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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

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

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. 



“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-dark-nebulae-nbsp">Dark nebulae&nbsp;</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, and as the 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.



This nebula is typically studied in infrared, which allows scientists to look beyond the obscuring dust to observe the processes of star formation.&nbsp;



<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 winter in the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



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.&nbsp;



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



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 an incredible new image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors. 



“The unusual image was produced by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



Colored in red, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) provided information about the nebula gathered in the radio regime.



NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope took infrared images, which appear yellow, while the NASA/ESA <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-captures-another-cosmic-masterpiece-in-galaxy-ngc-2217/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope provided images made in optical wavelengths, colored in green.&nbsp;



Blue colors represent ultraviolet observations made by ESA’s XMM-Newton telescope, and the purple colors are X-ray radiation data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-crab-nebula-nbsp">About the Crab Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Crab Nebula, located in the constellation Taurus, contains the remnants of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a> first observed on Earth in 1054 AD. This explosion was recorded by Chinese astronomers and possibly by Native American rock art.&nbsp;



The nebula spans about 11 light-years across and lies approximately 6,500 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied objects</a> in the sky, largely due to its status as a bright and dynamic supernova remnant.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crab-pulsar">The Crab Pulsar</h2>



The Crab Nebula contains a pulsar at its center, which is a rapidly rotating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-spinning-neutron-star-completely-defies-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> that emits pulses of radiation. This pulsar, known as the Crab Pulsar, spins about 30 times per second and is a significant source of gamma rays and other forms of high-energy radiation.&nbsp;



The nebula itself is a complex structure of filaments and synchrotron radiation. The filaments are remnants of the original star's outer layers, while the synchrotron radiation emerges from electrons spiraling in the magnetic fields produced by the pulsar.



“Surrounding the pulsar lies a mix of material; some of it was originally expelled from the star before it went supernova, and the rest was ejected during the explosion itself,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



“Fast-moving winds of particles fly off from the neutron star, energizing the dust and gas around it. These different layers and intricacies of the nebula can be observed in all of the different wavelengths of light.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-nebula-observation-nbsp">Crab Nebula observation&nbsp;</h2>



Throughout its history, the Crab Nebula has provided critical insights into the processes of stellar death, the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, and the mechanics of supernova remnants.&nbsp;



Its continuous observation has revealed changes over time, such as the expansion of its filaments and variations in its brightness, offering a dynamic laboratory for astrophysical studies.



Overall, the Crab Nebula is a highly energetic and object, providing valuable insights into the processes following a supernova explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-nebulae">Fascinating facts about nebulae</h2>



Nebulae are some of the most breathtaking and intriguing structures in the universe. They are vast clouds of gas and dust, often considered stellar nurseries where new stars are born. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-of-nebulae">Colors of nebulae </h3>



One of the most fascinating aspects of nebulae is their ability to glow in different colors. This occurs because they either reflect the light of nearby stars or emit light due to the ionization of gases within them, particularly hydrogen. 



Some nebulae, like the famous Orion Nebula, are visible to the naked eye and serve as one of the nearest regions of active star formation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae">Planetary nebulae </h3>



Stars are born in dense regions of nebulae, and when they die, some will expel their outer layers, creating stunning structures known as planetary nebulae. The colorful clouds left behind can shine brightly for thousands of years. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-size">Massive size</h3>



Another amazing fact is that some nebulae are so vast that light can take years to travel from one side to the other, stretching across hundreds of light-years.



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



Perhaps even more mind-boggling is the fact that nebulae are the remnants of previous generations of stars. Supernova explosions of massive stars can create these glowing clouds of gas and dust, seeding the cosmos with the elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, G. Dubner (IAFE, CONICET-University of Buenos Aires) et al.; A. Loll et al.; T. Temim et al.; F. Seward et al.; VLA/NRAO/AUI/NSF; Chandra/CXC; Spitzer/JPL-Caltech; XMM-Newton/ESA; and Hubble/STScI



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Crab Nebula: The remains of a massive star explosion

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a false-color radar depiction of central Ethiopia.



According to ESA, the photograph is a blend of multiple Sentinel-1 images from spring, summer and autumn 2023, which have been overlaid to create this single image.



“Radar images capture surface texture rather than reflected light so they are naturally black and white but here images from each season have been assigned a different color: red, green and blue respectively,” explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“When the images are combined, the different colors reveal variations that occurred in the different seasons.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rugged-terrain-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Rugged terrain of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



ESA noted that Ethiopia’s terrain is one of the most rugged in Africa. The landscape is primarily characterized by highlands and plateaus.&nbsp;



The Ethiopian Highlands, also known as the Roof of Africa, dominate this region and include some of the highest peaks in Africa, such as Ras Dashen. The terrain features steep escarpments, deep valleys, and numerous rivers.&nbsp;



The central part of the country is also home to the Great Rift Valley, which runs through Ethiopia and includes a series of lakes and volcanic mountains. The region's varied topography contributes to its rich biodiversity and distinct climate zones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Lakes of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, water bodies appear dark in this image because flat water surfaces reflect the radar signal away from the satellite. “The various colors visible in some lakes are due either to the changing surface currents and sediments from rivers or to variations in water level.”



Lake Ziway is one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-flamingos-at-risk-due-to-rising-lake-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> in the region. It is located about 160 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.&nbsp;



The lake is known for its rich bird diversity, including large populations of pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Lake Ziway also supports local fishing communities.



