Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of Northern Afghanistan. The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.



“The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains and eventually discharges into the Amu Darya River,” noted NASA.



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



The climate of Fayzabad varies from cold semi-arid to Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental, according to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



The summer months are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The winter months are cold, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing - sometimes reaching as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The region receives moderate precipitation, mostly during the spring and winter. Snowfall is common in winter, adding to the picturesque landscape. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fayzabad-culture">Fayzabad culture</h2>



Historically, Fayzabad has been a center of learning and culture, though its development has been hampered by years of conflict.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> remains a vital component of the region, which is known for its traditional crafts including weaving and embroidery.



Cultural life in Fayzabad is influenced by its predominantly Tajik population, along with other ethnic groups such as Uzbeks and Hazaras. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Afghan flavors, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and a variety of spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes-nbsp">Land use changes&nbsp;</h2>



“This territory has experienced notable changes in its land use in recent decades, especially with commercial and administrative growth near the airport,” noted NASA.



“Among the changes: a new airstrip built west of the Kokcha River. However, mountains hem in the city and limit how much development is possible.”



“Despite these topographical barriers, some development has spread into hilly areas south of Fayzabad. Green vegetation is mostly confined to mountain valleys, stream channels, and the Kokcha River floodplain.”&nbsp;



“The Kokcha River meanders through the valley, providing a vital water resource for the region. Fields of predominantly wheat and rice cover much of the floodplain, though these flat areas are mixed with residential, industrial, and commercial activity as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kokcha-river-nbsp">Kokcha River&nbsp;</h2>



The Kokcha River originates in the Hindu Kush mountains. It stretches approximately 360 kilometers before joining the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.&nbsp;



The Kokcha River traverses rugged terrain, providing vital irrigation for agriculture in the region and supporting local communities' livelihoods.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> basin features diverse landscapes that include mountainous areas and fertile valleys.&nbsp;



Throughout history, the Kokcha River has played a crucial role in the region's cultural and economic development, serving as a natural resource for the inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-afghanistan">Northern Afghanistan </h2>



Northern Afghanistan is known for its diverse landscape, featuring fertile plains, rugged mountains, and strategic rivers such as the Amu Darya. 



Historically, northern Afghanistan has been an important cultural and trade center. The city of Balkh, often referred to as "the mother of cities," is a hub of early civilization and a major stop on the Silk Road.



Northern Afghanistan has experienced periods of relative stability compared to the rest of the country, though it has also seen conflict - particularly during the Soviet invasion, the civil war of the 1990s, and the more recent Taliban resurgence.



The region's economy traditionally revolves around agriculture. Wheat, cotton, and fruits are key crops. In addition, there are vast mineral resources, although instability has hindered their full exploitation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-northern-afghanistan">Wildlife of Northern Afghanistan </h2>



In mountainous regions of Northern Afghanistan, such as the Hindu Kush, you can find species like the elusive snow leopard, which is well-adapted to the rugged terrain. 



Other mountain-dwelling animals include the Asiatic black bear and the Siberian ibex, both of which thrive in the high-altitude environments.



The plains and valleys are home to various species of antelope, such as the goitered gazelle, as well as foxes, wolves, and smaller mammals like hares. 



Birdlife is also abundant, with species ranging from eagles and vultures in the mountains to waterfowl along rivers and wetlands. The region’s rivers and lakes, though under environmental pressure, support fish species and amphibians.



However, many of these species are under threat. Decades of war and instability have impacted conservation efforts, with illegal hunting and habitat destruction taking a toll on populations. 



Some areas, such as the Wakhan Corridor in the northeast, remain relatively untouched and serve as crucial refuges for wildlife where rare species like the Marco Polo sheep still roam. These havens are increasingly important for conservation efforts in the region.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, which is located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. The image was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



“A prominent bar of stars stretches across the center of this galaxy, and spiral arms emerge from each end of the bar. Because NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, its disk takes on an almond shape, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” said <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-12-hubble-spies-spiral-galaxy-ngc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“As NGC 2566 appears to gaze at us, astronomers gaze right back, using Hubble to survey the galaxy's star clusters and star-forming regions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-appearance-of-ngc-2566">Complex appearance of NGC 2566</h2>



NGC 2566 lies at a considerable distance from Earth, making it a challenging object for amateur astronomers to observe in detail without powerful telescopes.&nbsp;



It can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is better observed from locations with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-light-pollution-influences-interest-in-astronomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a>.&nbsp;



The galaxy's arms are populated with young, bright stars, regions of active star formation, and interstellar gas and dust - giving it a dynamic and complex appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ages-of-stars">Measuring the ages of stars</h2>



According to NASA, data from Hubble is especially valuable for studying stars that are just a few million years old. “These stars are bright at the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to which Hubble is sensitive.”



“Using these data, researchers can measure the ages of NGC 2566's stars, which helps piece together the timeline of the galaxy's star formation and the exchange of gas between star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.”



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



Star formation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> is a fascinating and complex process that unfolds over millions of years. It begins in vast clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, which are often found in the spiral arms of galaxies or in regions of irregular or starburst galaxies.&nbsp;



These clouds provide the raw material for star formation, consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of heavier elements.



As the molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity, regions within them begin to condense and fragment, forming dense clumps. Within these clumps, protostars emerge. Their formation is driven by the gravitational pull drawing in surrounding gas. 



During this process, the gas heats up due to increasing pressure, eventually igniting nuclear fusion in the core, signaling the birth of a new star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-star-formation-nbsp-across-galaxies">Rate of star formation&nbsp;across galaxies</h2>



The rate of star formation varies across galaxies is influenced by numerous factors. In spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, star formation is most active in the spiral arms, where density waves compress gas and dust, triggering the collapse of molecular clouds. 



In contrast, elliptical galaxies, which often have little cold gas and dust, typically exhibit low rates of star formation or none at all.



Starburst galaxies, on the other hand, experience episodes of exceptionally high star formation, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-a-galaxy-collision-with-a-radiant-smile/">galactic collisions</a> or interactions. 



These events can funnel large amounts of gas into central regions, leading to intense star-forming activity. However, such bursts are usually short-lived on cosmic timescales, exhausting the available gas quickly.



The environment within a galaxy also plays a significant role. Stellar winds and supernova explosions from existing stars can both inhibit and promote star formation. They may disperse gas, preventing further collapse, or compress nearby clouds, triggering new star formation.&nbsp;



Over time, as galaxies evolve, the availability of gas diminishes, leading to a gradual decline in star formation activity.



