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



-----



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



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



-----

Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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 nebula in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Planetary nebulae&nbsp; According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered. “A planetary nebula...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-groups">Galaxy groups</h2>



“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.



HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. 



Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. 



The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.



The galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.



According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.



“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.



The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.



Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. 



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



-----



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



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



-----

Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

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 the Dixie Fire, which has been raging across four counties in Northern California since July 13, 2021.

The Dixie Fire has burned at least 490,000 acres, which is more than twice the area of New York City, making it the second largest in California's recorded history. Thousands of people have been displaced. 

By Monday, the blaze was about 25 percent contained, but high pressure building over the western United States could cause new challenges this week. Experts say that extreme heat and strong winds could accelerate the fire. 

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Dixie Fire has been burning for a month

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 smoke plumes from more than 175 active fires in the Republic of Sakha in eastern Russia. 

The fires broke out across the region as soon as the snow began melting in May 2021. By the time this photo was captured on August 8, fires had consumed large areas of the region’s larch forests. 

The large clouds of smoke that are visible in the image have been common for weeks. According to NASA, smoke blanketed the skies, turning day into night, closing airports, and prompting talk of an “airpocalypse” in the city of Yakutsk.

Mark Parrington, a scientist with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, reports that the 2021 Sakha wildfires have set a record for estimated carbon emissions for the period from June 1 to August 1. 

“Based on current official burned area reports, Sakha is on track to have an extreme year of fire, but it won’t surpass previous extreme years if the fires are extinguished by the end of August,” said Jessica McCarty, an Earth scientist at Miami University. “If large fire events continue into September and October, we could see burned area totals surpassing 2020.”

According to the researchers, climate change is likely playing a role in how fire seasons in Sakha are changing. 

“There have always been large fires in Siberia. It is a landscape evolved to burn,” said McCarty. “What is different because of climate change is that fires are burning larger areas, affecting places farther to the north, and consuming fuels that would have been more fire resistant in the past.”

The image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Large smoke plumes rise over the Republic of Sakha

The bright red soil of Australia Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features bright red soil that can be found in the center of Australia. As it is viewed from above, the region bears some resemblance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crabs-threaten-the-resilience-of-coastal-salt-marshes/">Mars</a>. 

The photo highlights the red desert soil around Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, which are famous rock formations in the southern part of Northern Territory.

According to <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=nasa&amp;cvid=02e24357e7614fed9f4cd4e5f6940e38&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j0l5j69i60l3.660j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">NASA,</a> the presence of vegetation also influences the colors seen in the image. Areas with more vegetation appear darker and browner.

The brightest shades of red and orange most likely signify fires that have exposed the soil more clearly in recent years.

The natural-color image was captured by the HawkEye sensor on the SeaHawk CubeSat. Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the largest country in Oceania and the world's sixth-largest country. Australia's population of nearly 26 million, in an area of 7,617,930 square kilometres (2,941,300 sq mi), is highly urbanised and heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard. Canberra is the nation's capital, while the largest city is Sydney, and other major metropolitan areas are Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Indigenous Australians inhabited the continent for about 65,000 years, prior to the first arrival of Dutch explorers in the early 17th century, who named it New Holland. In 1770, Australia's eastern half was claimed by Great Britain and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales from 26 January 1788, a date which became Australia's national day.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The bright red soil of Australia

The bright red soil of Australia Today's Image of the...

The Dixie fire in Northern California Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows the Dixie fire in Northern California, which is the largest fire so far this year in the United States. By August 6, the Dixie fire had scorched more than 432,000 acres.

An astronaut on the International Space Station captured this photo of thick smoke rising from the Dixie fire on August 4. On this day, wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour fueled the advancement of the fire across dry vegetation. A raging wildfire in northern California is now the second-largest recorded in state history, officials said on Sunday, growing to more than 463,000 acres. This report produced by Chris Dignam. Thick smoke that held down winds and temperatures began to clear Sunday from the scenic forestlands of Northern California as firefighters battling the largest single wildfire in state history braced for a return of fire-friendly weather. A 3-week-old wildfire engulfed a tiny Northern California mountain town, leveling most of its historic downtown and leaving blocks of homes in ashes, while a new wind-whipped blaze also destroyed homes as crews braced for another explosive run of flames Thursday in the midst of dangerous weather.