Lake Shala is the deepest lake in the Ethiopian Rift Valley and is known for its volcanic origins. It has a maximum depth of 266 meters and is surrounded by hot springs and steep, rocky cliffs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Climate of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



Central Ethiopia features a diverse climate, primarily influenced by its elevation and geographical location within the tropics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highland-climate">Highland climate</h3>



Much of central Ethiopia consists of highlands, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 3,000 meters above sea level. These highlands experience a temperate climate, with cooler <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-in-africa-are-rising-above-levels-that-rhinoceros-can-tolerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> compared to the lowlands.&nbsp;



The average temperatures range from 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher elevations, such as those found in the Ethiopian Highlands, can experience temperatures that are close to freezing at night.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainy-seasons">Rainy seasons</h3>



Central Ethiopia has two main rainy seasons. The primary rainy season, known as the "Kiremt," occurs from June to September and brings the majority of the annual rainfall.&nbsp;



The "Belg," or short rainy season, occurs from March to May. The rainfall during these periods supports agriculture, which is a key part of the region's economy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-season">Dry season</h3>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-wet-forests-have-seen-an-alarming-rise-in-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dry season</a>, known as the "Bega," spans from October to February.&nbsp;During this time, the region experiences significantly less rainfall, and the weather tends to be sunny and dry. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Culture of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> of central Ethiopia is a dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. This culture is characterized by a strong sense of community and a profound connection to the region's historical and spiritual roots.



The Amhara people have played a significant role in the cultural and political life of central Ethiopia. The Amhara are known for their rich heritage, which includes the Amharic language, a Semitic tongue that serves as one of the country's official languages.



Orthodox Christianity is a key aspect of central Ethiopian culture, particularly among the Amhara and other highland communities.&nbsp;



This part of East Africa is also known for its traditional music and dance, which reflect the region's historical depth and cultural diversity.&nbsp;



The cuisine of central Ethiopia is another significant cultural aspect, with injera (a spongy flatbread made from teff) being a staple food.&nbsp;Injera is typically served with a variety of stews (wats) and salads.



The communal eating experience, where meals are shared from a single large plate, emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The vibrant seasons of central Ethiopia

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



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



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

The Bobcat fire rages on in southern California. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> captures the impact of the Bobcat fire across the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. 

The dark red portion of this false-color photo represents burn scars, while the brighter red areas signify active fires. The Bobcat fire rages on in southern California

By September 23, the <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/the-bobcat-fire-rages-on-in-southern-california/">Bobcat f</a>ire had burned for 18 days, consumed over 113,000 acres, and more than 1,500 firefighters had managed to reach 38 percent containment.

Some media reports suggest that it could take weeks to fully contain the Bobcat fire. Meanwhile, dozens of other devastating wildfires are still raging in the western United States and hundreds of thousands of people are displaced.

The image was captured on September 21, 2020 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat 8 satellite. California is a state in the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Pacific states" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_states">Pacific Region</a> of the <a class="mw-redirect" title="United States of America" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_America">United States of Ame</a>r<a class="mw-redirect" title="United States of America" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_America">ica</a>. With over 39.3 million residents across a total area of about 163,696 square miles (423,970 km2), California is the most populous U.S. state and the <a title="List of U.S. states and territories by area" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_area">third-largest</a> by area, and is also the world's thirty-fourth most populous subnational entity. California is also the most populated subnational entity in North America, and has its state capital in Sacramento. The Greater Los Angeles area and the <a title="San Francisco Bay Area" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Bay_Area">San Francisco Bay Area</a> are the nation's second- and fifth-most populous <a title="Statistical area (United States)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistical_area_(United_States)">urban regions</a>, with 18.7 million and 9.7 million residents respectively.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California#cite_note-13">[13]</a> <a title="Los Angeles" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles">Los Angeles</a> is California's <a title="List of largest California cities by population" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_California_cities_by_population">most populous city</a>, and the country's <a title="List of United States cities by population" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population">second-most populous</a>, after <a title="New York City" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City">New York City</a>. California also has the nation's <a title="List of the most populous counties in the United States" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_most_populous_counties_in_the_United_States">most populous county</a>, <a title="Los Angeles County, California" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County,_California">Los Angeles County</a>, and its <a title="List of the largest counties in the United States by area" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_largest_counties_in_the_United_States_by_area">largest county</a> by area, <a title="San Bernardino County, California" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Bernardino_County,_California">San Bernardino County</a>. 

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The Bobcat fire rages on in southern California

Welcome to the era of technology, where an entire generation's lives are intertwined with screens, digital devices, and many hours spent sitting in a chair.



Millennials are now sitting over 60 hours a week - an activity, or rather inactivity, that is draining their health.



This concerning trend was discovered by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of California Riverside.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sitting-epidemic-and-premature-aging">Sitting epidemic and premature aging </h2>



Millennials, the group known for disrupting norms and setting trends, are spending over 2.5 days of their week sitting. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-can-counteract-the-health-risks-of-sitting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sedentary lifestyle</a> could have severe implications for their health, increasing the risk of heart disease and premature aging.



The experts investigated the health impact of prolonged sitting on young adults, looking at measures like cholesterol and body mass index (BMI). There were over 1,000 participants, including 730 twins, and the results were quite revealing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-of-sedentary-behavior">Health implications of sedentary behavior </h2>



Busting the myth that 20 minutes of daily moderate exercise was enough to counter the effects of sitting all day, the results of the study tell a different story. Those 20 minutes may not be enough to counteract the dormant dragon of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sedentary-behavior-sitting-for-hours-health-risk-early-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sedentary</a> hazards.



