Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of Lake Maracaibo, located in the northwestern part of Venezuela. The lake is a significant geographical and ecological feature of South America. 



Lake Maracaibo is often considered more of a tidal bay due to its direct connection to the Caribbean Sea through the Tablazo Strait. It is one of the oldest lakes on Earth, formed approximately 36 million years ago.



"With an area of over 13,000 sq km, Lake Maracaibo is generally considered the largest lake in South America, although by some estimates it should be considered an inlet of the Caribbean Sea since much of its water is brought in by its direct connection to the ocean," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"As a result, the water in the northern part of the lake is rather brackish, while the southern waters are fresh, owing to the many rivers that flow into the lake. The biggest, the Catatumbo River, can be seen entering the lake from southwest, where a large amount of sediment carried by the river appears as a yellowish plume."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-catatumbo-lightning">The Catatumbo lightning</h2>



The lake is renowned for a unique weather phenomenon - the Catatumbo lightning. This natural spectacle occurs primarily where the Catatumbo River meets the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-has-affected-almost-every-lake-in-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a>.



Known as the most persistent lightning storm in the world, it produces frequent and dramatic flashes of lightning, illuminating the night sky for an average of 260 nights per year.



These storms generate thousands of lightning strikes in a single night, making the region one of the most electrified places on the planet. 



The phenomenon is so intense that it has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the place with the highest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-on-earth-can-influence-the-weather-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a> activity.



Scientists believe the lightning is influenced by the area's geography and climate, including the warm air rising from the lake and its surrounding mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economical-significance-of-lake-maracaibo">Economical significance of Lake Maracaibo </h2>



Home to one of the world's largest oil and gas reserves, Lake Maracaibo plays an important role in Venezuela’s economy.



The discovery of petroleum in the early 20th century transformed the region into a major oil-producing area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil rigs and platforms. 



However, this economic activity has come at a cost. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-losing-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pollution</a> from oil spills, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff has significantly degraded the lake's ecosystem.



The appearance of a green, slimy algae known as Lemna has further exacerbated environmental concerns, threatening marine life and the livelihoods of local communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-ties-to-lake-maracaibo">Cultural ties to Lake Maracaibo </h2>



The cultural significance of Lake Maracaibo is deeply rooted in the traditions and lifestyle of the Indigenous Añu people, who have inhabited its shores for centuries. The Añu, also known as Paraujano, are known for their distinctive stilt houses, called palafitos.



These wooden structures are built directly over the water, connected by walkways or small boats, allowing the Añu to live harmoniously with their aquatic environment. The architectural style of these stilt houses inspired the early Spanish explorers to nickname the region "The Venice of the Americas."



The Añu's way of life is closely tied to the lake. They rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-must-be-redefined-to-halt-ocean-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> as a primary source of food and income, using traditional methods passed down through generations.



For the Añu, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-significantly-impacts-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> is more than a resource - it is the spiritual and cultural foundation of their identity and daily lives. However, modernization and environmental challenges have disrupted this traditional lifestyle. 



The oil industry’s expansion around Lake Maracaibo has led to significant environmental degradation, which threaten the lake's biodiversity and the Añu’s primary sources of sustenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-maracaibo-and-venezuelan-history">Lake Maracaibo and Venezuelan history</h2>



Lake Maracaibo also played a pivotal role in Venezuelan history, particularly during the Battle of Lake Maracaibo in 1823. 



This naval battle was a decisive conflict in Venezuela’s war for independence from Spain and marked one of the final military engagements of the South American liberation movements led by figures like Simón Bolívar.



Today, the lake represents a remarkable blend of natural beauty, industrial significance, and cultural heritage. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-conservation-efforts">Ongoing conservation efforts </h2>



The need to protect the extraordinary environment of Lake Maracaibo is widely acknowledged. Ongoing efforts aim to harmonize ecological conservation with economic development.



Efforts to preserve the Añu culture and the lake's ecosystem have been initiated by local and international organizations. These initiatives focus on promoting sustainable development, preserving Indigenous languages and traditions, and mitigating the environmental damage caused by industrial activities. 



Despite these challenges, the Añu have shown remarkable resilience, maintaining their cultural identity and advocating for their rights and the health of their ancestral lands.



Image Credit: ESA



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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

Lake Maracaibo: The lightning capital of the world

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a satellite view of retreating glaciers in Alaska, where meltwater is rapidly expanding glacial lakes. 



“In parts of Alaska, water is replacing ice. As glaciers thin and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-images-reveal-hidden-retreat-of-arctic-glaciers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreat</a>, meltwater collects at their fronts, forming proglacial lakes. According to an analysis by Mauri Pelto, a glaciologist at Nichols College, three such lakes in the southeastern part of the state have grown rapidly in recent decades,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreating-glaciers-in-alaska">Retreating glaciers in Alaska</h2>



“A trio of glaciers - Yakutat, Alsek, and Grand Plateau - descend from inland mountains and flow onto the coastal plain southeast of Yakutat borough, ending at Harlequin Lake, Alsek Lake, and Grand Plateau Lake,” noted NASA.&nbsp;



The retreat of the glaciers, as well as the growth of the lakes, are visible in the image. When compared to an <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/153000/153638/fastestlake_tm5_19840705_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> captured by Landsat 5 in the summer of 1984, the changes are even more evident.



NASA elaborated on the extent of the glacier retreat from 1984 to 2024. “During this period, Yakutat Glacier’s main arm retreated 4.3 miles, while Alsek Glacier’s northern and southern arms retreated 3.3 miles and 3.4 miles, respectively. Grand Plateau Glacier’s northern arm lost the most, retreating 4.8 miles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes-doubled-in-size-nbsp">Glacial lakes doubled in size&nbsp;</h2>



“Collectively, the three lakes more than doubled in size over 40 years. In 1984, they covered about 50 square miles. By 2024, they spanned 90 square miles. That’s an area larger than Seneca Lake (67 square miles) - one of the Finger Lakes in New York, which also have a glacial origin,” said NASA.



Pelto noted that the lakes forming in this region are immense - starting at the mountains and spreading toward the coast - making this a new lake district that is unique in our nation.



“Millions of other lakes, named and unnamed, dot the state. But this system has grown fast, so much so that Pelto thinks it might represent the fastest lake growth in the United States this century,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Understanding glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



Glacier retreat is a significant phenomenon driven primarily by global warming the results from rising greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.&nbsp;



As temperatures rise, glaciers lose more ice during the summer melt than they can regain in winter snowfall, causing them to shrink over time. This process has profound implications for ecosystems, water resources, and global sea levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes">Glacial lakes</h3>



When glaciers retreat, they often leave behind depressions in the landscape that can fill with meltwater, forming glacial lakes. These lakes are typically bounded by natural dams made of rock, ice, or moraine - accumulations of debris left behind by the glacier's movement.&nbsp;



Over the past century, the number and size of glacial lakes worldwide have increased significantly due to the accelerating pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> retreat. This trend is especially evident in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps, as well as in polar areas such as Alaska and Greenland.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-and-negative-impacts-nbsp">Positive and negative impacts&nbsp;</h3>



Glacial lakes can have both positive and negative impacts. They provide critical water sources for downstream communities, support biodiversity, and sometimes offer opportunities for hydropower development or tourism.&nbsp;



However, they also pose serious risks. The dams holding back these lakes can fail suddenly, causing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These catastrophic events can devastate downstream areas, destroying infrastructure, agricultural lands, and habitats while endangering human lives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes">Monitoring changes</h3>



Understanding glacier retreat and glacial lake formation requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining climate science, hydrology, and geology.&nbsp;



Monitoring these changes is essential to mitigate associated risks and adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fperu-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming planet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-worldwide">Glacier retreat worldwide</h2>



Studies and satellite observations show that most glaciers in almost all regions of the world are shrinking.&nbsp;



Melting glaciers contribute significantly to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>, which threatens coastal communities and ecosystems.



