Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 78 (M78), a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion about 1,350 light-years away from Earth. 



This image was released as part of the initial series of observations from ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a>.&nbsp;



All data collected during these early observations, including a series of incredible <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_s_first_images_the_dazzling_edge_of_darkness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new views</a> of the nearby universe, is available to the public. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-messier-78">Image of Messier 78</h2>



Featured here is a high-resolution, detailed segment of a larger image showcasing Messier 78, a dynamic region of star formation obscured by cosmic dust.&nbsp;



This specific view highlights how young stars generate winds of charged particles, carving out “cavities” in the molecular clouds around them.&nbsp;



The blue hues in the image represent ionized atomic hydrogen, which is a primary component of the cloud, while the red indicates the absorption and scattering of light by dust particles.



The image captures hundreds of stars varying in brightness, illuminating their nebulous, purple surroundings. A dark, arch-like structure stretches from the upper left to the bottom right of the frame, merging into the densest, darkest clouds at the image’s base.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-site-of-star-formation-nbsp">Active site of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is not just a single nebula but part of a larger complex of stars and nebulous regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a>, which includes various other objects like dark nebulae that are visible as patches blocking light from behind.



This region is an active site of star formation, featuring many young stars and protostars, which are stars in the early stages of formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-messier-78">Viewing Messier 78</h2>



M78 is easily observable with small telescopes, and it appears as a hazy patch of light with two prominent stars near its center, which illuminate the surrounding dust.&nbsp;



The nebula is also a favorite among amateur astronomers for its beauty and relatively bright appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subject-of-scientific-interest-nbsp">Subject of scientific interest&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is fascinating not only for its visual beauty but also for its scientific interest, particularly in the study of <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> and interstellar matter.&nbsp;



The nebula consists of dense, cold gas and dust, which are essential ingredients for the birth of new stars.&nbsp;



The intense blue light that characterizes M78 is due to the reflection of starlight off these dust particles, a process known as scattering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-region-surrounding-messier-78-nbsp">Region surrounding Messier 78&nbsp;</h2>



The region surrounding M78 includes several other interesting features. For instance, there are Herbig-Haro objects within it, which are small patches of nebulosity associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly born stars</a>.&nbsp;



These objects are formed when gas ejected by young stars collides with clouds of gas and dust at high speeds, creating shock waves that glow brightly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-stages-of-star-development-nbsp">Earliest stages of star development&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, infrared observations of M78 have revealed much about the dust and colder objects in the area, which are not visible in optical light.&nbsp;



The observations have helped astronomers identify numerous young stars and brown dwarfs (objects that are too large to be planets and too small to be stars) within the nebula. 



This makes M78 a critical area for studying the earliest stages of star development and the properties of the interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp-0">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-batch-of-brilliant-images-from-the-euclid-mission-live-up-to-the-hype/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a> is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission designed to study the dark universe, particularly focusing on dark energy and dark matter, which are fundamental components that are believed to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe and shape its large-scale structure.&nbsp;



The mission aims to map the geometry of the dark universe and better understand the physics of the cosmos.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-billions-of-galaxies-nbsp">Observing billions of galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



Euclid uses two primary scientific instruments: a visible light camera (VIS) and a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer (NISP).&nbsp;



These instruments will allow Euclid to measure the shapes and redshifts of galaxies at distances of up to 10 billion light-years. By surveying more than a third of the sky, the mission is expected to observe several billion galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-dark-universe-nbsp">Studying the dark universe&nbsp;</h3>



The data collected will help astronomers in studying the effects of dark matter and dark energy in depth, testing cosmological models, and exploring new theories about the nature of the universe.&nbsp;



The mission, named after the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, seeks to address key questions related to the structure of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics governing its evolution and expansion.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Messier 78: Young stars shine through dense dust

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 78 (M78), a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion about 1,350 light-years away from Earth.  This image was released as part of the initial series of observations from ESA's Euclid space mission.&nbsp; All data collected during these early observations, including a series of incredible new views of the nearby universe, is available to the public.  Image of Messier 78 Featured here is a high-resolution, detailed segment of a larger image...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp;



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



The Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study. 



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features large smoke plumes near the border of the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Rondônia.



According to NASA, since the 1970s, tree clearing in the Amazon basin has reduced the size of the Amazon rainforest by roughly 17 percent - an area about the size of Texas and Louisiana combined.