"Our research suggests that sitting less throughout the day, getting more vigorous exercise, or a combination of both may be necessary to reduce the risk of premature aging in early adulthood," said study senior author Chandra Reynolds, a professor in the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/ibg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Behavioral Genetics</a>.



The study was also led by Ryan Bruellman, a Ph.D. candidate in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>.



In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bruellman noticed how increased sitting time was becoming a norm for him and his peers. This kick-started his curiosity about the health implications of sedentary behavior.



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



"Young adults tend to think they are impervious to the impacts of aging. They figure, 'My metabolism is great, I don't have to worry until I'm in my 50s or 60s,'" said Bruellman. "But what you do during this critical time of life matters."



The data analyzed was from participants between 28 and 49 years old, with an average age of 33. 



The participants reported sitting almost 9 hours daily, on average, with some even sitting up to 16 hours. The counteractive effects of moderate physical activities were hardly adequate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiovascular-and-metabolic-diseases">Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases</h2>



According to the study, those who sat for 8.5 hours per day, exercising at or below current recommendations, could enter a "moderate to high risk" category for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. 



A quick walk after a workday may not cut it anymore, particularly for early adults. But there's a silver lining. Vigorous activities, like running or cycling, for 30 minutes daily, showed promising results.



Those who were active had cholesterol and BMI measures similar to individuals who were 5 to 10 years younger. However, even vigorous activity could not entirely erase the impacts of prolonged sitting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduce-sitting-time-for-better-health">Reduce sitting time for better health</h2>



The researchers found that replacing sitting time with exercise seemed to work better to improve cholesterol levels than merely doing exercise after a long day of sitting. 



The bottom line is trying to balance between reducing sitting time and increasing vigorous exercise.



Prolonged sitting has implications that extend beyond physical health; it also impacts mental well-being. Studies indicate a correlation between high sedentary behavior and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and reduced cognitive function. 



When engaging in long periods of inactivity, the brain receives less blood flow, which, over time, can lead to diminished mental acuity and emotional distress. 



People who incorporate more physical movement into their day tend to report higher levels of happiness and cognitive engagement, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between work and physical activity for holistic well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-for-a-more-active-lifestyle">Steps for a more active lifestyle</h2>



Transitioning from a sedentary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-to-set-realistic-goals-and-achieve-them-in-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyle</a> to a more active one requires practical changes that can be integrated into daily routines. Individuals can break their sitting time by setting hourly reminders to stand, stretch, or walk for a few minutes.



Brief high-intensity workouts or burst activity sessions throughout the day can preclude negative health effects. By prioritizing movement, individuals can mitigate the unforeseen impacts of prolonged sitting.



Bruellman's advice? Spice up your office habits. Try standing desks or walking meetings, and take breaks to stretch. Become a "weekend warrior," packing in those vigorous workouts when you can.



Meanwhile, Reynolds urges young adults to take proactive steps towards building habits that will benefit their health in the long run.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0308660" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Sitting too much can cause premature aging, even if you exercise

Welcome to the era of technology, where an entire generation's...

Beautiful,Gemstones,In,The,Old,Gestone,Mine

According to most scientists, we see only a fraction of the universe -- about five percent, to be more precise. The stars, planets, gas clouds, and even black holes we observe make up just a tiny sliver of what's out there. The rest is referred to as dark matter.



Patrick Huber, a physicist with a penchant for bold ideas, is leading a team that's trying to find the missing 95 percent. 



Instead of using massive telescopes or particle accelerators, they're looking for this dark matter in billion-year-old rocks right here on Earth.



Based at <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, Huber and his collaborators are on an unconventional quest to detect dark matter by examining ancient minerals deep within the Earth. 



They're building a new lab to test their theories, backed by significant funding from the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (<a href="https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/national-nuclear-security-administration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NNSA</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dark-matter-mystery">The dark matter mystery</h2>



Dark matter is a mysterious substance that doesn't emit or absorb light, making it invisible to traditional instruments. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Most scientists believe it exists</a> because galaxies rotate faster than they should based on the visible matter alone. Something unseen must be providing the extra <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational pull</a>.



For decades, researchers have tried to catch a glimpse of dark matter by setting up experiments deep underground to shield them from cosmic rays. 



But so far, these efforts haven't yielded <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-are-not-the-secret-source-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concrete evidence</a>. Huber's team is flipping the script by looking into the Earth's own history for signs of dark matter interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-not-try-something-new">Why not try something new?</h2>



"It's crazy. When I first heard about this idea, I was like -- this is insane. I want to do it," Huber said. 



He's stepping out of his comfort zone as a theoretical physicist to dive into experimental work. "Other people in their midlife crisis might take a mistress or get a sports car. I got a lab," he joked.



The concept is to examine the crystal structures of ancient rocks for tiny disruptions caused by dark matter particles colliding with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atomic-nucleus-made-of-quarks-and-gluons-reproduced-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atomic nuclei</a>. 



Over billions of years, these rare events might have left subtle tracks that advanced imaging techniques can detect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-tracks-hidden-in-rocks">Dark matter tracks hidden in rocks</h2>



"When a high-energy particle bounces off a nucleus inside a rock, it can knock it out of place," explained Vsevolod Ivanov, a researcher collaborating with Huber. 



"We'll take a crystal that's been exposed to different particles for millions of years and subtract the distributions that correspond to things we do know. Whatever is left must be something new, and that could be the dark matter."



One of the challenges is distinguishing these potential dark matter signals from the background noise of natural radioactivity. 