The retreat of glaciers is considered one of the clearest indicators of climate change.&nbsp;Some glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, indicating accelerating climate impacts.



The image was captured on August 4, 2024 by the Landsat 8 satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Retreating glaciers and expanding meltwater lakes in Alaska

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

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 areas of the Jazmurian Basin receive less than four inches of rain annually, on average, and evaporation rates are high. During wet times, however, parts of the basin may be covered by an intermittent lake, marshland, or other vegetation.&nbsp;



“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>



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-nbsp">Dust in the Jazmurian Basin&nbsp;</h2>



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



Seasonal changes and climate 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.



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 and serves as a critical habitat for certain desert-adapted wildlife. 



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dust rises from the Jazmurian Basin in Iran

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. It is one of the world's longest glaciers outside of the polar regions.&nbsp;



“An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of glaciers in the high-elevation valleys of the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. The upper portion of Fedchenko Glacier crosses the center of the scene.”



NASA noted that most of the larger glaciers in the image show a prominent pattern of light- and dark-brown parallel lines.&nbsp;



“The darker ‘streamlines,’ known as medial moraines, give a sense of the direction of flow of the ice down the valleys. These are concentrations of debris that has been eroded by the glacier from the adjacent mountainsides or a rocky outcrop,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fedchenko-a-high-altitude-glacier">Fedchenko: A high-altitude glacier</h2>



Fedchenko Glacier stretches for approximately 48 miles and covers an area of around 270 square miles. This massive glacier is a critical source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a>, feeding several rivers and influencing the region's hydrology.



Fedchenko lies at high altitudes, with its origins in the high peaks of the Pamirs, where snow accumulates heavily. Despite being situated in a relatively arid region, the glacier's significant size and volume are maintained by substantial snowfall. 



Named after Alexei Pavlovich Fedchenko, a Russian explorer and naturalist, the glacier was first surveyed in 1928 during Soviet-era expeditions. It plays a crucial role in climate studies, as changes in its length and mass provide insights into the effects of global warming in Central Asia.&nbsp;



The glacier is also part of a spectacular and remote landscape, surrounded by towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and rugged terrain, making it a key feature of the Pamirs' natural beauty.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-glaciers-worldwide">Threats to glaciers worldwide</h2>



Like many glaciers worldwide, Fedchenko faces the threat of retreat due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peru-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, raising concerns about water availability and ecosystem changes in the region.



Rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of glacier melting. Warmer temperatures not only melt glacier surfaces but also increase the flow of meltwater beneath them, accelerating their disintegration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-pollution-nbsp">Human activities and pollution&nbsp;</h3>



Deforestation and urbanization exacerbate these effects by reducing reflective snow cover and increasing heat absorption in nearby areas.&nbsp;



Airborne pollutants like soot and black carbon darken glacier surfaces, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight and speeding up the rate of melting.&nbsp;



Industrial activities and tourism in glacier regions add physical stress and pollution, further degrading these fragile ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-supplies">Water supplies</h3>



The loss of glaciers has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts freshwater supplies for millions of people who depend on glacial runoff for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-sea-levels">Rising sea levels</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melting glaciers</a> contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, the loss of glaciers impacts biodiversity, as many species rely on cold, glacial habitats for survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-glaciers">Protecting glaciers</h3>



Efforts to mitigate these threats focus on reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> emissions, protecting glacier regions from industrial exploitation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.&nbsp;



However, without urgent action, the continued decline of glaciers will have profound implications for the planet's climate, water systems, and ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pamir-mountains-nbsp">The Pamir Mountains&nbsp;</h2>



The Pamir Mountains, often called the "Roof of the World," are a vast and rugged mountain range located in Central Asia.&nbsp;



They span across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, forming a vital part of the junction where the Himalayas, the Tian Shan, the Karakoram, the Kunlun, and the Hindu Kush converge.&nbsp;



With peaks soaring over 7,000 meters, including Ismoil Somoni Peak, the range is home to some of the highest altitudes on Earth.



The Pamir Mountains have been central to trade and cultural exchange for centuries, serving as a critical segment of the ancient Silk Road.&nbsp;



Today, the mountains are a popular destination for trekkers and explorers drawn by their breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain.



The Pamirs are not only a natural wonder but also a biological treasure trove, supporting unique wildlife that is adapted to extreme altitudes.&nbsp;



Culturally, the mountains are home to diverse communities, each with its unique traditions and ways of life, shaped by the harsh but majestic environment.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features UGC 5460, a spiral galaxy that is located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



“This image combines four different wavelengths of light to reveal UGC 5460’s central bar of stars, winding spiral arms and bright blue star clusters. Also captured in the upper left-hand corner of this image is a far closer object: a star just 577 light-years away in our own galaxy,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“UGC 5460 has hosted two recent supernovae named SN 2011ht and SN 2015as. It’s because of these two stellar explosions that Hubble targeted this galaxy, collecting data for three observing programmes that aim to study various kinds of supernovae.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-core-collapse-supernova-nbsp">A core-collapse supernova&nbsp;</h2>



SN 2015as is an example of a core-collapse supernova. This type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> occurs when the core of a massive star - typically with more than 8 times the mass of the sun - can no longer support its own gravity after exhausting its nuclear fuel. 



This causes the core to collapse under its own weight, leading to an extremely violent explosion. The collapse triggers the release of an enormous amount of energy, expelling the outer layers of the star into space.



In the aftermath of the explosion, a dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnant</a> is created. This is often a neutron star or black hole, depending on the mass of the original star. Core-collapse supernovae are some of the most powerful events in the universe.



According to ESA, Hubble observations of SN 2015as will help researchers understand what happens when the expanding shockwave of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> collides with the gas that surrounds the exploded star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-stars-with-large-eruptions-nbsp">Rare stars with large eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



“SN 2011ht might have been a core-collapse supernova as well, but it could also be an impostor called a luminous blue variable. Luminous blue variables are rare stars that experience eruptions so large that they can mimic supernovae,” noted ESA.



“Crucially, luminous blue variables emerge from these eruptions unscathed, while stars that go supernova do not. Hubble will search for a stellar survivor at SN 2011ht’s location, and the explosion’s identity may be revealed at last.”



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



Spiral galaxies are some of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the universe. They are known for their distinctive arms that spiral outward from a central bulge.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The arms are often sites of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, where clouds of gas collapse to form new stars. 



