Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features ice on Lake Michigan in late January 2025, when extreme cold settled into the Chicago area.



“Between January 19 and 24, 2025, a brutal cold snap hit Chicago. This satellite image captured a glimpse of the wintry aftermath,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153885/a-chill-over-chicagoland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the first half of the cold spell was the most intense.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-spells-and-snowfall">Cold spells and snowfall</h2>



Cold spells in the Chicago area are often accompanied by strong winds and significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a>.



“On January 21, the air temperature in Chicago reached as low as minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 26 degrees Celsius). At the time, little to no snow covered the ground in Chicago, which NWS noted is uncommon amid sub-zero temperatures,” said NASA.



“Snowflakes returned toward the end of the cold spell. Between the mornings of January 22 and 23, several waves of snowfall produced the blanket of white across the Chicago area visible in this image.”



“Another expanse of white is visible atop Lake Michigan. This is lake ice, which grows on the Great Lakes each winter, though its extent and timing can be highly variable. Ice coverage on the Great Lakes typically reaches its annual peak in late February or early March.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visible-ice-patterns">Visible ice patterns</h2>



Jia Wang, an ice climatologist at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), noted that on January 24, winds were blowing offshore and pushing ice away from the coastline.



In the photo, areas of dark, thin ice can be seen close to the shore, while patchy areas of bright white ice are visible away from shore. According to Wang, the whiter areas might be due to ice that has piled up and formed a very rough surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cover-on-lake-michigan-nbsp">Ice cover on Lake Michigan&nbsp;</h2>



“The area of Lake Michigan covered with ice in late January 2025 hovered around the historical average (1973-2024) for the time of year, according to data from GLERL. When the image was acquired, ice covered about 20 percent of the lake,” noted NASA.



“Meanwhile, several hundred miles to the east, ice on Lake Erie spiked well above average in late January, according to GLERL, with ice spanning around 80 percent of the lake. The ice was thick enough to temporarily immobilize a Canadian cargo freighter, according to news reports.”



To calculate the thickness of ice on the Great Lakes, experts are investigating ways to use altimetry data from NASA’s ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2).



Eric Anderson, a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines, noted that such measurements could improve ice and weather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a> as well as help us understand changes in Earth’s surface freshwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-on-the-great-lakes">Ice on the Great Lakes</h2>



Ice formation on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-craters-found-in-the-bottom-of-lake-michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Lakes</a> is a dynamic process influenced by seasonal temperatures, wind patterns, and climate variability.&nbsp;



Each year, ice begins to develop in late fall and early winter, typically forming first in sheltered bays and shallow areas before extending over deeper waters.&nbsp;



The extent and duration of ice cover vary significantly, with some years experiencing widespread freezing while others see only partial coverage due to warmer conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluctuations-in-ice-coverage">Fluctuations in ice coverage</h2>



Historically, ice coverage on the Great Lakes has fluctuated, with long-term records showing a decline in ice extent due to rising global temperatures.&nbsp;



The lakes act as vast heat reservoirs, meaning their large thermal mass can delay freezing, especially in milder winters.&nbsp;



When ice does form, it affects local weather patterns, contributing to lake-effect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a> in surrounding regions. It also impacts ecosystems, as ice cover influences fish spawning, winter survival of aquatic organisms, and shoreline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-variability-in-ice-cover-nbsp">Increasing variability in ice cover&nbsp;</h2>



In recent decades, scientists have observed increasing variability in ice cover, with some years experiencing near-record lows. 



This trend impacts commercial shipping in two key ways: reduced ice cover can extend the navigational season, but unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles make ice-breaking operations more challenging.



Additionally, ice conditions influence recreational activities such as ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling - all of which depend on stable and thick ice.



Overall, ice on the Great Lakes is a key indicator of changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate patterns</a>, with its variability providing insights into broader environmental shifts.&nbsp;



The image was captured on January 24, 2025 with the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Chicago cold spell brings ice to Lake Michigan 

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the remnants of Lake Razzaza, an artificial lake situated a few miles west of Karbala, Iraq.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> was created in the late 1970s as a control measure to regulate the floodwaters of the Euphrates River. 



Razzaza covers an area of approximately 1,562 square kilometers and is located in a depression where excess water from Lake Habbaniyah is diverted through a controlled escape channel or canal.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colors-of-lake-razzaza">The colors of Lake Razzaza</h2>



“The lake, also known as Baḩr al-Milḩ (‘Sea of Salt’ in Arabic), is fed by overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, which lies just outside the top left corner of the image,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153756/iraqs-sea-of-salt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The difference in water color results from the various communities of algae that thrive in the lake depending on the water temperature and salinity.”



“Green areas contain lower salt concentrations than red areas. At times when the lake receives no overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, as shown in this image, most of the lakebed is exposed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity-of-lake-razzaza">Salinity of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Over the years, the salinity of Lake Razzaza has been increasing due to inadequate water supply from the linked canal and high evaporation rates during Iraq's hot summers.&nbsp;



This rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> has led to a decline in fish populations, adversely affecting local fishermen who once relied on the lake for their livelihoods.&nbsp;



By 2008, only the fish species locally known as "al-Shanik" (Acanthopagrus arabicus), of marine origin and stocked by the government, was reported to survive in the lake.&nbsp;



The lake's fluctuating water levels and increasing salinity have also impacted its recreational appeal, with few recreational areas existing around the lake.&nbsp;



Additionally, the surrounding desert landscape and low cliff shores contribute to its limited accessibility for leisure activities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-razzaza">Wildlife of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Despite these challenges, Lake Razzaza remains an important habitat for various bird species. It has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, supporting significant numbers of wintering waterfowl and serving as a breeding ground for species such as the marbled duck.&nbsp;



The lake's mudflats attract large numbers of waders and shorebirds during migration periods.&nbsp;



The surrounding area features vegetation such as Phragmites australis, Juncus acutus, Aeluropus lagopoides, Salicornia herbacea, and Schoenoplectus litoralis, along with desert shrublands including Tamarix aucherana, Prosopis farcta, and Haloxylon salicornicum.&nbsp;



Mammals reported in this region include Rüppell's fox, golden jackal, Indian grey mongoose, jungle cat, and wildcat.&nbsp;



In recent years, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> has faced environmental challenges due to reduced water inflows and increased evaporation, leading to higher salinity levels and a decline in biodiversity. 



Efforts to address these issues are essential to preserve the ecological and economic significance of Lake Razzaza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-euphrates-river-nbsp">The Euphrates River&nbsp;</h2>



The Euphrates River is one of the most significant rivers in the Middle East and holds immense historical, cultural, and ecological importance.&nbsp;



Stretching approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles), it originates in the mountains of eastern Turkey and flows through Syria and Iraq before merging with the Tigris River to form the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years, supporting ancient Mesopotamian societies, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.



