Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy NGC 2090, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Columba.



NGC 2090 is a stunning spiral galaxy that is notable for its well-defined structure, featuring a bright central core surrounded by tightly wound spiral arms.&nbsp;



These arms are filled with young, hot stars and interstellar gas, indicating active star formation.&nbsp;



Captured by the Webb Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam instruments, the image reveals the galaxy's winding spiral arms and the swirling gas and dust of its disc in magnificent and unique detail, noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-ngc-2090">Observations of NGC 2090</h2>



The galaxy’s spiral pattern is relatively symmetrical, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers interested in galactic evolution and dynamics.&nbsp;



Observations of NGC 2090, including those conducted by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-helps-solve-the-mystery-of-a-young-eruptive-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope, have provided valuable insights into the properties of its stellar populations, gas content, and the nature of its spiral structure.



“NGC 2090 was one of many galaxies studied by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to refine the measurement of the Universe’s expansion rate, or ‘Hubble constant,’” said ESA.&nbsp;



“This can be done by observing a special type of variable stars named ‘Cepheids’ in relatively nearby galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-ngc-2090">New insights into NGC 2090</h2>



A Cepheid-based measurement from 1998 indicated that NGC 2090 is 37 million light-years away from Earth. However, the latest measurements suggest that the galaxy is 40 million light-years away.



“Already before that Hubble project in 1998, NGC 2090 had been well studied as a very prominent nearby example of star formation,” noted ESA.&nbsp;



“Described as a ‘flocculent’ spiral, this galaxy has a patchy, dusty disc and arms that are flaky or not visible at all. We can see those patterns well in Hubble's visible-light images. However, Webb’s NIRCam near-infrared data reveal the spiral arms with remarkable clarity.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-spiral-galaxies">What are 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 among the most common and visually striking types of galaxies in the universe.&nbsp;



They are characterized by their flat, disk-like shape with a bright central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-arms-and-central-bulge-nbsp">Spiral arms and central bulge&nbsp;</h3>



The arms of a spiral galaxy are regions where stars, gas, and dust are concentrated, often glowing brightly with the light of young, hot stars that form within them.&nbsp;



The central bulge typically contains older stars and can host a supermassive black hole at its core.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Types of spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on how tightly their arms are wound and the size of their central bulge, ranging from tightly wound "Sa" galaxies to loosely wound "Sc" types.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-nbsp">Star formation&nbsp;</h3>



The structure of spiral galaxies is maintained by the interplay of gravity and angular momentum, with a rotating disk of stars and gas giving rise to their iconic shape.&nbsp;



They are active sites of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> due to the abundance of gas in their arms.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies often have a halo of older stars and globular clusters surrounding their disks, which provides clues about their formation and evolution.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxy">Barred spiral galaxy</h3>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, the galaxy that contains our Solar System, is a prime example of a barred spiral galaxy, a subtype where a bar-shaped structure of stars extends from the central bulge.&nbsp;



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



Columba is a small and relatively faint constellation in the southern sky, whose name means "dove" in Latin. It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius and first appeared in a celestial atlas by Johann Bayer in 1603.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> is said to represent the dove sent out by Noah during the biblical flood, tying it to themes of hope and peace.



Columba lies near the larger constellation Canis Major and is bordered by others such as Lepus and Puppis.&nbsp;



Although it lacks particularly bright stars, its most notable star, Alpha Columbae (also called Phact), shines at a magnitude of approximately 2.6 and is a hot blue-white star. Beta Columbae, another prominent star in the constellation, is a slightly cooler, yellow-white star.



The constellation is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere during the summer months, though it can also be seen from lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

Webb unveils spiral galaxy NGC 2090 in magnificent detail

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy NGC 2090, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Columba. NGC 2090 is a stunning spiral galaxy that is notable for its well-defined structure, featuring a bright central core surrounded by tightly wound spiral arms.&nbsp; These arms are filled with young, hot stars and interstellar gas, indicating active star formation.&nbsp; Captured by the Webb Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam instruments, the image reveals the galaxy's winding spiral arms and the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

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

Brad gasped. He focused the video feed, zooming in on what he was seeing. Kelly reached out for Jeremy, hugging him as Brad wrapped himself around them. A squirrel was tapping the porch. “Lily?” Jeremy asked, and Kelly nodded. The squirrel was grown, its coat more detailed. The family was about to race to let Lily in when the squirrel did the unexpected.