In the center of a spiral galaxy lies a dense concentration of older stars and, often, a supermassive black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-a-spiral-galaxy-nbsp">Structure of a spiral galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The structure of a spiral galaxy is generally divided into three main components: the disk, the bulge, and the halo.&nbsp;



The disk is where the spiral arms are located and contains most of the galaxy's visible stars and interstellar medium.&nbsp;



The bulge is a tightly packed region of older stars at the core, and the halo consists of a sparse collection of stars and globular clusters that surround the galaxy.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies can be classified into different types based on the tightness and number of their spiral arms, as well as the size of their central bulge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-galaxy">The Milky Way galaxy</h2>



Our solar system is located within a large spiral galaxy known as the Milky Way. The name refers to its appearance as a dim, milky band of light stretching across the night sky.&nbsp;



The term "Milky Way" comes from ancient Greek mythology, where it was associated the goddess Hera's milk spilling into the sky. In Greek, it was called "Galaxias Kyklos," meaning "milky circle."&nbsp;



Spanning about 100,000 light-years in diameter, the Milky Way is composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The galaxy has a distinct disk shape with spiral arms that wind outward from a central bulge, which houses a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. 



Our sun is located in one of the spiral arms - known as the Orion Arm - positioned roughly halfway from the center to the outer edge.&nbsp;



The Milky Way is part of a small group of galaxies called the Local Group, which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and several smaller galaxies.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Hubble views a spiral galaxy with stellar explosions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

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

Napa was sold to a Serbian circus called Corona. At an age when other young bears would be exploring nature or at the very least their zoo enclosures, Napa was forced to perform tricks in front of a very large and loud crowd. Photo Credit: arosabaerenland / Instagram

Forced Into The Spotlight

The Endangered Species Act (ESA), long regarded as a cornerstone of U.S. environmental policy, is facing a dramatic reinterpretation. Federal agencies have proposed the removal of habitat changes from the definition of “harm” to endangered and threatened species. 



This move, conservation groups warn, could accelerate extinctions by allowing logging, mining, construction, and other development to proceed unimpeded in sensitive areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-protections-face-a-major-shift">Wildlife protections face a major shift</h2>



Since the ESA was enacted in 1973, regulators and courts have treated the term “harm” broadly. Under the existing framework, an activity that destroys or degrades the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-could-help-protect-30-of-atlantic-ocean-habitats/">habitat</a> of a listed species can be deemed unlawful even if the action is not intended to kill or harass individual animals.



The <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</a> (FWS) and the <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Marine Fisheries Service</a> (NMFS) now argue in their newly released proposal that habitat loss should not count as “harm” because it differs from the direct targeting of wildlife - referred to in the statute as “take.”



The agencies’ notice, recently made public and slated for official publication in the Federal Register, states that the act’s prohibition on “take” was never meant to cover changes to the landscape. Agency lawyers argue the ESA uses other tools, like critical habitat designations, to protect spaces species depend on.



If that interpretation is finalized, private landowners and industry operators could no longer be held liable under the ESA for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clearing forests</a>, draining wetlands, or reshaping shorelines so long as they claim no intention to injure protected animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-could-have-dire-consequences">Changes could have dire consequences</h2>



The announcement drew swift rebuke from environmental organizations. Noah Greenwald, who directs endangered species work at the <a href="https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Biological Diversity</a>, noted that habitat destruction is the biggest cause of extinction.



Greenwald argued that the proposed rule “cuts the heart out of the Endangered Species Act.” It does this by removing a key safeguard that has blocked or modified countless development projects over the past half‑century.



“If (you) say harm doesn't mean significant habitat degradation or modification, then it really leaves endangered species out in the cold."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rule-threatens-decades-of-progress">The rule threatens decades of progress</h2>



Greenwald also pointed to two high‑profile examples that currently depend on habitat protections: the northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest’s old‑growth forests and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/save-the-panther-day-protecting-floridas-big-cats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida panther</a> in the state’s shrinking swamplands. 



Greenwald warned the new policy lets loggers and developers act freely if they claim any wildlife harm was unintentional.



<a href="https://earthjustice.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earthjustice</a> attorney Drew Caputo echoed those concerns. He said the rule “threatens a half‑century of progress in protecting and restoring endangered species,” listing bald eagles, gray wolves, Florida manatees, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whale-travels-farther-than-any-mammal-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpback whales</a> as beneficiaries of the existing interpretation. 



“Destroying a forest, beach, river, or wetland that a species relies on for survival constitutes harm to that species,” he said, citing decades of legal precedent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supreme-court-s-role-in-the-esa">Supreme Court’s role in the ESA</h2>



The current definition of “harm” has already survived judicial scrutiny at the highest level. In the 1995 case Babbitt v. Sweet Home Chapter of Communities for a Great Oregon, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the government’s inclusion of habitat modification within the scope of “take.” That decision has guided agency practice ever since.



Patrick Parenteau, an emeritus professor at the <a href="https://www.vermontlaw.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vermont Law and Graduate School</a> who has argued endangered species cases, noted that reversing course now raises questions of legal consistency. 



Opponents may argue the agencies shouldn't abandon a Supreme Court-backed definition without strong new evidence if they finalize the Endangered Species Act rule.



Because the existing standard has been in place for decades, landowners and federal planners have used it to conserve “many, many millions of acres of land,” according to Parenteau. 



Removing habitat from the definition of “harm” could upend scores of conservation plans negotiated between agencies and private stakeholders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-species-in-hawaii">Endangered species in Hawaii</h2>



Hawaii may feel the impacts more acutely than anywhere else. Although the islands cover less than one percent of U.S. land area, they host roughly 40 percent of all species listed under the ESA. 



Maxx Philipps, Hawaii and Pacific Islands director for the Center for Biological Diversity, warned that weakening habitat safeguards will accelerate Hawaii’s extinction crisis. 



Philipps also said it will destroy the biological and cultural heritage of the islands, highlighting one example, tiny native bees that pollinate coastal dune plants.



Development has already fragmented the few remaining stretches of shoreline. If development proceeds without habitat review, she said, bees and other shoreline species - including green sea turtles - could see their last refuges disappear. 



“Habitat is life, right?” she asked. “And without it, there is no recovery and without recovery, there is only extinction.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lawsuits-begin-agencies-remain-silent">Lawsuits begin, agencies remain silent</h2>



The <a href="https://www.doi.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of the Interior</a>, which oversees FWS, declined to comment, referring inquiries to the agency. 



Officials also noted that the proposal will soon appear in the Federal Register, opening a 30‑day window for public input.



Environmental advocates are already preparing litigation. Caputo said groups like Earthjustice will challenge the rule if it becomes final, arguing that the administration’s narrow interpretation conflicts with the statute’s language and the Supreme Court’s guidance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-habitat-protections">Removing habitat protections </h2>



Supporters of the rule change - including industry associations representing forestry, mining, and farming - contend that private landowners have shouldered disproportionate burdens under the ESA. They argue penalizing habitat changes hurts development and may prompt landowners to clear areas before species are discovered.



Critics counter that streamlined approvals come at the expense of irreplaceable ecosystems and the species dependent on them.