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



The Puppis constellation in the southern sky represents the stern of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation known as Argo Navis, which depicted the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts. 



However, Argo Navis was later divided into three separate constellations: Puppis, Carina (the keel), and Vela (the sails). Puppis is the largest of these three and contains many notable celestial objects.



This constellation is home to several bright stars, including Naos (Zeta Puppis), a hot, massive star that emits intense ultraviolet radiation. Puppis also hosts a wide variety of deep-sky objects, such as open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and nebulae. 



Among these, Messier 46 and Messier 47 stand out. Both are beautiful star clusters that are visible through binoculars or small telescopes. The region is dense with stars because it lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, making it a prime area for stargazing and astrophotography. 



Image Credit: NASA



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NGC 2566: A cosmic eye in the Puppis constellation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Tropical Cyclone Sean, which brought record-breaking rainfall to the Pilbara region of Western Australia.



“On January 17, 2025, a tropical low formed over the Indian Ocean off Western Australia. By January 19, the storm had strengthened into Tropical Cyclone Sean - the second tropical cyclone of Australia’s 2024–2025 season,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153852/tropical-cyclone-sean-lashes-western-australia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this image at about 10 a.m. local time (02:00 Universal Time) on January 20, 2025. Later that afternoon, the cyclone had reached its peak strength as a Category 4 storm.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-tropical-cyclone-sean-nbsp">Impacts of Tropical Cyclone Sean&nbsp;</h2>



Despite not making landfall, Sean's proximity to the coast brought record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> and strong winds to the Pilbara region. Karratha experienced its heaviest recorded daily rainfall of 10.8 inches in a 24-hour period. 



According to NASA, the storm flooded roads and homes, damaged power infrastructure, and prompted the closure of several ports.&nbsp;



“However, the storm also brought some relief from hot and humid conditions, according to news reports. Looking ahead, the abundant water could aid cattle station managers, allowing them to return their animals to grazing," noted NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australia-s-tropical-cyclone-season">Australia's tropical cyclone season</h2>



Australia's tropical cyclone season typically peaks from November to April, coinciding with the warmer months in the Southern Hemisphere. This period is characterized by increased atmospheric instability and warm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> - both of which are essential for cyclone formation. 



The region includes the waters surrounding northern Australia, encompassing the Indian Ocean, Coral Sea, and the Timor Sea.



Cyclones during this season can vary in intensity, ranging from low-category systems that bring heavy rainfall and minor winds to severe storms with destructive winds, storm surges, and extensive flooding.&nbsp;



The northern regions of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland are most affected, with the Pilbara Coast being particularly vulnerable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cyclone-impacts-in-australia-nbsp">Cyclone impacts in Australia&nbsp;</h2>



The impacts of these cyclones are diverse. Coastal areas often face significant storm surges, where sea levels rise and flood low-lying areas.&nbsp;



Cyclones can lead to widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a>, particularly when systems move slowly or interact with other weather patterns. Wind damage to infrastructure, homes, and vegetation is also a common concern. 



Cyclones provide much-needed rainfall to some areas, replenishing water supplies and sustaining ecosystems, but they can also cause severe disruptions to communities and industries, such as agriculture and mining.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-cyclone-activity">Monitoring cyclone activity</h2>



Australia uses advanced monitoring and forecasting systems to track cyclones, issuing timely warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology. These systems are vital for mitigating risks and aiding in disaster preparedness.&nbsp;



Community awareness campaigns and evacuation plans further help to minimize the loss of life and property during cyclone events.



Climate patterns such as La Niña and El Niño also influence cyclone activity. La Niña years typically bring more frequent and intense cyclones due to warmer waters around northern Australia, while El Niño years may suppress cyclone development.&nbsp;



Australia's preparedness for cyclones is supported by resilient building codes, emergency management practices, and community education. However, the increasing complexity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-experience-more-rainfall-than-surrounding-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urbanization</a> and environmental challenges requires ongoing adaptation to reduce the vulnerability of affected regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-cyclones">Climate change and cyclones</h2>



Recent research suggests that climate change could alter the dynamics of cyclone activity, potentially increasing the intensity of these storms even as their overall frequency may decline. This trend is primarily attributed to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming of ocean waters</a>, which provides more energy to fuel cyclones. 



Warmer sea surface temperatures can lead to more moisture in the atmosphere, intensifying the rainfall associated with these storms and amplifying their destructive potential. In addition, higher ocean heat content can result in stronger wind speeds, making cyclones more severe and capable of causing extensive damage to coastal and inland areas.



Furthermore, shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns driven by climate change could influence the regions where cyclones form and make landfall. 



For example, some studies predict that the tropics may see a slight contraction, pushing cyclone activity closer to subtropical regions. This shift could expose new areas to significant storm risks, particularly those less equipped to handle such events.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Tropical Cyclone Sean brings record rainfall to Australia 

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



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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 the European Space Agency features an incredible image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-nebula-observations">Crab Nebula observations </h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Crab Nebula: The remains of a massive star explosion

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

The&nbsp;Ozark National Forest&nbsp;encompasses 1,200,000 acres (4,856&nbsp;km2) primarily in the scenic&nbsp;Ozark Mountains&nbsp;in northern&nbsp;Arkansas. The forest contains the tallest mountain in Arkansas,&nbsp;Mount Magazine, and&nbsp;Blanchard Springs Caverns. The southern section of the forest lies along the&nbsp;Arkansas River&nbsp;Valley south to the&nbsp;Ouachita Mountains.



The forest was created in 1908 by proclamation of President&nbsp;Theodore Roosevelt. The forest is home to over 500 species of trees and woody plants. The forest contains five designated wilderness areas and several&nbsp;Wildlife Management Areas. In addition to the hiking trails, the forest provides trails designated for&nbsp;horseback riding,&nbsp;canoeing,&nbsp;mountain biking, and&nbsp;all-terrain vehicles. The longest horse trail is the Sylamore Trail with a length of 80 miles (130&nbsp;km). This trail passes over rocky bluffs, into deep hollows, and across mountain streams.



The Ozark National Forests offer a variety of camping opportunities. You can pitch a tent, park the RV, pop-up trailer or pick-up truck, or roll out the sleeping bag. Whatever your method of camping, it will be a truly natural experience in the Ozark Mountains. Fees are charged on a number of Ozark-St. Francis recreation sites; however, there are many recreation sites on the forests which do not charge a fee.&nbsp;

Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Most people are left confounded and flummoxed when presented with the most basic concepts of quantum mechanics. That's because they make no sense to any rational mind, so please don't take this statement as any type of slight. 