Satellite imagery suggests that the rate of deforestation has been accelerating in the past two years, with a recent surge in fire activity



“Fire activity across the Amazon region has spiked since late July 2021, driven primarily by deforestation fires,” said Douglas Morton, chief of the Biospheric Sciences Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.



“This is clearly the case for northern Rondônia, where our analysis shows that 80 percent of fire detections from the satellites are associated with deforestation fire events.”



The experts explained that deforestation fires in this area are notable for their size and intensity.&nbsp;



“What is happening there is nothing like the small-scale clearing done by families that was common decades ago,” explained Morton. “These newer clearings are well beyond the scale of what a family could do. We have already identified 10 deforestation fire events in Rondônia that are larger than 50 square kilometers - meaning each one is larger than a combined 7,000 soccer fields.”



The researchers have found that fire activity has also accelerated in recent weeks in the southern Amazonas state.&nbsp;



“We’re seeing a resurgence of deforestation in an old frontier (Rondônia) spilling into a new frontier in southern Amazonas based on recent changes in road access and demand for agricultural land,” said Morton.&nbsp;



“These are the same places where other tools that detect forest removal - like Brazil’s satellite-based PRODES and DETER systems - have shown major losses in recent years.”



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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

Fire activity surges in the southern Amazonas state of Rondônia

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the remnants of Ida over the Northeast on September 1, 2021, when record-breaking rainfall led to deadly flash flooding. At least 44 people were killed in floodwater across four Northeastern states.



Ida merged with another storm system and dumped several inches of rain per hour in some places that had recently been soaked by Tropical Storm Henri. The torrential rainfall triggered devastating flash floods in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.&nbsp;



According to NASA, rain gauge data indicate that many of the worst-hit areas saw 6 to 10 inches of rain fall in just a few hours, a deluge that quickly turned streets into rushing rivers and buildings into islands.&nbsp;



The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flash flood emergency warnings for New York City and parts of New Jersey. The NWS says that these alerts are reserved for “exceedingly rare situations when a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is happening or will happen soon."



New York City’s Central Park received 3.15 inches of rainfall in one hour. The resulting floodwater swept away cars and inundated the city's subway system. Many people lost their lives inside of basement apartments after becoming trapped by a wall of water.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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

Ida triggers deadly flash flooding in the Northeast

Power outages persist in New Orleans Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a satellite view of power outages across New Orleans after Hurricane Ida. The storm roared into the Gulf Coast with fierce winds, knocking out power to nearly one million customers in the state of Louisiana alone. 



The power outages resulted from downed lines and damaged transmission towers. According to NASA, many people are also going without access to running water and gasoline (three days after the storm) due to damaged infrastructure.



Power outages persist in New Orleans and therefore The side-by-side images were captured on August 9 and 31 by the Suomi NPP satellite. 



“The imagery is surprisingly cloud-free. It usually would take at least 48 hours for skies to clear up enough after an event like this,” noted Miguel Román, a USRA scientist and leader of the Black Marble Project.&nbsp;



“At this aftermath stage, Black Marble imagery is capturing a lot of diesel-power/backup generation, which utilities do not monitor.” Power outages are a regular occurrence in New Orleans. Although severe weather is the most common cause of power outages on a national level, outages in New Orleans were primarily caused by equipment during the period from June 2019 to November 2019.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&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

Power outages persist in New Orleans

Power outages persist in New Orleans Today's Image of the...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows smoke from the Caldor fire near Lake Tahoe. The photograph was captured on August 30, 2021 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.&nbsp;



So far this year, more than 42,000 fires have burned 4,879,574 acres across the United States. Two of the largest fires - the Caldor and Dixie fires in Northern California - have collectively scorched nearly one million acres and are still burning.&nbsp;



According to NASA, the Caldor and Dixie fires are the only known fires to have ever crested the ridge of the Sierra Nevada, burning from one side to the other.&nbsp;



Image Credit: European Space Agency&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

The Caldor fire near Lake Tahoe

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

Trunk Bay is a body of water and a beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands. Trunk Bay is part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay is named for the Leatherback turtle, which is endemic to the U.S.V.I. and is locally known as trunks.

Trunk Bay, St. John

Trunk Bay is a body of water and a beach...