The debate underscores a broader tension within environmental law: balancing economic opportunity against the preservation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. Though Congress could revise the ESA’s habitat rules, past efforts have failed under both Republican and Democratic control.



As a result, the practical meaning of “harm” often hinges on regulatory interpretation and judicial review.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-the-endangered-species-act">Future of the Endangered Species Act </h2>



If the proposed rule to the Endangered Species Act takes effect after the comment period, it would mark one of the most significant shifts in ESA enforcement in decades. 



Conservation organizations predict a surge of lawsuits aimed at reinstating the broader definition of “harm.” They also worry about immediate on‑the‑ground consequences as businesses test the new limits. 



For researchers and advocates vested in species recovery, the stakes could not be higher: without habitat to return to, plants and animals already on the brink may have no path back from the edge.



As Philipps put it, preserving habitat is the foundation for recovery. The ESA’s future hinges on public comments, agency decisions, and expected legal challenges in the months ahead.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Endangered Species Act faces its biggest legal shift in decades

The Endangered Species Act (ESA), long regarded as a cornerstone...

Four,Prehistoric,Quartzite,Spearheads.,From,The,Atherian,Lithic,Industry.,From

Perched high above the ocean on South Africa’s southern coast, a cave carved into a cliff has revealed thousands of ancient stone tools left behind by early humans some 20,000 years ago.



Through painstaking excavation and detailed analysis, a team of archaeologists has uncovered clues not only about how these tools were made, but also how people in the late <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-data-analysis-reshapes-climate-future-lowers-warming-estimates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice age</a> traveled, interacted, and passed along their techniques - suggesting a web of shared knowledge stretching across southern Africa.



The findings center on the Robberg technocomplex, a group of stone tool <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technologies</a> used between 24,000 and 12,000 years ago. The study was led by Sara Watson, a postdoctoral scientist at the <a href="https://nirc.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum’s Negaunee Integrative Research Center</a>. 



For Watson, the research offers a compelling window into the behavior of early Homo sapiens. “This is an important insight into how people who lived in this region were living and hunting and responding to their environment,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stone-tools-during-the-ice-age">Stone tools during the ice age</h2>



At the time the tools were crafted, the world was emerging from the last major ice age. With massive volumes of water locked in glaciers and ice sheets, global sea levels were much lower than today. 



What is now a coastal cave overlooking the ocean would have stood several miles inland, adjacent to vast plains teeming with game.



“Instead of being right on the water like they are today, these caves would have been near vast, open plains with large game animals like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-antelope-hippotragus-leucophaeus-extinction-caused-european-colonization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antelope</a>,” Watson said. “People hunted those animals, and to do that, they developed new tools and weapons.”



Today, however, the geography is strikingly different. The caves are embedded in a steep cliff face, towering nearly 75 feet above a rugged shoreline. Reaching the excavation site required determination - and serious safety equipment.



“It’s a 75-foot climb up to the cave from the shoreline,” Watson explained. “We had safety ropes and a staircase made of sandbags, and we had to be harnessed in while doing the excavation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cores-of-ancient-stone-tools">Cores of ancient stone tools</h2>



Despite the challenges, the team hauled up all their excavation gear - sometimes 50 pounds per person - and carried out meticulous work using small dental tools and tiny trowels. 



“Since these are extremely, extremely old sites, from before the end of the last ice age, we had to be very careful with our excavation,” Watson added.



Beneath layers of dust and sediment, the team unearthed a wealth of artifacts: thousands of sharp, small blades and the larger rocks - known as cores - from which those blades were struck. 



While the blades may attract the most attention, it’s the cores that Watson finds most illuminating.



“When your average person thinks about stone tools, they probably focus on the detached pieces, the blades and flakes. But the thing that is the most interesting to me is the core, because it shows us the particular methods and order of operations that people went through in order to make their tools,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stone-tools-and-communication">Stone tools and communication</h2>



By closely analyzing the patterns etched into the surfaces of these cores, Watson and her colleagues identified distinct methods of reduction - techniques used to produce the desired blade shapes. These methods are not random. 



Instead, they reflect intentional, culturally shared ways of making tools that were likely passed from one generation to the next.



“In a lot of these technologies, the core reduction is very specific, and it’s something that you are taught and learn, and that’s where the social information is,” Watson noted. 



“If we see specific methods of core reduction at multiple sites across the landscape, as an archaeologist, it tells me that these people were sharing ideas with one another.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-traditions-across-hundreds-of-miles">Shared traditions across hundreds of miles</h2>



One of the most telling discoveries in the Robberg cave was a particular technique for breaking small bladelets off a core - a method that has also been identified at archaeological sites hundreds of miles away in countries such as Namibia and Lesotho.



“Same core reduction pattern, same intended product,” Watson said. “The pattern is repeated over and over and over again, which indicates that it is intentional and shared, rather than just a chance similarity.”



These repeated techniques suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> in different regions were not isolated but part of a broader network of knowledge-sharing. Whether through seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-climate-shifts-changed-early-human-migration-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a>, trade, or cultural exchange, they were likely communicating in ways that helped spread innovations across vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-human-story-etched-in-stone"><a></a>A human story etched in stone</h2>



According to Watson, although the tools may be ancient, the people who made them were not so different from us. “We have a very long and rich history as a species, and humans go back a lot farther in time than most people realize,” she said. “People living around the last ice age were very similar to people today.”



The blades and cores from the Robberg caves tell more than a story of survival - they illustrate the complexity and adaptability of early human societies. They hint at long-distance connections, sophisticated knowledge transfer, and the ability to innovate in response to a changing world.



As researchers continue to dig into these layers of prehistory, each artifact recovered offers a new piece of the puzzle - an enduring link between our ancestors and the modern world.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s41982-025-00214-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Stone tools in South Africa reveal early human communication

Perched high above the ocean on South Africa’s southern coast,...

Each year, hundreds of millions of tons of food never make it from the kitchen - or grocery shelf - to the table. Instead, they end up in landfills, where rotting lettuce leaves and stale bread emit methane, a greenhouse gas roughly 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat.



According to the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a>, food waste now accounts for up to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions - more than the entire aviation sector. If wasted food were its own nation, it would trail only China and the United States in annual climate pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-waste-and-climate-repercussions">Food waste and climate repercussions </h2>



Robert Sanders, an assistant professor of marketing and analytics at the <a href="https://rady.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego’s Rady School of Management</a>, has spent the last decade examining why so much edible food goes to waste and how policy interventions can bend the curve.



In a recent interview, Professor Sanders argued that trimming food waste may be the single fastest, most cost‑effective way to curb climate repercussions. 



“It is nearly impossible for the globe to meet emissions targets set forth by the Paris Accords without reducing waste from the food system,” he warned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-waste-hiding-in-plain-sight">Food waste: Hiding in plain sight</h2>



Although lawmakers and the public often focus on tailpipes and smokestacks, Sanders points out that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-crisis-why-u-s-goals-remain-out-of-reach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leftovers</a> scraped off dinner plates or the strawberries that spoil in grocery back rooms punch far above their weight.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> produced as they decompose lingers in the atmosphere for about a decade but delivers an intense burst of warming during that period, making short‑term action on food waste a potent lever for averting near‑term climate tipping points.