This is especially true when discussing something called "superposition" - where a particle can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exist in multiple states</a> at the same time until someone actually measures it.



One of the most memorable thought experiments used to explain superposition is through the story of Schrödinger’s cat, which paints a picture of a hypothetical feline that is simultaneously alive and dead inside a box. 



When someone opens the box to observe the cat, the superposition is broken, and the cat definitively becomes one or the other: alive or dead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schrodinger-s-cat-explains-quantum-strangeness">Schrödinger’s cat explains quantum strangeness</h2>



Of course, we never encounter boxes containing real animals in that type of bizarre dual state, yet researchers continually explore and test superpositions of much smaller particles. 



They do this for many reasons, but for the purposes of this research, a team of scientists focused on particle superposition because they believe it holds the secret to error-free <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/google-record-shattering-quantum-ai-chip-accesses-parallel-universes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computing</a>.



Quantum computers display processing <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/highereducation/books/quantum-computation-and-quantum-information/01E10196D0A682A6AEFFEA52D53BE9AE#overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">power</a> that monumentally eclipses anything that modern traditional computers or supercomputers can manage.



<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/andrea-morello" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andrea Morello</a> from the University of New South Wales (<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW</a>) has been at the forefront of turning these quantum properties into a secure and efficient way to store and process information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antimony-as-the-quantum-cat">Antimony as the quantum cat</h2>



<a href="https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=pYmHeC8AAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xi Yu</a>, a researcher in the same UNSW group, describes their latest feat as creating a quantum atomic take on this cat story.



“In our work, the ‘cat’ is an <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/element/Antimony" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atom of antimony</a>,” explains Xi Yu, who was lead author of the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02745-0#Abs1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a>.



Antimony is no ordinary atom. It has a nuclear spin with <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.5.033105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eight possible directions</a>, unlike simpler two-state systems called qubits.



That larger range protects the encoded data from sudden changes that would normally disrupt more fragile qubits.



A typical qubit can flip if anything nudges it, and one flip may turn a zero into a one, foiling any crucial calculation. The antimony approach helps avoid that vulnerability.



“As the proverb goes, a cat has nine lives. One little scratch is not enough to kill it,” says Xi Yu.



Each small error leaves most of the data intact, making it easier to notice and fix any trouble before it gets worse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schrodinger-s-cat-inside-a-silicon-chip">Schrödinger’s cat inside a silicon chip</h2>



<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/danni-holmes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Danielle Holmes</a> at UNSW built a silicon chip that can hold this single antimony atom. It grants full control over the spin state, and it is fashioned with the same material found in typical consumer electronics.



This opens the door for large-scale production methods that already exist. 



The prospect of connecting many atoms on a chip may allow <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/quantum-device" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum devices</a> to be assembled using machinery that has served the regular semiconductor industry for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-error-correction-with-quantum-cats">Error correction with quantum cats</h2>



“A single, or even a few errors, do not immediately scramble the information,” says Morello, a professor at UNSW. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-teleportation-of-logical-qubits-performed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum error correction</a> is a central challenge, since even minute glitches can cascade and ruin complicated tasks. 



By using antimony’s expanded spin space, the design does not topple when faced with a small slip. That extra buffer slows down error accumulation, so there is a higher chance of fixing mistakes in time.



Each quantum bit, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-quantum-computers-just-got-easier-with-new-technique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">qubit</a>, remains stable under minor disturbances that would derail simpler systems. Once a disturbance shows up, the device can often preserve the right values.



This relieves some of the burden from correction algorithms. With fewer surprises to manage, researchers hope these extra-robust qubits will lead to larger, more complex quantum circuits that can solve problems outside the reach of standard computers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-quantum-computing">Next steps in quantum computing</h2>



Scientists plan to refine their tools for spotting and fixing errors the moment they pop up. They aim to push reliability high enough for lengthy <a href="https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/quantum-science-explained/quantum-superposition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computing</a> tasks.



Morello notes that this “Schrödinger’s cat” analogy shows how quantum systems can be both delicate and sturdy. 



By improving this technology, the team hopes to overcome one of the toughest hurdles to a fully fledged quantum computer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Quantum machines could support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/code-breaking-encryption-quantum-computers-takes-big-step-closer-to-becoming-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safer cryptography</a>, simulate large-scale phenomena, and sift through colossal data sets.



Engineers foresee a hybrid model where single-atom components work alongside today’s circuits, taking advantage of industrial processes that are already in place.



Though it may take time to perfect, early results suggest these unusual, cat-like states might boost the resilience of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum hardware</a>, and pave the way for a new era of computing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-quantum-rules">Rewriting quantum rules</h2>



Teams worldwide keep testing different spins and elements, hunting for ways to control errors without overloading hardware resources. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45368-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High-dimensional nuclear spins </a>may be a vital stepping stone in this pursuit.



By letting these spins act like sturdy bits, researchers cut down the complicated fixes usually required. The hope is that robust qudit-based strategies will open the door to leaner and more powerful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> machines.



Experts from UNSW Sydney, the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Melbourne</a>, <a href="https://www.sandia.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandia National Laboratories</a>, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/ames/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Ames</a>, and the <a href="https://ucalgary.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Calgary</a> joined forces for this research. They tackled materials growth, device engineering, and advanced theoretical modeling.



Together, they turned a classic thought experiment into a workable unit that might, someday soon, accelerate quantum technology to the point where we achieve error-free quantum computing at mass scale.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02745-0#Abs1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Physics</a>.



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Claim: Schrödinger's cat used in the real world, results in "holy grail" for quantum computing

Most people are left confounded and flummoxed when presented with...

Money troubles don't just empty wallets - they can shape young minds in ways that echo through generations. New research reveals that children born into financially struggling families tend to show more challenging behaviors throughout their poor childhood years, regardless of where they live.



The findings paint a stark picture of how economic circumstances at birth can cast long shadows over a child's development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-living-in-poverty">Children living in poverty </h2>



Children who <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poverty-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struggle</a> with self-regulation often face difficulties forming friendships, experience poor academic performance, and display reduced cognitive abilities.



Over time, these challenges can contribute to a cycle of disadvantage, leading to high school dropouts, unemployment, and poor financial management.



The study emphasizes that economic status at birth plays a significant role in shaping a child's behavioral development, regardless of the neighborhood in which they grow up.