Hurricane Ida roared ashore at Port Fourchon, Louisiana around noon on August 29, 2021, carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h)—a strong Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Wind gusts were measured as high as 172 mph (277 km/h) at Port Fourchon, according to The Weather Channel.

Hurricane Ida Smashes Louisiana

Hurricane Ida roared ashore at Port Fourchon, Louisiana around noon...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a nighttime view of Hurricane Ida captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite.



Ida made landfall around noon on August 29, 2021 at Port Fourchon, Louisiana with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour. The storm arrived 16 years to the day after Hurricane Katrina.



Preliminary reports suggest that Ida was the fifth strongest hurricane to make landfall in the continental U.S. based on wind speed.



According to NASA, in the last 24 hours before landfall, the storm’s central pressure dropped from 985 to 929 millibars, and winds intensified rapidly from 85 to 150 miles per hour.&nbsp;



“For me, the most compelling aspect of Ida was its rapid intensification up to landfall,” said Scott Braun, a scientist who specializes in hurricanes at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “The storm was very similar to Hurricane Opal and Hurricane Katrina in that they underwent rapid intensification over a region, or eddy, of deep warm water known as the Gulf Loop Current."



"In addition to providing warm water for fuel, such eddies impede the mixing of colder water to the surface. Such cooling would typically lead to storm weakening, or at least an end to strengthening. Both Opal and Katrina weakened before landfall, mitigating the impacts of the storms to some extent, even though they were obviously still bad. In Ida, near-coast weakening did not really occur.”



Image Credit: European Space Agency&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

Hurricane Ida rapidly intensified before reaching the coast

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> features Hurricane Ida as it charged through the Gulf of Mexico ahead of landfall. The photograph, which was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station, shows the enormous extent of the storm.



<a href="https://www.esa.int/">ESA</a> and Expedition 65 astronaut Thomas Pesquet shared the image on his Twitter account, saying "we think of those who will suffer it, hoping that they will be prepared and stay safe and sound."



After making landfall in southeast Louisiana early Sunday afternoon, the monster category 4 storm slowed down to deliver hours of catastrophic winds and heavy rainfall.&nbsp;



More than half the state of Louisiana, including the entire city of New Orleans, is without power. The damage will be more clear when day breaks, and the destruction will be widespread.&nbsp;



Just south of New Orleans, a levee failure caused devastating flooding in Lafitte and Jean Lafitte. "We've suffered flooding before. We suffered storms before. But I've never seen water like this in my life," Mayor Tim Kerner Jr. told <a href="https://www.cnn.com/">CNN</a>. "It just hit us in the worst way possible and it was such a massive storm that it just totally devastated us."



Image Credit: European Space Agency&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

Destruction from Hurricane Ida will be widespread

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features Hurricane Ida...

Satellite,Photo,Of,Ice,Pattern,,Aerial,Top,View,Of,Blue

About 650 million years ago, during the last global ice age, Earth was a giant frozen snowball. As the ocean chemistry started to change and the ice began to melt, Earth's surface transformed into what scientists are calling a "slushy" planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-last-global-ice-age">Understanding the last global ice age</h2>



During a period of time ranging from 635 million to 650 million years ago, Earth went through an intense global ice age known as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowball Earth</a>." 



During this time, glaciers covered almost the entire planet, from the poles all the way to the equator. The oceans were capped with thick layers of ice, and the continents were buried under massive ice sheets. 



It was so extreme that if you were looking at Earth from space, it would have looked like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-complete-record-of-snowball-earth-found-in-rock-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant snowball</a>, hence the nickname.



Life back then was pretty simple, mostly microscopic organisms living in the oceans. These tiny life forms had to survive under the ice, where some sunlight could still filter through. 



Volcanic activity continued beneath the icy surface, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-a-giant-snowball-700-million-years-ago-and-now-scientists-know-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tens of millions of years</a>, this buildup of greenhouse gases eventually warmed the planet enough to start melting the ice. 



That's how Earth reached the "slushy" planet phase, which is the topic of this research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slushy-earth-and-plumeworld-ocean">Slushy Earth and "plumeworld ocean"</h2>



Thankfully, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, much like its current inhabitants, has a knack for adaptation and survival.



A recently concluded study led by <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> has given us an icy peek into the past, one that unveils a fascinating era known as the "plumeworld ocean" epoch.



