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



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Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

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.  Galaxy groups “Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than galaxy clusters do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point. Despite its considerable size, Pangong Lake is relatively shallow. 



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films - most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China.



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

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

The Barataria Bay in Louisiana. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Barataria Bay in Louisiana, which has lost an estimated 430 square miles of land between 1932 and 2016 as a result of both human disturbance and natural causes.

Both global warming and sea level rise have contributed to the dramatic changes. Guandong Li is a Tulane University geologist who recently published a study on sediment dynamics in Barataria Bay. He explained that rising waters have accelerated the rate of land loss in the bay by roughly 20 to 30 percent

The image was captured on October 2, 2020 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.Much of the state's lands were formed from <a title="Sediment" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sediment">sediment</a> washed down the <a title="Mississippi River" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_River">Mississippi River</a>, leaving enormous deltas and vast areas of <a title="Tidal marsh" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_marsh">coastal marsh</a> and <a title="Swamp" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp">swamp</a>. These contain a rich southern <a class="mw-redirect" title="Biota (ecology)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biota_(ecology)">biota</a>; typical examples include birds such as <a title="Ibis" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibis">ibises</a> and <a title="Egret" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egret">egrets</a>. There are also many species of <a title="Tree frog" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_frog">tree frogs</a>, and fish such as <a title="Sturgeon" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon">sturgeon</a> and <a title="Paddlefish" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddlefish">paddlefish</a>. In more elevated areas, fire is a natural process in the landscape and has produced extensive areas of <a title="Longleaf pine" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longleaf_pine">longleaf pine</a> forest and wet <a title="Savanna" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savanna">savannas</a>. These support an exceptionally large number of plant species, including many species of terrestrial <a title="Orchidaceae" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchidaceae">orchids</a> and <a title="Carnivorous plant" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnivorous_plant">carnivorous plants</a>.[<a title="Wikipedia:Citation needed" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed">citation needed</a>] Louisiana has more Native American tribes than any other southern state, including four that are federally recognized, ten that are state recognized, and four that have not received recognition.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The Barataria Bay in Louisiana

The Barataria Bay in Louisiana. Today's Image of the Day...

The Italian city of Turin at night. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a nighttime view of Turin, the capital city of Piedmont in northern Italy.

Torino, as the Italians call it, is a major industrial city that lies along the Po River. The region is known for its refined architecture and cuisine.

The city is home to many automotive manufacturing plants, and has been chosen as a test site for autonomous driving vehicles.

The brilliant lights represent the routes that connect the city center to the mountain valleys of the Italian Alps, which rise to the northwest. Turin is a city and an important business and cultural centre in northern Italy. It is the capital city of Piedmont and of the Metropolitan City of Turin, and was the first Italian capital from 1861 to 1865. The city is mainly on the western bank of the Po River, below its Susa Valley, and is surrounded by the western Alpine arch and Superga Hill. The population of the city proper is 866,425 while the population of the urban area is estimated by Eurostat to be 1.7 million inhabitants. The Turin metropolitan area is estimated by the OECD to have a population of 2.2 million.

Turin derives its name from the word tau, which is the Celtic word for mountain. Torino was founded nearly 2,400 years ago by a Celtic tribe, the Taurini.

The image was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The Italian city of Turin at night

The Italian city of Turin at night. Today's Image of...

The Aral Sea in Central Asia. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Aral Sea, which has been completely transformed in recent decades. Since the 1960s, the lake has shrunk and separated into three distinct basins. 

Located in Central Asia, the lake is exposed to weather extremes. 

The image was captured in the winter, with snow covering the ground around the North Aral Sea in Kazakhstan. This region appears to be completely frozen over. 

According to NASA, fishermen in the small town of Tastubek endure winters with sub-zero temperatures, yet continue to fish on the lake through holes dug in the ice. The Aral Sea in Central Asia

The western side of the South Aral Sea remained mostly free of ice, and emerald-green water is visible.  Central Asia has historically been closely tied to its <a title="Nomad" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nomad">nomadic</a> peoples and the <a title="Silk Road" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road">Silk Road</a>. It has acted as a crossroads for the movement of people, goods, and ideas between <a title="Europe" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe">Europe</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" title="West Asia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Asia">West Asia</a>, <a title="South Asia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asia">South Asia</a>, and <a title="East Asia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia">East Asia</a>. The Silk Road connected Muslim lands with the people of Europe, South Asia, and East Asia. This crossroads position has intensified the conflict between <a title="Tribalism" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribalism">tribalism</a> and <a title="Tradition" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradition">traditionalism</a> and <a title="Modernization theory" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modernization_theory">modernization</a>. The age of the <a title="Timurid Renaissance" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timurid_Renaissance">Timurid Renaissance</a> began from today's <a title="Uzbekistan" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistan">Uzbekistan</a>.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The Aral Sea in Central Asia

The Aral Sea in Central Asia. Today's Image of the...