Robert Bodnar, a University Distinguished Professor and expert in geochemistry, is helping the team identify the best minerals to study -- ones that have been shielded from both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-rays-help-archaeologists-determine-age-discoveries-prehistoric-settlements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a> and Earth's own radioactive emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-edge-imaging-techniques">Cutting-edge imaging techniques</h2>



To visualize these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/directly-detecting-dark-matter-primordial-black-holes-simple-as-monitoring-mars-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny disruptions</a>, the team is using cutting-edge imaging technology borrowed from microbiology. 



Collaborators at the University of Zurich's <a href="https://www.hifo.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Research Institute</a> have provided access to equipment typically used to map neural pathways in animals.



They've started generating 3D images of particle tracks in synthetic lithium fluoride crystals. 



While these artificial crystals aren't suitable for detecting dark matter, they serve as a test bed to refine the imaging techniques without damaging precious natural samples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-byproducts-of-dark-matter-rock-hunting">Byproducts of dark matter rock hunting</h2>



In an unexpected twist, the methods developed for this project might have immediate applications. 



"We're seeing potential for creating portable devices to monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molten-salt-could-reshape-the-future-of-nuclear-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear reactors</a>," Huber noted. These "nuclear transparency devices" could enhance safety and security measures.



The interdisciplinary nature of the team is one of its strengths. Combining physics, geology, and advanced imaging, they're breaking down traditional barriers between fields. 



"This kind of collaboration is where new discoveries happen," Huber said.



The new lab being built at Robeson Hall is a hub for innovation. With $3.5 million from the National Science Foundation and an additional $750,000 from the National Nuclear Security Administration, the project is well-resourced to tackle its ambitious goals.



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



While the hunt for dark matter is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-stars-conspiracy-theory-may-have-been-officially-put-to-rest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primary focus</a>, the team is open to wherever the research leads them. 



"Science doesn't always give you what you expect," Huber remarked. "Sometimes, you set out to answer one question and end up discovering something entirely different."



If successful, this approach could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unending-search-for-elusive-dark-matter-detector-lz-sets-new-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finding evidence</a> of dark matter interactions in ancient rocks would not only confirm its existence but also open new avenues for studying its properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-in-earth-rocks-why-not">Dark matter in Earth rocks? Why not?</h2>



It's a big "if," but Huber and his team are undeterred. "We're venturing into the unknown," he said. "But that's where the most exciting discoveries are made."



To sum it all up, Patrick Huber and his team are taking a wild swing at one of physics' biggest mysteries by digging into ancient rocks. 



They're hoping that by examining these billion-year-old minerals, they might spot tiny disruptions caused by dark matter particles interacting with atomic nuclei -- something no one else has pulled off yet. 



With a mix of physics, geology, and some pretty fancy imaging tech, they hope that taking the road less traveled may open doors to unexpected applications like portable nuclear monitoring devices.



As they begin breaking open Earth rocks in hopes of solving one of the biggest remaining scientific mysteries, one can't help but root them on. 



Maybe, just maybe, the secrets of the universe have been right under our feet all this time.



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Dark matter search has moved from space to the inside of old Earth rocks and crystals

According to most scientists, we see only a fraction of...

Viruses, those tiny invaders wriggling their way into host cells are a marvel of biological survival. Among them, arteriviruses, found in a variety of animals across the globe, have evoked great interest.



These viruses have remained largely elusive to the human immune system. A recent study has unveiled an intriguing mechanism by which arteriviruses sneak into host cells and initiate an infection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-friendly-protein-turned-foe">Friendly protein turned foe</h2>



In the center of this microscopic drama is a protein found in mammals - an unsuspecting gatekeeper that unwittingly opens the door to arteriviruses.



The research team also discovered a monoclonal antibody - an immune system ally - that binds to this protein, effectively shielding the cells from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-a-virus-capable-of-causing-a-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viral infection</a>.



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



Why should we concern ourselves with arteriviruses? These are viruses that we do not have immunity against.



“It’s important to consider that since we have no known arteriviruses infecting people that we’re essentially immunologically naïve, so we can’t rely on preexisting immunity to help us,” said co-lead author&nbsp;Cody Warren, assistant professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://vet.osu.edu/departments-offices/biosciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">veterinary biosciences</a>&nbsp;at The Ohio State University (<a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU</a>).



To understand the gravity of the situation, we must consider the potential implications. Arteriviruses are found in various mammals like non-human primates, possums, pigs, and horses. They are often present without causing noticeable disease.



But, when they switch hosts, the viruses can cause serious health problems such as pneumonia, hemorrhagic fever, or encephalitis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-a-virus-in-a-cell">Journey of a virus in a cell</h2>



In the realm of viruses, breaking and entering is a step-by-step process. For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-use-gps-to-move-precisely-within-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arteriviruses</a>, the first stop is the FcRn receptor, a protein complex formed by the coming together of two genes - FCGRT and B2M. This receptor otherwise plays a benign role, carrying antibodies across the placenta to a fetus.



However, when a virus comes along, the FcRn receptor becomes a conduit for infection. It is responsible for ushering in at least five different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influenza-is-considered-the-biggest-pandemic-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arteriviruses</a> infecting monkeys, pigs, and horses.



When the researchers disrupted the FCGRT gene, the primary component of the FcRn complex, the cells became resistant to the infection. Better yet, pre-treating cells with monoclonal antibodies against FcRn protected them entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arteriviral-infection-of-host-cells">Arteriviral infection of host cells</h2>



There's a fascinating genetic subplot to this story. It turns out, the susceptibility of mammalian hosts to the arterivirus infection varies based on differences in their FcRn's genetic sequence. 



Essentially, the sequence variations of this receptor protein can either facilitate or impede cross-species infections.