This time slot on our planet's timeline marked a significant moment. Imagine high levels of carbon dioxide acting like an invisible blowtorch, coaxing the frozen Earth into a vast, rapid meltdown. 



“Our results have important implications for understanding how Earth's climate and ocean chemistry changed after the extreme conditions of the last global ice age,” said lead author Tian Gan, a former Virginia Tech postdoctoral researcher. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-before-turning-slushy">Earth before turning slushy</h2>



Let's shift our attention back to the Snowball Earth period of around 635 to 650 million years ago. As mentioned, this was the time when our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-temperature-has-changed-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth was deep-frozen</a>, and polar ice caps started encircling the planet like an icy belt.



This expansion of ice had a reflective effect, bouncing sunlight away from Earth and sending our temperatures on a downward spiral.



“A quarter of the ocean was frozen due to extremely low carbon-dioxide levels,” said co-author <a href="https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/04/science-nas-xiao-rock-reader.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shuhai Xiao</a>, who recently was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effect-of-inactivity">Effect of inactivity</h2>



Imagine someone pressing the pause button on the planet. That's pretty much what happened. 



The surface ocean sealed up, and a chain reaction of inactivity followed. First, the water cycle locked up -- no evaporation, not much precipitation.



Without water, a fundamental carbon-dioxide consuming process known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-marine-mass-extinctions-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical weathering</a>, which essentially involves rocks eroding and disintegrating, slowed down dramatically. 



The result? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carbon dioxide</a> began to pile up in the atmosphere, turning into a thermal blanket of sorts.



Like a tightly wound spring, pressure built until the high levels of carbon dioxide were enough to shatter this ice age. When that happened, it wasn't just a slow thaw -- it was a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic catastrophe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plumeworld-ocean-epoch">"Plumeworld ocean" epoch</h2>



The Earth took a sudden U-turn and became "slushy". 



As the heat built up, the ice caps began retreating, and our climate started shifting back towards the warmer side. 



And when we say warmer, we're talking about a scorching swing from minus 50 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (that's minus 45 to 48 degrees Celsius).



The ice didn't gently melt into the sea. Instead, think of it as reverse tsunamis of glacial water charging from land into the sea, creating vast pools over the extra salty, extra dense ocean water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-we-know-this-is-true">How do we know this is true?</h2>



How did the researchers uncover this prehistoric tale of the slushy Earth? The answer lies in a set of carbonate rocks that formed as the global ice age was wrapping up. 



Upon analyzing the relative abundance of lithium isotopes within these rocks, a geochemical signature was found that supported the "plumeworld ocean" theory.



The data showed that the signatures of freshwater were stronger in rocks formed under nearshore meltwater than those formed offshore, deep under the salty sea. 



This finding falls perfectly in line with what our researchers had theorized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slushy-earth-s-resilience">Slushy Earth's resilience</h2>



To sum it all up, these findings bring the limits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental change</a> into sharper focus, as Xiao mentions.



They also shed light on the frontiers of biology and the incredible resilience of life under extreme conditions -- be it hot, cold, or slushy.



In the end, probing into Earth's slushy past isn't a mere indulgence in nostalgia. It's a way to understand our present and prepare for our future. 



In understanding how our planet has weathered past climatic earthquakes, we can better equip ourselves to navigate the potentially stormy climate shifts in our future.



Can the lessons from our past guide us towards a more resilient future? Let's hope so.



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Collaborators include Ben Gill, a Virginia Tech associate professor of sedimentary geochemistry; Morrison Nolan, a former graduate student now at <a href="https://denison.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denison University</a>; and other significant contributors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2407419121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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"Slushy" Earth: The slightly warmer cousin of the infamous Snowball Earth

About 650 million years ago, during the last global ice...

The flea toad, a tiny marvel smaller than a fingernail, resides deep within the heartlands of the Atlantic Rainforest.



Known for its diminutive size and unique characteristics, this intriguing amphibian has recently gained another member in its genus - a newly discovered species known as Brachycephalus dacnis.



The toad was named in honor of Project Dacnis, an NGO dedicated to conservation, research, and education.