“Reducing food waste is pretty much the most actionable measure humanity can take to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the short and medium term,” he noted. Yet when Professor Sanders first surveyed academic literature, he found a puzzling gap.



Policymakers were proposing rules to standardize expiration‑date labels, nonprofits were urging composting mandates, and states were drafting landfill bans - all based on assumptions that lacked rigorous field evidence.



That knowledge vacuum, he said, motivated him to run controlled experiments in real grocery aisles and back‑of‑house storerooms, tracking how shoppers and retailers actually behave when incentives change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-intentions-limited-results">Good intentions, limited results</h2>



One headline solution embraced by several U.S. states is the food‑waste landfill <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-bans-are-ineffective-in-reducing-landfill-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ban</a>. In theory, prohibiting retailers from tossing unsold produce or expired milk forces businesses either to donate surplus food, send it to anaerobic digesters, or pay composting facilities instead of dumping it. 



In practice, Sanders’ research, conducted with colleagues at multiple universities, shows uneven results.



“My co-authors and I investigated the efficacy of the first five food-waste bans in the United States, and we found that only one state, Massachusetts, has been successful at diverting food waste away from landfills,” said Professor Sanders.



The reason appears twofold: enforcement and infrastructure. Massachusetts imposes clearer, better‑publicized penalties.



Additionally, the state offers businesses a robust network of composting centers willing to accept spoiled goods. Elsewhere, minimal fines and scarce processing facilities make compliance optional.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-pricing-matching-supply-and-demand">Dynamic pricing: Matching supply and demand</h2>



If strict bans are a blunt instrument, Sanders argues that pricing algorithms offer a finer scalpel. Roughly a tenth of all wasted food is chucked by retailers because perishables pass their sell‑by date still sitting on the shelf. 



Shoppers routinely pay the same sticker price for milk expiring tomorrow as for jugs good for another two weeks, so predictable spoilage is baked into store margins. Sanders’ field studies suggest a market‑based alternative: dynamic markdowns. 



By feeding inventory data, expiration horizons, and historical demand into a computer model, a grocery chain can automatically lower prices on soon‑to‑expire yogurt or ground beef several times a day. This nudges bargain‑hunters to snap up aging stock before it goes bad. 



The benefits compound: less landfill methane, lower operating costs for stores, and cheaper staples - often fresher and less processed - for budget‑conscious customers.



“To an economist, it's actually really weird that grocery stores don't dynamically price their perishables,” Sanders observed. “Why should you, the consumer, be paying the same price for milk that will expire one week from now as you would for milk expiring three weeks from now? Not only is it unfair, it's inefficient.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-label-confusion-an-unproven-culprit"><a></a>Label confusion: An unproven culprit</h2>



Industry groups and some legislators have long asserted that ambiguous date stamps - “best by,” “sell by,” and “use by” - drive shoppers to bin perfectly edible food. California recently passed AB 660, mandating standardized phrasing meant to reassure consumers.



Yet Sanders cautions that no large‑scale, real‑world experiment has demonstrated the strategy’s effectiveness. “There's still no scientific evidence of how these date-label formats actually affect purchases and waste in the field - that is, when real choices are made,” he said.



Until randomized trials produce hard numbers on consumer behavior, he ranks uniform <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dont-say-vegan-food-labeling-should-focus-on-health-and-sustainability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">labeling</a> lower on the priority list than measures that directly raise disposal costs or reward timely purchasing decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-household-food-waste-habits-matter">Household food waste habits matter</h2>



While systemic fixes target upstream inefficiencies, Sanders said everyday eaters remain the final link in the waste chain. Composting food scraps is helpful, but prevention trumps recycling. 



He advocates meal planning, accurate head counts for events, and reminding yourself to eat leftovers long before they become science projects. In California, where municipalities now provide curbside green bins, he urges residents to keep those organic carts in regular rotation.



“Composting is better than sending food to landfills, but it's best not to create food waste to begin with,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-the-science"><a></a>Funding the science</h2>



Sanders’ investigations into how consumers make expiry‑date decisions recently hit a roadblock when cuts to federal climate‑research budgets stalled a <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> grant. 



The project would have generated large data sets on purchasing patterns in response to markdowns tied to shelf life - information the <a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a> and <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a> have explicitly requested.



In the meantime, he and his collaborators are scouting alternative funding to improve food waste, underscoring the broader challenge of studying pragmatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-log-discovery-inspires-a-simple-yet-effective-climate-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate solutions</a> in an era of tightened purse strings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chipping-away-at-a-massive-issue">Chipping away at a massive issue</h2>



Momentum is building: grocery giants in Europe have rolled out dynamic‑discount apps, while startups in the United States pilot real‑time pricing software for deli counters and bakery racks. 



Policymakers, however, still debate whether to expand landfill bans or subsidize compost facilities without proof of impact.



Professor Sanders believes the fastest progress will come from connecting rigorous field experiments with scalable technology. Only then, he contends, will the world chip away at a problem large enough to rival the emissions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aviations-contribution-to-climate-change-is-expected-to-intensify/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aviation</a> industry.



Until that happens, methane will keep seeping from landfills - one wilted lettuce leaf and one expired gallon of milk at a time.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Food waste has a surprising impact on climate change

Each year, hundreds of millions of tons of food never...

We often think our first impressions come from sight as we notice how someone looks, speaks, and moves. We focus on what we see and hear, but there’s another sense, always present, usually unnoticed, that might shape friendship more than we realize: smell.



Every day, we pass strangers, meet new colleagues, and shake hands at events. Some of those people feel immediately familiar, others strangely distant. 



Sometimes we like someone without knowing why. Sometimes we’re put off without a clear reason. Could it be the scent they carry - not necessarily a strong perfume or cologne, but the subtle mixture of personal habits that lingers in the air?



That’s the question a group of researchers set out to answer. Their study, recently published in Scientific Reports, reveals how scent - specifically what they call “diplomatic odor” - can guide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-increase-life-satisfaction-as-much-as-marriage-or-close-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social preferences</a> from the very first encounter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-scent-signals-future-friends">Our scent signals future friends</h2>



Unlike natural body odor studied in past research, diplomatic odor reflects daily life. It includes perfumes, shampoos, laundry detergent, pets, food, and everything else that shapes how someone smells during a typical day.



Study lead author Jessica Gaby is an assistant professor of psychology at Middle Tennessee State University (<a href="https://www.mtsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MTSU</a>).



"It's not just perfume," said Professor Gaby. "It's your dietary choices. Are you a cat person or dog person? What laundry detergent do you use?"



The study focused on how diplomatic odor influences friendship potential - how likely we are to want to connect with someone. Unlike studies of romantic attraction, this work explored platonic connections, the ones that make up most of our daily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-theory-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend-proven-by-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social landscape</a>.



Friendship shapes mental and physical health. It helps people navigate life. Knowing what influences our initial decisions about friends matters. And as the study found, scent plays a surprisingly strong role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-odor-influences-first-impressions">Odor influences first impressions </h2>



The researchers designed a multi-part speed-friending event involving 40 women. First, they photographed the participants and gave them clean cotton T-shirts to wear during daily activities for around 12 hours.