Nearly all of Greenland’s glaciers are retreating. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Greenland, the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. 

In a recent study led by Twila Moon of the National Snow and Ice Data Center, researchers analyzed physical changes to 225 of Greenland’s ocean-terminating glaciers, which flow from the ice sheet interior to the ocean. The experts found that none of the glaciers has substantially advanced for the last 20 years, and 200 of them have retreated.

“The speed of ice loss in Greenland is stunning,” said Moon. “As the ice sheet edge responds to rapid ice loss, the character and behavior of the system as a whole are changing, with the potential to influence ecosystems and people who depend on them.”

The study showed that glaciers are retreating in nearly every part of the island, and are experiencing other physical changes at the same time. Some of those transitions have rerouted the freshwater rivers beneath the ice.

“The coastal environment in Greenland is undergoing a major transformation,” said Alex Gardner, a snow and ice scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and co-author of the study. 

“We are already seeing new sections of the ocean and fjords opening up as the ice sheet retreats, and now we have evidence of changes to these freshwater flows. So losing ice is not just about changing sea level, it’s also about reshaping Greenland’s coastline and altering the coastal ecology.”

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nearly all of Greenland’s glaciers are retreating

Nearly all of Greenland’s glaciers are retreating. Today's Image of...

An astronaut's view of the Earth. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut view of Earth captured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle.

The photo was taken on the last leg of the SpaceX Demo-2 mission, which was the first human spaceflight from American soil since 2011. According to NASA, the crew was looking out over east Kazakhstan on their return flight home after two months on the station.

The photograph is one of more than four million that astronauts have taken of Earth since the beginning of crewed spaceflight programs. 

In 2020, NASA and its partnering agencies celebrated the 20th anniversary of continuous human presence on the International Space Station (ISS). Earth is the third <a title="Planet" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet">planet</a> from the <a title="Sun" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun">Sun</a> and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. About 29% of Earth's surface is <a title="Land" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land#History_of_land_on_Earth">land</a> consisting of continents and <a title="Island" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island">islands</a>. The remaining 71% is covered with water, mostly by oceans but also by lakes, rivers and other <a title="Fresh water" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresh_water">fresh water</a>, which together constitute the hydrosphere. Much of Earth's polar regions are covered in ice. Earth's outer layer is divided into several rigid <a title="Plate tectonics" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics">tectonic plates</a> that migrate across the surface over many millions of years. Earth's interior remains active with a solid iron inner core, a liquid <a title="Earth's outer core" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth%27s_outer_core">outer core</a> that generates Earth's magnetic field, and a convecting <a title="Mantle (geology)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantle_(geology)">mantle</a> that drives plate tectonics. An astronaut's view of the Earth

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

An astronaut's view of the Earth

An astronaut's view of the Earth. Today's Image of the...

The dynamic landscape of Robinson Crusoe Island. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Robinson Crusoe Island in the remote Juan Fernández Archipelago and national park located off the coast of Chile.

The island is known for its unique native animals, such as firecrown hummingbirds and fur seals, and also for an abundance of endemic plant species. 

“The Robinson Crusoe and Santa Clara islands have a special beauty due to their rugged geography, their cliffs, their rock formations, and their unique native flora and fauna,” said Javiera Meza, a biodiversity expert at Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF) . The dynamic landscape of Robinson Crusoe Island

According to Meza, the island supports 149 recognized plant taxa of which 61 percent are native. The recent invasion of non-native species - such as maqui, mora, and murta - are now threatening the island's endemic plants. 

In the image, the darkest green colors at high elevations mostly represent luma, a flowering evergreen tree endemic to the island. The dark green areas at lower elevations are forest plantations with non-native trees such as radiata pine, eucalyptus, and macrocarpa cypress. The lighter green shades are aggressive invasive shrubs known as maqui that grow in dense thickets.

Humans have also brought animals to Robinson Crusoe Island that have changed the landscape. In the 1930s, rabbits were introduced. They competed for food and habitat, contributing to the loss of native plants.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The dynamic landscape of Robinson Crusoe Island

The dynamic landscape of Robinson Crusoe Island. Today's Image of...

Climate change is shrinking the Caspian Sea. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the northeastern portion of the Caspian Sea.