The surface protein CD163, which has a history of playing a gatekeeper role for the simian hemorrhagic fever virus (an arterivirus), also came into the spotlight in this study. 



Experiments demonstrated that CD163 interacts with FcRn and aids in arteriviral infection of host cells. By identifying these arterivirus infection steps, we have reached an important milestone.



“If we’re looking at virus biology, one of the most important things we can understand is entry mechanisms. Because if you can stop the ability of a virus to infect a cell through disrupting that initial virus-receptor contact, now you have a potential therapeutic strategy,” said Warren.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-prepared-for-the-next-pandemic">Getting prepared for the next pandemic </h2>



Unveiling the secrets of how arteriviruses infiltrate host cells leaves us better prepared to face any future viral threats that may emerge. 



With an existing monoclonal antibody that can prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-viruses-link-up-and-bloom-into-amazing-sunflower-structures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viral infection</a> in cells, we have a ray of hope in our pre-pandemic preparedness toolkit.



"If one of these viruses emerged in humans, I believe we’d be in big trouble. So that is the motivator for me,” said Adam Bailey, assistant professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a> and co-lead author of the study.



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



Knowledge is indeed power. As we deepen our understanding of viruses infecting cells, we inch closer to better prevention methods and ideally, fewer global health crises. 



"Understanding the nuances of species-specific FcRn utilization will be important in anticipating the spillover of arteriviruses into new hosts, as our data indicates that FcRn can function as a molecular barrier to cross-species arterivirus infection," wrote the researchers.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51142-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Animal viruses have a secret ally to infect human cells

Viruses, those tiny invaders wriggling their way into host cells...

As we move forward in the 21st century, it's becoming clearer that the air we breathe is having an impact on us, well beyond just our lungs. 



In a new study from the University of Southern California (USC), experts found that a particular component of air pollution is linked to poor learning and memory in children. The same component is also associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia in adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pm2-5-and-its-components">PM2.5 and its components</h2>



So, what is this worrying part of our air? It is most commonly known as PM2.5. This refers to particulate matter that is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles are a mixture of dust, soot, organic compounds, and metals.



Due to their small size, PM2.5 particles from air pollution can travel deeply into our lungs, bypass the blood-brain barrier, and potentially cause serious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-air-pollution-impacts-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory and health problems</a>.



One particular component of PM2.5, called ammonium nitrate, has caught the attention of scientists. It forms when ammonia gas, which is produced by agricultural activities, and nitric acid, produced by burning fossil fuels, react in the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-s-impact-on-memory">Air pollution's impact on memory</h2>



The research was led by Megan Herting, an associate professor of population and public health sciences at the <a href="https://keck.usc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keck School of Medicine</a> at USC.



"Our study highlights the need for detailed research on particulate matter sources and chemical components," said Herting. "It suggests that understanding these nuances is crucial for informing air quality regulations and understanding long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurocognitive effects</a>."



How did this study come about? Herting has been working with data from the largest brain study across America, known as the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD), for several years. 



The goal of the research was to understand the potential effects of air pollution on the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-pollution">Sources of pollution</h2>



The primary source of PM2.5 is fossil fuel combustion, especially within urban areas. However, other sources such as wildfires, agriculture, marine aerosols, and chemical reactions also play a critical role. 



Herting and her team previously studied the overall impact of PM2.5 on cognition in children and didn't find a significant connection.



In this recent study, the team used statistical techniques to look at 15 chemical components in PM2.5 and their sources individually. That's when ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound usually resulting from agricultural and farming activities, emerged as a surprising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-fueling-more-intense-and-dangerous-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culprit</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ammonium-nitrate-and-memory">Ammonium nitrate and memory</h2>



"No matter how we examined it, on its own or with other pollutants, the most robust finding was that ammonium nitrate particles were linked to poorer learning and memory," said Herting. “That suggests that overall PM2.5 is one thing, but for cognition, it's a mixture effect of what you're exposed to.”



This revelation highlights the need for reducing the overall quantity of PM2.5, as well as understanding its composition and the effects of its specific components.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-children-from-air-pollution">Protecting children from air pollution</h2>



The findings carry substantial implications for public health policies. Considering the diverse components of PM2.5, blanket regulations may not be as effective as policies that target specific pollutants like ammonium nitrate.



Policymakers could consider enforcing stricter emission controls on agricultural practices and industries known for high ammonia emissions. 



Furthermore, implementing educational programs to heighten public awareness about the sources and risks associated with particulate matter can empower communities to support and adapt to these regulatory changes. 



These informed approaches can pave the way for improved air quality standards and, consequently, better health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-on-air-pollution-and-memory">Research on air pollution and memory</h2>



The study opens new avenues for research into the molecular mechanisms by which ammonium nitrate impacts cognitive functions. 



Future studies could explore the biological pathways affected by this compound in air pollution and delineate its interactions within the memory and overall brain. Longitudinal research initiatives might help uncover how exposure to different PM2.5 components over a lifetime contributes to cognitive decline in old age. 



Additionally, exploring geographic and seasonal variations in particulate matter composition can provide insights into regional vulnerabilities and help tailor interventions more effectively. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-public-well-being">Mental health and public well-being </h2>



These scientific endeavors will be crucial for crafting policies that effectively safeguard mental health and public well-being in an era of rapidly changing environmental dynamics.



So what's next for these researchers? They intend to explore how these mixtures and sources of air pollution may link with individual memory variations and brain phenotypes during child and adolescent development.



This research is important for our children's health and the future of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>. The findings could lead to changes in air quality and public health policies. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP14418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health Perspectives</a>.