Participants were asked to keep their habits unchanged, other than avoiding smoking and alcohol. They were told to wear the same products to the event that they used while wearing the shirts.



Then came the real test. In a controlled but realistic environment - a busy room full of chatter - participants smelled the worn shirts before any in-person meetings.



They rated how likely they would be to want to hang out with the wearer, be friends, or avoid them. This pre-interaction sniff test set the baseline. 



The results already showed personal preferences. What smelled friendly to one person didn’t appeal to another. And that individual taste held meaning throughout the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-helps-predict-new-friends">Scent helps predict new friends</h2>



Next came the live speed-friending part. Each participant had about ten four-minute conversations with different people. 



They sat across small tables, introduced themselves, and chatted. After each brief conversation, they filled out forms judging their chat partner’s friendship potential - just as they had done earlier, based only on scent.



"People take a lot in when they're meeting face to face. But scent, which people are registering at some level, though probably not consciously, forecasts whether you end up liking this person," said Vivian Zayas, professor of psychology at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>.



The findings were striking. The friendship ratings based on smell alone closely matched the in-person ratings after the short chats.



"If you think you might be friends with someone you haven't met based on a tenth-of-a-second exposure to their photograph, you are also more likely to judge them as a potential friend based on the scent of their T-shirt," Zayas said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sight-smell-and-first-impressions">Sight, smell, and first impressions</h2>



The study also included a test based on quick glances at portraits - 100 milliseconds per image. Even these brief flashes gave participants enough information to form an impression.



Yet when the researchers compared smell-based ratings with those based on photos, smell turned out to be the better predictor of how people felt after meeting someone. Multilevel statistical models confirmed that diplomatic odor had a stronger and more consistent effect than visuals.



Portrait-based judgments did matter - but not as much. The live interaction scores were more closely tied to what people had sniffed than what they had seen.



Importantly, this connection held even after accounting for other variables like time worn or intensity of the scent. The results were clear: scent quietly shapes social judgments, and does so powerfully.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interactions-can-change-perception">Interactions can change perception</h2>



What’s more fascinating is that smell didn’t only influence how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-pressure-is-straining-teen-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people</a> felt going into a conversation - it changed based on what happened in that conversation. 



Participants repeated the sniff test after the live chats. This time, they judged the same T-shirts again. And their opinions had shifted.



"It makes sense to me that the way you smell impacts the way I judge you," Gaby said. "But I was most surprised by the learning, by the shift in the second set of readings - one interaction and you're like, hmmm, maybe not."



If someone had a good chat, their shirt smelled better afterward. If the interaction was disappointing, the scent seemed worse. This pattern suggests our brains update scent-based associations rapidly, using emotional memory to reframe what we’ve already experienced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scents-and-social-chemistry">Scents and social chemistry</h2>



One of the strongest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-diversity-in-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">themes</a> in the study was individual preference. There wasn’t one universally liked or disliked smell. What appealed to one person might not appeal to another.



"Everybody showed they had a consistent signature of what they liked," Zayas said. "And the consistency was not that in the group one person smelled really bad and one person smelled really good. No, it was idiosyncratic."



This finding adds depth to how we think about social chemistry. It’s not just about shared interests or mutual friends - it might also be about shared scent spaces, shaped by laundry, pets, and food.



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



This study stands out because it took place in a natural setting. Participants weren’t isolated in scentless rooms. The researchers wanted to test scent in the kind of environment where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-friendships-improve-your-health-as-you-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">friendships</a> really form - noisy, busy, filled with competing sensory input.



In this real-world context, diplomatic odor still played a major role. It was perceptible and meaningful, even surrounded by other cues like voice, appearance, and body language.



The researchers also emphasized that diplomatic odor carries social information of its own. Unlike pure body odor, diplomatic scent reflects lifestyle and culture. It’s shaped by choice. This means scent may serve as a kind of soft signal about who we are - and who we might connect with.



Friendships help people thrive. They affect mood, resilience, and long-term health. And yet, we rarely stop to think about what drives those first moments of liking or disliking someone.



This research shows that our sense of smell plays a role in those judgments. Not consciously, not obviously - but powerfully.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-94350-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.&nbsp;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Scent plays a powerful role in choosing friends

We often think our first impressions come from sight as...

Every April 22, Earth Day calls us to reflect on our planet’s well-being. But this year, there’s a different tone in the United States - one of Earth-focused success. Over the past twelve months, the country has taken meaningful steps toward environmental sustainability.



These weren’t just small shifts or symbolic gestures. They were measurable gains that affect ecosystems, the climate, and public health. As the world grapples with the dual pressures of climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> loss, the U.S. now offers several stories of hope.



Whether through energy innovation, wildlife protection, or global atmospheric recovery, 2024 gave us many reasons to believe in action.



That belief matters - because Earth Day isn’t just about celebration, it’s about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2024-the-tide-may-finally-be-turning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commitment</a> and action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-success-powers-a-cleaner-earth">Solar success powers a cleaner Earth</h2>



Clean energy usage continued to surge across the United States in 2024. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-panels-are-1000-times-more-powerful-with-new-tech-breakthrough/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar energy</a> led the charge, expanding at a pace that had never been seen before.



By the end of the year, 37 gigawatts of solar power had been added to the national grid. That figure nearly doubled what was installed the year before. It signals a decisive move away from using fossil fuels and toward energy systems that don’t damage the planet.



Government data backs this growth. The Energy Information Administration (<a href="https://www.eia.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EIA</a>) now expects solar to account for the majority of new electricity generation through 2026. 



Solar panels aren’t just being added to rooftops - they’re shaping the country’s energy future. And, unlike fossil fuel plants, they do it quietly, without making smoke or pollution.



This shift also reflects the public’s changing attitude. People want cleaner choices. Companies see renewable energy as practical, not just ethical. And local governments are learning that the sun offers not only power, but independence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investment-sparks-manufacturing-boom">Investment sparks manufacturing boom</h2>



Policy has played a huge role in this energy transition. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/inflation-reduction-act-of-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, passed in 2022, triggered a wave of clean energy investment across the country. 



Since then, over $500 billion has been committed to clean energy-related projects. These include solar panel factories, battery plants, and infrastructure for electric vehicles.



So far, around $75 billion has already been spent. That money has helped launch at least 160 new clean energy manufacturing sites. These aren’t just job titles on paper. Together, the projects have created nearly 100,000 new positions, many in areas that were long dependent on fossil fuels.



The clean energy boom has moved beyond the coasts. States in the Midwest and South are building advanced manufacturing facilities. The result is a reworked energy economy that supports both climate goals and community livelihoods. 



Earth Day 2025 arrives in the middle of this shift. It reminds us that environmental gains and economic health can grow together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-success-through-science">Conservation success through science</h2>



Earth's environmental success wasn’t limited to energy. In 2024, wildlife conservation also took a leap forward through science and strategy.



One standout story came from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. There, a cloned black-footed ferret named Antonia gave birth to three healthy kits. This marked the first time a cloned animal of this species had reproduced successfully.



The black-footed ferret is one of North America’s most endangered mammals. For years, conservationists feared the species might vanish completely. 



