<p>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. </p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



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



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



<p>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;</p>



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



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



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



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



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



<p>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;</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</p>



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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...

<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>“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>.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



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



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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.”</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p><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;</p>



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



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



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



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope</p>



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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

Hawaii,,Rainbow,Falls,In,Hilo.,Wailuku,River,State,Park

Hilo Hawaii is a census-designated place and the largest city in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States, which includes the island of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii">Hawaii</a>. Hilo Hawaii has a tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-climate-triggers-major-changes-in-the-temperate-rainforest/">rainforest</a> climate, so it gets a lot of rain throughout the year. Hilo International Airport got an average of 126.72 inches (3,220 mm) of rain each year from 1981 to 2010, with rain falling on 272 days of the year.<sup id="cite_ref-18" class="reference"></sup>

Hilo Hawaii

Hilo Hawaii is a census-designated place and the largest city...

Copenhagen,City,,Denmark,,Scandinavia.,Beautiful,Summer,Day

<div>Copenhagen Denmark is the capital and most populous city of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark">Denmark</a>. As of January 1, 2021, the city had a population of 799,033. Copenhagen was originally a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-vikings-had-the-worlds-deadliest-virus-1400-years-ago/">Viking</a> fishing village. Copenhagen is in the oceanic climate zone, with its weather being subject to low-pressure systems from the Atlantic.</div>

Copenhagen Denmark

Copenhagen Denmark is the capital and most populous city of...

Beautiful,Sanndy,Beach,With,Palm,Trees,In,Cayenne,,French,Guiana,

<div>Cayenne French Guiana is the nation's capital and lies on the northeast coast of South America. The Creole-style houses sit beside the ruins of the French colonial <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_C%C3%A9p%C3%A9rou">Fort Cépérou</a>, which overlooks the Cayenne River. Cayenne has an equatorial climate bordering on a tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-asian-monsoons-will-intensify-in-a-warmer-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monsoon</a> climate. Cayenne French Guiana&nbsp;averages roughly 3,750 millimeters, or 150 inches, of rain each year.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>

Cayenne French Guiana

Cayenne French Guiana is the nation's capital and lies on...

Buenaventura,Ladrilleros,And,Juanchaco,Cliffs,In,The,Pacific,Coast,Of

<div>Buenaventura Colombia is a coastal seaport city on the department of Valle del Cauca, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia">Colombia</a>. Buenaventura is the main port of Colombia in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-warming-arctic/">Pacific Ocean</a>. Buenaventura Colombia has an average yearly rainfall of roughly 270 inches, with a typical year seeing roughly 280 days of rainfall.</div>

Buenaventura Colombia

Buenaventura Colombia is a coastal seaport city on the department...

Panorama,Of,A,Winding,River

<div>Borongan Philippines, officially the City of Borongan, is the capital of the province of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Samar">Eastern Samar</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-human-nature-rights/">Philippines</a>. The average rainfall in Borongan Philippines is roughly 160 inches per year, with the months of November, December and January seeing the highest total amounts of precipitation.</div>

Borongan Philippines

Borongan Philippines, officially the City of Borongan, is the capital...

A,Lots,Of,Little,Colorful,Traditional,Norwegian,Houses,Near,The

<div>Bergen Norway, formerly known as  Bjørgvin , is a city and municipality in Vestland county on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway">Norway's</a> west coast. As of 2021, its population is roughly 285,900, making Bergen the second-largest city in Norway. Considering the latitude, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slowing-gulf-stream-will-spare-europe-the-worst-of-climate-change/">Gulf Stream</a> keeps the sea relatively warm, and the mountains keep cold winds out. With its oceanic climate, Bergen gets a lot of rain in all seasons and a bit of snow in winter, but the snow usually melts quickly. Average annual precipitation during 1961 – 1990 was 2,250 mm (89 in).</div>

Bergen Norway

Bergen Norway, formerly known as  Bjørgvin , is a city and...

Crossing,By,Ferry,Boat,From,Macapa,To,Belem,By,Amazon

<div>Belém Brazil has 2,491,052 people living in its metropolitan region, with 1,499,641 inhabitants living in the capital city itself. Belém Brazil is the capital and largest city of the state of Pará in the country's north. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel%C3%A9m">Belém</a> is about 100 km upriver from the Atlantic Ocean, on the Pará River, which is part of the larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/earth-from-space-the-amazon-river/">Amazon River system</a>. In all but one month of the year, the city gets more than 60 mm of rain, so there's no dry season.</div>

Belém Brazil

Belém Brazil has 2,491,052 people living in its metropolitan region,...

Chocã³,,Quibdo,,Colombia.,March,4,,2020:,Malecon,Tourist.