The Euphrates has provided water for irrigation, enabling the development of agriculture in an otherwise arid region. Its floodplains have been vital for sustaining life and fostering the growth of cities along its course.&nbsp;



However, the river also plays a key geopolitical role, as disputes over water usage and dam construction among Turkey, Syria, and Iraq have emerged over the years, impacting water availability downstream.



Ecologically, the Euphrates supports a range of habitats, from wetlands to desert ecosystems, making it home to diverse flora and fauna.&nbsp;



However, modern challenges such as damming, pollution, and climate change threaten its flow and ecological balance. Despite these challenges, the Euphrates remains a symbol of life and resilience in the heart of the Middle East.



The image was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) on September 23, 2024.



Image Credit: NASA



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Lake Razzaza: A shrinking oasis shaped by salinity

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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc1333">Webb’s view of NGC1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC1333 cloud.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features dust streaming off the coast of Iran in January 2025.



“Some of the desert dust was carried across the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Peninsula, degrading air quality for those in its path,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153859/desert-dust-streams-from-iran" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The airborne material appears to primarily originate in the dried bed of the intermittent lake known as Hamun-e Jazmurian (Hamun-e Jaz Murian), while some may be blown from coastal areas. Along with arid regions such as the Garagum and Lut deserts and the Sistan Basin, the lakebed is a major source of dust in southwest Asia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precipitation-in-the-jazmurian-basin">Precipitation in the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



According to NASA, some parts of the Jazmurian Basin receive less than four inches of rain annually, on average, and evaporation rates are high. During wet times, however, an intermittent lake, marshlands, and other vegetation can cover parts of the basin. 



“Terra’s MODIS sensor has previously captured images of the area when water is present in Hamun-e Jazmurian and when green vegetation fringes the lakebed,” said NASA.



“In early 2025, the land was dry enough for winds to blow dust plumes south-southwest over the Gulf of Oman. Dust traveled across the water to the coast of the United Arab Emirates, where the haze reduced visibility in places, according to news reports.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particles-in-dust-storms">Particles in dust storms</h2>



In addition to disrupting transportation and other daily activities, the suspended particles in dust storms can pose significant health risks. Recent research has revealed that dust from the Jazmurian Basin often contains heavy metals and other potentially harmful substances, such as silica and organic pollutants, which can negatively impact both human and ecosystem health.&nbsp;



Prolonged exposure to these particles has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as the exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions like asthma and bronchitis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-dust-storms">Environmental impact of dust storms</h2>



Moreover, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a> of dust storms extends beyond human health. The fine particles can settle on vegetation, reducing photosynthesis and agricultural productivity.&nbsp;



Dust deposition can also alter soil composition by introducing heavy metals and changing nutrient balances, which may affect crop growth and soil microbial communities. Such changes can lead to long-term degradation of arable land and disrupt local food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-in-the-jazmurian-basin">Dust in the Jazmurian Basin </h2>



Communities near the Jazmurian Basin are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these dust storms due to limited access to healthcare and mitigation resources. 



Seasonal changes and climatic conditions, including prolonged droughts and desertification, further intensify the frequency and severity of dust storms in the region.&nbsp;



This creates a cycle of environmental and health challenges, making it imperative to develop strategies for prevention and adaptation.



Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels. Potential measures include reforestation and soil stabilization projects to reduce dust emissions, stricter regulations to limit activities that contribute to desertification, and public health initiatives to educate communities on protective measures during dust events.&nbsp;



Investing in early warning systems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-driven-wildfires-worsen-u-s-air-quality-and-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> monitoring can also help minimize exposure and protect both human populations and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-jazmurian-basin">Significance of the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



The Jazmurian Basin is a prominent endorheic basin located in southeastern Iran, spanning parts of the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan as well as Kerman. It lies at the heart of an arid region characterized by sparse vegetation, high temperatures, and limited rainfall.&nbsp;



The basin is primarily fed by the Halil and Bampur rivers, which provide seasonal water flow to the basin's low-lying areas. At its center lies the Jazmurian Depression, which forms a seasonal playa or shallow lake, though it often dries up during extended dry periods.&nbsp;



The area holds geological and archaeological significance, offering insights into ancient human settlements and environmental changes over time.&nbsp;



Despite its harsh climate, the basin supports small-scale agriculture in its peripheries and serves as a critical habitat for certain desert-adapted flora and fauna. Climate change and water management challenges have intensified the environmental pressures faced by this fragile ecosystem.



The image was captured on January 22 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite.&nbsp;



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Dust rises from the Jazmurian Basin in Iran

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.



In a study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation.&nbsp;



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



The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas covering the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <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>.&nbsp;



"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”



Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image">Messier 82 image </h2>



“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study co-author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.



One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;



In the image, dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. 



The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.



A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;



"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h2>



The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment.&nbsp;



These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.



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



Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;



“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;



“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”



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



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a pair of interacting spiral galaxies known as the Antennae Galaxies. They are located approximately 45 million light-years away in the constellation Corvus.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antennae-galaxies-in-a-deadly-embrace">Antennae Galaxies in a deadly embrace </h2>



“The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has snapped the best ever image of the Antennae Galaxies. Hubble has released images of these stunning galaxies twice before, once using observations from its Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) in 1997, and again in 2006 from the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS),” noted <a href="https://esahubble.org/images/potw1345a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The galaxies - also known as NGC 4038 and NGC 4039 - are locked in a deadly embrace. Once normal, sedate spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, the pair have spent the past few hundred million years sparring with one another.”



According to ESA, the clash of the Antennae Galaxies is so violent that stars have been ripped from their host <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collision-2-million-mph-stephans-quintet-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> to form a streaming arc between the two.&nbsp;



The name "Antennae" comes from this long stream of stars and gas, which resembles insect antennae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-bursts-of-star-formation-nbsp">Intense bursts of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



The collision has triggered intense bursts of star formation, making the Antennae Galaxies one of the nearest and most dramatic examples of a starburst galaxy.&nbsp;



Many of the newly formed stars are concentrated in massive star clusters, some of which are expected to evolve into globular clusters over millions of years.



“This new image of the Antennae Galaxies shows obvious signs of chaos. Clouds of gas are seen in bright pink and red, surrounding the bright flashes of blue star-forming regions - some of which are partially obscured by dark patches of dust,” explained ESA.



“The rate of star formation is so high that the Antennae Galaxies are said to be in a state of starburst, a period in which all of the gas within the galaxies is being used to form stars.”&nbsp;



“This cannot last forever and neither can the separate galaxies; eventually the nuclei will coalesce, and the galaxies will begin their retirement together as one large elliptical galaxy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-antennae-galaxies">Significance of the Antennae Galaxies</h2>



The Antennae Galaxies are one of the most well-studied examples of galaxy collisions, offering insight into the processes that shape galaxies over time.