A Miracle

Brad gasped. He focused the video feed, zooming in on...

Lily climbed up the rafter and disappeared. “Change cameras,” Jeremy almost barked. Brad switched the computer’s view to one of the cameras looking at the house. “There,” Jeremy pointed, Lily was on the roof. She climbed into a small divide between tiles. “Attic?” Kelly suggested, and they all raced upstairs. Their jaws dropped at what they found.

A Smart Creature

Lily climbed up the rafter and disappeared. “Change cameras,” Jeremy...

Lily was lying in her old cuddler. She nestled three kittens between her legs, peacefully feeding them. Kelly broke into happy tears. “This is amazing,” she said. Brad and Jeremy did not speak. Kelly reached out for them, and they held each other as they watched. Jeremy sneaked away, returning a minute later with Lily’s old blanket. “We are a family again, mom,” he smiled.

New Family Members

Lily was lying in her old cuddler. She nestled three...

The Shoemakers bought Lily a new cuddler, one big enough to fit Jossie, Alen, and Cliff, her kids. Brad also cleaned up the attic and made it more friendly to the animals. They discovered that each of the nights they’d heard a knock on their porch, it was Lily. She had been living in their attic all this time. For Kelly, it was amazing watching the baby she raised raise her own babies. But that’s not all Lily did.

We Are The Shoemakers

The Shoemakers bought Lily a new cuddler, one big enough...

The way Lily came back to her rescuers again and again took the internet by storm and changed people’s perceptions of squirrels. The Shoemakers’s story went insanely viral and captured the hearts of millions around the world. Now, Lily has a large online following – people even come to the Shoemaker’s house to meet her.

One Special Squirrel

The way Lily came back to her rescuers again and...

While it’s easy to think of squirrels as bushy-tailed vermin akin to rats, Lily has proven that they are smart creatures capable of love, compassion, and dedication. In fact, Lily acts more like a house pet than a wild animal and is clearly grateful for the help she received from a pair of humans. She has an important message for the world.

Something More

While it’s easy to think of squirrels as bushy-tailed vermin...

In England, the red squirrel is considered a threatened species. Their populations are declining due to invasive grey squirrels, diseases, road traffic accidents, predators, and loss of habitat. But humans and their pets are also a huge threat. Unfortunately, squirrels are often caught in rat traps or attacked by dogs and cats. And they have a bad rap.

The Plight Of The Red Squirrel

In England, the red squirrel is considered a threatened species....

While squirrels are usually seen as disease-carrying “pests” and “nuisances” who raid bird feeders, chew through wood and wiring, and dart in front of cars, these “pests” actually have a lot to offer. According to a prominent University of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floridas-horse-conch-is-closer-to-extinction-than-expected/">Florida</a> researcher and ecologist, they are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem.

A Lot To Offer

While squirrels are usually seen as disease-carrying “pests” and “nuisances”...

Archaeologists working on a busy route in <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Cambridgeshire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridgeshire</a> have come across a stone coffin dating back more than a thousand years. This massive artifact was featured on BBC’s "Digging for Britain." 



The show aired January 7th on BBC2, and many people were eager to learn more about this unusual discovery in the middle of a routine road-widening project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-history-in-plain-sight">Unearthing history in plain sight</h2>



An excavation team found the coffin, which weighs about 1,650 lbs (750 kg), during road improvements on the A47 in Cambridgeshire.&nbsp;



The site sits along what was once an important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-ancient-rome-smelled-like-patchouli/">Roman</a> route that linked significant centers. This stone burial piece had remained untouched for centuries, and offers a glimpse of how people were buried in the later stages of Roman Britain.