Quibdó Columbia is the capital of the Chocó Department, in western Colombia, and is located on the Atrato River.&nbsp;There are no distinct seasons in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quibd%C3%B3">Quibdó Columbia</a> other than it having a very wet and cloudy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-reveals-vulnerable-tropical-forests-on-a-global-scale/">tropical rainforest climate</a>. Quibdó Columbia has the highest amount of rainfall in South America and of any city of its size or greater. The wettest city of larger size, Monrovia in Liberia, receives 3,050 millimeters (120 in) less rain annually than Quibdó.

Quibdó Colombia

Quibdó Columbia is the capital of the Chocó Department, in...

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



<p>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.</p>



<p>This mysterious underwater world is home to two soft coral species, <em>Callogorgia delta</em> and <em>Callogorgia americana</em>. 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.</p>



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



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>The research, published in the journal <em>Nature Communications</em>, 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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>The scientists have proposed a new family for the two bacteria species called the Oceanoplasmataceae.</p>



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



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



<p>“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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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?</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>“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. </p>



<p>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.”</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>image Credit: ECOGIG Consortium, Creative Commons CC0 1.0</p>



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



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<p></p>

Highly unusual bacteria discovered in deep-sea corals

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

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

<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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>." </p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>“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. </p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>“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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>



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



<p>The Earth took a sudden U-turn and became "slushy". </p>



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



<p>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).</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>This finding falls perfectly in line with what our researchers had theorized.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

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

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

<p>Ever heard of a rule that's been around for so long, everyone just assumes it's unbreakable? Well, a team of scientists is turning that notion on its head by proving wrong a key rule of organic chemistry.</p>



<p>Neil Garg, a distinguished professor of chemistry and biochemistry, is leading the charge to rewrite a fundamental principle that's been part of organic chemistry for the past hundred years.</p>



<p>In a recent study published in <em>Science</em>, Garg and his colleagues at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> revealed that Bredt's rule -- a staple in chemistry textbooks since 1924 -- might not be as ironclad as we've been led to believe. </p>



<p>But before we get into how they're shaking things up, let's take a step back and understand what this rule is all about.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-bredt-s-rule">What exactly is Bredt's rule?</h2>



<p>According to Bredt's rule, you can't have a double bond at the bridgehead position of a small, bridged ring system -- a kind of molecular structure that looks like two rings sharing some atoms. </p>



<p>Imagine trying to fit a double bond in a tight space -- it just doesn't work because the molecule becomes too strained and unstable.</p>



<p>In these small ring systems, the atoms are connected in such a way that there's not enough room for the flat shape of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capturing-carbon-directly-from-the-air-is-now-much-more-efficient-thanks-to-new-material/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">double bond</a>. </p>



<p>The angles get all messed up, and the molecule would be forced into an awkward position. It's kind of like trying to bend a straight stick into a circle without breaking it -- it just doesn't work that way.</p>



<p>Bredt's rule has been a guiding principle for chemists studying organic molecules, especially those known as olefins.</p>



<p>Olefins are compounds featuring a double bond between two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-detect-molecules-that-store-carbon-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon atoms</a>, and they usually have a flat, planar structure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-bredt-s-rule-upside-down">Turning Bredt's rule upside down</h2>



<p>"People aren't exploring anti-Bredt olefins because they think they can't," Garg pointed out. </p>



<p>His team decided to challenge that assumption. Instead of accepting the limitations imposed by this long-standing rule, they set out to prove that these molecules, called anti-Bredt olefins (ABOs), can indeed be created and used.</p>



<p>Using a clever approach, the researchers treated certain molecules known as silyl (pseudo)halides with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-water-fluoridation-still-effective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fluoride source</a>. This reaction was designed to produce the elusive ABOs. </p>



<p>Since these molecules are highly unstable and tend to fall apart quickly, the team included another chemical to "trap" them. </p>



<p>This way, they could capture the ABOs long enough to study them and even use them to make new, valuable compounds.</p>



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



<p>"There's a big push in the pharmaceutical industry to develop chemical reactions that give three-dimensional structures like ours because they can be used to discover new medicines," Garg explained. </p>



<p>By showing that ABOs can be generated and utilized, the team is opening up new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-revolutionize-drug-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug discovery</a>. </p>



<p>The ability to create these unique molecular structures means scientists can explore a whole new realm of compounds that were previously off-limits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-rules-need-to-be-challenged">More "rules" need to be challenged</h2>



<p>Garg's work doesn't just break a rule -- it invites the entire scientific community to rethink how we approach long-held beliefs. </p>



<p>"We shouldn't have rules like this -- or if we have them, they should only exist with the constant reminder that they're guidelines, not rules. It destroys creativity when we have rules that supposedly can't be overcome," he said.</p>



<p>By challenging Bredt's rule, the team is advocating for a more flexible and innovative approach to chemistry. </p>