Astronomers study the Antennae Galaxies using a range of telescopes across different wavelengths, including visible light, infrared, and X-rays.&nbsp;



Observations in X-rays have revealed evidence of supernovae and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, while infrared studies highlight regions of dust and star formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-s-collision-course-nbsp">The Milky Way's collision course&nbsp;</h2>



The Antennae Galaxies provide a glimpse into the future of our <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>, which is expected to eventually merge with the Andromeda Galaxy - our closest spiral galaxy neighbor.



The cosmic collision course of the Milky Way and Andromeda will reshape both galaxies over billions of years.&nbsp;



This event is expected to occur in about 4.5 billion years. Both galaxies are part of the Local Group, a cluster of galaxies bound together by gravity. Their mutual gravitational pull is drawing them closer at a speed of approximately 110 kilometers per second.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birth-of-an-elliptical-galaxy-nbsp">The birth of an elliptical galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



When the two galaxies collide, their individual stars will largely avoid direct collisions due to the vast distances between them. However, the gravitational forces involved will create dramatic effects.&nbsp;



These forces will distort the galaxies' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shapes</a>, triggering intense bursts of star formation as gas clouds collide and compress. Over time, the galaxies will settle into a new, larger elliptical galaxy often referred to as "Milkomeda" or "Milkdromeda" by astronomers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-merger-and-the-solar-system">Galaxy merger and the solar system</h2>



Despite the seemingly destructive nature of the collision, the solar system is unlikely to face direct harm. Our Sun may find itself flung into a new orbit within the merged galaxy or even cast into intergalactic space.&nbsp;



The merger will also significantly alter the night sky, with the Andromeda Galaxy becoming increasingly prominent before blending into the unified structure.



This event is part of the natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of galaxies</a> and serves as a fascinating reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the universe. 



While the collision is still billions of years away, studying it helps astronomers understand galactic interactions and the long-term future of our cosmic neighborhood.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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Violent clash of the Antennae Galaxies  

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features features Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.



Kuala Lumpur is the country’s largest urban area. It is located in the Klang Valley at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers.&nbsp;



The Klang Valley is bordered by the Titiwangsa Mountains to the east, smaller mountain ranges to the north, and the Strait of Malacca to the west.



In Malay, Kuala Lumpur means “muddy estuary.” The Golden Triangle, the city’s commercial quarter, is the site of the Petronas Twin Towers. These are the tallest twin towers in the world.



According to ESA, the Greater Kuala Lumpur area is around 2,700 square kilometers and is an urban agglomeration of over seven million people - making it one of the fastest growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia.&nbsp;



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

Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Cosmic rays contain some of the most energetic particles in the universe, moving at nearly the speed of light. These subatomic particles, such as electrons and protons, travel through space, carrying essential clues about astrophysical phenomena.



While some originate from within our solar system, the most powerful ones come from distant cosmic sources.



The origin and acceleration of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-cosmic-explosion-changes-what-we-know-about-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-energy particles</a> remain one of astrophysics' greatest puzzles. Scientists have long theorized that extreme environments, such as the jets of black holes, could provide the necessary conditions for this extreme particle acceleration.



However, the details of how and under what circumstances these processes occur are still not well understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microquasars-and-cosmic-rays">Microquasars and cosmic rays</h2>



Microquasars, a type of binary system composed of a stellar-mass black hole and a companion star, have been identified as promising sites for high-energy particle acceleration. In these systems, the black hole pulls in material from its companion, forming a swirling accretion disk. 



This process generates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-high-energy-cosmic-rays-did-something-outside-our-galaxy-send-them-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful jets</a> that shoot matter away at exceptionally high speeds.



Such jets are thought to play a significant role in accelerating cosmic rays but, until now, observational evidence has been scarce and limited to specific systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microquasars-in-high-energy-physics">Microquasars in high-energy physics</h2>



Microquasars exist in two main forms that are differentiated by the mass of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hess-observatory-detects-highest-energy-cosmic-rays-ever-observed-origin-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companion stars</a>. High-mass microquasars contain stars that are significantly larger than the Sun, while low-mass microquasars have much smaller companion stars.



High-energy particle acceleration had previously been observed only in the high-mass category, leading many researchers to believe that low-mass microquasars lacked the necessary conditions to produce cosmic rays.



One of the most well-known examples of a high-mass microquasar is SS 433, which was recently revealed to be one of the most powerful particle accelerators in the galaxy. 



This system contains a companion star with a mass approximately ten times that of the Sun. Its powerful jets emit high-energy gamma rays, reinforcing the idea that such systems could significantly contribute to the total cosmic ray production in the Milky Way.



The question remained whether all microquasars could accelerate cosmic particles, or if only the most massive ones had this capability. 



Since low-mass microquasars are much more abundant than their high-mass counterparts, answering this question was essential for understanding their role in cosmic ray <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-rays-help-archaeologists-determine-age-discoveries-prehistoric-settlements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-mass-microquasar-emitting-gamma-rays">Low-mass microquasar emitting gamma rays</h2>



A recent discovery by Dr. Laura Olivera-Nieto from the <a href="https://www.mpi-hd.mpg.de/mpi/de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max-Planck-Institut</a> für Kernphysik and Dr. Guillem Martí-Devesa from <a href="https://portale.units.it/it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Università di Trieste</a> has challenged previous assumptions about particle acceleration.



Using 16 years of observational data from NASA’s <a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi Large Area Telescope</a>, the experts detected a faint gamma-ray signal linked to GRS 1915+105, a microquasar with a low-mass companion star.



The presence of gamma rays at energies exceeding 10 GeV suggests that this system is accelerating particles to even higher levels. This marks the first concrete evidence of particle acceleration occurring in a low-mass microquasar. 



The discovery fundamentally shifts the understanding of which systems contribute to cosmic ray production in the galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-behind-the-acceleration">Mechanism behind the acceleration</h2>



The study proposes that the detected gamma rays result from proton acceleration within the microquasar’s jets. 



These high-energy protons escape the system and collide with nearby gas, producing gamma-ray photons. This mechanism aligns with previous theoretical predictions about how cosmic rays might originate from black hole environments.



Further supporting this hypothesis, additional data from Japan’s Nobeyama 45-meter Radio Telescope indicate that there is enough surrounding gas to sustain this process. 



The presence of this gas is crucial, as it provides the necessary medium for the accelerated protons to interact with and generate the observed gamma-ray emission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-cosmic-ray-research">Implications for cosmic ray research</h2>



This discovery reshapes the understanding of how cosmic rays are produced and distributed throughout the galaxy. 



Given that low-mass microquasars are significantly more common than their high-mass counterparts, their total contribution to the cosmic ray population could be far greater than previously assumed. This challenges earlier models that relied primarily on the influence of high-mass microquasars and supernova remnants.



Despite this breakthrough, many questions remain. Are all low-mass microquasars capable of accelerating cosmic rays, or is GRS 1915+105 an exceptional case? What specific conditions enable efficient particle acceleration in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a>? 