<a href="https://headlandarchaeology.com/about-us/key-people/people/david-harrison/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Harrison</a> from Headland Archaeology said it was “a fascinating find.” Headland Archaeology is one of the organizations working closely with National Highways to identify and protect historic evidence when new roads are built.&nbsp;



The discovery has raised excitement among experts, who see this as one more clue about day-to-day life and traditions during the Roman period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-heritage-through-teamwork">Protecting heritage through teamwork</h2>



Construction teams collaborated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archaeologists-uncover-5000-year-old-royal-tomb-that-is-18-feet-long/">archaeologists</a> for seven months, and enlisted help from 52 specialists and 20 civil engineers at 14 spots along this portion of the A47.&nbsp;



The large-scale effort also involved experts from the <a href="https://www.mola.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of London Archaeology</a> (MOLA), <a href="https://yorkarchaeology.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York Archaeology</a>, <a href="https://heritage360.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heritage 360</a>, and <a href="https://clivedenconservation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clivedon Conservation</a>. Each group contributed specific skills to ensure the safe handling and thorough documentation of sensitive artifacts.



Chris Griffin, who directs the National Highways program in the east region, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-63546293" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explained</a> that their primary goal is improving travel, yet occasional surprises come with the job.&nbsp;



“While our main focus has been on building a road to improve journeys for road users, it’s been extremely satisfying to play a part in uncovering such an unusual archaeological find,” he remarked.&nbsp;



His organization has a system in place to record, safeguard, and eventually share heritage items with local communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blending-modern-roads-with-ancient-stories">Blending modern roads with ancient stories</h2>



The route in Cambridgeshire was once a vital track for travelers, traders, and soldiers moving across the area under Roman rule. Historians note that coffins carved from stone were relatively rare in that period, suggesting this burial may have been intended for someone of status.&nbsp;



The process of carefully extracting the coffin required an engineering strategy to preserve the carving and any objects that might remain inside.



Archaeologists believe the coffin’s placement near a Roman cemetery speaks to established community practices in the region. There were social customs around grave goods, coffin materials, and site layouts that varied between urban and rural areas.&nbsp;



This find hints that the settlement along the A47 held importance, possibly due to its connection with travel routes that branched out across Roman Britain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-local-interest-and-education">Supporting local interest and education</h2>



National Highways works with professional teams to protect remarkable items that surface during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adding-coffee-grounds-during-the-construction-process-could-reinforce-buildings/">construction</a>.&nbsp;



“Archaeology belongs to the communities we serve and by working alongside Headland Archaeology, we are delighted to be able to conserve and protect this incredible find for future generations,” said Griffin.



The approach benefits regional museums and universities that rely on new information to broaden what we know about ancient societies.



“Its careful excavation and recording, both in the field and the laboratory, [that] allows us to continue to learn how our Roman ancestors lived and died,”&nbsp;David Harrison <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014hl0d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">added</a> 



Specialists at MOLA and other heritage institutions will analyze fragments and items from the site to understand construction methods, potential funerary offerings, and any remains that might shed light on health conditions of that era.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-standing-out-among-roman-finds">Standing out among Roman finds</h2>



Researchers say that an intact coffin of this size stands apart from other burials in the region. Scholars of Roman Britain point out that many cemeteries from the third and fourth centuries lacked elaborate markers, so stone coffins offer rare physical proof of local customs.&nbsp;



In some places, wooden coffins or simpler internments were more common. Stone burials sometimes contained personal belongings or other grave goods, giving scholars a deeper understanding of how people valued life and memory.



Even as road construction picks back up, workers remain alert for more relics. In addition to this coffin, National Highways has encountered smaller artifacts in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Essex. 



Each piece enriches the story of past eras and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-beyond-wealth-some-communities-find-joy-in-simplicity/">local communities</a>. Many of these highlights will be presented in upcoming instalments of BBC’s Digging for Britain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-steps-for-public-engagement">Future steps for public engagement</h2>



The new season, now in its 12th series, continues to captivate viewers across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sequoias-are-thriving-in-the-uk-landscape/">U.K</a>. Historians and archaeologists appear on the show to discuss their on-site work and the significance behind every bronze brooch, tile fragment, or carved coffin. Roadside discoveries highlight how the past can sit just inches beneath modern infrastructure.