However, for children from wealthier families, the environment matters more. At age three, children from affluent families who lived in poor neighborhoods displayed similar behavioral challenges as their low-income peers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-status-at-birth">Economic status at birth</h2>



The link between childhood poverty and behavioral problems is well established. But this study goes further, showing that these effects persist throughout childhood and adolescence.



“We know that family socioeconomic status affects children’s development a lot,” said Soobin Kim, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at UGA’s <a href="https://ssw.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Social Work</a>.



“The major takeaway of this paper is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> born into poor families have consistently higher rates of behavior problems throughout their first 15 years of life than children who were born into not poor families. But we also highlight how living in a poor neighborhood can influence kids from wealthier families too.”



For children born into low-income households, behavior problems remain a constant challenge, regardless of where they grow up. But for children from wealthier families, their neighborhood has a significant impact.



When children from high-income families live in poor neighborhoods, they exhibit increased behavioral issues at a young age. However, as they grow older and interact with broader social groups, the influence of their environment diminishes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-poverty-on-children-s-development">Impact of poverty on children's development</h2>



Growing up in poverty does not just affect a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-is-now-the-reality-for-nearly-half-a-billion-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">child’s behavior</a> in the short term. It has long-lasting effects on their educational attainment, mental health, and access to essential resources.



Children from low-income families are less likely to complete school, more likely to experience crime, and often struggle with mental health conditions due to increased stress at home. These disadvantages create additional barriers, making it even harder for them to break free from poverty as adults.



One of the major challenges for children in low-income families is access to quality healthcare and education. Without proper medical care, childhood illnesses can go untreated, which can also affect development.



Limited access to early childhood education means that many children from poor backgrounds start school already behind their peers, and they struggle with literacy, numeracy, and social skills. These initial gaps can widen over time, making it difficult for disadvantaged children to catch up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-families-and-child-development">Poor families and child development</h2>



The effects of poverty do not stop at external resources. They also influence family dynamics and parenting styles. Parents facing financial insecurity often experience high levels of stress, which can affect how they interact with their children. 



When parents worry about paying bills, putting food on the table, or keeping a stable job, they may struggle to provide emotional support and engage in positive parenting.



Parents in financial distress are more likely to adopt stricter, more controlling parenting methods in an attempt to maintain order. While discipline is necessary, overly strict or authoritarian parenting can sometimes backfire. Instead of promoting good behavior, it may lead to increased rebellion and misbehavior in children.



In addition, parents with financial concerns may have less time and energy to participate in their children's education. 



They may work long hours or multiple jobs, leaving little time for school involvement, homework help, or extracurricular activities. This lack of parental engagement can negatively impact children's academic progress and social development.



“When children are very young, children and their families are highly affected by the lack of safety and resources in poor neighborhoods,” said Kim.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-equal-opportunities">Creating equal opportunities</h2>



Addressing disparities in both family income and neighborhood conditions is crucial for ensuring all children have an equal opportunity to succeed. The researchers emphasize that tackling resource shortages at an early age is the key to preventing long-term developmental disadvantages.



Expanding programs like Head Start, a U.S. Department of <a href="https://www.hhs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Health and Human Services</a> initiative that supports early childhood education, could help reduce behavioral differences between children from contrasting economic backgrounds.



By providing access to quality daycare, preschool, and early learning opportunities, these programs equip children with the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-older-children-from-poor-background">Older children from poor background</h2>



For older <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-harming-kids-memory-and-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a>, school social workers play a crucial role in promoting strong peer relationships and creating a sense of belonging. Social workers can provide emotional support, mediate conflicts, and help students navigate the challenges that come with growing up in poverty. 



Schools that invest in mental health support services and after-school programs can also help at-risk children to build positive relationships and develop healthy coping mechanisms.



Anti-poverty initiatives aimed at supporting families need to start early. By addressing developmental and environmental gaps from infancy, society can help children from low-income backgrounds overcome obstacles and achieve better long-term outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-the-cycle-for-future-generations">Breaking the cycle for future generations</h2>



The findings highlight an urgent need to address childhood poverty and its far-reaching consequences.



While children from wealthier families may experience temporary behavioral challenges if they live in disadvantaged neighborhoods, children born into poverty face consistent obstacles throughout their first 15 years of life.



By investing in early intervention programs, supporting struggling families, and creating safer, resource-rich communities, society can help level the playing field. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of the circumstances into which they are born.



Addressing the root causes of childhood poverty is not just about improving individual lives - it is about creating a stronger, more equitable society for future generations.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01488376.2024.2435345" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Social Service Research</a>. 



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Children who were born into poverty struggle to control their emotions

Money troubles don't just empty wallets - they can shape...

A couple of months from now, the world will witness the launch of a satellite that promises to change the way we understand our planet. This isn't just any satellite - it's NISAR, a marvel of scientific innovation that will map our planet in breathtaking detail, all thanks to a special technique.



Designed to provide unparalleled insights into Earth's dynamic processes, NISAR will monitor changes - from the shifting of tectonic plates to the melting of polar ice caps - with remarkable precision.



Its exceptional capabilities will empower scientists and policymakers to better address pressing global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and resource management.



As anticipation builds, the mission stands as a remarkable example of international collaboration, with NASA and ISRO (the Indian Space Research Organization) joining forces to bring this revolutionary technology to life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-promise-of-nisar-s-technology">The promise of NISAR's technology</h2>



Taking its name and function from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sentinel-2c-satellite-delivers-first-breathtaking-images-of-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite</a> will produce a detailed view of Earth's surface. 



The objective? To track the slightest movements on our planet, right down to the scale of an inch (2.5 centimeters).



From the growth of a forest to the motion of glaciers and the flex of Earth's crust - nothing will escape the watchful eye of NISAR.



Unlike conventional radar, SAR steps up its genius by capturing multiple measurements as it hovers above, thereby refining the scene below.



Think of it as looking at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-earth-had-planetary-rings-like-saturn-466-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a> with a super-powered magnifying glass. The beauty of SAR is that it doesn't need massive antennae to function.



NISAR's radar antenna reflector, for instance, is 39 feet wide (around 12 meters) - as long as a city bus. Yet, without SAR, it would have to be a staggering 12 miles in diameter to achieve this level of precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-of-sar">The journey of SAR</h2>



SAR isn't a new technology. In the early 1970s, a team of engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory - including Caltech graduate Charles Elachi - developed SAR to study the surface of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-sends-missy-elliotts-hip-hop-music-to-venus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Venus</a>.