The fire practically leveled the historic mountain town of Greenville, leaving residents completely devastated.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The Dixie fire in Northern California

The Dixie fire in Northern California Today's Image of the...

Rare view of Malaysia and Thailand Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a rare view of the Malay Peninsula from the International Space Station (ISS). This region of Thailand and Malaysia is difficult to capture from space due to persistent clouds. 

According to NASA, The photo was taken near the end of Malaysia’s northeast monsoon season, which runs from November to March. Malaysia also experiences a second monsoon season from May to September.

The panoramic view shows thin clouds and possibly small smoke plumes being blown from the northeast, which are typical of wind patterns for this time of year, reports <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=nasa&amp;cvid=894dfc5ae1db499db89ea076cf465d4b&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j0l4j69i60l3.522j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">NASA.</a>

On this day, it was nearly too hazy to make out Thailand. This is due in part to hundreds of fires that were active during Southeast Asia’s burning season. Throughout the era of Western imperialism in Asia, Siam remained the only nation in the region to avoid being colonized by foreign powers, although it was often forced to cede both territory and trade concessions in unequal treaties. 

The Siamese government was centralized and transformed into a new definite absolute monarchy in the reign of Chulalongkorn. In World War I, Siam sided with the allies, a political decision to amend the unequal treaties. Following a bloodless revolution in 1932, it became a constitutional monarchy and changed its official name to Thailand, which was a satellite of Japan in World War II. Also Thailand has periodically alternated between democracy and military rule.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

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

Rare view of Malaysia and Thailand

Rare view of Malaysia and Thailand Today's Image of the...

Unusual bloom in the Arabian Sea Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows a bloom of Noctiluca scintillans in the Arabian Sea at an unusual time of the year. 

An international team of scientists including Joaquim Goes and Helga do Rosario Gomes have spent the past two decades trying to gain a better understanding of how snow cover on the Himalayas may influence the species that thrive in the Arabian Sea.

Over several expeditions, the researchers confirmed something they had noticed in satellite images - the Arabian Sea was full of Noctiluca scintillans in the winter. A great abundance of this particular <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=organism&amp;cvid=533142ffa87044c5a2160ca20ff9401b&amp;aqs=edge.0.0l9.2192j0j1&amp;pglt=43&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">organism</a> was unexpected this time of the year. a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole the nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body 

“The changes we have seen in the Arabian Sea ecosystem are among the fastest of any oceanic water body on our planet,” said Goes, a scientist at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. “The habitat of the sea is changing, and that is short-circuiting the food chain.”

“The changes observed in the Arabian Sea are an example of potential ecosystem changes that are induced by climate change,” said Laura Lorenzoni, ocean biology and biogeochemistry program scientist for NASA. 

“As Earth warms, we can expect greater stratification in the ocean and the migration of species poleward. There will also be greater chances of harmful algal blooms and of some more resilient species outcompeting others and shifting the entire ecosystem structure.”

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Unusual bloom in the Arabian Sea

Unusual bloom in the Arabian Sea Today's Image of the...

Shocking wildfire outbreak persists in Turkey Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows smoke streaming off the southern coast of Turkey, where months of dry weather and record-breaking temperatures have given rise to devastating wildfires.

On July 20, Turkey recorded its hottest ever temperature of 120.38 Fahrenheit degrees in the Cizre district in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa.