Many in the community are looking forward to seeing what else emerges. As the A47 upgrade continues, archaeologists will monitor any areas that seem likely to contain more finds.&nbsp;



Specialists plan to document every clue, from tiny bits of pottery to larger stone structures, helping ensure these materials can be studied now and appreciated by future generations.



-----



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



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



-----

Archaeologists have unearthed a stone coffin  hidden underground for 1,500 years

Archaeologists working on a busy route in Cambridgeshire have come...

A team of researchers have recently witnessed behavior in the wild that could offer critical clues about how the endangered whale shark reproduces.&nbsp;



This surprising discovery, made by a research team off northwestern Australia, could be pivotal for the species’ conservation.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale sharks</a>, recognized as the world’s largest fish, have long posed a challenge for scientists who strive to understand the details of their life cycles - particularly their mating rituals.&nbsp;



Given that whale sharks are currently listed as endangered, every insight into their reproductive strategies is essential for crafting effective measures to protect them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collecting-data-on-whale-shark-behavior">Collecting data on whale shark behavior </h2>



At Ningaloo Reef, a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a> on the northwestern coast of Western Australia, annual expeditions have taken place each May from 2009 to 2024. This specific timeframe captures the peak period when whale sharks migrate to the region and aggregate in considerable numbers.&nbsp;



Scientists have used these field seasons to observe and collect data on the behaviors of whale sharks, hoping to uncover patterns that would illuminate everything from feeding habits to potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fascinating-mating-behaviors-of-leopard-seals-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mating rituals</a>.



During the 2024 expedition, a research team documented a mature male whale shark engaging in what appeared to be following and biting behaviors toward a smaller female shark.&nbsp;



Although it remains unclear if this encounter culminated in mating, the new observations provide a rare glimpse into the courtship interactions of these elusive giants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-hand-accounts-of-unusual-behavior">First-hand accounts of unusual behavior</h2>



“Following and biting are common copulation behaviours in other species within the subclass of cartilaginous fish that the whale shark belongs to,” explained PhD candidate Christine Barry, a member of <a href="https://www.murdoch.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Murdoch University</a>’s Harry Butler Institute and the <a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Institute of Marine Science</a>.&nbsp;



Barry and her colleagues noted that these behaviors have been observed in several other cartilaginous fish, including various shark species. Such actions typically denote an attempt by the male to stabilize or secure the female’s position during mating.



“This is also consistent with previous reports by fishers recounting behaviours they’d observed out on the water of sexually mature males towards females at different aggregation sites,” Barry added.&nbsp;



These anecdotes, now supported by direct evidence, add weight to the idea that whale sharks’ mating rituals may mirror those of other large sharks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-mating-clues">Piecing together mating clues</h2>



The research team, led by Barry alongside Dr. Mark Meekan of the University of Western Australia, published their conclusions in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1507072/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.&nbsp;



According to Barry, it is unlikely that the encounter during this expedition resulted in a successful mating event. Nonetheless, the instance of following and biting strongly suggests that whale shark mating behavior follows a pattern akin to many other shark species.



By placing these newly documented behaviors in the broader context of whale shark biology, scientists can form hypotheses regarding the mating process of the species.&nbsp;



Additionally, the research group underscores that knowledge of how whale sharks court and reproduce can significantly boost conservation efforts, particularly as populations remain vulnerable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoidance-behavior-by-female-whale-sharks">Avoidance behavior by female whale sharks </h2>



Whale sharks, which can grow up to 12 meters or more in length, have a global distribution in warm temperate and tropical waters. Despite their widespread presence, many aggregation sites show an overwhelming number of males.&nbsp;



“At Ningaloo Reef, and many aggregation sites around the world, males outnumber females with a ratio of one female to three males,” Barry said. The reasons behind this imbalance have puzzled scientists for years.