Further observations and multi-wavelength studies will be required to refine these findings and better understand the underlying mechanisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-high-energy-astrophysics">Future of high-energy astrophysics</h2>



The discovery that low-mass microquasars can act as cosmic ray accelerators opens new research avenues. If similar gamma-ray signals are detected in other low-mass systems, it could lead to a major revision of current cosmic ray models. 



Future missions involving more sensitive space- and ground-based telescopes will play a critical role in identifying additional sources and confirming the extent of their contributions.



This research also highlights the importance of long-term observational studies. By analyzing extensive datasets spanning multiple years, researchers can uncover faint signals that might otherwise go undetected.



The use of multi-wavelength approaches - combining gamma-ray, radio, and X-ray observations - will continue to refine the understanding of how these extreme environments function.



Microquasars, once thought to be relatively minor players in cosmic ray production, are now emerging as significant contributors. 



Whether high-mass or low-mass, these systems demonstrate the universe's ability to accelerate particles to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-forces-have-made-the-structure-of-the-universe-messier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incredible energies</a>, reshaping how scientists view the origin of some of the most energetic particles in space.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ada14f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>. 



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Extreme particle acceleration: New source of cosmic rays discovered

Cosmic rays contain some of the most energetic particles in...

Every object in the universe is on a countdown. Planets take shape, orbit their stars and, in some cases, break apart completely. One small planet, locked in a dangerously close orbit, is falling apart faster than anyone expected.



In the wake of this discovery, <a href="https://www.icds.psu.edu/featured-researcher-nick-tusay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Tusay</a> from Penn State has highlighted how modern instruments can capture the fragments of a world in near-real time. 



His team uncovered new details about one particular planet, known as K2-22b, by pointing the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST) at this extreme environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-k2-22b-meltdown">Understanding the K2-22b meltdown</h2>



Astronomers classify certain extreme planets as <a href="https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/~fdai/usp.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultra-short period</a> objects if they lie very close to their stars and orbit them in mere hours. 



K2-22b fits this definition perfectly, circling its sun in just over nine hours while enduring a blistering surface temperature of about 2100 degrees Kelvin.



Researchers believe K2-22b loses material because it sits so close to its star that even metal and rock turn into vapor. 



They noticed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/">star's light</a> dims in an uneven way, which supports the idea that a lengthy dust tail trails behind the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-beneath-k2-22b">What lies beneath K2-22b?</h2>



The K2-22b system provides a chance to examine the interior of a planet that lies outside our solar system. 



Astronomers have rarely had direct access to the core and mantle layers of any world in such a clear fashion, but they see bits of this planet being tossed off into space. 



“These planets are literally spilling their guts into space for us, and with JWST we finally have the means to study their composition and see what planets orbiting other stars are really made of,” explained Tusay.



<a href="https://science.psu.edu/astro/people/jtw13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Wright</a>, a co-author on the same project, described how it is tricky to get samples from Earth’s own mantle. He sees K2-22b as a rare chance to capture a direct glimpse of a <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/k2-22-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small world’s deeper layers</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-disappearing-act">Second disappearing act</h2>



While K2-22b first drew notice by shedding rock into space, another object has shocked astronomers with a brisk pace of demise. 



A separate team, guided by researchers from MIT, discovered <a href="https://exoplanet.eu/catalog/bd_05_4868_ab--10886/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BD+05 4868 Ab</a>, a planet that completes its orbit in just over 30 hours and looks to be spewing material in two directions.



According to the MIT group, BD+05 4868 Ab’s dust tail stretches around 9 million kilometers, which is more than half the distance along its orbit. It even boasts a second tail, composed of smaller particles that drift at a different rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brighter-star-bigger-surprises">Brighter star, bigger surprises</h2>



Observers report that BD+05 4868 Ab blocks more than one percent of its star’s light whenever the dust tail crosses our line of sight. 



The transit period can last up to fifteen hours, reflecting the massive area that the dust cloud covers.



“The rate at which the planet is evaporating is utterly cataclysmic, and we are incredibly lucky to be witnessing the final hours of this dying planet,” said <a href="https://www.space.mit.edu/people/marc-hon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marc Hon</a>, postdoctoral researcher at the MIT TESS Science Office. 



This object might only endure another couple of million years, which is swift from a cosmic perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-k2-22b-matter">Why does K2-22b matter?</h2>



With BD+05 4868 Ab orbiting a relatively <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-star-documented-year-1181-was-actually-supernova-sn-1181/">bright star</a>, astronomers can more easily analyze the spectral signatures of the planet’s dusty outflow. That brightness boosts the chances of spotting specific chemical markers.



A growing number of specialists hope to build a clearer picture of what elements make up these evaporating worlds. 



These bits of data might guide theories on how planets form and evolve, offering insights that extend well beyond one star system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-both-teams-joining-forces">Both teams joining forces</h2>



Scientists behind both discoveries are joining efforts to gather more data on BD+05 4868 Ab. They plan to use JWST’s infrared capabilities to investigate whether the losing world releases certain combinations of silicate or iron vapors.



Astronomers also anticipate comparing the composition of K2-22b’s escaping rock to that of BD+05 4868 Ab’s dust tails. 



Unusual compounds could crop up in either system, spurring new questions about how materials behave at scorching temperatures and intense radiation levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-destroy-their-planets">Stars destroy their planets</h2>



These fiery, short-lived planets confirm that stars can rip apart their neighbors under the right conditions. Observations of dust tails do more than raise eyebrows; they unlock ways to decode the inner layers of distant worlds.



Some researchers point out how each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/">new planet found</a> in this condition brings them closer to refining atmospheric models. 



Even the presence of compounds like nitric oxide or carbon dioxide can challenge long-held assumptions about which chemicals endure such brutal heat.



Disintegrating planets were once seen as an oddity, but technology has leapt forward. Instruments like TESS continually scan large chunks of sky, and JWST can focus on selected targets at extraordinary resolution.



Future campaigns may reveal more battered planets that have similar tails. Once a few more systems are identified, researchers might learn if certain stars are more prone to hosting these doomed objects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-k2-22b-and-disintegrating-planets">K2-22b and disintegrating planets</h2>



As telescopes capture fresh snapshots of disintegration in progress, theorists will keep refining their understanding of tidal forces, star-planet interactions, and how heat ravages a planet’s structure. 



This synergy between theory and observation transforms stray findings into meaningful breakthroughs.



Each new observation feeds into a bigger mosaic that helps answer why certain planets crumble so quickly. That ongoing research could reshape our perspective on planetary survival in the harshest of stellar neighborhoods.



The study of <a href="http://arxiv.org/abs/2501.08301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the K2-22b system</a> and <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.05431" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the BD+05 4868 Ab system</a> are published at arXiv under the section on Earth and Planetary Astrophysics.