According to <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=nasa&amp;cvid=d0e4d0b5610046c2986ed6cc45cf2e9a&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j0l8.1135j0j1&amp;pglt=43&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">NASA</a>, more than 130 wildfires have been reported across 30 Turkish provinces in the last seven days, and most of the fires have ignited along the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea coasts. The National Aeronautics and<a href="https://www.earth.com/video/the-gulf-of-taranto-italy-from-space/"> Space</a> Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research. 

The image was captured on July 31 near the coastal towns of Alanya and Manavgat by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. Turkey , officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country straddling Western Asia and Southeast Europe. It shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; the Black Sea to the north; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east; Iraq to the southeast; Syria and the Mediterranean Sea to the south; and the Aegean Sea to the west. Istanbul, the largest city, is the financial centre, and Ankara is the capital. Turks form the vast majority of the nation's population, and Kurds are the largest minority.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Shocking wildfire outbreak persists in Turkey

Shocking wildfire outbreak persists in Turkey Today's Image of the...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows a pyrocumulus (pyroCu) cloud rising above the McKay Creek fire on June 30, 2021.

In 2000, atmospheric scientists from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) found that smoke plumes from intense wildfires could produce towering thunderstorms that are capable of lifting smoke higher than the cruising altitude of a jet. 

This new understanding of the capabilities of pyrocumulus clouds was intriguing to scientists, who thought had only explosive volcanic eruptions and extreme thunderstorms were capable of ejecting material so high. 

In June and July of 2021, an unusually warm fire season arrived early in Canadian and U.S. forests.

Michael Fromm and David Peterson of NRL, in collaboration with NASA and several other institutions, have identified 61 pyroCbs in North America so far this year.

"We’re seeing pyroCbs occur almost nightly now, and we're only halfway through the fire season,” said Peterson. “This could get much worse before it gets better.”

"We are running projects to make it easier to forecast where pyroCbs are going to pop up. The hope is that we can improve the systems that keep firefighters, pilots, and people as safe as possible."

“But we’re also watching how much smoke reaches the stratosphere and developing methods to quantify what it means for Earth’s radiative balance and climate.”

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Pyrocumulus clouds towering over western wildfires

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

Did you know that the processed food you enjoy every day might be fast forwarding your biological age? Everyday meals could be dictating the timeline of your life.



Unlike your birthday that tags another year to your age with each cake you cut, biological aging is a more intricate measure. It's an unforgiving countdown clock showing the health and vibrancy of your body's components - the organs, tissues, and systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultra-processed-foods-and-aging">Ultra-processed foods and aging</h2>



Wondering how your favorite <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snacks</a> come into the picture? A study by the <a href="https://www.lum.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUM University</a> of Casamassima has revealed a chilling link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and hastened biological aging.



Ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/minimally-processed-foods-cost-more-offer-no-extra-nutrition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a> seem like the villains in our story, right? But what do they look like? You'd be surprised to know that your daily diet might be full of them.



Ever heard of hydrogenated fats, maltodextrins, or hydrolyzed proteins? These are the unfamiliar substances that make up the ultra-processed foods we chow down without a second thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-aging-on-the-fast-track">Biological aging on the fast track</h2>



Digging into a vast pool of data involving 22,000 participants from the Moli-sani Study, the researchers found that consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods fast-tracks biological aging.



Essentially, if your meals are full of these foods, your biological clock might be sprinting ahead of your chronological age.



"Our data show that a high consumption of ultra-processed foods not only has a negative impact on health in general, but could also accelerate aging itself, suggesting a connection that goes beyond the poor nutritional quality of these foods," said study first author Simona Esposito.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-that-damage-human-health">Foods that damage human health</h2>



Marialaura Bonaccio, a nutritional epidemiologist at the Research Unit of Epidemiology and Prevention-IRCCS Neuromed, elaborated on why these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddlers-get-half-their-calories-from-ultra-processed-foods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods can be harmful</a>.



She noted that the mechanisms through which ultra-processed foods can be harmful to human health are not yet entirely clear.