“This could explain why female whale sharks may be avoiding aggregation sites. Particularly for juvenile female sharks, the energetic costs of unwanted attention from males could imply a reason for strong male biases,” Barry added.&nbsp;



Female whale sharks, particularly younger ones, might seek refuge in areas with fewer adult males to steer clear of the stress and energy demands associated with repeated courtship attempts.&nbsp;



This avoidance behavior could be a crucial factor influencing whale shark population structures at various aggregation points.



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



One pressing question is what these findings mean for managing whale shark populations worldwide. As an endangered species, whale sharks already face numerous challenges, including interactions with fisheries, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/basking-sharks-are-exceptionally-vulnerable-to-ship-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vessel strikes</a>, and habitat degradation.&nbsp;



Understanding their mating behavior, including how males and females interact at aggregation sites, can aid biologists and policymakers in deciding how to protect critical habitats - such as identifying areas where females can avoid male-dominated gatherings.



The annual expeditions at Ningaloo Reef also serve as a model for studying whale sharks in their natural environment without relying on anecdotal sightings.&nbsp;



By systematically gathering data and applying scientific methods, researchers can more accurately identify patterns and track changes in whale shark behavior over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuation-of-whale-shark-research">Continuation of whale shark research</h2>



This new information about potential mating interactions is just the latest in a series of findings by Christine Barry, Dr. Meekan, and other scientists at Murdoch University’s School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences and partner institutions.&nbsp;



Their previous studies have covered topics ranging from the impact of tourism on whale shark well-being to prey dynamics in waters frequented by these fish.



Moving forward, the researchers intend to broaden their focus to include additional observational and genetic studies, in hopes of confirming how often such pre-mating behaviors occur and what leads to successful reproduction.&nbsp;



In this way, the data gleaned at Ningaloo Reef and other aggregation sites may help scientists develop clearer conservation strategies tailored to the unique reproductive needs of whale sharks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-the-largest-fish-in-the-sea">Saving the largest fish in the sea</h2>



The newly documented behaviors at Ningaloo Reef represent a pivotal step in unraveling one of the great mysteries of marine biology: how whale sharks reproduce.&nbsp;



While much remains to be learned about courtship and mating in these gentle ocean giants, the direct observations of following and biting offer valuable context for a species that has long eluded scientific understanding.



With further research, scientists hope to clarify whether female whale sharks avoid highly male-dominated sites as a means to reduce the stress and energy costs of unwanted attention.&nbsp;



Such knowledge could shape guidelines for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine protected areas</a> and responsible ecotourism that minimize disturbances to whale shark breeding practices.&nbsp;



Ultimately, uncovering the nuances of whale shark mating is a vital piece of the puzzle in ensuring the survival of these endangered animals for generations to come.



-----



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



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



-----

Whale shark mating behaviors observed for the first time in the wild

A team of researchers have recently witnessed behavior in the...

A recent study reveals that Americans who are 55 years of age and older now face an estimated 42% lifetime risk of developing dementia, surpassing older estimates by more than double.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-dementia-scientists-say-three-factors-matter-most/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dementia</a>, which involves progressive declines in memory, concentration, and judgment, is expected to result in roughly 500,000 new cases in 2025, a figure set to climb to one million cases a year by 2060.&nbsp;



Researchers explain that this rise is closely linked to the aging U.S. population, along with additional risk factors such as genetic predisposition, high rates of hypertension and diabetes, obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and mental health challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-previous-estimates-were-lower">Why previous estimates were lower</h2>



Researchers attribute prior underestimations to inconsistent documentation of dementia in health records and death certificates, inadequate monitoring of early-stage cases, and the underreporting of cases among racial minorities, who are disproportionately affected by the condition.



The findings stem from a large collaborative study funded by the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health,</a> conducted by <a href="https://nyulangone.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Langone Health</a>, with contributions from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> and other institutions.&nbsp;



The research utilized data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS), which has been tracking the vascular and cognitive health of nearly 16,000 participants since 1987. ARIC-NCS is noted for being the longest research effort focusing on cognition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-environments-and-sidewalks-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a> in African-Americans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-and-racial-disparities">Gender and racial disparities</h2>



The study’s findings, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03340-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>, detail 3,252 dementia diagnoses among participants from 1987 to 2020, translating to a lifetime risk of 42% for middle-aged Americans. 