<p>They're reminding us that science is always evolving, and what we consider impossible today might just be tomorrow's breakthrough.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-needs-more-creativity">Science needs more creativity</h2>



<p>What does this mean for budding chemists and researchers? </p>



<p>It's a call to question assumptions and push boundaries. If a century-old rule can be upended, who knows what other "impossible" feats are within reach?</p>



<p>"What this study shows is that contrary to one hundred years of conventional wisdom, chemists can make and use anti-Bredt olefins to make value-added products," Garg noted. </p>



<p>It's not just about breaking a rule; it's about expanding the toolkit scientists have to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges, like developing new medications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-garg-and-bredt-s-rule">What's next for Garg and Bredt's rule?</h2>



<p>This discovery is a stepping stone to numerous possibilities in organic chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and basically any other field of study.</p>



<p>By demonstrating that ABOs can be both generated and trapped effectively, Garg's team has laid the groundwork for future research that could lead to significant advancements in medicine.</p>



<p>So, the next time you hear someone say, "You can't do that," remember that sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective and a willingness to challenge the status quo. </p>



<p>Who knows? You might just be the one to rewrite the next chapter in the science books.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq3519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

100-year-old chemistry rule proven false, updating textbooks comes next

Ever heard of a rule that's been around for so...

<p>Meat production has become a focal point in the fight against climate change, with some proposals calling for drastic cuts by wealthier nations. But is such an extreme approach necessary to make a meaningful impact?</p>



<p>New insights suggest that carefully tailored strategies could help tackle climate change effectively without major lifestyle overhauls. The research was led by experts in the <a href="https://as.nyu.edu/departments/environment.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Environmental Studies</a> at New York University.</p>



<p>The team found that by achieving a moderate reduction in meat production, we could potentially keep 125 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. This figure exceeds the total number of global fossil fuel emissions from the past three years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-win-for-forests-and-climate">A win for forests and climate</h2>



<p>A slight pullback in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-could-slash-meat-production-expenses-by-90-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat production</a>, particularly in higher-income countries, could have profound effects on the climate.</p>



<p>The researchers suggest a cutback of around 13% of total meat production could free up vast tracts of land earlier earmarked for cattle grazing, allowing for natural regrowth of forests.</p>



<p>Why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>? Trees are nature’s best carbon absorbers. The return of forests on these lands could drastically reduce fossil fuel emissions. </p>



<p>"Globally, ruminant grazing - including cattle for beef production - is the most extensive human land use. Removing cattle from pastures represents a meaningful opportunity to sequester carbon into regrowing vegetation and soils," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-reduction-and-climate-change">Meat reduction and climate change </h2>



<p>"We can achieve enormous climate benefits with modest changes to the total global beef production," said study lead author Matthew N. Hayek.</p>



<p>"By focusing on regions with potentially high carbon sequestration in forests, some restoration strategies could maximize climate benefits while minimizing changes to food supplies."</p>



<p>The study suggests that pasturelands, particularly those which were formerly forests, could immensely aid in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fighting climate change</a>. </p>



<p>Removing livestock from these “potential native forest” areas could allow ecosystems to naturally revert to their original forested state, hence storing carbon in trees and soil.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wealthy-nations-and-meat-production">Wealthy nations and meat production </h2>



<p>The researchers see wealthier nations as suitable candidates for reducing meat production to combat climate change. Their current pasture areas yield little grass per acre or only during a short growing season, making climate-focused strategies more feasible.</p>



<p>In contrast, these areas could potentially nurture sprawling, verdant forests which act as efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a> sites.</p>



<p>This approach is distinct from that taken by regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South America, where lush pastures grow year-round, hence providing more food per acre for animals. </p>



<p>The research team sees potential in these lower-income regions to increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/livestock-production-could-be-hit-hard-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock</a> feeding efficiency on grass, thereby compensating for the slight dip in meat production by wealthier nations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tailoring-meat-reduction-by-region">Tailoring meat reduction by region</h2>



<p>The team also found potential to immensely mitigate climate change effects by broadening the scope of restoration.</p>



<p>The researchers discovered that eliminating grazing livestock from all potentially forested areas worldwide could sequester a staggering 445 gigatons of CO2 by the end of this century. </p>



<p>This amount of carbon sequestration is equivalent to over a decade of global fossil fuel emissions. However, Hayek emphasizes that this approach needs to be tailored to individual regions.</p>



<p>"Our findings show that strategic improvements in the efficiency of cattle herds in some areas, coupled with decreased production in others, could lead to a win-win scenario for climate and food production," said Hayek.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-reduction-supports-climate-goals">Meat reduction supports climate goals</h2>



<p>The authors also emphasized that restoration efforts should not replace endeavors to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Instead, these efforts should work hand in hand to fight climate change.</p>