Project Dacnis significantly contributes to the preservation of private regions within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-number-of-tree-species-threatened-in-the-atlantic-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlantic Rainforest</a>, including the area where B. dacnis was spotted. This particular area lies within the charming coastal city of Ubatuba in the state of São Paulo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flea-toad-brachycephalus-dacnis">Flea toad Brachycephalus dacnis</h2>



These small toads are nothing short of exceptional in the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-40-of-amphibians-face-extinction-due-to-escalating-climate-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a>. They possess a unique set of traits that set them apart from their larger counterparts.



"There are small toads with all the characteristics of large toads except for their size. This genus is different," noted study co-author, Luís Felipe Toledo, a professor at the <a href="https://www.ib.unicamp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biology</a>.



"During its evolution, it underwent what we biologists call <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-animals-evolve-to-become-miniature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miniaturization</a>, which involves loss, reduction and/or fusion of bones, as well as fewer digits and absence of other parts of their anatomy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-diversity-amidst-the-leaves">Unearthing diversity amidst the leaves</h2>



Researchers have always found the genus Brachycephalus fascinating, particularly due to its colorful species and unique venom.



The recent focus, however, is on the puny stature of the flea toads belonging to the seventh species to be described in this genus.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/flea-toad_Brachycephalus-dacnis_smallest_credit-Lucas-Machado-Botelho_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/flea-toad_Brachycephalus-dacnis_smallest_credit-Lucas-Machado-Botelho_1s.webp" alt="New miniature species on researcher's palm. Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis" class="wp-image-1949690"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New miniature species on researcher's palm. Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis</figcaption></figure>



The tiny toadlets of Brachycephalus share a unique quality. They are unable to hear their own vocalizations due to the absence of a tympanic middle ear. 



This intriguing fact was uncovered in a 2017 article by Toledo and his team. The study, focused on pumpkin toadlets, indicated that visual&nbsp;communication&nbsp;has replaced acoustic communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brachycephalus-dacnis-as-a-new-species">Brachycephalus dacnis as a new species</h2>



Upon analyzing B. dacnis, the team found that it shares a lot of morphological similarities with another species - B. hermogenesi.



Both have a yellowish-brown skin, share the same habitat in leaf litter, lack a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tadpole-vision-changes-from-water-to-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tadpole</a> stage, and are found in the same region. However, the uniqueness lies in their calls -- they are distinctly different.



DNA testing further confirmed their suspicion and identified B. dacnis as a new species that is found in the same region as B. hermogenesi.



Discussing the likelihood of the existence of B. dacnis among the specimen that aided in describing B. hermogenesi in 1998, Toledo suggested the use of historical DNA sequencing tools to clear up uncertainties.



These tools are crucial in gathering DNA from zoological museum and herbarium specimens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-focused-conservation-efforts">Need for focused conservation efforts</h2>



The discovery of B. dacnis reveals the rich and possibly underestimated variety within the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-flea-toad-worlds-smallest-vertebrate-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miniature frogs</a>.



"The diversity of these miniature frogs may be far greater than we think. Hence the importance of describing as many traits and features as possible, to expedite the description process and get to work on conservation as quickly as possible," Toledo said. 



Advancing our understanding of these tiny amphibians is essential for their preservation and highlights the need for focused conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-significance-of-flea-toads">Ecological significance of flea toads</h2>



Flea toads, despite their tiny size, play a significant role within their ecosystem. Their presence in the Atlantic Rainforest highlights the importance of even the smallest creatures in maintaining ecological balance.



As insectivores, these diminutive amphibians help regulate insect populations, including species that may become pests if left unchecked. 



By thriving within the leaf litter, they also contribute to the nutrient cycle, enriching the soil as they forage and interact with other organisms. 



Understanding the ecological contributions of B. dacnis and similar species highlights why conservation efforts are vital - not only to protect the toads themselves but also to preserve the broader environmental health of this rich habitat.



The research received funding and support from FAPESP, a prominent research foundation, as part of the thematic project “From the natural history to the conservation of Brazilian amphibians."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/18265/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



Image Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis



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Newly discovered 'flea toad' is the world’s second smallest vertebrate

The flea toad, a tiny marvel smaller than a fingernail,...

Life has a natural rhythm: day and night, sleep and wakefulness, work and play. What if the rhythmic choreography of life is strongly influenced by your gut microbes? 



In an intriguing new study, researchers have identified a solid connection between your gut microbiota and body's stress hormone routines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-bacteria-and-stress-hormones">Gut bacteria and stress hormones</h2>



Researchers from University College Cork and APC Microbiome Ireland have uncovered a fascinating connection between your gut microbes and your body's day-night rhythms. The data reveals that the gut microbiota tunes the body's diurnal (day-night) rhythms in stress hormones.