The experts realized the technology's potential to reveal intricate details of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2023-20-reasons-to-cherish-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our planet</a> and made it their mission to harness its power.



"The NISAR mission will open a whole new realm to learn about our planet as a dynamic system," said Elachi. 



The advantage of radar lies in its ability to collect data both day and night, undeterred by clouds, which makes it a perfect tool for studying a distant planet.



The JPL venture led to many successful NASA space shuttle radar missions, with each one refining the use of SAR.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sar-a-high-resolution-solution">SAR: A high-resolution solution</h2>



"It’s a technique to create high-resolution images from a low-resolution system," noted Paul Rosen, NISAR’s project scientist.



SAR works by constantly transmitting microwaves and receiving echoes from Earth's surface. As the satellite moves, these return signals exhibit slight changes in frequency.



This is where the magic happens. Akin to a camera lens focusing light to produce a photograph, SAR’s processing adjusts for these "shifts" to generate a sharp, focused image.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nisar-will-transform-earth-observation">NISAR will transform Earth observation</h2>



Wondering how SAR will revolutionize our understanding of Earth? Imagine a composite of two images that reveals the slightest differences by measuring changes in echo delays - an interferogram.



Picture it as modern art, with each multicolor band signifying the motion of land surfaces. Or envision polarimetry, another SAR technique, which measures the orientation of return waves relative to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-details-on-wow-signal-transmitted-from-deep-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transmitted signals</a>.



It's an insightful tool for identifying an area’s land cover and tracking changes such as deforestation and flooding. This will create exceptional opportunities for researchers across the globe.



"This mission packs in a wide range of science toward a common goal of studying our changing planet and the impacts of natural hazards," said Deepak Putrevu, co-lead of the Space Applications Centre in India.



Developed in partnership with NASA and the <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Space Research Organisation</a>, NISAR is set to take off from India in March 2025.



The mission will provide us with an unprecedented understanding of changes taking place on Earth's solid surfaces, including the Antarctic ice sheet.



The anticipation is building as we get ready to see our planet through SAR vision - revealing, insightful, and awe-inspiring.



Information for this article came from a JPL <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/how-new-nasa-india-earth-satellite-nisar-will-see-earth/">press release</a>.



Image Credit: Credit: ESA/NASA/JPL-Caltech<a href="https://d2pn8kiwq2w21t.cloudfront.net/original_images/2-Aleutians-16.jpg"></a>



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NISAR: The satellite that will change how we see Earth

A couple of months from now, the world will witness...

More than 618,000 Americans will likely die from cancer in 2025 - a toll greater than wiping out two mid-sized California cities. 



Beyond these fatalities, cancer touches nearly half of the country every year. Whether through a personal diagnosis or a loved one’s struggle, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ketogenic-diet-may-help-the-body-kill-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a> has a far-reaching impact that spans generations, communities, and economic classes.



For Jeff Yoshimi, a professor of cognitive science at UC Merced, cancer became personal when his wife, Sandy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease had already spread to her lymph nodes by the time doctors discovered it. 



What followed was a grueling journey of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and endless medications. Sandy’s battle took an emotional toll on Yoshimi, but it also ignited something within him - a determination to contribute to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-of-microrna-may-change-the-fight-against-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fight against cancer</a> in a way that extended beyond his immediate circle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-game-based-learning-and-cancer">Game-based learning and cancer</h2>



One night, while staying with Sandy in the hospital, Yoshimi found himself drifting in and out of sleep. His mind, shaped by years of philosophy, cognitive science, and game-based learning, began piecing together an idea.



He understood cancer as an elusive enemy, constantly mutating and taking on new forms, making it difficult for researchers to keep up.



But what if the fight against cancer didn’t just rest in the hands of scientists and medical professionals? What if millions of minds - gamers, problem solvers, and puzzle enthusiasts - could be harnessed to help in this battle?



At that moment, inspiration struck. Yoshimi left the hospital and walked across the street to an all-night coffee shop. He pulled out his laptop and started typing. That night, a new approach to fighting cancer was born.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-actionable-plan-gaming-cancer">An actionable plan: Gaming cancer</h2>



What Yoshimi envisioned was not just another research study, but a complete rethinking of how people engage with scientific problems.



He knew that video games had the power to captivate, challenge, and inspire players to solve complex problems. What if that power could be redirected toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-activated-molecules-kill-cancer-cells-with-precision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer research</a>?



Over the next eleven years, that initial spark of an idea evolved into a compelling action plan, culminating in the book&nbsp;<a href="https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262550727/gaming-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gaming Cancer</a>, published by MIT Press. 



In it, Yoshimi explores how gamified citizen science, combined with artificial intelligence, can drive significant advances in cancer research. 



The book argues that with the right structure, motivation, and technological framework, gamers could help accelerate discoveries in ways never before imagined.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-mission-fueled-by-loss">A mission fueled by loss</h2>



Yoshimi’s mission was deeply personal. Sandy ultimately survived her battle with breast cancer, but cancer was not done with the family.



Shortly after he began writing the book, Sandy’s sister lost her life to colon cancer. In 2023, her father succumbed to bile duct cancer. These losses reinforced Yoshimi’s conviction that more had to be done.



“Much of this book was written in cancer wards and chemo rooms,” Yoshimi writes in the first chapter - a testament to the deeply personal nature of his work.



The book’s subtitle,&nbsp;How Building and Playing Video Games Can Accelerate Scientific Discovery, lays out its ambitious goal. It is not just about theorizing possibilities but providing a roadmap for turning this vision into reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-video-games-can-help-fight-cancer">Video games can help fight cancer</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-fingerprints-could-be-key-to-early-cancer-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cancer research</a> is one of the most complex scientific fields, requiring immense resources and intellectual firepower. While artificial intelligence and machine learning have made tremendous strides, they still cannot replace the intuitive and creative problem-solving abilities of the human mind. 



Yoshimi argues that by breaking down complex scientific problems into structured game mechanics, citizen scientists - everyday people - could contribute to real breakthroughs in cancer research.



Gamified citizen science is not an entirely new concept. There have already been smaller-scale successes in the field. 



One example is&nbsp;Foldit, a game where players manipulate the structure of proteins. The results from this game have helped researchers better understand how proteins fold, an essential process in cellular biology. Protein misfolding is involved in many diseases, including cancer. 



By turning this challenge into an engaging game,&nbsp;Foldit&nbsp;has enabled citizen scientists to contribute to real scientific advancements.