The results indicate that men face a 35% risk, whereas women face a 48% risk - a difference primarily due to women’s longer average life expectancy. 



The research also pinpoints higher dementia susceptibility among Black adults and among carriers of a particular APOE4 gene variant, recognized as a chief genetic risk factor for late-onset <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-a-brain-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>.



"The relative growth in new dementia cases was especially pronounced for Black adults. These results highlight the urgent need for policies that enhance healthy aging, with a focus on health equity," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-rise-in-dementia-risk">Dramatic rise in dementia risk</h2>



“Our study results forecast a dramatic rise in the burden from dementia in the United States over the coming decades, with one in two Americans expected to experience cognitive difficulties after age 55,” said Josef Coresh, who served as senior investigator on the research and is the founding director of the <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/optimal-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Optimal Aging Institute</a> at NYU Langone.&nbsp;



Coresh noted that the increase in cases is partly tied to brain function decline starting in middle age, a growing number of Americans over 65, and longer average lifespans among women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-concerns-linked-to-dementia-risk">Health concerns linked to dementia risk </h2>



The study also reveals that the lifetime risk of dementia surpasses 50% for those reaching age 75. However, previous findings suggest that strategies for preventing heart disease - such as blood pressure control and diabetes prevention - could similarly help reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a>.



“The pending population boom in dementia cases poses significant challenges for health policymakers, in particular, who must refocus their efforts on strategies to minimize the severity of dementia cases, as well as plans to provide more health care services for those with dementia,” Coresh said.



Hearing loss is another critical concern tied to dementia risk, yet only about a third of older Americans experiencing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hearing-loss-linked-to-a-greater-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hearing loss</a> use hearing aids. Coresh advocates greater monitoring, expanded testing, and more affordable hearing aids to alleviate this issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-racial-disparities-and-broader-recommendations">Racial disparities and broader recommendations</h2>



According to Coresh, far more resources are needed to address racial inequities in health care, noting that while dementia numbers among Caucasian individuals are expected to double over the next four decades, rates among Black individuals are expected to triple. 



Health policies should heighten efforts in Black communities to improve childhood education and nutrition, which research has shown to be beneficial for delaying cognitive decline later in life.



Ultimately, these findings highlight the daunting challenges posed by dementia as Americans age, but they also suggest paths for intervention - through robust healthcare systems, preventative heart health measures, support for hearing care, and programs targeted at reducing social and racial inequities.



-----



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



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



-----

Risk of dementia is much higher than previously thought

A recent study reveals that Americans who are 55 years...

Smoking,In,Pregnancy.,Bad,Pregnant,Mother,Holds,Cigarette,In,Hand.

Smoking remains one of the most challenging habits to overcome, but new research suggests that rewards and incentives can provide the motivation needed to quit. 



A recent study reveals that offering incentives not only helps individuals quit smoking but also sustains the results long after the rewards are no longer provided.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quitting-smoking-using-incentives">Quitting smoking using incentives</h2>



The study was spearheaded by researchers from the University of East Anglia (<a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEA</a>), a respected academic institution with a keen interest in public health.



The research team decided to explore whether incentives could aid not just anyone, but specifically pregnant women in their journey to quit smoking.



Previous studies had hinted at the moderate efficacy of rewards in encouraging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-exposure-is-increasing-among-pregnant-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnant women</a> to part with their smoking habits. 



However, this fresh piece of research indicates a stronger correlation.



According to the research, there’s now “high certainty evidence” that incentive programs can indeed be successful for pregnant women aiming to give up smoking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewards-a-powerful-ally-against-smoking">Rewards: A powerful ally against smoking</h2>



Professor Caitlin Notley, of UEA’s <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/norwich-medical-school" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich Medical School</a>, shares that smoking is globally recognized as a leading preventable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-greatly-reduces-the-risk-of-deadly-cancers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cause of illness</a> and premature death.



“We wanted to find out if giving people rewards helps them to quit smoking in the long term,” she states.