Antonia’s kits now offer new genetic diversity and a path forward for recovery. The cloning effort, once experimental, has become a real solution for saving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-movement-predictions-matter-more-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> with limited populations.



This kind of conservation success blends technology with patience. It involves scientists, wildlife experts, and public support. Together, they show that extinction is not inevitable - not if humans act with care and urgency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-for-earth-s-ecosystems">Success for Earth’s ecosystems</h2>



Another major breakthrough came in California’s Klamath River. For the first time in more than a hundred years, Chinook salmon returned to spawn in the river’s upper reaches. Their return came after the removal of four dams that had long blocked access to spawning grounds.



The decision to remove the dams was not quick or easy. It followed years of advocacy by Native tribes, environmental groups, and local communities. 



The result now speaks for itself: salmon are swimming freely again. This means restored food chains, improved water quality, and cultural renewal for tribal communities.



The Klamath River case offers more than just a local win. It shows what happens when people prioritize river health over short-term economic gain. Dams once symbolized progress. Now, their removal can be a sign of renewal. 



The return of salmon in 2024 reminds us that ecosystems, when given the chance, can recover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-success-in-healing-earth-s-ozone">Global success in healing Earth’s ozone</h2>



Above us, far from city lights and farmland, the Earth’s atmosphere continues its slow recovery. 



The Antarctic ozone hole in 2024 measured as the seventh smallest since tracking began in 1992. This shrinking hole is a clear signal that decades of global cooperation are paying off.



The ozone layer shields life from harmful ultraviolet rays. Its damage in the late 20th century sparked one of the first major global environmental agreements: the Montreal Protocol. Nations agreed to cut the use of ozone-depleting substances. Since then, many of those chemicals have been phased out.



Recovery has not been fast, but it has been steady. Scientists now project that the ozone layer will return to pre-1980 conditions by 2066. That timeline may feel long, but it’s grounded in progress. 



Each year of improvement brings better protection for humans, animals, and plants. And it proves that when nations act together, change is possible - even in the upper atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-ahead-clear-goals">The road ahead: Clear goals</h2>



As Earth Day 2025 arrives, the United States has more than good intentions to show. It has results. The use of solar power is increasing, manufacturing is shifting, rivers are rebounding and rare animals are getting a second chance. These stories aren’t fiction - they are part of the environmental progress made since last year's Earth Day. 



Yet the work isn’t done. Climate pressures continue, species remain at risk, and policy must stay aligned with science. But this past year shows that even in a vast, complex country, real environmental change can take root.



Earth Day exists to remind us of responsibility and environmental success. But this year, it also reminds us of possibility.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Earth Day honors success in clean energy and wildlife recovery

Every April 22, Earth Day calls us to reflect on...

An exceptionally well-preserved ant fossil encased in 16-million-year-old Dominican amber is offering scientists surprising new insights into the evolutionary journey of a rare group known as dirt ants, or Basiceros.



The fossilized ant - a previously unknown species named Basiceros enana - is the first of its kind ever uncovered in the Caribbean. The discovery suggests that these elusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-ants-live-on-earth-at-any-point-in-time-total-number-is-astounding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> once inhabited the islands before vanishing during the Miocene epoch, which spanned from roughly 23 to 5.3 million years ago.



“Dirt ants are rare finds in the wild. Finding one today is exciting given how well they stay hidden, but captured in amber, it's like finding a diamond,” said Gianpiero Fiorentino, the study’s lead author and a PhD candidate at the <a href="https://www.njit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Jersey Institute of Technology</a> (NJIT). “This fossil is singularly distinct from all its modern relatives and reshapes the evolutionary history of Basiceros.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-a-dirt-ant-species">Discovery of a dirt ant species</h2>



Previously, all known members of this ant genus were limited to neotropical rainforests stretching from Costa Rica down to Southern Brazil. Currently, nine living Basiceros species are documented. 



The discovery of B. enana, however, raises new questions about how these ants once dispersed and colonized parts of the Caribbean.



“Often lineages will have what appear to be fairly straightforward biogeographic histories. If you find a group of animals that only live in South America up to Costa Rica today, you really have no reason to expect that their early relatives lived in the Caribbean,” said Phil Barden, senior author of the study and associate professor of biology at NJIT.&nbsp;



“A fossil like this underscores how the distribution of living species can belie the complex evolutionary history of life on our planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-dirt-ant-s-ancestry">Tracing the dirt ant's ancestry </h2>



To analyze the ancient ant, the team employed cutting-edge imaging methods, including Micro-CT scanning at NJIT and the <a href="https://www.oist.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University</a>. These techniques enabled them to reconstruct the fossil in 3D and examine intricate anatomical details otherwise invisible.



“The use of Micro-CT scanning really amplified this study, enabling us to capture features that were virtually impossible to see otherwise,” Fiorentino explained.



The researchers compared these structural features to all known living dirt ant species and used molecular dating methods to trace the species' ancestry. Because amber preserves creatures in three dimensions, the team was able to collect extensive information from the small specimen.



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



The fossil ant, measuring just 5.13 millimeters in length, is significantly smaller than its modern descendants, which can grow to nearly 9 millimeters. As a result, B. enana now holds the distinction of being the smallest member of its genus ever recorded.



“Our results show that the embiggening of these ants was relatively rapid,” Fiorentino said. “They almost doubled in size in the span of 20 million years." 



"Previous hypotheses suggested that these ants were ancestrally large and shrank over time, so this flips that on its head and really illustrates how important fossils can be to understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of a lineage.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-camouflage-already-in-play">Ancient camouflage already in play</h2>



Yet despite its smaller size, B. enana already displayed some of the key adaptations that help modern dirt ants remain nearly invisible in their environment - a form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-squid-power-their-amazing-camouflage-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">camouflage</a> known as crypsis. 



These include two layers of specialized hairs designed to trap dirt and debris: long brush-like setae that lift particles and shorter, tighter hairs that hold them close to the body’s surface.



“What this shows is that playing dead and hiding pays off,” Fiorentino said. “Uncovering a unique fossil like this helps us understand how long organisms may have been employing this strategy, though the presence of these characteristics does not necessarily guarantee they behaved in this way.”



The fossil also shares other recognizable features with today’s dirt ants, such as curved propodeal spines, a distinctive trapezoidal head, and sharp mandibles lined with a dozen triangular teeth - traits suggesting a predatory lifestyle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-piece-of-a-larger-puzzle">A piece of a larger puzzle </h2>



Despite these survival advantages, Basiceros ants eventually disappeared from the Caribbean, likely due to dramatic environmental shifts during the Miocene. The team suggests that ancient land bridges might have allowed the ants to migrate from mainland South America to the islands.



“The presence of Basiceros in Dominican amber suggests ancient land bridges may have provided pathways for these ants to traverse from the mainland to the Caribbean,” Barden said. 



“This fossil is a piece of a larger puzzle that will help us understand why some groups of organisms undergo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-extinction-led-to-the-emergence-of-ant-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> and others stick it out for millions of years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loss-of-ants-in-the-caribbean">Loss of ants in the Caribbean</h2>



Fiorentino noted that the dirt ants' extinction could have come down to a loss of available niches or interspecific competition. 



"These ants are predators, and an overall trend that we see from the Caribbean is a loss of predator ant diversity," said Fiorentino.