In 2020, approximately 750,000 people played&nbsp;Foldit, generating valuable insights for researchers. While this number is impressive, Yoshimi envisions something far bigger. 



His goal is not just niche scientific games but blockbuster hits - games on the scale of Baldur’s Gate or Candy Crush, where millions of players worldwide can contribute to cancer research in meaningful ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-cognitive-science-to-gaming-cancer">From cognitive science to gaming cancer</h2>



Yoshimi has long explored how visual tools and interactive learning can help people grasp complex ideas. In 2008, he created&nbsp;Simbrain, a software platform that allows users to build and explore neural networks using simplified visuals. 



He has used it in his courses and research to help students understand neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence.



Yoshimi's experience with game-like simulations and problem-solving tools made him uniquely suited to develop the concept of Gaming Cancer.



During an interview, Yoshimi recalled a childhood memory that helped shape his thinking. One day, while eating at a restaurant with his father, he noticed a young boy bouncing his knee rapidly under the table. 



His father, an engineer, turned to him and said, “I wonder if we could make a little generator, attach it to that knee, and capture all that energy.”



That moment stuck with Yoshimi. It was a reminder that human ingenuity is everywhere - often in unexpected places. People naturally love solving problems. It is an intrinsic part of who we are.



The challenge, Yoshimi argues, is finding ways to channel that untapped intellectual energy toward something as meaningful as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microscopic-discovery-reveals-how-cancer-cells-grow-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer research</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-the-meta-game-for-cancer">Building the meta-game for cancer</h2>



In&nbsp;Gaming Cancer, Yoshimi details what would be required to bring this idea to life. The creation of a large-scale citizen science gaming platform would require a combination of skilled programmers, innovative game designers, visionary leaders, and substantial financial investment. 



The games would need to be engaging, rewarding, and seamlessly linked to real-world research.



At the heart of his vision is Simbody, a proposed game engine capable of simulating biological systems at various scales - from entire organs to microscopic cellular interactions. Players would take on different challenges, solving problems in ways that could provide real insights for scientists.



Yoshimi imagines a full suite of games, which he calls Cancer Wars, covering every genre - from action and adventure to RPGs, first-person shooters, and strategy games.



Each game would tackle a different aspect of the cancer battle, such as identifying patterns in genetic mutations and optimizing treatment strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-human-ingenuity-a-powerful-alliance">AI and human ingenuity: A powerful alliance</h2>



Since Yoshimi first conceived this idea, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> has made significant leaps, particularly with the rise of large language models like ChatGPT. 



Some may wonder why human input is still necessary when AI can process massive amounts of data. Yoshimi believes that the best approach is a partnership between AI and human intelligence.



“We want to have human-AI symbiosis,” he noted. “AI can do raw number crunching and statistical generalization. Humans see the bigger picture, the relevance of one thing to another, the creative insight that a machine finds harder to capture.”



He likens this dynamic to famous sci-fi duos: Captain Picard and Data, Luke Skywalker and C-3PO, Kirk and Spock. AI can handle the brute force calculations, but humans bring intuition, creativity, and context.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-forward-in-the-cancer-fight">Path forward in the cancer fight</h2>



Through&nbsp;Gaming Cancer, Yoshimi presents a roadmap for revolutionizing cancer research. 



While the ultimate goal is to eradicate cancer, he emphasizes that even incremental victories - better detection, improved treatments, and increased public understanding - would be invaluable.



Cancer remains one of humanity’s deadliest adversaries, second only to heart disease in U.S. fatalities. With millions of gamers worldwide, why not mobilize that untapped potential for one of the most important fights of our time?



“It’s worth the effort,” Yoshimi said. “Even if you don’t hit the moon shot, all the intermediate shots are valuable.”



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Video games could accelerate discoveries in cancer research

More than 618,000 Americans will likely die from cancer in...

Solar flares are fierce flashes of plasma erupting from the Sun, releasing jets and loops of charged particles into space - a breathtaking cosmic phenomenon.



But as awe-inspiring as these solar eruptions are, they also carry potential dangers for technology and astronauts in space and to humans on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-flares-and-flickering-loops">Solar flares and flickering loops</h2>



A group of dedicated researchers has made a significant breakthrough in understanding solar flares. The team has been using NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory to observe the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-the-suns-corona-hotter-than-its-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun's corona</a>, or outer atmosphere.



The experts focused their attention on a peculiar phenomenon: loops of light flickering in the Sun's corona. 



According to their observations, these flickering loops seem to serve as a lighted beacon signaling the onset of a massive solar flare.



This discovery holds enormous potential. It could assist NASA, along with other organizations involved in space and technology, to anticipate and protect against the harmful effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coronal-loops-and-solar-flares">Coronal loops and solar flares</h2>



The research was led by Emily Mason, a heliophysicist at <a href="https://www.predsci.com/portal/home.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Predictive Sciences Inc</a>.



The team examined structures known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-covered-with-moss-peculiar-structure-sunspot-groups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal loops</a>, which are arching, shimmering waves of light that jet out from magnetically charged areas of the Sun. It's in these active regions that solar flares find their birthplace.



The researchers analyzed coronal loops in close proximity to 50 strong solar flares. They observed the fluctuation in brightness of these loops in the hours leading up to the flare, and compared them to loops above areas of the Sun where no flares occurred.



The findings were intriguing: the loops above flare-active regions showed significantly more variations, serving as a kind of cosmic warning system.



"We found that some of the extreme ultraviolet light above active regions flickers erratically for a few hours before a solar flare. The results are really important for understanding flares and may improve our ability to predict dangerous space weather,” said Mason.



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



Solar flares are powerful explosions on the Sun’s surface that release immense amounts of energy, primarily in the form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-can-comets-tell-us-about-solar-activity-and-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-rays and ultraviolet radiation</a>.



These powerful eruptions appear in active areas around sunspots, where the Sun’s magnetic fields gets twisted and tangled. 



When these magnetic fields suddenly snap back into place, through a process called magnetic reconnection, they shoot out particles at nearly the speed of light and blast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-sparks-the-discovery-of-a-new-electromagnetic-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic radiation</a> into space.



The high-energy particles and radiation from a flare can mess with our planet’s magnetosphere, causing problems for satellites, GPS signals, and even power grids. 



Plus, solar flares often come hand-in-hand with coronal mass ejections (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-issues-severe-geomagnetic-storm-watch-first-time-since-2005/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMEs</a>), which are huge bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields that can trigger geomagnetic storms.



