figure>



Interestingly, the Zlatý kůň/Ranis group left no genetic legacy in later European or global populations. This small group represents a distinct lineage of modern humans that diverged early after migrating out of Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-and-neanderthal-connection">Human and Neanderthal connection</h2>



The Zlatý kůň/Ranis population coexisted with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-had-multiple-waves-of-contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> in Europe. However, their genomes showed no evidence of recent interbreeding with Neanderthals. 



This contrasts with other early human groups in Europe, which exhibit such evidence.  



“The fact that modern human groups, which may have arrived in Europe later, carry such Neanderthal ancestry while Ranis and Zlatý kůň do not could mean that the older Zlatý kůň/Ranis lineage may have entered Europe by a different route or did not overlap as extensively with the regions where Neanderthals lived,” speculated co-supervisor Kay Prüfer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-ancestry-discovered">Shared ancestry discovered</h2>



Although the early modern humans showed no signs of recent Neanderthal admixture, they shared Neanderthal ancestry from an older event.



By analyzing the Neandertal DNA segments and using radiocarbon dating, researchers estimated that this admixture occurred between 45,000 and 49,000 years ago.



“These results provide us with a deeper understanding of the earliest pioneers that settled in Europe. They also indicate that any modern human remains found outside Africa that are older than 50,000 years could not have been part of the common, non-African population that interbred with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-love-of-carbs-may-date-back-to-the-neanderthals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> and is now found across much of the world,” senior author Johannes Krause remarked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-humans-and-neanderthals-in-europe">First humans and Neanderthals in Europe</h2>



This study offers valuable insights into Europe’s earliest settlers. The Zlatý kůň/Ranis group represents a distinct lineage of early modern humans who carried traits reflecting their African heritage.



Despite their similarities and interactions with Homo sapiens, Neanderthals eventually disappeared, likely due to a combination of climate change, competition for resources, and possibly diseases brought by migrating humans.



Their story reminds us of the complex web of human evolution and the rich history we share with our ancient relatives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08420-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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This is the most recent human to interbreed with Neanderthals, revealed by DNA

According to the most commonly accepted theory, modern humans left...

Crocodiles, with their intricate head scales and striking physical features, exemplify the awe-inspiring morphological diversity found across life on Earth. 



This profound variety, particularly in reptiles, sparks curiosity about the forces that shape such traits. Why do these differences occur? Genetics, you may presume, and you wouldn't be entirely incorrect.



However, a recent study by an interdisciplinary team from the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a> (UNIGE) is turning heads (and scales). As it turns out, physiological characteristics like the head scales of a crocodile have much to do with the mechanics of growing tissues instead of molecular genetics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unknown-architects-of-crocodile-scales">The unknown architects of crocodile scales</h2>



Often, the connection between an organism's physicality and genetics feels like an obvious one. Michel Milinkovitch, a professor at the UNIGE Faculty of Science, pursued a more profound understanding of this link.



His research was focused on the evolution and development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vertebrate-populations-are-not-in-a-global-state-of-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vertebrate</a> skin appendages such as feathers, hair, and scales.



In previous work, Professor Milinkovitch found that the development of crocodile head scales mirrors the propagation of cracks in a mechanically-stressed material.



 A further exploration of this phenomenon led Milinkovitch and his team down a path of extraordinary multi-disciplinary research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-journey-into-the-unknown">A journey into the unknown</h2>



The journey began with observing the embryonic development of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/nile-crocodile-crocodylus-niloticus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nile crocodile</a>. The team noted that the creature's skin remained smooth until approximately 48 days into the expected 90-day gestation period.



Around day 51, skin folds appeared and interconnected to form irregular polygonal scales of varying sizes in different regions of the head.



To determine if the constrained growth of the skin could cause these folds and the subsequent scales, the team introduced a hormone (epidermal growth factor or EGF) known for stimulating skin growth and stiffening to the crocodile eggs. The result was a surprising change in the organization of skin folds.



"We saw that the embryo's skin folds abnormally and forms a labyrinthine network resembling the folds of the human brain," noted study co-authors Gabriel Santos-Durán and Rory Cooper.



Interestingly, once the EGF-treated crocodiles hatched, this brain-like folding simplified into a pattern of much smaller scales akin to those found in another crocodilian species - the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-crocodilians-may-have-devastating-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caiman</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-growth-and-crocodile-scales">Skin growth and crocodile scales </h2>



To better understand how skin growth impacts scale formation, the research team utilized "light sheet microscopy" to measure the growth rate and geometries of various tissues that constitute the embryo's head. 



Using this data, the team created a 3D computer model to simulate skin growth under constraint. They manipulated the specific growth rates and stiffnesses of the tissue layers in the model to evaluate their impacts.



"By exploring these different parameters, we can generate the different head scale shapes corresponding to Nile crocodiles both with or without EGF treatment, as well as the spectacled caiman or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/american-alligator-alligator-mississippiensis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American alligator</a>," explained Ebrahim Jahanbakhsh, a computer engineer working with Milinkovitch.



Hence, this study offers powerful evidence that the mechanics of tissue growth can contribute to the diversity of certain anatomical structures across species, without the necessity of intricate molecular genetic factors.



In essence, it appears that nature, in its utmost wisdom, employs a multitude of tools to sculpt the astounding diversity of life that graces our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-evolutionary-biology">Implications for evolutionary biology</h2>



This research not only reshapes our understanding of crocodile scale formation but also challenges traditional views in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-climate-change-drove-the-rapid-evolution-of-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary biology</a>.



By demonstrating that mechanical forces, rather than solely genetic factors, can drive the development of complex anatomical features, the study opens new doors for exploring the evolution of diverse organisms.



Such findings have far-reaching implications, extending to other species with unique morphological traits, such as the patterned scales of snakes, the carapaces of turtles, and even the feathers of birds. 



The findings suggest that environmental and mechanical constraints might play a pivotal role in shaping these traits, alongside genetic blueprints.



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



Moreover, this interdisciplinary approach - blending biology, physics, and computational modeling - could inspire new methods for studying how form and function evolve in both living and extinct species.



By analyzing the physical forces acting on growing tissues, researchers may gain insights into the origins of ancient species and the environmental pressures they faced.



Ultimately, the study highlights the intricate interplay between genetics, mechanics, and evolution, reminding us that nature employs a versatile set of tools to craft the breathtaking diversity of life on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08268-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Crocodile scales are shaped by tissue growth, not genetics

Crocodiles, with their intricate head scales and striking physical features,...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

After placing him on a shortlist of 109 potential candidates, NASA selected Cooper as one of seven men for the program. In May 1963, he conducted his first mission aboard the&nbsp;Faith 7, a craft so small it could only fit someone under five feet and 11 inches tall. Photo Credit: NASA

Faith 7

It was 1959 when NASA invited Cooper to Washington, D.C. as a potential candidate for the Mercury Project. The project sought to put a man into Earth's orbit and then return him safely, and Cooper was an ideal candidate. Alan Shepard, if you remember, commanded the first flight on&nbsp;Freedom 7. Photo Credit: NASA