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NASA finds a planet disintegrating faster than astronomers thought possible

Every object in the universe is on a countdown. Planets...

Hummingbird flower mites are tiny hitchhikers with an electrifying secret. These minuscule arachnids have developed a remarkable survival strategy.



A new study reveals that the mites use static electricity generated by their hummingbird chauffeurs to leap from one flower to another.



The remarkable relationship between the mites and hummingbirds has puzzled researchers for years. 



In particular, scientists have questioned what determines the moment that the mites choose to hop onto or off of a hummingbird. This is a crucial part of the mites' survival, as it enables them to transition from flower to flower for sustenance and reproduction.



After years of speculation and study, researchers may have finally found the answer.



It all started with Carlos Garcia-Robledo, an associate professor in the <a href="https://eeb.uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology</a>, who noted that the mites seemingly preferred the first flower that a hummingbird visited. This observation led him to question why the mites were not hopping onto second or third flowers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-static-electricity-helps-mites-jump">Static electricity helps mites jump</h2>



Initially, the scientific community speculated that some kind of smell signal influenced the mites. However, after conducting experiments, Garcia-Robledo felt there had to be another explanation.



“I knew that it was not maybe the smell that played a major role in this because if you bring the mites to a laboratory, they don’t care much about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flower-smells-like-dead-insects-to-attract-coffin-flies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smells of flowers</a> and so on. I knew it had to be something else,” he said.



The turning point came after Garcia-Robledo read a study about ticks and static electricity. An idea clicked. 



“Maybe something electrostatic was happening there. These mites are so tiny that they live at another level of perception, so of course, even little electric fields are important for them. This could help explain the mystery of how they can be fast enough to hitchhike on this family of birds,” he noted.



Armed with this new idea, Garcia-Robledo collaborated with Konstantine Manser, a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, and Diego Dierick, a scientist at the <a href="https://tropicalstudies.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Organization for Tropical Studies</a>. The team quickly constructed simple devices to test their theory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-mite-s-electric-path">Unveiling the mite's electric path</h2>



To their astonishment, the results were immediate and compelling. The researchers observed that the mites reacted to the static electricity.



“We turned on the device, and instantaneously, they started to respond. That’s how we figured out that they were using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-of-static-electricity-has-finally-been-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">static electricity</a>,” explained Garcia-Robledo.



Further testing revealed that the mites were not just responding to static electricity but to a specific frequency of the electric field. 



“The mites respond to the bouncing of a signal that is associated with the size, geometry, and vibration of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a>, which reach frequencies between 20 and 160 Hz,” noted Garcia-Robledo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-mites-sense-different-signals">Different mites sense different signals</h2>



These discoveries have opened a new chapter in our understanding of hummingbird flower mites.



Each of the 19 mite species at La Selva demonstrates a unique preference for specific flowers and has unique structures in their legs that potentially allow them to detect different electrical frequencies.



“We think that there may be some specificity in the electric signals or different charges for flowers,” noted Garcia-Robledo.



As we continue to unravel the mysteries of hummingbird flower mites, we are reminded of the complex and little-understood ways in which life adapts and thrives.



In these tiny hitchhikers, we find another reflection of the incredible diversity and adaptability of our natural world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-masters-of-electricity">Masters of electricity</h2>



The ability of hummingbird flower mites to detect and respond to static electricity is probably the result of millions of years of evolutionary fine-tuning.



These tiny arachnids don’t just react to any electric field; they are sensitive to specific frequencies generated by the movement and vibrations of hummingbirds. 



But how did this ability develop, and why is it so crucial to their survival?



Researchers suspect that mites with a heightened sensitivity to electrical fields had an evolutionary advantage. Being able to time their jumps with precision ensures that they reach the right <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a>, and minimizes the risk of getting stranded in an unsuitable environment. 



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



Over generations, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a> may have favored mites with specialized structures in their legs. As Garcia-Robledo's team observed, these structures seem to help the mites detect and interpret electric signals.



The discovery that mites use electric fields for travel raises broader ecological questions. Could other tiny organisms also exploit similar mechanisms? 



Insects, pollen, or even microbes might interact with electrostatic forces in ways we have yet to fully understand. 



This new perspective challenges researchers to rethink how small-scale biological systems interact with invisible physical forces, and opens the door to discoveries beyond mites and hummingbirds.



While the full extent of electrostatic sensing in nature remains a mystery, one thing is certain - these tiny mites are not just passive passengers. They are finely adapted travelers that use hidden forces to navigate their microscopic world with astonishing precision.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2419214122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Hummingbird flower mites use static electricity to travel

Hummingbird flower mites are tiny hitchhikers with an electrifying secret....

Is there only one ideal configuration an organism can achieve through evolution? Can a single mathematical formula predict the trajectory toward this optimal state?&nbsp;



A team of researchers, including scientists from the <a href="https://ista.ac.at/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Science and Technology Austria</a> (ISTA), has tackled these fundamental questions. The findings suggest that evolution may have had multiple optimal solutions at its disposal.



Their mathematical model forecasts the ideal body plan of a fruit fly embryo, offering new insights into how evolution optimizes biological processes.&nbsp;



The results indicate that rather than following a single trajectory, evolution might allow for multiple optimal solutions, depending on the constraints and conditions under which an organism <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolves</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimization-in-evolution-a-universal-principle">Optimization in evolution: A universal principle?</h2>



The principle of optimization is often seen as nature’s guiding force, driving systems toward minimal energy consumption, maximum efficiency, or highest fitness.&nbsp;



Whether in whale pods, cellular collectives, or ecosystems, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a> appears to favor structures that operate close to peak efficiency.



One area where this principle might be particularly relevant is the development of animal embryos. From a small cluster of cells to a fully developed organism, embryonic growth has likely been fine-tuned over millions of years. However, until now, no precise mathematical model had successfully predicted the optimal embryonic structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-allows-for-multiple-solutions-nbsp">Evolution allows for multiple solutions&nbsp;</h2>



Researchers from ISTA, the <a href="https://fias.institute/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies</a>, and <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University </a>have now developed such a model.&nbsp;



The study, nearly two decades in the making, presents a theoretical framework for understanding the gene-regulation network that controls early developmental processes in fruit flies.



"Adaptation can be seen as an optimization process, or at least as a process that requires optimization of certain traits and functions," explained Thomas Sokolowski, a scientist at ISTA and the study’s first author.



Unlike physical systems, where optimization typically leads to a single, lowest-energy state, biological systems seem to allow for multiple optimal solutions.&nbsp;



The evolution of eyes is a classic example: although they evolved independently in multiple species, their overall structure remains remarkably similar due to the fundamental requirement of maximizing light absorption and neural encoding.