But it’s not all bad news - solar flares also play a key role in creating those stunning auroras we love to watch, like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kinetx-rocket-experiment-how-are-auroras-made-closer-look-at-northern-lights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Lights</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-previous-research">Building on previous research</h2>



The experts noted that more research is needed to strengthen the correlation, especially concerning stronger flares from the Sun where the flickering seems to peak earlier.



Various other groups of scientists have turned to different methods to predict solar flares, such as studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-dynamo-sun-magnetic-field-origin-generated-near-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields on the Sun</a> or searching for consistent patterns in other coronal loop features. 



However, Mason and her colleagues propose that monitoring the brightness variations in coronal loops might offer a more accurate warning, as they predict incoming flares 2 to 6 hours in advance with a 60 to 80 percent accuracy rate.



“A lot of the predictive schemes that have been developed are still predicting the likelihood of flares in a given time period and not necessarily exact timing," explained Seth Garland, a team member from the <a href="https://www.afit.edu/ABOUT/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Air Force Institute of Technology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-towards-a-safer-space">Towards a safer space</h2>



The researchers believe their observations about coronal loops could significantly boost safety measures in space and on Earth, as they could protect astronauts, spacecraft, electrical grids, and other assets from harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientist-sun-umbrella-tethered-to-an-asteroid-will-mitigate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar radiation</a>.



An automated system could potentially monitor real-time images of coronal loop brightness shifts from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, thus enabling scientists to issue timely alerts.



“We could build on this and come up with a well-tested and, ideally, simpler indicator ready for the leap from research to operations," said Vadim Uritsky, an expert in space physics at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GSFC</a>) and <a href="https://www.catholic.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catholic University</a> in Washington D.C.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flickering-loops-on-the-sun">Flickering loops on the Sun</h2>



The discovery of flickering coronal loops as a precursor to solar flares opens up transformative possibilities in both research and technology. 



By incorporating these findings into predictive algorithms, researchers hope to see the development of automated systems capable of monitoring solar activity in real-time.



Such systems could alert satellite operators and power grid managers to potential disruptions, minimizing economic losses and enhancing global preparedness.



Moreover, this breakthrough has implications for deep space exploration. As human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond become more ambitious, the ability to predict solar flares with precision could be a vital tool for astronaut safety. 



Protective measures, such as temporary shielding or adjustments to mission schedules, could be implemented based on timely warnings, which would ensure that missions proceed with minimal risk.



Ultimately, this research could serve as a foundation for the integration of solar weather data into everyday life, influencing decisions ranging from airline route planning to GPS optimization.



The team presented their findings at the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society. The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad94dd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



Image Credit: NASA/Solar Dynamics Observatory



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Warning lights: Flickering "loops" appear on the Sun before it erupts

Solar flares are fierce flashes of plasma erupting from the...

Woman,With,Sun,Protection,Cream,On,Her,Shoulder,In,The

Sunburn is painful skin damage that we've all experienced after spending a bit too much time outdoors without protection from UV rays. 



Whether it's from a lazy beach day or an exhilarating hike, the aftermath tells a singular tale - crimson skin and a nagging sting.



We've long believed that stepping out into the sun requires ample sunscreen slathering, shade-seeking, and hat-wearing, especially between the peak hours of 12 noon and 3 p.m.



However, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> and <a href="https://www.ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanyang Technological University</a> (NTU Singapore) have made surprising new strides in our understanding of sunburn.



As it turns out, the DNA damage we've always associated with sunburn might not be the complete story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-rna-and-sunburn-damage">DNA, RNA, and sunburn damage</h2>



When it comes to sunburn, the prevailing wisdom suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> damage triggers inflammation and subsequent cell death.



However, this recent research suggests that the real offender might be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA</a>, not DNA. 



"Sunburn damages the DNA, leading to cell death and inflammation. So the textbooks say," stated assistant professor Anna Constance Vind from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the <a href="https://researchprofiles.ku.dk/en/organisations/institut-for-cellul%C3%A6r-og-molekyl%C3%A6r-medicin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>. 



"But in this study we were surprised to learn that this is a result of damage to the RNA, not the DNA that causes the acute effects of sunburn." 



But what's the difference between DNA and RNA? While they share similarities, the two aren't interchangeable. 



DNA is a more consistent molecule, whereas RNA is more transitory. 



A particular type of RNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), carries information from DNA to create proteins - the fundamental building blocks of cells.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA, or ribonucleic acid</a>, is like the cell’s versatile messenger, playing several key roles in keeping our bodies running smoothly. 



Unlike DNA, which holds the long-term genetic blueprint, RNA is more dynamic and can move around the cell to help build proteins.



RNA essentially acts as the bridge between our genetic code and the actual production of the proteins that do all the work in our cells.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-fix-faulty-genes-before-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mRNA</a>, or messenger RNA, is a special type of RNA that has gained a lot of attention, especially with the development of mRNA vaccines. 



mRNA carries the instructions from DNA out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, where proteins are made. 



Think of mRNA as a temporary copy of a specific gene that tells the cell exactly which protein to produce and when. This makes mRNA incredibly important for everything from growth and repair to responding to infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mrna-and-ultraviolet-rays">mRNA and ultraviolet rays</h2>



The importance of mRNA in our body's response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-skin-become-leathery-after-too-much-uv-light-from-sun-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UV radiation</a> can't be understated. 



"DNA damage is serious as the mutations will get passed down to progenies of the cells, RNA damage happens all the time and does not cause permanent mutations," Vind explained. 



"Therefore, we used to believe that the RNA is less important, as long as the DNA is intact. But in fact, damages to the RNA are the first to trigger a response to UV radiation."



Investigating more deeply into the matter was no small task.



The researchers embarked on a study involving both mice and human skin cells to better understand the consequences of UV radiation on the skin. They discovered a consistent response in both species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zak-alpha-and-sunburn-damage">ZAK-alpha and sunburn damage</h2>



RNA damage activates a response in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-cellular-mortality-timer-that-dictates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ribosomes</a> (protein complexes that interpret the mRNA to assemble proteins).



This process is managed by a protein known as ZAK-alpha, which triggers what is referred to as the "ribotoxic stress response."



Think of it like a vigilant watchman, always on the lookout for RNA damage. When it detects any, it won't hesitate to call for backup.



"We found that the first thing the cells respond to after being exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-sunbathing-help-you-lose-weight-uv-radiation-triggers-fat-burning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UV radiation</a> is damage to the RNA, and that this is what triggers cell death and inflammation of the skin," explained Professor Simon Bekker-Jensen, who was also from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.