<p>“In many places, this regrowth could occur by seeds naturally dispersing and trees regrowing without any human involvement,” noted Hayek.</p>



<p>Swift action is needed to meet climate goals, and ecosystem restoration on converted pasturelands is a critical part of these plans.</p>



<p>"Our study’s findings could offer paths forward for policymakers aiming to address both climate mitigation and food security concerns," concluded Hayek.</p>



<p>In a time when many countries are committing to ambitious reforestation targets, balancing meat production with climate mitigation efforts becomes paramount. This research nudges us closer to that equilibrium.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2405758121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Meat reductions could cut billions of tons of CO2 emissions

Meat production has become a focal point in the fight...

<p>When we look around, it's not difficult to see the myriad ways nature contributes to our existence. The value of nature, though, goes far beyond what meets the eye - offering solutions with benefits that are often overlooked.</p>



<p>That's the extraordinary revelation from a group of researchers at the University of Oxford. The experts examined the economic ramifications of nature-based solutions (NbS) and what they discovered is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-based-solutions">Nature-based solutions</h2>



<p>The researchers found that adopting nature-based solutions could help local economies flourish by boosting agricultural yields and creating job opportunities. It's a secret formula: the more we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-must-live-in-harmony-with-nature-to-create-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work with nature</a>, the more prosperity we unlock.</p>



<p>But there's an added bonus. Nature-based solutions don't just lead to a surge in wealth and jobs. They can also pave the way for "win-win" situations, such as increased income and job creation, while simultaneously promoting biodiversity and supporting climate adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revving-up-local-economies">Revving up local economies </h2>



<p>The study cites several compelling instances of how NbS has been a game-changer. One example is the Working for Water (WfW) program in South Africa. </p>



<p>This initiative successfully rid over 1 million hectares of land of invasive species while providing employment for more than 20,000 people. </p>



<p>Similarly, a coastal restoration project in the United States ended up creating 17 jobs for every million dollars spent.</p>



<p>"The evidence also shows NbS can be deployed with speed and flexibility in areas where they are needed the most, like rural communities that are often neglected by other investment approaches," noted Alex Chausson, lead author of the study.</p>



<p>Chausson, a specialist in nature-based solutions at WWF-UK and a research associate at Oxford's Nature-Based Solutions Initiative (NbSI), further emphasized the significance of these solutions in revving up local economies and aiding recovery in the aftermath of crises.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-meets-the-eye">More than meets the eye</h2>



<p>"Nature's value is often overlooked in accounting frameworks, yet our study highlights its tremendous economic benefits," said Nathalie Seddon, a professor of biodiversity at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a></p>



<p>"At a time when global systems are under strain and the planet is warming, nature-based solutions offer a vital opportunity to boost the resilience of ecosystems - and the economies that depend on them. However, our study sheds light on its tremendous economic benefits."</p>



<p>Despite these advantages, the researchers identified several obstacles standing in the way of NbS implementation. </p>



<p>These obstacles include siloed governmental decision-making, widespread misconceptions that pro-environmental policies can harm business, and scant reporting on the broader impacts of NbS projects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-as-a-solution-for-broader-impact">Nature as a solution for broader impact</h2>



<p>"Right now, when a government makes an investment in nature, all too often they are failing to look at the wider impact that investment is having," explained Chausson.</p>



<p>"The immediate impact of restored woodland on biodiversity might be monitored, for example, but the broader benefits of the project on jobs or the resilience of the local community to climate change will not be. If these aspects are considered, it will lead to better policy decisions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-way-forward">The way forward</h2>



<p>Dr. Brian O'Callaghan, co-author of the study and project manager at the University of Oxford, agrees that well thought out investments in nature can create jobs, spur high economic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity</a>, and enhance resilience, offering a robust response to economic shocks.</p>



<p>However, he recommends caution to ensure key stakeholders are not left behind and to avoid any unforeseen negative externalities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-based-solutions-are-essential">Nature based solutions are essential</h2>



<p>The crucial factor, according to study co-author Alison Smith, is following best practice standards for NbS to ensure benefits are delivered in practice.</p>



<p>"We found that&nbsp;community involvement&nbsp;in NbS design and delivery was a key factor for making sure that benefits are distributed fairly, and helping to avoid trade-offs," said Smith.</p>



<p>"Integrating traditional, local and&nbsp;scientific knowledge&nbsp;can also really help to improve the outcomes of NbS for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-the-critical-role-of-nature-in-human-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> and people."</p>



<p>The conclusion? Nature-based solutions are not just beneficial; they are essential. And the road to prosperity may well be paved with natural wonders. .</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000281" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Nature-based solutions can transform local economies

When we look around, it's not difficult to see the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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