"Besides being nutritionally inadequate, being rich in sugars, salt and saturated or trans fats, these foods undergo intense industrial processing that actually alters their food matrix, with the consequent loss of nutrients and fiber," said Bonaccio.



"This can have important consequences for a series of physiological functions, including glucose metabolism, and the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota. Also, these products are often wrapped in plastic packaging, thus becoming vehicles of substances toxic to the body."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-dietary-directions">Rethinking dietary directions</h2>



Should this study be a wake-up call to reevaluate our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-like-soda-and-snacks-are-the-new-silent-killer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary</a> guidelines? 



“This study prompts us once again to reevaluate the current dietary recommendations, that should also include warnings on limiting the intake of ultra-processed food in our daily diet," said Professor Licia Iacoviello.



"Actually, some nutrient-dense packaged foods can be classified as ultra-processed, and this suggest the need of guiding people towards dietary choices that address also the degree of food processing”.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-processed-food-consumption">Cutting processed food consumption</h2>



Lowering our intake of ultra-processed foods means transforming not only our individual food habits but also the food environments around us. On a personal level, you can kick-start this change by choosing fresh, whole foods over processed alternatives. 



Cooking at home, planning your meals, and understanding food labels are simple steps towards healthier dietary choices. 



Public health policies and educational campaigns are also vital in shaping healthier habits on a larger scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-with-nature">Engaging with nature</h2>



Is there a counterbalance to the deleterious effects of ultra-processed foods? Engaging with nature might offer a path to mitigate the impact. 



Numerous studies emphasize the benefits of connecting with natural environments, such as parks and wilderness areas, which can lower stress levels and boost mental well-being.



Physical activities performed in nature, like hiking or gardening, further enhance physiological functions by promoting cardiovascular health and muscular strength. 



These benefits complement efforts to reduce the intake of ultra-processed foods, forming a robust defense against accelerated biological aging. Practicing mindful eating in natural settings might not only improve the quality of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food choices</a> but also enhance overall life satisfaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-on-ultra-processed-foods">Education on ultra-processed foods</h2>



To promote long-term changes in dietary habits, incorporating culinary education within school curricula becomes essential. Teaching young individuals about nutrition, meal preparation, and the importance of whole foods can lay the groundwork for healthier dietary patterns in adulthood. 



Educators can empower students with the skills needed to discern processed from whole foods, encouraging a more conscious approach to eating. Workshops, school gardens, and cooking classes can make learning about food both engaging and practical. 



This early intervention promises a future generation adept at making informed dietary decisions, reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods, and potentially mitigating the risks associated with biological aging.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000291652400813X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>. 



-----



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



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



-----

Ultra-processed foods make our bodies age faster

Did you know that the processed food you enjoy every...

Human activities have left their imprints in the farthest reaches of our planet. In a recent study, experts revealed that some of the world's most isolated regions have not escaped the footprint of lead pollution.



Even the frosty wilderness of northwestern Tibet stands witness to the impacts of human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-lead-pollution">Origins of lead pollution</h2>



Examining the Guliya ice cap in northwestern Tibet, researchers detected the presence of lead. Who invited this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-alters-the-atmosphere-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unexpected guest</a> here?



The answer lies in human activities that took place during and after the Industrial Revolution. Ice core samples dating back to this transitional time period lay bare the increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-ice-weakens-the-strength-of-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead levels</a>.



However, it was 1974 - the year when U.S. environmental regulations came into force – that marked a significant change in the sources of lead. Despite a drop in certain types of gasoline use, other lead sources remained prevalent.



"We measured the lead isotopic composition in a dusty ice core from the Guliya ice cap in northwest Tibet, from approximately 36 thousand years Before Present (Stone Age) to 2015, to determine the onset and sources of anthropogenic lead," explained the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-lead-pollution">Tracing lead pollution</h2>



Roxana Sierra-Hernandez was the lead author of the study and a senior research associate at <a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. 



Through her profound research, Sierra-Hernandez was able to trace anthropogenic lead right back to its origin and highlight the indelible mark they left on the region.