“Eyes were optimized for the same well-defined objective function, which is maximal uptake of light and its encoding into neural spikes. They are therefore strongly dictated by the laws of physics,” Sokolowski explained. “Nuanced differences between animals may be explained by differences in the side circumstances under which they evolved.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-paths-to-success">Many paths to success</h2>



The same principle appears to apply to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embryo-formation-is-shaped-by-electric-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">embryonic development</a>. Different evolutionary strategies have emerged, yet they all lead to the same highly precise and reproducible body plan. The challenge lies in identifying which selective pressures drove the optimization process.



“It is increasingly clear how an embryo develops, but it is not clear which mathematical function guides the system to come together,” Sokolowski noted. “It’s like finding a mathematical needle in a biological haystack.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fruit-fly-as-a-model-organism">The fruit fly as a model organism</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-have-a-new-weapon-to-defend-against-parasitic-wasps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit fly</a> (Drosophila melanogaster) has long been a cornerstone of biological research. The 1995 Nobel Prize-winning work of Eric Wieschaus, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, and Edward B. Lewis identified the genes crucial for fly development, particularly gap genes and morphogen gradients that regulate embryogenesis.



The gap gene network functions like a genetic positioning system (GPS), determining cell fate along the embryo’s head-to-tail axis.&nbsp;



The precise activation levels of these genes form a highly accurate positional code, giving each cell exact information about its location within the embryo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-research">Decades of research</h2>



The new study builds on 20 years of work by scientists such as William Bialek, Gašper Tkačik, Curtis Callan, Aleksandra Walczak, and Thomas Gregor.&nbsp;



The team's earlier research suggested that the gap gene network is optimized to provide high positional accuracy using minimal signaling molecules - similar to how a GPS system functions efficiently with fewer satellites.



The goal was to define a mathematical function that explains this phenomenon. Initially, researchers explored simplified theoretical models that incorporated only parts of the gap gene regulatory mechanisms. These early models were limited but paved the way for a more comprehensive approach.



“Our early work showed that it was possible to obtain nontrivial and originally unexpected predictions for gene regulatory interactions by optimizing them for maximal information throughput under realistic biophysical and molecular resource constraints,” Tkačik explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-gene-expression-patterns">Modeling gene expression patterns</h2>



Building on this foundation, Sokolowski and colleagues developed detailed stochastic models, incorporating the randomness that occurs in real biological systems.&nbsp;



When Sokolowski joined Tkačik’s group at ISTA in 2014, they combined optimization techniques with spatial-stochastic modeling, creating a realistic yet computationally efficient simulation of gap gene interactions.



Initially, their model featured just two genes but was later expanded to include the full set of four gap genes and three morphogen gradients. The resulting optimized networks closely matched the actual gene expression patterns observed in real fruit fly embryos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-paths-to-evolutionary-optimization">Multiple paths to evolutionary optimization</h2>



One of the study’s most significant findings is that there is more than one way to achieve optimal positional encoding in the gap gene network. While only a small subset of all possible genetic configurations are truly optimal, even within this subset, significant variability exists.



“We believe this is not a detriment, but an advantage for evolution, as the same fitness can be potentially reached by many imaginable evolutionary paths,” Sokolowski explained.



The findings suggest that while fruit flies followed one particular evolutionary trajectory, many alternative pathways could have led to equally viable organisms. This flexibility increases the likelihood that evolution can select for functional adaptations, even in changing environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-evolution-beyond-optimal-solutions">Modeling evolution beyond optimal solutions</h2>



Despite the success of their optimization-based approach, the researchers acknowledge that a full understanding of embryonic evolution will require additional modeling.&nbsp;



Future studies must account for environmental influences, natural selection mechanisms, and genetic constraints to build a more accurate picture of how evolution shapes functional body plans.



The team’s work represents a major step forward in theoretical biology, providing a mathematical framework that helps explain how embryos develop and why evolution selects for specific genetic configurations. 



The findings could also offer insights into other biological systems where optimization plays a role.



By demonstrating that multiple optimal solutions exist in evolution, the research challenges traditional views of a single evolutionary path, highlighting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microfossils-reveal-a-leap-in-lifes-complexity-2-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complexity</a> and adaptability of life’s developmental processes.



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2402925121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> (PNAS).



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Evolution’s many solutions: Nature finds multiple paths to success

Is there only one ideal configuration an organism can achieve...

Color perception and our sense of smell might sound like simple and straightforward processes, but scientific research points to something more happening behind the scenes in our brains. Our senses appear to blend in ways that shift how we see things, and scent is a key part of this mixture. 



Researchers in the UK explored this link by presenting participants with various odors, then testing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/synesthesia-how-some-people-taste-words-and-see-music-in-color/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">color perception</a> by asking them to set a color patch to what they believed was neutral gray. 



Instead of a straightforward result, they noticed an unexpected push toward warmer tones whenever an odor was in the air.



According to Dr. Ryan Ward from <a href="https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool John Moores University</a>, this work shows the remarkable ways that different senses interact. 



The project was carried out in conjunction with colleagues from the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a> and <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge University</a>. Their combined effort suggests that our brains do not treat smell and sight as separate experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smell-color-and-crossmodal-associations">Smell, color, and crossmodal associations</h2>



Experts refer to these interactions as crossmodal associations, where one sense influences another. Past examples have included sound and taste or temperature and color. 



Studies have shown that a high-pitched sound can seem to brighten <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-perception-we-see-the-world-based-on-what-we-expect-to-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our perception</a> of flavor or that a cool temperature might alter how sweet something tastes. 



Although scent and sight have received less attention, this study brings the focus to odors and how they influence color judgment.



Participants noticed subtle differences based on the aroma they encountered. One illustration involved the smell of cherry, which led people to set the neutral gray color patch in a way that leaned red-brown. 



The researchers also pointed out that when caramel, coffee, lemon, or peppermint were introduced, there was a tendency to connect each fragrance with distinct color tints.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color-influencing-odor-and-smell">Color influencing odor and smell</h2>



Past studies found that color can shift how we judge <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-dreams-influence-our-perceptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smells or tastes</a>. An orange-looking drink might be described as orange-flavored, even if it is actually cherry. 



There was also a case where white wine was dyed red, and skilled wine tasters then applied terms typical of red wine to describe it. 



According to these findings, the relationship between color and smell is not one-way. Just as color can guide how a smell is perceived, odor and our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-detects-odors-in-less-time-than-it-takes-to-blink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of smell</a> can affect how we see color.



People are sometimes surprised by how easy it is to misidentify certain fragrances, even those we think we know well. Researchers in this study saw that confusion often happened with coffee and peppermint. 



Yet even if folks got the label wrong, there was a strong sense of familiarity that might have been enough to change color perception.



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



Semantics, or the mental links we form over time, could play a central part in this effect. 



The smell of cherry, for example, might bring to mind bright red fruit. The scent of coffee might suggest darker shades. 