The Caspian Sea is the world's largest lake. It is referred to as a “sea” due to its size and relatively high salinity. However, the lake’s largest inflow is the Volga River and it has no natural connection to the ocean. 

The lake serves an important regional water reservoir, biological resources center, and commercial hub that is bordered by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Climate change is shrinking the Caspian Sea

As a result of climate change, researchers <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-levels-are-falling-as-temperatures-rise/">report</a> that the water level could fall by 9 to 18 meters during this century, depending on the extent of future global warming.

The study's lead author, Dr. Matthias Prange, is a senior research scientist in the MARUM Cen­ter for Mar­ine En­vir­on­mental Sci­ences at the Uni­versity of Bre­men.

“The Caspian Sea can be viewed as representative of many other lakes in the world. Many people are not even aware that an inland lake is dramatically shrinking due to climate change, as our models indicate,” said Dr. Prange.

The study authors propose that the Caspian Sea should be used as an example in scientific research to assess the vulnerability of certain regions to falling water levels.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Climate change is shrinking the Caspian Sea

Climate change is shrinking the Caspian Sea. Today's Image of...

El Bibane Lagoon on the Tunisian coast. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features El Bibane Lagoon on the eastern coast of Tunisia. The lagoon, which is 20 miles long, is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a sand bar. 

According to NASA, fish grow to maturity in this protected nursery and then swim out to sea, making Bibane one of the best known fishing grounds in Tunisia. The lagoon also serves as an important breeding site for migratory birds. <a title="Tunisia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunisia">Tunisia</a> is a country in <a class="mw-redirect" title="Northern Africa" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Africa">Northern Africa</a>, bordering the <a title="Mediterranean Sea" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Sea">Mediterranean Sea</a>, having a western border with <a title="Algeria" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algeria">Algeria</a> (965 km) and south-eastern border with <a title="Libya" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libya">Libya</a> (459 km) where the width of land tapers to the south-west into the Sahara. The country has north, east and complex east-to-north coasts including the curved Gulf of Gabès, which forms the western part of Africa's Gulf of Sidra. Most of this greater gulf forms the main coast of Libya including the city of <a title="Sirte" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirte">Sirte</a> which shares its root name. El Bibane Lagoon on the Tunisian coast 

The country's geographic coordinates are 34°00′N 9°00′E. <a title="Tunisia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunisia">Tunisia</a> occupies an area of 163,610 square kilometres, of which 8,250 are water. The principal and reliable rivers rise in the north of the country with a few notable exceptions from north-east Algeria and flow through the northern plain where sufficient rainfall supports diverse plant cover and irrigated agriculture.

The image was captured on October 25, 2020 by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

El Bibane Lagoon on the Tunisian coast

El Bibane Lagoon on the Tunisian coast. Today's Image of...

A comprehensive review study has recently investigated the vital connections between marine biodiversity conservation, human health, and well-being. According to the experts, marine protected areas (MPAs) not only support ecological balance but also provide tangible benefits for people, underscoring their dual importance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-protected-areas-nbsp">Marine protected areas&nbsp;</h2>



Marine protected areas are legally designated sections of the ocean recognized for their conservation value. These areas are protected by laws that restrict human activities, aiming to allow ecosystems to thrive without significant interference. 



Depending on the specific regulations of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPA</a>, activities like fishing, building, or oil drilling may be prohibited or limited. The overarching goal is to create a space where marine life can flourish and, in turn, contribute to ecological and human welfare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-ocean-protection">Expanding ocean protection</h2>



With global plans to extend MPAs as part of the UN's “30x30” initiative - seeking to protect 30% of the world's oceans and land by 2030 - understanding the impact of these areas on both people and nature has become increasingly important.&nbsp;



The new study, conducted by the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wide Fund for Nature</a>, <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>’s School of Public Health, and <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>’s marine laboratory, led by Daniel Viana, reviewed data from over 200 scientific articles published since 1973.



The team discovered that in 234 MPAs worldwide, more than 60% reported improvements in both conservation outcomes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-the-critical-role-of-nature-in-human-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human well-being</a>. This finding suggests that well-managed MPAs can simultaneously support nature and the communities that depend on marine resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-areas-and-local-communities-nbsp">Protected areas and local communities&nbsp;</h2>



The study also included MPAs that permit sustainable use through controlled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> practices that avoid harming delicate ecosystems. These measures, such as using hook-and-line methods or fish traps, minimize damage to coral reefs and other sensitive habitats. 



The research suggests that investing in MPAs often results in benefits for local communities, particularly in terms of fishing yields and food access.