“Our lead isotope samples date to about 36,000 years ago, a time when we know that no civilizations at the time were using lead - meaning that much of what we found is natural,” Sierra-Hernandez said.



“Now with this work, we can pinpoint anthropogenic lead and when they left a mark in the region.”



Millions of people depend on Tibetan glaciers for their water, but these life-sustaining sources are at risk due to global warming. As glaciers retreat, they not only reduce water levels but also release the pollutants trapped within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-sources-of-pollution">Hidden sources of pollution </h2>



“Depending on the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-is-stunting-tropical-forest-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> there is in the environment, it sinks into these glaciers,” Sierra-Hernandez said. “If a glacier melts, that source of pollution can leak into nearby rivers.”&nbsp;



While some lead originates from the Earth’s crust, a significant proportion is a result of human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-hazards-of-lead-exposure">Health hazards of lead Exposure</h2>



Long-term exposure to lead is detrimental to human health. Its adverse effects span from causing health anomalies like cancer and cardiovascular diseases to fertility issues. 



Hence, understanding the baseline of natural lead levels is pivotal for gauging humanity's environmental impact and preparing for its consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinguishing-pollution-sources">Distinguishing pollution sources</h2>



The instruments used in this study provided powerful insights which allowed the scientists to identify the type of pollution each lead trace came from.



The researchers were surprised to find that until 2007, Chinese gasoline was the primary lead source before its emissions decreased and those from coal and lead-zinc ores began to increase.



This evolution of lead sources during the last few centuries offers critical insights into how local pollution can be distributed globally. It is a challenge that goes beyond the capacity of any single country.



“Politicians need to be conscious enough to see that lead is still a concern and make policies that avoid emitting more of it, whether it’s from sources of coal or gasoline,” said Sierra-Hernandez.



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



Lead isotopes can act as unique markers for tracking and investigating pollution sources. This could open avenues for future studies looking to analyze and compare contaminated ice core samples from other glaciers globally. 



“Future studies can build on this study to compare modern and ancient pollution trends and better identify sources due to human activities,” Sierra-Hernandez said. “It’s important to do more lead isotope studies. It’s hard and it’s time-consuming, but there’s so much to learn.”



Such scientific pursuits are integral to untangling the complex web of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental issues</a> plaguing our planet. Understanding the environmental impacts of our past actions is a crucial step towards making necessary changes for a healthier, cleaner future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01724-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment.</a>



-----



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



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



-----

Lead pollution has made its way to the top of the world

Human activities have left their imprints in the farthest reaches...

For years, baseball’s “magic” mud has been a thing of mystery. Its remarkable traits have never been formally examined or scientifically accounted for.



Although it may seem like an extra player on the field, the precise role of this mud in enhancing the performance of Major League Baseball (MLB) games has been more of a riddle than a fact. A new study finally sheds light on this compelling enigma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baseball-s-magic-mud">Baseball's magic mud</h2>



For the first time, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering) and School of Arts &amp; Sciences (SAS) have investigated the dynamics of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/youth-sports-are-more-accessible-to-privileged-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">baseball</a> staple.



Their findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), reveal why the baseball mud is truly "magical."



"It spreads like a skin cream and grips like sandpaper," said Shravan Pradeep, the primary author of the paper and a dedicated researcher in the labs of Professor Douglas J. Jerolmack and Professor Paulo Arratia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-baseball-s-magic-mud">Origins of baseball's magic mud</h2>



The magic mud, applied by each team’s equipment manager to every game ball in the MLB, is harvested by the Bintliff family in an undisclosed location in South Jersey. 



This ritual has been repeated for generations, a guarded secret and cherished tradition in the world of baseball.