Depletion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/balancing-gut-microbes-could-protect-us-from-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a>, however, throws a spanner in the works. This disrupts the brain's core circadian system and is associated with altered stress hormone rhythms.



Moreover, the research has pinpointed the role of gut microbes in regulating key stress-responding brain regions throughout the day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-they-verify-this-discovery">How did they verify this discovery?</h2>



The research team used a strategy involving microbe transplantation to establish oscillations of gut microbes as a critical factor in regulating stress hormone secretion.



This pioneering study gives us a unique perspective on the vital role our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a> plays in managing our stress responses and interacting with the body's circadian rhythms.



The research paves the way for new microbial-based therapies that could help manage stress-related mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, often linked with alterations in circadian and sleep cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-microbes-that-influence-stress">Gut microbes that influence stress</h2>



The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, exposes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilience-is-surprisingly-linked-to-gut-and-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship</a> between gut microbes and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis - the body's central stress response system.



The researchers found evidence that depletion of gut microbiota leads to an overactive HPA-axis that, along with alterations to the brain's stress and circadian responding regions, results in altered stress responses throughout the day.



But here's the interesting part - the study also identifies specific gut bacteria, including a Lactobacillus strain (Limosilactobacillus reuteri), as key influencers of this circadian-regulated stress mechanism.



L. reuteri appeared as a candidate strain that modulates glucocorticoid secretion (stress hormones), linking the microbiota's natural diurnal oscillations with altered stress reactivity.



This opens up new opportunities for psychobiotic interventions that focus on improving mental health outcomes by targeting gut bacteria that influence stress regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-reacts-to-stress">How the brain reacts to stress</h2>



In today's world, where high stress, poor diet and irregular sleep patterns have become the norm, this research underlines the importance of gut microbiota in maintaining the body's stress-regulation processes.



“Our research has revealed an important link between the gut microbiota and how the brain responds to stress in a time-specific way," said principal Investigator Professor John Cryan.



"The gut microbiome doesn’t just regulate digestion and metabolism; it plays a critical role in how we react to stress, and this regulation follows a precise circadian rhythm. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome, particularly for those living in today’s stressful and fast-paced environment.”



"Our work demonstrates that exploring the relationship between the gut microbiota and circadian rhythms will be key in the development of microbiota based therapies for stress-related disorders in the future."



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



“This study is a significant leap forward in our understanding of how the microbiome shapes our mental health,” said Professor Paul Ross, director of APC Microbiome Ireland. 



“At <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/apc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APC</a>, we are committed to unravelling the many ways in which our gut microbiome impact human health, and this research provides crucial insight into how targeting specific bacteria may help manage or even prevent stress-related conditions." 



"The potential to improve mental health through microbiome-based interventions is very real, and this study takes us one step closer to that goal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-to-manage-stress">Microbes to manage stress</h2>



The research from <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Cork</a> and APC Microbiome Ireland has revealed the connection between gut bacteria and stress, leading to promising treatments like psychobiotics, which can influence mood through neurotransmitters and hormones. 



Specific strains, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri, may help manage stress hormones, offering personalized solutions for mental health care. 



As we continue to explore this field, leveraging gut microbes could enhance mental well-being for many individuals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413124003991?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>.



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Gut microbes affect how we handle everyday stress

Life has a natural rhythm: day and night, sleep and...

In an incredible feat that redefines biological boundaries, scientists have successfully engineered animal cells capable of photosynthesis.&nbsp;



This breakthrough, led by Professor Sachihiro Matsunaga at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, could transform medical research and aid in advancing lab-grown meat production. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-in-animal-cells">Photosynthesis in animal cells</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revealing-the-secrets-of-photosynthesis-through-pep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photosynthesis</a>, traditionally exclusive to plants, algae, and certain bacteria, is a process that uses sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and sugars - essentially “feeding” the organism.