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Air pollution is harming kids’ memory and learning

As we move forward in the 21st century, it's becoming...

By now, most of us are well aware of the severe damage inflicted by plastic on our environment. As the United Nations noted, 46% of plastic waste is landfilled, while 22% is mismanaged and becomes litter. 



"Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade. It can take up to 1,000 years to break down, so when it is discarded, it builds up in the environment until it reaches a crisis point," said the UN.



"This pollution chokes marine wildlife, damages soil and poisons groundwater, and can cause serious health impacts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-plastic-epidemic">The plastic epidemic</h2>



A recent study, funded by paper packaging company <a href="https://www.dssmith.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DS Smith</a>, presents an eye-opening revelation.



The research suggests that over half (51%) of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/9936-chemicals-found-in-plastic-products-used-for-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaging</a> used for grocery items could either be minimized or eliminated altogether in the United Kingdom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-used-in-food-packaging">Plastic used in food packaging</h2>



To reach this conclusion, scientists scrutinized plastic utilization on an extensive scale. They studied 1,500 food and drink products sold by the top five food retailers across six European countries - France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom.



The team uses two distinct approaches - a "basket analysis" and a "store inventory analysis."



The basket analysis assessed the percentage of regularly bought items in a typical shopping basket containing plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-is-responsible-for-the-burden-of-plastic-packaging-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaging</a>.



The store inventory analysis focused on the proportion of food and drink items packaged in plastic across various store sections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reliance-on-plastic-packaging">Reliance on plastic packaging </h2>



The study revealed that the bulk of plastic packaging in an average shopping basket originated from processed foods, including ready-meals and meal kits (90%); bread, rice, and cereals (89%), dairy products (83%), and meat and fish (80%).



The experts found that the UK leads the pack as the most reliant on plastic packaging, with 70% of all food and drink items on British shelves containing plastic.



Spain was not far behind at 67%, followed by Italy and Germany (66%), Poland (62%), and France (59%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commitments-for-sustainable-packaging">Commitments for sustainable packaging </h2>



Adding another layer to the study, the researchers interviewed 300 food and drink industry professionals occupying senior positions linked to packaging. 



Most respondents (98%) expressed their companies' commitment to reduce plastic packaging. Interestingly, 60% of these have fewer than two years to fulfill their voluntary goals.



However, 40% of the respondents cited the cost of raw materials as a major hurdle, and there's apprehension that consumers might reject the changes.



A significant 72% of industry professionals felt that consumers wouldn't want to pay more for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-the-most-sustainable-packaging-the-answer-will-surprise-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable packaging</a>, and 65% believed consumers would not sacrifice convenience for sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmentally-conscious-brands">Environmentally conscious brands </h2>



Nonetheless, these concerns might be misguided. A 2023 Harvard Business Review study suggests that Gen Z and Millennial customers, who perceive a brand to be conscious of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fashion-industrys-plastic-waste-is-a-major-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> and social impact, are 27% more likely to choose it over others.



These generations' spending power is predicted to overtake that of Baby Boomers by 2030, translating to a wealth transfer of up to $68 trillion.



"We think the government can and should be more demanding of us all. Phasing out certain plastics to help create a level playing field that encourages innovation, investment and generates healthy competition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-retailers-are-replacing-plastic-bags-with-eco-friendly-paper-bags/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replace plastic</a>," said DS Smith CEO Miles Roberts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policies-for-a-plastic-free-future">Policies for a plastic-free future</h2>



While industry leaders acknowledge the importance of reducing plastic packaging, significant change may require stronger government intervention. 



Regulatory frameworks, such as plastic taxes, bans on single-use plastics, or incentives for sustainable packaging, could accelerate progress. 



Countries like France have already enacted laws to reduce plastic use in supermarkets, aiming to phase out disposable plastics by 2040. 



These policies hold companies accountable and encourage innovation in eco-friendly materials and waste reduction strategies.



In the UK, policymakers have introduced initiatives like the Plastic Packaging Tax, yet experts argue that more comprehensive regulations are needed to drive lasting impact. 



Setting clear goals for plastic reduction could stimulate a competitive market that favors recyclable and biodegradable alternatives.



As consumer awareness grows, the pressure on both government and industry is mounting. Future policy directions could determine the pace and success of the journey toward a more sustainable grocery sector, balancing the demands of convenience, cost, and environmental impact.



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Plastic use in food packaging could be drastically reduced

By now, most of us are well aware of the...

Bats have evolved to display a variety of different skills, such as plucking insects off leaves or hovering over flowers to drink nectar. Despite their diverse behaviors, one question has always lingered: why don't we see any flightless bats?



There are birds that waddle along riverbanks like ostriches, or spend their lives by the sea like the wandering albatross. But why not bats?



The answer to this question might have just been found by a group of researchers at Cornell University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bat-bird-evolution-paradox">Bat-bird evolution paradox</h2>



It is important to understand that the evolutionary pathways of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-bats-can-remember-the-past-and-plan-for-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> and birds are markedly different.



The evolution of bats' wings and legs is tightly coupled, which seems to have limited them to fewer ecological niches than birds. A surprising finding was that the opposite is true for our feathered friends.



"We initially expected to confirm that bat evolution is similar to that of birds, and that their wings and legs evolve independently of one another. The fact we found the opposite was greatly surprising," said Andrew Orkney, postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Professor Brandon Hedrick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flight-evolution-in-birds-and-bats">Flight evolution in birds and bats</h2>



The concept of wings and legs evolving independently makes intuitive sense, considering they perform different functions. 