In 2019, the research group was prompted by sportswriter Matthew Gutierrez to explore the composition and flow characteristics of the mud. Though they were able to provide a quick analysis, it did not live up to the standards of scientific proof, admits Professor Jerolmack.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superstition-or-science">Superstition or science?</h2>



Plenty of articles and reports have cited the alleged effects of the magic mud. In interviews with everyone from MLB players to the Bintliffs themselves, people have gushed about the mud.



But the scientific community did not have any empirical evidence to back these claims. The burning question remained: Is the use of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-dunes-hold-a-record-of-fire-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mud</a> mere superstition or is there a genuine scientific rationale behind it?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigation-of-baseball-s-magic-mud">Investigation of baseball's magic mud</h2>



This gap in knowledge prompted Professor Pradeep to devise a triple-threat scientific investigation into baseball's magic mud. He set up three experiments to measure its spreadability, stickiness, and its effect on baseballs' friction against fingertips.



The team had to go to great lengths, even inventing new experimental setups, to sufficiently mimic the properties of human fingers and accurately capture the mud's behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict-magic-mud-works">The verdict: Magic mud works</h2>



The artificial skin and the oil they used simulated natural finger conditions, helping them align the tests as closely as possible to real-life scenarios. 



All of these efforts paid off when their study confirmed what MLB players have been professing all along: the magic mud works, and it's not just a superstition akin to playoff beards and rally caps.



This study has also debunked the idea of replacing the magic mud with synthetic lubricants - a concept that was previously explored by the MLB.



The original mud’s unique properties have so far proven to be irreplaceable. The researchers suggest sticking with the natural, green, and sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-and-dust-storms-have-become-unpredictable-and-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mud</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-touch-of-sustainability">Touch of sustainability</h2>



Despite this study focusing on baseball, the implications of the findings extend much further. The research opens up possibilities in the sustainable use of natural materials as lubricants.



The study serves as a window for us to appreciate how the natural world offers some invaluable properties that are hard to recreate from scratch.



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



The researchers extend their gratitude towards the various agencies that supported their work. 



These agencies include the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), NASA, Army Research Office, Penn Center for Soft and Living Matter, the University of Pennsylvania’s Singh Center for Nanotechnology, and others.



"We found that the mud contains just the right mixture of clay and water to uniformly coat the baseballs with an adhesive residue, and just enough sand grains to enhance friction," wrote the study authors.



"Understanding these remarkable properties may expand the use of sustainable natural materials for lubrication and gripping applications."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413514121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Not just superstition: Baseball's 'magic mud' actually works

For years, baseball’s “magic” mud has been a thing of...

Do you think you know your own body well? As it turns out, we might not know ourselves as intimately as we may think. Humans consistently underestimate how far many of our body parts can bend.



Yes, our brains don't seem to accurately gauge our body's movement limits. The mind-boggling details of this study are brought to you by Dr. Artur Pilacinski, a neuroscientist at Ruhr University Bochum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mind-blowing-body-bending">Mind-blowing body bending</h2>



Now, let's delve into the heart of the matter. The fundamental concept at play here is the 'body schema' - our brain's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-perception-we-see-the-world-based-on-what-we-expect-to-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental representation</a> of our bodily self. 



“Previous studies by other groups have already shown that people have a distorted body schema,” explains Pilacinski. 



“For example, they systematically underestimate the weight or size of their hands. We were interested in whether there is a similar bias for body movements.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrist-movements">Wrist movements</h2>



Dr. Pilacinski, along with Antoine Vandenberghe, Gabriella Andrietta, and Professor Gilles Vannuscorps, conducted an intriguing experiment. The team asked 84 participants to anticipate how far they could move their hand in various directions. 



This estimation involved wrist movements in four different ways: inwards and outwards towards the forearm and tilting the wrist towards the thumb or the pinkie.



The participants were divided into two groups. Some were asked to mentally visualize the hand movements and then indicate on an angular ruler the extent they thought they could move their hand. 