MPAs play an essential role in small island nations like Bonaire, Palau, and the Cook Islands. These regions, where over 95% of fish catches are tied to area-based conservation, illustrate how marine protection can drive both ecological and economic gains.&nbsp;



However, the study noted that despite the evident link between MPAs and improved food access, few studies have measured the direct nutritional impact on local communities.&nbsp;



Only one research project in the Philippines established a connection between enhanced fish access and better health outcomes, finding reduced rates of childhood stunting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-contributions-of-protected-areas-nbsp">Nutrient contributions of protected areas&nbsp;</h2>



The world’s waters - rivers, seas, lakes, and floodplains - are rich in edible plants and animals that offer essential vitamins, minerals, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-provide-essential-fatty-acids-to-other-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fatty acids</a>. These nutrients, particularly when harvested sustainably, can significantly bolster the diets of coastal populations. 



The study quantified the nutrient contributions from foods within MPAs, revealing that even with just 8% of the oceans under protection, these areas contribute 14% of the global supply of six key micronutrients from marine sources.



By fostering healthy marine environments, MPAs enhance fish populations that can spill over into adjacent areas, leading to more robust catches, increased income from fishing, and better access to nutritious food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-complexities">Challenges and complexities</h2>



While MPAs offer considerable benefits, implementing them effectively is not without challenges. The study found that many MPAs lack effective management, which can limit their success.&nbsp;



Additionally, while MPAs help support marine life and nearby human communities, they do not directly address significant threats like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-were-not-designed-for-climate-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and pollution that require broader action.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquaculture-impacts-wild-fish-much-more-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aquaculture</a>, or the farming of aquatic organisms, is growing as a supplement to wild harvests to meet the increasing demand for aquatic food. Although it provides more than half of the aquatic food consumed globally, aquaculture must continue to advance in sustainability practices. 



The study also emphasized that in many developing coastal nations, wild-harvested food remains a critical source of nutrition for millions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-protected-areas-and-global-health">Marine protected areas and global health</h2>



Linking marine conservation to human health presents promising opportunities but also reveals research gaps. While MPAs can contribute to better health outcomes by boosting fish availability and nutrient intake, questions remain about the equitable distribution of these benefits.&nbsp;



For instance, in the Maldives, the majority of fish caught from reefs are consumed by tourists rather than local residents, illustrating potential disparities.



Despite these challenges, the study underscores the potential of MPAs to promote a regenerative relationship between people and the environment.&nbsp;



By managing fisheries to support nutritional health rather than merely maximizing profits, a “nutrition-sensitive” approach to marine conservation could help address global food security.



In conclusion, while MPAs cannot tackle all threats alone, their role in sustaining both marine ecosystems and human communities represents a promising path toward a balanced, health-focused future.



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How marine protected areas boost human health

A comprehensive review study has recently investigated the vital connections...

Recent studies on the Thwaites Glacier, infamously known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” have fueled discussions on potential solutions to mitigate climate change impacts, including controversial geoengineering approaches.&nbsp;



The glacier’s stability is pivotal because its collapse could lead to catastrophic sea level rise, threatening millions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerated-melting-of-doomsday-glacier">Accelerated melting of Doomsday Glacier </h2>



One key <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404766121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, led by researchers from the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Irvine</a> and <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> and published in May, highlighted how warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-is-subtly-changing-the-tides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tidal currents</a> are accelerating Thwaites' melting faster than many models anticipated. 



Situated along the marine edge of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS), the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-may-collapse-sooner-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thwaites Glacier</a> acts as a critical barrier. The glacier's retreat, fueled by climate change, already contributes to 4% of global sea level rise, losing about 50 billion tons of ice annually.



The WAIS itself, a vast ice sheet sitting below sea level, could raise sea levels by nearly 11 feet if it collapses. This would have dire implications for major coastal cities and vulnerable island nations.&nbsp;



The potential breaching of Thwaites represents a tipping point - a situation where crossing a critical climate threshold leads to rapid, potentially irreversible changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doomsday-glacier-stability">Doomsday Glacier stability</h2>



Amid these concerning findings, a more recent <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado7794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a> and the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a> offered a glimmer of hope. This study suggests that Thwaites may be less prone to a process known as marine ice cliff instability (MICI) than previously believed. 