“All living organisms on Earth, including humans, are able to live thanks to photosynthesis,” Matsunaga said. “Animal cells consume oxygen, eat and break down sugars, and emit carbon dioxide. This reaction is completely opposite to photosynthesis.”&nbsp;



By introducing photosynthetic properties into animal cells, the team hopes to create cells that consume less oxygen and emit less carbon dioxide - essentially turning them into mini oxygen producers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-a-50-year-challenge">Overcoming a 50-year challenge</h2>



Attempts to create photosynthesizing animal cells date back to the 1970s. “If we can get even part of photosynthesis to occur in animal cells, we can reduce the amount of oxygen consumed, reduce the amount of sugar eaten, and reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> emissions,” Matsunaga said.



However, the challenge lies in convincing animal cells to accept chloroplasts, the cellular structures where photosynthesis happens in plants.&nbsp;



Previously, animal cells would destroy chloroplasts, recognizing them as foreign invaders, like bacteria or viruses.&nbsp;



After a decade of unsuccessful attempts, research in this field was abandoned, and it became widely accepted that chloroplasts could not function within animal cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-cells-ingesting-chloroplasts">Animal cells ingesting chloroplasts </h2>



Matsunaga’s team took two major steps to achieve this scientific breakthrough. First, they searched for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chloroplasts-play-an-unexpected-role-in-plant-immunity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chloroplasts</a> that could survive the warmer environment of animal cells, which are usually cultured at around 37 degrees Celsius - significantly higher than the temperatures that most plant chloroplasts can endure. 



After finding suitable chloroplasts, the team had to prevent animal cells from rejecting them as foreign material.



“Chloroplasts eaten as food could be maintained in the animal cell for at least two days, during which time the initial reaction of photosynthesis could be detected,” said Matsunaga.&nbsp;



By allowing animal cells to ingest chloroplasts as “food” rather than forcibly implanting them, the team managed to bypass the immune response that typically destroys the chloroplasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-source-of-energy-and-growth">New source of energy and growth</h2>



The initial results surprised Matsunaga and his colleagues. Not only did the animal cells tolerate the chloroplasts, but they also showed an increased growth rate, suggesting that the chloroplasts provided an additional energy source.&nbsp;



“I was surprised because we were able to do something that no one had been able to do for 50 years and that all biological researchers had given up on,” Matsunaga said.&nbsp;



This achievement may have broad implications, particularly for medical applications and artificial meat production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-of-animal-photosynthesis">Applications of animal photosynthesis </h2>



While human photosynthesis remains a distant goal, Matsunaga believes the immediate applications lie in medical research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/company-introduces-lab-grown-fish-that-is-served-up-by-3-d-printers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab-grown meat</a> production. 



One major obstacle in growing tissue for medical use or artificial meat is ensuring oxygen delivery to densely packed cells.&nbsp;



As Matsunaga explained, “when cells become multilayered, the interior of the cell mass [doesn't get enough oxygen]; cell division stops, and size increase is not possible.”&nbsp;



By embedding chloroplasts, these cell clusters can generate their own oxygen if exposed to light, potentially resuming cell division and growth.



Looking further into the future, Matsunaga envisions medical applications that would deliver oxygen to specific organs, such as the heart. For instance, implanting a small LED near the heart could provide light to photosynthetic cells, improving oxygen delivery in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crucial-discoveries-will-improve-cardiovascular-disease-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a> patients. 



However, extending the chloroplasts' lifespan within animal cells remains a challenge. “In the future, we will improve our technique so that chloroplasts can carry out photosynthesis in animal cells for as long as possible,” Matsunaga said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-biological-engineering">New era in biological engineering</h2>



Matsunaga's study marks a paradigm shift, showcasing how engineering animal cells to photosynthesize could lead to numerous innovations, from lab-grown meat production to enhanced medical treatments.&nbsp;



While there is still work to be done to extend chloroplast function within these cells, Matsunaga’s team has opened the door to a new realm of possibilities, challenging long-standing beliefs in biology and pushing the boundaries of what cells can achieve.&nbsp;



This breakthrough underscores the transformative potential of photosynthesis beyond plant life, offering a unique and versatile tool for addressing human challenges in food production, medicine, and possibly even climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/pjab/advpub/0/advpub_pjab.100.035/_article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B</a>.



Image Credit: R. Aoki, Y. Inui, Y. Okabe et al. 2024



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Animal cells capable of photosynthesis created for the first time

In an incredible feat that redefines biological boundaries, scientists have...

There’s an eerie beauty and mystery in the dark depths of the Gulf of Mexico, where bacteria thrive alongside coral reefs. 