Researchers propose that such connections can shape how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-story-behind-our-sense-of-smell-is-coming-into-focus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains map smells</a> to colors, even if we are not fully aware of the process.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/crossmodal-senses_odor_color_experimental-setup-diagram_credit-LJMU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/crossmodal-senses_odor_color_experimental-setup-diagram_credit-LJMU_1s.webp" alt="Diagram of the crossmodal sensory study on color and smell, undertaken by Dr Ryan Ward, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. " class="wp-image-1958357"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diagram of the crossmodal sensory study on color and smell, undertaken by Dr Ryan Ward, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. </figcaption></figure>



This new insight into smell-sight pairing opens up questions about how retailers and product designers might shape consumer experiences. 



Previous research has shown how color and flavor pairings guide buying habits. Now, scent-based cues may also be involved in shaping the colors people see in packaging or advertisements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-smell-has-a-red-brown-color">Coffee smell has a red-brown color</h2>



Investigators explained that the color shifts were not huge, but the consistency across subjects points to a genuine effect. 



One result was that odors often tugged the neutral gray setting toward warmer shades. The smell of coffee had a red-brown tilt, while peppermint prompted a mix that included browner tones. 



The authors also highlighted that people do not always realize their senses are interacting in these ways.



Although the study did not offer a final answer on why this happens, the suggestion is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/losing-your-sense-of-smell-is-linked-to-over-100-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smell can trigger</a> vivid mental images. 



These associations, in turn, guide small but meaningful changes in how colors appear. It is an intriguing blend of unconscious inference and sensory overlap.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-merging-senses-blended-information">Merging senses, blended information</h2>



The authors note that these findings fit into a larger pattern of research on how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-processing-speed-is-millions-of-times-slower-than-wi-fi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses merge</a>. In many situations, our minds rely on blended information. 



When we talk to someone, for instance, we rely on speech sounds and facial expressions. 



Companies have long leveraged these sensory crossovers to make certain products or experiences more appealing. 



What this study adds is a deeper look at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/odors-prompt-brain-cells-to-make-decisions-before-you-know-whats-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how odors can shape</a> color perception on a level that goes beyond guesswork.



Whether this makes a peppermint-scented space seem a bit browner or a cherry aroma tilt the world a little redder, the effect appears to be real. 



Some might not notice it directly, but the impact on design, marketing, and even everyday awareness could be more important than people realize.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-by-mixing-colors-and-smells">Learning by mixing colors and smells</h2>



This study provides a fresh angle on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory science</a> by showing that smell can steer how we interpret a neutral color. 



Previous examples, including how people perceive wine or connect flavor to color, paved the way for these conclusions. 



Our senses are intertwined, and this research suggests they work together in ways that might surprise us.



Though many odors were part of the experiment, it was tricky for participants to name them with perfect accuracy. Even so, the sense of recognition was enough to shift the color patch. 



These subtle shifts in the gray setting might point to powerful undercurrents in how the brain combines information from smell and sight. That combination, though quiet, has a noticeable effect on our view of the world.



The full study was published journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1175703" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Psychology</a>.



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Our sense of smell and different odors can influence how we see colors

Color perception and our sense of smell might sound like...

Spinosaurus,Attacks,Deinonychus,In,The,Jungle.,This,Is,A,3d

Imagine going out for a quiet stroll and unexpectedly uncovering the remnants of a prehistoric meal - one that dates back 66 million years - buried beneath layers of ancient rock.



This is exactly what happened to an amateur fossil enthusiast in Denmark who, with a keen eye and a bit of luck, stumbled upon a discovery that promises to shed new light on the diets of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the ancient seas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chance-discovery-on-the-cliffs">Chance discovery on the cliffs</h2>



The location called the Stevns Klint Coastal Cliffs, which is a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO-heritage</a> site south of Copenhagen, proved to be a treasure trove for this local resident.



His name is Peter Bennicke, and he was out on a casual walk when he happened upon some unusual fragments in a piece of chalk.



On closer inspection, these fragments turned out to be pieces of sea lily, which is actually a type of marine invertebrate.



Intrigued by his discovery, Bennicke decided to take these fragments to a museum for further examination. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossilized-vomit-composition">Fossilized vomit composition</h2>



The specialists at the <a href="https://www.oesm.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of East Zealand</a> conducted an examination of the fragments, which revealed that the pieces were not just ordinary sea lilies.



They were actually a part of fossilized vomit that had formed near the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous period</a>, around 66 million years ago.



This vomit is thought to have come from a fish that dined on at least two different species of sea lily. However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-show-distinct-personalities-when-foraging-for-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> could not digest these parts and subsequently regurgitated them.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dinosaur-vomit_66-million-years-old_credit-Sten-Lennart-Jakobsen_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dinosaur-vomit_66-million-years-old_credit-Sten-Lennart-Jakobsen_1s.webp" alt="Regurgitated sea lilies discovered by hiker. Credit: Sten Lennart Jakobsen" class="wp-image-1958343"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Regurgitated sea lilies discovered by hiker. Credit: Sten Lennart Jakobsen</figcaption></figure>



In a press release, the Museum emphasized the importance of such discoveries, stating that they play a key role in piecing together ancient food webs.



"This type of find ... is considered very important when reconstructing past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-past-warming-help-protect-future-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> because it provides important information about which animals were eaten by which," stated the Museum press release.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prehistoric-food-chain-insights">Prehistoric food chain insights</h2>



Discovering prehistoric fossilized vomit is indeed rare and offers new insights into the diet and behavior of prehistoric animals. In the world of paleontology, this is regarded as a precious find.



Jesper Milan, a noted paleontologist associated with the research, was very enthusiastic about the discovery. 



He hailed this discovery as "truly an unusual find," and elaborated on how it helps decipher the relationships in the prehistoric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-twilight-zone-stabilizes-the-marine-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food chain</a>.



"Sea lilies are not a particularly nutritious diet, as they consist mainly of calcareous plates held together by a few soft parts," explained Milan. 



"But here is an animal, probably some kind of fish that, 66 million years ago, ate sea lilies that lived at the bottom of the Cretaceous sea and regurgitated the skeletal parts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-clues-in-fossilized-vomit">Unexpected clues in fossilized vomit</h2>



Fossilized remains like this rare regurgitation provide a unique snapshot of life in the prehistoric seas.



Unlike traditional body fossils, which reveal an animal’s physical structure, trace fossils such as vomit, feces, and bite marks offer direct evidence of ancient behaviors. 



These remnants, which are often overlooked, play a crucial role in understanding prehistoric ecosystems.



The Cliffs of Stevns, already famous for their rich fossil record from the end-Cretaceous period, continue to yield new surprises. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-fossilized-vomit-matter">Why does fossilized vomit matter?</h2>



This latest discovery highlights how the prehistoric marine world was more dynamic than previously thought. 