In mice exposed to UV radiation we found responses such as inflammation and cell death, but when we removed the ZAK gene, these responses disappeared, which means that ZAK plays a key role in the skin's response to UV-induced damage.



"So you could say that everything depends on this one response, which monitors all protein translations occurring,” Bekker-Jensen elaborated.



“The cells respond to the RNA damage, realizing that something is wrong, and this is what leads to&nbsp;cell death.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradigm-shift">Paradigm shift</h2>



The study's findings question our long-held beliefs about sunburn and how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skins-secret-strength-shields-against-puncture-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a> safeguards itself. 



It suggests that RNA damage sparks a quicker, more efficient response, which safeguards the skin from additional harm.



"The fact that the DNA does not control the skin's initial response to UV radiation, but that something else does and that it does so more effectively and more quickly, is quite the paradigm shift," reflected Vind.



Knowing how our skin reacts to UV damage at a cellular level could potentially transform prevention and treatment approaches to sunburn and other inflammatory skin conditions.



"Many inflammatory skin diseases are worsened by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-parents-are-not-using-sunscreen-properly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun exposure</a>. Thus, understanding how our skin responds at the cellular level to UV damage opens the door to innovative treatments for certain chronic skin conditions," explained Dr. Franklin Zhong, Nanyang assistant professor at NTU's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and a co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-the-textbooks">Rewriting the textbooks</h2>



In closing, it seems now is the time to revise our textbooks and rethink how we perceive the effects of UV radiation on our skin. 



"This new knowledge turns things upside down. I think most people associate sunburn with DNA damage; it is established knowledge," Professor Simon Bekker-Jensen concluded. 



"But now we need to rewrite the textbooks, and it will affect future research on the effects of UV radiation on the skin."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1097276524008840" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Cell</a>.



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Main cause of sunburn is finally identified, and it's time to rewrite the textbooks

Sunburn is painful skin damage that we've all experienced after...

Record ocean heat has taken a devastating toll on one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, with coral bleaching on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef reaching “catastrophic” levels, a new study has found.&nbsp;



More than 50% of affected corals monitored near an island in the reef’s south were killed last year during the most severe and widespread bleaching to ever hit the area, according to a team of Australian scientists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-leading-to-coral-bleaching">Factors leading to coral bleaching</h2>



In 2024, the reef experienced its worst summer on record. Soaring ocean temperatures shattered previous highs, causing the reef’s seventh mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> event.&nbsp;



Corals are bleached white when marine heat waves put corals under stress, causing them to expel algae from their tissue, draining their color. This damaging process ultimately weakens the corals, leaving them vulnerable to disease and potential death.



The underlying cause is the ongoing combustion of planet-heating fossil fuels, which is driving global temperatures upward.&nbsp;



Coral damage was further accelerated last year by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> weather pattern, known for raising ocean temperatures in this region. As a result, reef areas that had never endured such intense heat came under severe strain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-coral-mortality-and-disease">Extensive coral mortality and disease</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> tracked 462 coral colonies at One Tree Island over five months, beginning in early February when the heat wave was at its peak.&nbsp;



By May, 370 of these colonies had bleached; by July, more than half of the bleached corals were gone. Some coral species suffered mortality rates of up to 95%, with researchers observing “colony collapse,” a phenomenon in which the coral skeleton detaches from the reef and disintegrates.



The Goniopora species encountered additional damage, contracting black band disease that invades the corals’ tissues and often proves fatal.



“Our findings underscore the urgent need for action to protect coral reefs, which are not only biodiversity hotspots but also crucial for food security and coastal protection,” said lead author Maria Byrne from the University of Sydney’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences.



Byrne noted that the region studied is in a remote, protected area of the reef, far from tourist and industrial influences. However, the reef, “despite its protected status, was not immune to the extreme heat stress that triggered this catastrophic bleaching event,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-barrier-reef-under-threat">Great Barrier Reef under threat</h2>



Spanning nearly 133,000 square miles (345,000 square kilometers), the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, hosting over 1,500 species of fish and more than 400 types of hard corals. Its significant contribution to Australia’s economy, mainly through tourism, underscores its global importance and the urgency of protective measures.



Nevertheless, recent bleaching episodes illustrate a troubling trend of more frequent and intense heat waves, making it increasingly difficult for corals to recover. 



The study’s authors warn that mass bleaching has become “a biennial event,” which “reinforces the need for urgent global action now to adhere to ambitious climate and reduced emissions targets.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-spreads-to-previously-unaffected-areas">Impact spreads to previously unaffected areas</h2>



The latest bleaching event also hit parts of the reef previously spared from mass bleaching, indicating that the crisis is extending into new territories. Even coral species once deemed resilient have exhibited signs of disease and elevated mortality rates.



“Seeing the impacts on a reef that has largely avoided mass bleaching until now is devastating,” said marine scientist and co-author Shawna Foo. “The high rates of mortality and disease, particularly in such a remote and pristine area, highlight the severity of the situation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-climate-emergency-for-coral-reefs">A climate emergency for coral reefs</h2>



Severe bleaching events have occurred on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a> in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022. The 2022 episode was particularly concerning, as it coincided with a La Niña event - El Niño’s cooler counterpart - raising further doubts about the reef’s resilience to future climate extremes.



The new findings underscore the fragile condition of the reef and the urgent necessity to curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-carbon-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel emissions</a> that contribute to global warming.&nbsp;



With bleaching now seemingly inevitable in many locations, the survival of coral reefs hinges on global efforts to limit temperature rises, offering hope that the reef’s vibrant ecosystems can still be preserved for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lol2.10456" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Limnology and Oceanography Letters</a>.



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Coral bleaching has reached 'catastrophic' levels on the Great Barrier Reef

Record ocean heat has taken a devastating toll on one...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Olympic National Park&nbsp;is a United States&nbsp;national park&nbsp;located in the&nbsp;State of Washington, on the&nbsp;Olympic Peninsula.&nbsp;The park has four regions: the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;coastline, alpine areas, the west-side&nbsp;temperate rainforest, and the forests of the drier east side.&nbsp;Within the park there are three distinct&nbsp;ecosystems, including subalpine forest and wildflower meadow, temperate forest, and the rugged Pacific coast.



Olympic offers reserved camping, walk up camping, and wilderness camping permits are required for all overnight stays in the Olympic National Park wilderness (backcountry) year-round.