These are not the colorful, sunlit corals we are most familiar with, but corals that flourish in the ocean’s abyss - devoid of sunlight - at depths ranging from 300 to 900 meters.



This mysterious underwater world is home to two soft coral species, Callogorgia delta and Callogorgia americana. Within the tissues of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a>, scientists recently discovered two peculiar bacterial species previously unknown to science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-bacteria-in-coral-tissues">Unique bacteria in coral tissues</h2>



The study was led by Professor Iliana Baums, a renowned scientist from the <a href="https://hifmb.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg</a> (HIFMB).



She collaborated with Dr. Samuel Vohsen from Lehigh University in the United States and other esteemed scientists from various institutions across the globe.



The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, creates a new frontier for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a> discoveries.



The unique bacterial species, found in the corals' tissue layer that forms part of their immune defense system and transports nutrients, belong to the mollicutes class of bacteria. 



Mollicutes are known to live as parasites either in or on the cells of plants, animals, and humans. In some cases, these bacteria cause diseases.



The scientists have proposed a new family for the two bacteria species called the Oceanoplasmataceae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-bacterial-species">Extraordinary bacterial species</h2>



The existence of the newly discovered bacteria presents a puzzle - a mystery that scientists have yet to unravel.



“These species are impressive examples of how few <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-animals-steal-genes-from-bacteria-to-produce-antibiotics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> are needed for a functional organism,” noted Professor Baums.



The Oceanoplasma callogorgiae contains only 359 genes that encode protein for metabolic functions, while the Thalassoplasma callogorgiae has 385 genes.



When compared with around 4,000 in the intestinal bacterium, Escherichia coli, and approximately 21,000 in humans, the difference is stark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-s-energy-source">Bacteria's energy source</h2>



The question that begs to be answered is, how can the metabolism of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-microbes-eat-a-different-diet-that-affects-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> function with such a significantly reduced genome?



The answer is as astonishing as it is simple. Their energy source is not the typical carbohydrate metabolism found in most living organisms but the amino acid arginine.



The breakdown of arginine provides very little energy, leaving scientists confused about the bacteria's survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interdependent-or-parasitic-relationship">Interdependent or parasitic relationship?</h2>



Uncertainty remains about whether the bacteria function solely as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-parasites-are-vulnerable-to-warming-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasites</a> or if there is a potential symbiotic relationship.



Genetic analysis revealed that these bacterial species use various defense mechanisms called CRISPR/Cas systems to get rid of foreign DNA. This process is also used to edit genes.



The bacteria could potentially be assisting the corals in fighting off pathogens. Alternatively, the host corals could be receiving nitrogen while the bacteria break down arginine.



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



“I always find it amazing that corals can colonize so many different habitats despite being very simple animals in terms of their genetic blueprint,” said Braum. 



She noted that symbionts are crucial for the ability of corals to adapt to different environmental conditions. “They provide metabolic functions that the corals themselves lack.”



This discovery brings us one step closer to understanding the intricate and beautiful complexity of life that thrives in the obscure depths of our oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-bacteria-and-coral-health">Deep-sea bacteria and coral health</h2>



Beyond their unusual genomes and survival strategies, the bacteria raise intriguing questions about their potential roles in the deep-sea ecosystem.



While researchers have uncovered that the bacteria rely on the amino acid arginine for energy, they still do not fully understand how these microorganisms interact with their coral hosts in such extreme, nutrient-scarce environments.



One theory suggests that the bacteria might contribute essential nutrients or provide defense against other pathogens, potentially forming a mutually beneficial relationship with the corals. 



Alternatively, they could act purely as parasites, exploiting their coral hosts' resources to survive. 



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



Further research aims to explore these possibilities, investigating whether this unique microbial partnership could shed light on how deep-sea corals endure environmental pressures - and possibly how they might adapt to changing ocean conditions.



This ongoing work emphasizes the intricate interdependencies in deep-sea ecosystems and highlights the resilience of life in Earth’s most extreme habitats.



Understanding these relationships could provide insights into the fundamental principles of symbiosis and survival in the ocean's depths.



image Credit: ECOGIG Consortium, Creative Commons CC0 1.0



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53855-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Highly unusual bacteria discovered in deep-sea corals

There’s an eerie beauty and mystery in the dark depths...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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