The others were shown various positions on the same ruler and had to decide if they could reach those positions by bending their wrists. The actual wrist mobility of all participants was then measured.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underestimated-reality-of-body-bending">Underestimated reality of body bending</h2>



After crunching the numbers, the researchers found something truly eye-opening. 



For three out of the four movements, there was a significant disparity between the assumed and actual mobility. On average, participants underguessed their movement scope by at least ten degrees. 



The only exception? The movement towards the thumb, whose difference between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-we-recognize-wisdom-in-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">presumption</a> and reality was too slight to be measured using their methodology.



Now, what could the reasons behind this discrepancy be? 



Dr. Pilacinski and his team suggest that this bias might serve as a protective mechanism - keeping us from overstretching and potentially harming our muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 



You have to appreciate the irony of this situation: our underestimate of body flexibility actually serves to keep us flexibly operational!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neuroscience-and-physical-therapy">Neuroscience and physical therapy</h2>



The findings from <a href="http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruhr University</a> and the <a href="https://uclouvain.be/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université catholique de Louvain</a>, Belgium, offer profound implications for both neuroscience and the field of physical therapy.



Understanding the limitations of the body schema can contribute to enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapeutic</a> practices aimed at improving body awareness and motor function. 



This body-underestimation bias indicates that individuals might benefit from exercises explicitly designed to recalibrate their body schema, potentially leading to improved mobility and injury prevention. 



Additionally, this research on bending of wrists could inform the development of better prosthetic devices and rehabilitation programs by accommodating for the innate bias in body perception. 



Such advancements could transform approaches to neurorehabilitation, aiding patients who have suffered strokes or other mobility-limiting conditions.



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



Dr. Pilacinski and his colleagues have opened new avenues for further exploration. 



Future research could examine whether this perceptual bias extends to other parts of the body or if it varies across different populations, such as athletes compared to non-athletes.



Also, exploring how neurological conditions might exacerbate or differ in these biases could yield valuable insights into their effects on movement and perception. 



Another intriguing direction would involve investigating the role of virtual and augmented reality in recalibrating body schema, providing innovative therapeutic techniques to correct underestimated perceptions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-implications">Real-world implications</h2>



In sum, this new insight carries immense potential in realms like sports and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-too-much-can-cause-premature-aging-even-if-you-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rehabilitation</a>. As it turns out, our perceived limit is not our actual limit. 



Acknowledging this could drastically reshape how we envision our movement constraints and could eventually lead to improved mobility.



So the next time you extend your hand for a handshake or grab a cup of coffee, remember - you've got more flexibility than you think! 



Let's welcome this newfound fondness for our bodies and the subtle ways they work to safeguard us. Isn't it fascinating how we continue to learn more about ourselves, even from our bending wrists?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00153-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Psychology.</a>



-----



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



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



-----

Human bodies can bend way more than your brain let's you believe

Do you think you know your own body well? As...

There's no denying that a balanced diet is your ticket to a healthy lifestyle. But what if stuffing your plate with certain nutrients, Omega like fatty acids, could do a lot more -- like potentially reducing your cancer risk?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-omega-fatty-acids">What are Omega fatty acids?</h2>



These powerhouse nutrients are essential fats that our bodies need but can't produce on their own. 



You've probably heard of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids -- they're crucial for brain function, cell growth, and reducing inflammation. 



Since we can't make them ourselves, we have to get them through our diet.



You can find Omega-3s in foods like fatty fish (think salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts. Omega-6s are common in vegetable oils like soybean, corn, and sunflower oils. 



It's all about balance: too much Omega-6 compared to Omega-3 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-provide-essential-fatty-acids-to-other-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">can tip the scales</a> toward inflammation, so it's important to include plenty of Omega-3-rich foods in your meals.



Adding these essential fats to your diet can offer a bunch of health benefits. They may help reduce the risk of heart disease, support mental health, and even give your skin a healthy glow.