“Over a third of ant genera have gone extinct on the island of modern-day Dominican Republic since the formation of Dominican amber. Understanding what has driven this pattern of local extinction is crucial to mitigating modern human-driven extinction and protecting biodiversity."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>.



Image Credit: Gianpiero Fiorentino (NJIT)



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dirt ants were once masters of disguise in the Caribbean

An exceptionally well-preserved ant fossil encased in 16-million-year-old Dominican amber...

We speak to our dogs constantly - during walks, feeding, play, or even casual chatter. Most of us assume they respond only to tone or gestures, not the actual words, but new research challenges this belief.



A collaborative study from the Universities of <a href="https://www.lincoln.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lincoln</a>, <a href="https://www.sussex.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sussex</a>, and <a href="https://www.univ-st-etienne.fr/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jean Monnet</a> has revealed that dogs can detect meaningful words even in monotone human speech.



The researchers found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-puppy-day-2025-where-happiness-meets-responsibility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> are not just responding to our cheerful pet voices. They actually “listen in,” parsing out significant phrases from otherwise irrelevant sentences.



This raises fascinating questions about language perception, attention, and the impact of thousands of years of domestication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-don-t-need-baby-talk-speech">Dogs don’t need baby talk speech</h2>



Humans often use an exaggerated, happy tone when addressing dogs. This is called dog-directed speech (DDS), and it's designed to grab their attention - just like baby talk for infants.



Until now, it was assumed that this exaggerated tone helped dogs identify important words. But are they just reacting to pitch, or do they understand actual language?



The researchers created an experiment to test if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dogs-replacing-children-how-modern-society-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> could pick out meaningful content when speech lacked the familiar emotional tone. They used a stream of neutral sentences delivered in flat monotone and inserted familiar phrases like “[Dog’s name], come on then.” 



These phrases were spoken in either DDS or neutral reading prosody (NRP). The goal was to see if dogs could still identify these phrases without emotional clues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-are-really-good-listeners">Dogs are really good listeners </h2>



The findings were striking. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-dogs-severely-harm-wildlife-even-when-leashed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogs</a> consistently responded to commands spoken in monotone, ignoring the irrelevant surrounding words. In other words, they weren’t just reacting to tone they were actually parsing the speech for meaning.



"Dogs understand that we say their name to get their attention, and this is almost always paired with a happy 'baby talk' speech register because dogs prefer it," noted Dr. Holly Root-Gutteridge, one of the lead researchers.



"We wanted to see if dogs were only responding to this happy voice or if they could recognize their name, even when it was buried in a sentence and delivered in a flat voice."



"We found that dogs could absolutely find their name when presented in a monotone way and buried in stream of irrelevant speech - a prerequisite for comprehending language - and shows how good they are at listening to us."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-can-focus-on-relevant-speech">Dogs can focus on relevant speech </h2>



This capacity relates to what scientists call the “cocktail party effect” - our ability to focus on a single voice amid background noise.



Humans can pick out meaningful speech in a noisy room. This study shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> may have a similar skill. Despite irrelevant noise and monotone delivery, they managed to isolate commands meant for them.



The dogs also performed better when a brief pause preceded the command, suggesting they use subtle structural cues to detect speech boundaries. This resembles how human infants learn to segment words.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-tone-boosts-attention">Emotional tone boosts attention</h2>



To better understand how tone and content influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dogs-say-goodbye-before-they-die-these-signs-will-tell-you-if-your-friend-is-leaving-soon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, the researchers ran two experiments. First, they examined responses to DDS and NRP with and without meaningful content. Then, they tested if dogs reacted differently based on the speaker’s gender.



In the prosody experiment, dogs showed the most attention to DDS with meaningful phrases. But they also responded - though less often - to meaningful words in neutral tone. Surprisingly, they reacted to DDS-control phrases (with no meaning) as much as to NRP-meaningful phrases.



"So, this means that they're listening to us all the time and can pick out their name, but they will pay more attention if you give them both cues. So, 'Sheba, come on then' gets more attention from her if you sound eager to see her," noted Dr. Root-Gutteridge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-aren-t-just-responding-to-tone">Dogs aren't just responding to tone </h2>



In a follow-up experiment, the researchers explored whether dogs responded differently to male and female owners. While women tend to use more exaggerated DDS, the dogs didn’t show a clear preference. Both male and female speakers prompted similar responses.



"We show that dogs can recognize speech information relevant to them in the absence of the usual prosody we use when we address them," noted Professor David Reby, the project’s lead.



This suggests that the ability to perceive verbal content isn't just a reaction to tone or pitch. It may be tied to something deeper, like neural architecture adapted through domestication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-break-speech-down">Dogs break speech down</h2>



Dogs may be using a process similar to speech segmentation, long studied in humans. This is the ability to split a continuous flow of sound into distinct, meaningful units. 



Infants learn it early on, using pitch, pauses, and patterns. Dogs seem to possess a version of this ability too.



They respond to repeated phonemes and meaningful words embedded in flat speech. Some even outperformed one-year-old human infants in earlier name-recognition tests. This points to a strong capacity for statistical learning and familiar sound identification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-understand-speech-content">Dogs understand speech content</h2>



The researchers concluded that while DDS helps grab attention, dogs can still process flat speech. This means our furry friends might understand more than we think - especially when we say something they’ve heard often.



Dogs' attention was highest when meaningful content was paired with DDS. However, they still showed notable responses when only one of these cues was present. So, if you’re giving commands without the usual cheerful tone, your dog might still catch on.



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



This study has deep implications. It suggests that dogs aren't just tuned to our emotional expressions - they're truly listening for meaning. 



Future research might explore how well this applies to other species like cats or horses, or whether wild relatives like wolves show similar abilities.



The research team also hopes to study whether voice familiarity strengthens word recognition in dogs. Since human babies benefit from familiar voices, the same might be true for our pets.



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



Dogs have evolved alongside humans for over 14,000 years. This deep bond likely shaped their ability to understand us. While we’ve long known they respond to tone, this study proves they’re paying closer attention than we assumed.



Their ability to sift through speech, identify relevant phrases, and respond - regardless of tone - marks a new chapter in human-animal communication.



And next time you think your dog isn’t paying attention because you didn’t use a cheerful voice - think again. They might be listening all along.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10071-025-01948-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Cognition</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Dogs can understand words even in monotone speech

We speak to our dogs constantly - during walks, feeding,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

A bear named Napa spent his whole life only knowing cages and concrete. Although he was originally born in a zoo, where he was able to roam within a vast enclosure, fate had other plans in store for the poor bear&#8230; Photo Credit: Animal People Forum/Flickr&nbsp;|&nbsp;CC BY-NC 2.0

Meet Napa

Many countries have banned circuses from having wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthsnap-launches-revolutionary-app-to-identify-plants-and-animals/">animals</a> in the big top, and while this is a step in the right direction, it leaves the fate of current animal residents unclear. This was the case for one bear who was living at a circus, held in a small concrete enclosure its whole life. When one rescue group heard about this story, they wanted to set this animal free. What they didn't know was that they were about to start a serious battle...

Meet Napa

News coming your way