Prior research had suggested that the origin of flight in vertebrates required forelimbs and hindlimbs to evolve independently, thereby allowing them to adapt to their distinct tasks more effectively. 



So, comparing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bats-navigate-noisy-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> and birds presented an ideal situation to test this idea. Since they do not share a common flying ancestor, birds and bats are independent examples to study flight evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-evolve-differently">Bats evolve differently</h2>



The research team measured the wing and leg bones of 111 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disappearance-of-bats-linked-to-a-rise-in-infant-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bat species</a> and 149 bird species from around the world. The analysis included X-rays of museum specimens and new X-rays of bat specimens stored at the <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> Museum of Vertebrates.



A stark contrast in the evolution of these two flight capable creatures was noted. In both bats and birds, the shape of the bones within a species' wing (handwing, radius, humerus) or leg (femur and tibia) was found to be correlated - meaning that within a limb, bones evolve together. 



However, the correlation across legs and wings was significantly different in bats and birds. While bird species showed little to no correlation, bats displayed a strong one.



Essentially, in bats, forelimbs and hindlimbs did not evolve independently. When the wing shape changes (either increases or decreases) the leg shape follows the same trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-implications-of-bat-morphology">Ecological implications of bat morphology</h2>



The coupled evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-bat-appreciation-day-the-crucial-role-of-bats-in-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a>' wings and legs has profound ecological implications. Bats are predominantly adapted to aerial niches, which constrains them mainly to environments where flight is advantageous. 



This is in contrast to birds, whose limb independence allows them to occupy diverse habitats, ranging from arid deserts to aquatic environments.



The morphological constraints on bats mean that evolutionary pressures have favored adaptations which enhance aerial agility and efficiency, such as echolocation and varied wing shapes.



Consequently, bats have become specialized fliers, excelling in niches that demand proficient maneuverability and speed. 



However, this specialization may come with trade-offs, limiting their ability to exploit non-aerial ecological niches compared to the more versatile birds.



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



The discoveries from this research open avenues for further investigation into the evolutionary biology of flight.



Understanding how bone morphology influences ecological roles can provide deeper insights into the evolutionary constraints and drivers that shape species diversity. 



Future studies could explore the genetic and developmental factors underpinning the tight coupling between bat wings and legs. Additionally, research could focus on comparative studies across more vertebrate groups to dissect the underlying evolutionary mechanisms that enable or restrict limb independence. 



Such inquiries not only enhance our comprehension of evolutionary processes but also aid in conservation strategies by predicting how species may adapt to changing environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-evolved-to-stay-airborne">Bats evolved to stay airborne</h2>



The researchers acknowledge that the coupled evolution of wing and leg in bats could limit their capacity to adapt to new ecologies. However, this discovery has stirred interest in other areas. 



For instance, it raises questions about the evolution of pterosaurs, an extinct group of flying reptiles that had membranous wings akin to those of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-can-ramp-up-their-heart-rate-to-900-beats-per-minute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a>. 



With pterosaurs being significantly more diverse than either birds or bats, this research might shed some light on the factors behind their evolutionary prowess.



Following their discovery, the researchers have now redirected their focus to the evolution of bird skeletons.



"While we showed that the evolution of birds' wings and legs is independent, and it appears this is an important explanation for their evolutionary success, we still don't know why birds are able to do this or when it began to occur in their evolutionary history," said Orkney.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02572-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.&nbsp;



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Why didn't bats evolve to walk on land like birds?

Bats have evolved to display a variety of different skills,...

NASA’s upcoming SPHEREx mission, set to launch by April 2025, is poised to revolutionize space observation. 



Unlike previous space telescopes, SPHEREx will explore the universe in 102 infrared colors, providing unprecedented insights into cosmic origins and the potential presence of water on planets. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-will-unravel-mysteries-of-the-universe-nbsp">Colors will unravel mysteries of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



Although invisible to the human eye, this multicolor infrared mapping will shed light on mysteries dating back to the birth of the universe.



“We are the first mission to look at the whole sky in so many colors,” said SPHEREx Principal Investigator Jamie Bock, affiliated with NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> and <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/">Caltech</a>. “Whenever astronomers look at the sky in a new way, we can expect discoveries.”



The heart of SPHEREx’s capability lies in its use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-secrets-of-water-molecules-discovered-in-the-lab-through-spectroscopy/">spectroscopy</a>. This method separates light into its individual colors, much like a prism breaking sunlight into a rainbow.&nbsp;



By observing the infrared light emitted by hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies, scientists can derive critical information about their composition and distance from Earth. This data will be synthesized into an all-sky map, unlike any seen before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-growth-of-the-early-universe-nbsp">Rapid growth of the early universe&nbsp;</h2>



One of SPHEREx’s primary objectives is to map the positions of galaxies to study the physics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/">cosmic inflation</a>. Inflation refers to the moment after the Big Bang when the universe expanded exponentially in less than a second.&nbsp;



This expansion left lasting imprints on how matter is distributed across the cosmos today. By examining these patterns, SPHEREx will help scientists better understand the mechanisms behind the early universe’s rapid growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-galaxy-evolution">Shedding light on galaxy evolution</h2>



SPHEREx’s survey of the universe will also capture the accumulated light produced by all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/">galaxies</a> throughout time, offering a holistic view of the universe’s light production.&nbsp;



Unlike studies that only observe individual galaxies and extrapolate findings, SPHEREx will track how light production has evolved over billions of years.&nbsp;



This means detecting even faint and distant sources that were previously overlooked, such as galaxies too small or distant for other telescopes to identify.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-light-stretched-across-space">Analyzing light stretched across space</h2>



Light takes time to travel through space, so observing distant galaxies is like looking back in time. 