“We are now very confident that incentives help people, and pregnant people, to quit smoking better than not offering incentives. The evidence also demonstrates that the effectiveness of incentives lasts even after rewards have stopped.”



The incentives in question include financial rewards such as cash, vouchers, or deposits given as encouragement and a reward for maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle.



Various initiatives implement these incentive schemes, from workplace programs to community organizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-success-in-quitting-smoking">Long-term success in quitting smoking</h2>



The broader research encompassed 48 studies and over 21,900 participants; all the research explored different reward schemes designed to help smokers quit.



The results, even after filtering out the lowest-quality trials, indicated that participants who received <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-brain-identify-rewards-and-punishments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rewards</a> were more likely to maintain their smoke-free status six months or more into the trial.



For every 100 smokers who received a financial reward to quit, ten were likely to be successful and remain successful for six months or longer. 



This contrasted with only seven successful quitters out of 100 people who didn't receive financial incentives. The success rate even extended beyond the time when the rewards had ceased.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-effective-for-pregnant-women">Extra effective for pregnant women</h2>



When it came to pregnant women, the rewards scheme showed even more promising results. 



Women who were pregnant and received rewards had a higher likelihood of quitting smoking than those who didn’t. 



This was observed both at the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-and-nicotine-use-during-pregnancy-linked-to-infant-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy</a> and post-birth.



For every 100 pregnant women who received financial incentives, 13 were likely to successfully quit smoking for six months or longer. In comparison, only six out of 100 were successful if no financial incentive was given. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incentive-size-has-little-impact-on-quitting-smoking">Incentive size has little impact on quitting smoking</h2>



Interestingly, the amount of reward didn't seem to make a substantial difference. 



The studies showed no noticeable variation between those that offered smaller amounts (less than 100 U.S. dollars) and those that offered larger ones (more than 700 US dollars).



However, the researchers noted that a fair comparison is difficult to make due to cultural differences in the value placed on money, as the studies were conducted in many different countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-during-pregnancy-a-double-edged-sword">Smoking during pregnancy: A double-edged sword</h2>



Highlighting the importance of this study, Professor Linda Bauld, Director of the <a href="https://spectrum.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPECTRUM Research Consortium</a>, Co-Chair of the <a href="https://ash.org.uk/about/who-we-work-with/smoking-in-pregnancy-challenge-group" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group</a>, and study co-author, states that smoking during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of poor birth outcomes, including stillbirth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-increases-miscarriage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miscarriage</a>.



"These findings show that financial incentives during pregnancy can more than double the chances of quitting smoking and that incentives are also effective for preventing women from relapsing to smoking postnatally," she notes.



Her sentiments are echoed by co-author Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, assistant professor of health policy and promotion from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>.



He emphasized the reluctance of people to use pharmacological interventions during pregnancy, thereby making alternative strategies such as incentives even more critical.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quitting-smoking-with-incentives">Quitting smoking with incentives</h2>



Looking to the future, research will likely focus more on exploring the differences between trials offering low or high cash incentives and self-incentives, within a variety of smoking populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of tobacco use remains high.



This compelling study was carried out collaboratively between UEA and esteemed institutions such as the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a>, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.



The result? A breath of fresh air in the ongoing struggle against smoking.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004307.pub7/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cochrane Review</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Incentives help pregnant women quit smoking

Smoking remains one of the most challenging habits to overcome,...

We all know processed food isn't the best thing on the plate. But how do we navigate the confusing language of food labeling? A remarkable tool now helps consumers and policymakers understand the processing levels of over 50,000 different items.



Researchers from Mass General Brigham created this public database to promote informed food choices and advocate for better food regulation.



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



Processed foods are those that have been altered from their natural state in some way, usually to make them last longer or taste better. 



This includes things like freezing vegetables, canning beans, or adding salt and sugar to bread. These changes can be pretty simple and often retain most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-baby-food-isnt-nutritious-despite-what-the-label-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">original nutrients</a>. 



For example, a jar of tomato sauce or a bag of roasted nuts are considered processed foods because they've been prepared or packaged, but they still contain ingredients you’d recognize and are generally healthy when eaten in moderation.