And now, recent research from the <a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> has discovered an interesting relationship between these superheroes of nutrition and a reduced risk of cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-omega-fatty-acids-lower-cancer-risk">Omega fatty acids lower cancer risk</h2>



In this riveting investigation, data from a whopping 250,000 individuals underwent scrutiny. The outcome? 



There was a noticeable association between higher levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-oil-may-help-protect-pollinators-from-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega-3</a> and Omega-6 fatty acids and a lessened probability of cancer development. 



“Higher omega-3 and omega-6 levels were associated with lower rates of cancer,” said <a href="https://publichealth.uga.edu/student/yuchen-zhang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yuchen Zhang</a>, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in UGA’s <a href="https://publichealth.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Public Health</a>. 



“These findings suggest that the average person should focus on getting more of these fatty acids in their diets.”



Now, isn't it time we gave these fatty acids the recognition they deserve and incorporated them more consciously into our diets?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multispectral-effect">Multispectral effect</h2>



The study didn't merely sketch a broad connection; it hinted at a protective influence of fatty acids across diverse cancer types. 



Individuals boasting elevated levels of Omega-3 were seen to have fewer occurrences of colon, stomach, lung, and sundry other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/western-diet-identified-as-major-cause-of-colon-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive tract cancers</a>.



Omega-6, too, showed its mettle by being linked with diminished rates of a staggering 14 distinct kinds of cancer, a spectrum that includes everything from brain cancer to bladder cancer, and even malignant melanoma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-healthy-fats-to-our-diet">Adding healthy fats to our diet</h2>



Often crowned as "healthy fats," Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are integral to our diets. Their natural habitat includes fatty <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-fish-oil-in-combating-high-cholesterol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>, nuts, and certain plant oils like canola oil. 



Yet, they might not be frequent guests on the American dinner table, leading many people to seek their benefits via <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-oil-lowers-alzheimers-risk-in-people-who-are-most-susceptible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish oil supplements</a>.



Fish oil supplements have captured the limelight over the years due to their spectrum of health benefits. Apart from their potential in battling cancer, they're documented to slash the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.



Although supplements can be beneficial, nutritionists emphasize the importance of obtaining these essential fatty acids through a varied diet rich in natural sources. 



Eating fatty fish like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-salmon-decide-whether-to-venture-out-to-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a>, mackerel, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-sardines-may-be-signaling-major-shifts-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sardines</a>, alongside incorporating walnuts and flaxseeds, offers a delectable way to introduce these fatty acids into your meals.



So, why not start experimenting with new recipes and savor the profound health benefits these ingredients offer?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-omega-fatty-acids-also-trigger-cancer">Can Omega fatty acids also trigger cancer?</h2>



While the benefits are hard to deny, it's paramount to know that health doesn't come in a one-size-fits-all package. 



The study also pointed out that high levels of omega-3 might be tied to a somewhat elevated risk of prostate cancer.



“For women, it’s an easy decision: Eat more omega-3,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.genetics.uga.edu/directory/people/kaixiong-calvin-ye" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaixiong Ye</a>, corresponding author of the study and an associate professor in UGA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://franklin.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Franklin College of Arts and Sciences</a>.



The study also hinted that omega-6 had a more pronounced beneficial impact on younger participants, particularly women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fatty-acids-and-cancer">Fatty acids and cancer</h2>



Research shows that improving health can benefit from Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. 



However, it's important to remember that no single food can fight diseases alone. The best approach is a balanced diet along with an active lifestyle.



The next time you're wandering the grocery store aisles, why not add some fatty fish or a bag of walnuts to your cart? Your body might just give you a nod of gratitude in the long haul.



Research like this gives us even more reasons to be fascinated by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-oil-lowers-alzheimers-risk-in-people-who-are-most-susceptible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">field of nutritional science</a>. It demonstrates the incredible ways our food choices can shape our health outcomes. Now, that's something to ponder over.



The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.35226" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Cancer</a>. 



-----



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



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



-----

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids may reduce cancer risk

There's no denying that a balanced diet is your ticket...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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