The presence of sea lilies in the fish’s diet suggests that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-shoulders-evolved-from-the-jawbones-of-ancient-fish-called-placoderms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient fish</a> species were more opportunistic feeders than expected, consuming whatever was available in their environment. 



This challenges assumptions that sea lilies, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, were unappealing to most marine predators.



By analyzing the composition and arrangement of fossilized vomit like this, paleontologists can piece together ancient food webs with greater accuracy. 



It also raises intriguing questions. Was this fish struggling to find more nutritious prey? Had it evolved specialized features to help it digest this unappealing food? 



With each new find, researchers inch closer to understanding the daily lives of prehistoric creatures, and recreating a more vivid picture of the past.



The information for this article was published in a <a href="https://www.oesm.dk/usaedvanligt-fund-af-danekrae-paa-stevns-klint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a> by the Museum of East Zealand.



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66-million-year-old fossilized vomit gives clues to prehistoric diets

Imagine going out for a quiet stroll and unexpectedly uncovering...

When did humanity's early hominin ancestors first leave Africa and migrate into Europe and Asia? Good question. It seems like each time scientists think they have a definitive date, a new discovery is made that pushes the timeline back even further.



Until very recently, experts believed that these early ancestors first reached Eurasia about 1.8 million years ago. 



However, new findings by an international research team suggest a different timeline that nudges the date back to nearly 2 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-clues-from-graunceanu">Unearthing clues from Grăunceanu</h2>



To investigate this question, researchers headed to Grăunceanu in Romania. Nestled in the picturesque Olteț River Valley, this area hosts numerous fossil sites first uncovered in the 1960s.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-hotspots-may-skew-our-view-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sites</a> offer tantalizing glimpses into the ancient past, but researchers faced a significant challenge: the conspicuous absence of hominin bones. 



Without any fossilized bones to analyze, the researchers sought alternative sources of evidence that might indicate the presence of ancient hominins.



At Grăunceanu, researchers embarked on an examination of over 5,000 bones, which were scrutinized for the signs of possible cut marks. These would have indicated the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/400000-year-old-stone-tools-show-technological-adaptations-of-prehistoric-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> to remove animal flesh from the bones.



From this sea of fossils, the team zeroed in on 20 bones that confidently displayed the tell-tale marks of tool use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-ancient-bones-with-tool-marks">Dating ancient bones with tool marks</h2>



“We didn’t initially expect to find much,” shared research lead, Sabrina Curran, associate professor of anthropology at <a href="https://www.ohio.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio University</a>.



However, a routine check of the collections led to the discovery of several cut-marked bones, sparking a deeper investigation that uncovered “distinct marks across different bones, suggesting deliberate butchering activities.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/early-human-migration_animal-bone-cut-marks_Romania_credit-CSU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/early-human-migration_animal-bone-cut-marks_Romania_credit-CSU_1s.webp" alt="Examples of cut marks on a tibia of an animal butchered by early hominins. Credit: UArk/Colorado State University" class="wp-image-1958338"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Examples of cut marks on a tibia of an animal butchered by early hominins. Credit: UArk/Colorado State University</figcaption></figure>



By employing biostratigraphic data and precise uranium-lead dating techniques, it was determined that the minimum age of these bones was around 1.95 million years. 



This is significantly earlier than anticipated and represents a shift in our understanding of early hominin history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpreting-a-prehistoric-palette">Interpreting a prehistoric palette</h2>



Factoring into the narrative is Dmanisi, an archaeological site in Georgia which, until this discovery, was regarded as home to the oldest evidence of hominin activity outside Africa - dated to approximately 1.8 million years ago.



Verification of the age of the cut-marked bones in Grăunceanu, Romania, however, pushes the timeline of the presence of hominins in Eurasia back by almost 200,000 years.



Not only does this suggest early hominin presence in Eurasia, but it also elucidates aspects of their tool use from that era.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-of-early-hominin-habitation">Environment of early hominin habitation</h2>



Further inquiry into the environment that our early ancestors inhabited was undertaken through isotopic analyses by Virgil Drăguşin from the “Emil Racoviţă” <a href="https://www.iser.ro/presentation.php?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Speleology</a>.



It seems this region would have witnessed seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-temperature-has-changed-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature variations</a> akin to those of the present day, but levels of rainfall would have been higher.



Additionally, the hominins entering these new territories would have encountered a variety of unique fauna, including wooly rhinos, saber tooth cats, pangolins, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-made-woolly-mammoths-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammoths</a>. 



They would have needed to be highly adaptable in these relatively unfamiliar environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debate-on-early-hominin-migration">Debate on early hominin migration</h2>



“People get really fired up about human ancestors, and one ongoing debate has been related to the earliest evidence of tool use,” noted Associate Professor Claire Terhune from the <a href="https://www.uark.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arkansas</a>.



“Because of this, we have been extremely meticulous in documenting the presence of these cut marks because we knew if we handed another paleontologist these bones, they’d say, ‘Oh, yeah these are cut marks.’ But if we told them they’re from Romania two million years ago, they’re going to say, ‘No, that can’t be right,’” she explained.



Indeed, the discovery at Grăunceanu is pivotal in understanding our human prehistory.



It challenges long-held assumptions about the timing and pace of early hominin dispersal, suggesting a more dynamic migration process than previously believed. 



These findings also raise new questions about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-interesting-technique-hunt-big-animals-clovis-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> adapted to novel ecosystems, particularly in colder, temperate regions of Eurasia.



"It demonstrates that early hominins had already begun to explore and inhabit diverse environments across Eurasia, showing an adaptability that would later play a crucial role in their survival and spread," Dr. Curran said. 



"We are just beginning to uncover the many chapters of that story," she added.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56154-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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'Out of Africa' human migration timeline pushed back even further by new discovery

When did humanity's early hominin ancestors first leave Africa and...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[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...

Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features features the south end of Lake Berryessa, a large freshwater reservoir in Napa County, California.&nbsp;



According to NASA, the artifical lake was created in the 1950s with the construction of Monticello Dam and flooding of Berryessa Valley.&nbsp;



Nearby cities and farmlands, including vineyards in Napa Valley, depend on Lake Berryessa for water.&nbsp;



When this photo was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station (ISS) in July 2021, water levels in Lake Berryessa were low. The entire state of California was experiencing severe drought.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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 Berryessa in Napa County

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Ebro Delta on the northeastern coast of Spain, which is one of the largest wetlands along the Mediterranean Sea coast.



The Ebro Delta has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It provides an important habitat for flamingos and many migratory birds.&nbsp;&nbsp;



According to NASA, the delta is home to 62,000 people, and has been greatly modified by human use. The wetlands have been converted into rice fields, which now cover up to 80 percent of the delta. In addition, more than 187 dams have been built on Ebro River and its tributaries.



Ocean waves control the shape and form of the delta. Sea-level rise and more frequent and intense storms are making the waves bigger.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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