On the other hand, ultra-processed foods go through much more extensive manufacturing and contain ingredients you wouldn’t normally find in a home kitchen. 



These foods often include artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other additives designed to enhance taste, texture, and shelf life. 



Think of things like sugary cereals, sodas, packaged snacks, instant noodles, and frozen dinners. Ultra-processed foods are usually higher in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-cause-high-anxiety-through-changes-in-gut-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unhealthy fats</a>, sugars, and salt, and they tend to be lower in essential nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-foods-dominate-grocery-shelves">Processed foods dominate grocery shelves</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-make-our-bodies-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highly and ultra-processed foods</a> make up a significant portion of what is available in most grocery stores.



While they may be convenient or taste appealing, research has linked diets high in these types of foods to serious health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.



Despite growing awareness about the risks associated with these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>, many shoppers struggle to determine how processed a particular food item is. 



Ingredient labels and nutritional information can be overwhelming or unclear, making it difficult for the average consumer to make informed choices.



“There are a lot of mixed messages about what a person should eat. Our work aims to create a sort of translator to help people look at food information in a more digestible way,” said Dr. Giulia Menichetti, a lead researcher at <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham and Women’s Hospital</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grocerydb-simplifies-healthy-eating">GroceryDB simplifies healthy eating</h2>



To address the challenge of understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/minimally-processed-foods-cost-more-offer-no-extra-nutrition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food processing levels</a>, researchers applied machine learning to analyze detailed data from three major grocery retailers: <a href="https://www.target.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Target</a>, Whole Foods, and Walmart. 



They examined ingredient lists, nutritional information, and pricing data to create a clear picture of the processing levels of various food items.



This effort led to the development of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11177926/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GroceryDB</a>, a comprehensive database tool designed to empower consumers with easy-to-understand information about processed food ingredients.



GroceryDB provides each food item with a "processing score," which indicates the degree of processing involved in the production of the food.



The database is accessible to the public through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.truefood.tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TrueFood</a>&nbsp;website, where users can explore essential details such as processing scores, ingredient breakdowns, and complete nutritional facts. 



This innovative tool simplifies the often-confusing task of evaluating food processing, making healthier choices more attainable for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-grocery-stores-are-the-same">Not all grocery stores are the same</h2>



The researchers employed the FPro algorithm to analyze <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food processing</a> levels across products from the three major grocery retailers. Their findings revealed that the majority of items available in these stores were classified as ultra-processed.



While <a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whole Foods</a> stood out for offering a broader selection of minimally processed foods, Walmart and Target provided fewer options in this category. 



For example, cereals at Whole Foods showed a wide range, spanning from minimally to ultra-processed. In contrast, all cereals available at <a href="https://www.walmart.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walmart</a> and Target were categorized as highly processed.



This pattern extended beyond cereals to other product categories, including soups, milk substitutes, and cookies. Despite the apparent variety of brands and products on store shelves, the processing options remained strikingly limited. 



These findings highlight the challenge consumers face when trying to access healthier, less-processed food options, even in stores that appear to offer significant variety.



“When people hear about the dangers of ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>, they ask, ‘OK, what are the rules? How can we apply this knowledge?’” said Menichetti. “We are building tools to help people implement changes to their diet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-enters-the-fight-against-processed-foods">AI enters the fight against processed foods</h2>



This initiative demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can play a transformative role in advancing public health. 



By leveraging AI and data science, the research team created a scalable system for analyzing and categorizing the processing levels of food items.



The team plans to enhance this database further by incorporating geolocation data and temporal monitoring. 



This expansion would provide insights into regional differences in food availability and how these variations influence social determinants of health, such as access to nutritious options.



“Most research activities in nutrition still depend on manual curation, but our study shows that artificial intelligence and data science can be used to scale up,” Menichetti emphasized. 



The ultimate goal is to make this an internationally comparable, open-access resource to advance global nutrition security.



With the TrueFood database, consumers now have the tools to make better informed food choices and push for healthier options in their communities.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-024-01095-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

New tool lets you check how processed and unhealthy your food is

We all know processed food isn't the best thing on...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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