As light journeys across space, it becomes stretched due to the universe’s expansion, changing its wavelength. 



By analyzing this stretched light, SPHEREx will determine when it was emitted and what it reveals about the state of the universe during different epochs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-water-and-life-critical-elements">Tracking water and life-critical elements</h2>



A significant mission goal is understanding the distribution of water ice, carbon dioxide, and other essential molecules across the Milky Way. This information will illuminate how these substances contribute to planet formation.&nbsp;



Research suggests that most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-water-travel-through-our-solar-system/">water</a> in our galaxy is found in icy form on dust grains. These ice-coated particles can be incorporated into newly forming planets, possibly fostering environments capable of supporting oceans like those on Earth.



The unique spectrum of SPHEREx will allow scientists to pinpoint where water and other molecules are most concentrated. The chemical signatures left in the colors of the infrared light tell us exactly what these elements are.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-from-space-telescopes">Observations from space telescopes </h2>



While telescopes such as Hubble and James Webb provide detailed imagery of individual celestial objects, SPHEREx combines wide-ranging sky surveys with detailed spectral data. 



This combination offers a comprehensive approach, enabling a more connected understanding of space. 



Observations from telescopes designed for specific sky sections, paired with SPHEREx’s full-sky perspective, will deliver a richer and more layered comprehension of cosmic processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-discoveries-in-infrared-color">Transformative discoveries in infrared color</h2>



SPHEREx is expected to complement the efforts of prior and existing space observatories, delivering a broader understanding of universal phenomena.&nbsp;



By observing the universe in numerous infrared colors, the mission will add to the groundwork for future explorations and may reveal hidden aspects of cosmic history.



With its innovative approach, SPHEREx is set to answer deep questions about the origins of galaxies, the universe’s rapid inflation, and the formation of life-supporting molecules, opening a new chapter in our understanding of the cosmos.



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NASA telescope will reveal the universe in more than 100 colors

NASA’s upcoming SPHEREx mission, set to launch by April 2025,...

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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...

Historic rainfall in Pakistan has caused deadly flooding. Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows devastating flooding across the Sindh province in southeastern Pakistan, where historic amounts of rain has fallen in recent weeks. 
The record-breaking monsoon season has claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed more than 200,000 homes since June.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department also reported that nearly one million acres of crops have been destroyed by the flooding, including cotton, vegetables, onions, tomatoes, and sugarcane. Historic rainfall in Pakistan has caused deadly flooding
The image was captured on September 21, 2020 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=nasa&amp;cvid=c29840309817465c914d6f0f53e79d71&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> NASA’s</a> Terra satellite. Historic rainfall in Pakistan has caused deadly flooding. Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,  is a country in <a title="South Asia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asia">South Asia</a>. It is the world&#8217;s fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It has the world&#8217;s second-largest Muslim population. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres (340,509 square miles). Pakistan has a 1,046-kilometre (650-mile) <a class="mw-redirect" title="Coastline" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastline">coastline</a> along the Arabian Sea and <a title="Gulf of Oman" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Oman">Gulf of Oman</a> in the south and is bordered by <a title="India" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India">India</a> to the east, Afghanistan to the west, <a title="Iran" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran">Iran</a> to the southwest, and <a title="China" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China">China</a> to the northeast. It is separated narrowly from <a title="Tajikistan" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tajikistan">Tajikistan</a> by Afghanistan&#8217;s <a title="Wakhan Corridor" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakhan_Corridor">Wakhan Corridor</a> in the northwest, and also shares a maritime border with Oman.
Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 
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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

Historic rainfall in Pakistan has caused deadly flooding

Lake Milh in central Iraq. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features one of Iraq’s largest lakes, Lake Milh, which has been fluctuating in recent decades as a result of dam management and droughts.

The photograph shows that Lake Milh - also known as Lake Razzaza - is finally starting to fill up again.

In the 1980s, Lake Milh was a popular recreational area, as well as an important breeding ground for many birds such as flamingos. In the following years, however, water levels began to disappear along with tourism and several fish species. Lake Milh in central Iraq

The image was captured on August 21, 2020 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.Iraq has a coastline measuring 58 km (36 miles) on the northern <a title="Persian Gulf" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulf">Persian Gulf</a> and encompasses the Mesopotamian Alluvial Plain, the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range and the eastern part of the <a title="Syrian Desert" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_Desert">Syrian Desert</a>. Two major rivers, the <a title="Tigris" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigris">Tigris</a> and <a title="Euphrates" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrates">Euphrates</a>, run south through Iraq and into the <a title="Shatt al-Arab" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shatt_al-Arab">Shatt al-Arab</a> near the <a title="Persian Gulf" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulf">Persian Gulf</a>. These rivers provide Iraq with significant amounts of fertile land. The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, historically known as Mesopotamia, is often referred to as the cradle of civilisation. It was here that mankind first began to read, write, create laws and live in cities under an organised government—notably <a title="Uruk" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruk">Uruk</a>, from which "Iraq" is derived. The area has been home to successive civilisations since the 6th millennium BC. Iraq was the centre of the <a title="Akkadian Empire" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akkadian_Empire">Akkadian</a>, <a title="Third Dynasty of Ur" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Dynasty_of_Ur">Sumerian</a>, <a title="Neo-Assyrian Empire" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Assyrian_Empire">Assyrian</a> and <a title="Neo-Babylonian Empire" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Babylonian_Empire">Babylonian</a> empires

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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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