The MICI theory proposes that tall, retreating ice cliffs are inherently unstable and likely to collapse, leading to accelerated glacier loss.&nbsp;



However, the researchers found that thinning ice may, in fact, slow the calving process, potentially stabilizing ice cliffs. This discovery underscores the need for refined models to improve predictions about WAIS behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-slow-glacial-retreat">Solutions to slow glacial retreat</h2>



The potential risks associated with Thwaites’ rapid melting have pushed scientists to consider geoengineering as a possible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-risk-geoengineering-to-reverse-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intervention</a>. 



Geoengineering involves altering the environment through technological and structural means to slow down or stop glacial retreat, even in the face of rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>.



A <a href="https://climateengineering.uchicago.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Glacial-Climate-Intervention_A-Research-Vision.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> from the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>’s Climate Systems Engineering Initiative, published in July, called for further research into glacier geoengineering as a response to the severe threats posed by rapidly receding glaciers. 



John Moore, an Arctic Center professor and co-author of the report, stressed the challenges faced by such approaches: “it will take 15 to 30 years for us to understand enough to recommend or rule out any [glacier geoengineering] interventions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radical-geoengineering-proposals">Radical geoengineering proposals</h2>



Among the proposed geoengineering strategies are large-scale interventions, such as constructing submarine curtains to block warm tidal currents from reaching glacier ice.&nbsp;



These curtains could be crafted from durable fabrics or created through a network of pipes releasing air bubbles to act as a barrier.



Gernot Wagner, a climate economist at the Columbia Climate School, highlighted the potential of such interventions when executed correctly.&nbsp;



“For some polar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-still-prevent-critical-climate-tipping-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping points</a> like Arctic sea ice and the WAIS, glacial geoengineering seems to be the only way for us to more or less guarantee that we can address these tipping points,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-about-geoengineering-solutions">Concerns about geoengineering solutions</h2>



Despite the potential benefits, geoengineering has drawn criticism from glaciologists and climate experts who question its feasibility and warn that it may divert attention from critical emission-reduction efforts.&nbsp;



Concerns are that reliance on geoengineering could foster complacency, overshadowing the immediate need to reduce carbon emissions.



Wagner himself expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging that while the idea of using submarine curtains initially seemed "crazy," it could also serve as a wake-up call.&nbsp;



“You can use it as a push to say, ‘wait, if serious people are talking about [using curtains] as a solution, maybe we should be taking it more seriously and cutting emissions much more.’”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-emission-reductions">Urgent need for emission reductions</h2>



Geoengineering, as Wagner succinctly put it, is not a cure-all. “When we talk about glacial geoengineering, we need to tell the truth, which is that it’s not a solution to climate change - at best, it’s a painkiller.”&nbsp;



This approach, while potentially buying time to stave off the most severe impacts, must be paired with aggressive measures to curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global emissions</a>.



As research continues and new studies emerge, the fate of the Thwaites Glacier serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance needed in addressing climate challenges.&nbsp;



While innovative solutions may offer temporary relief, the ultimate focus must remain on long-term strategies that promote sustainability and prevent reaching critical climate tipping points.



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Can geoengineering save the Doomsday Glacier?

Recent studies on the Thwaites Glacier, infamously known as the...

As plastic pollution reaches alarming levels in ecosystems worldwide, a new study traces this crisis back to decades of industrial growth.



The research, led by an interdisciplinary team of Penn State researchers, explores the rise of microplastics in freshwater environments and links it to a global increase in plastic production since the 1950s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-freshwater-microplastics">Tracking freshwater microplastics </h2>



The exports tracked microplastic levels in freshwater sediment back to the mid-20th century. They uncovered a clear link between rising microplastic concentrations and the global surge in plastic manufacturing.



“Ours is one of the first to track microplastic levels in freshwater sediment from before the 1950s to today, showing that concentrations rise in line with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>," said Nathaniel Warner, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Penn State.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research </h2>



Microplastics are minute particles of plastic that range from one hundredth the width of a human hair to roughly the size of a pencil eraser.



The study was primarily focused on sediment cores from four watersheds in Pennsylvania: Kiskiminetas River, Blacklick Creek, Raystown Lake, and Darby Creek. 



Interestingly, the team discovered that regardless of the population density or land use, high levels of microplastics could be found.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-recycling-landscape-and-plastic-build-up">The recycling landscape and plastic build-up</h2>



Lisa Emili, associate professor of physical geography and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona, explained how the findings differed from previous studies.



“Based on other findings in the literature, what we thought would be important turned out not to be driving forces in microplastic variation across sites, notably the percentage of microplastics related to developed area and population density," said Emili.



The researchers found a decrease in microplastic accumulation from 2010 to 2020, a timeline that seems to align with increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-plastic-recycling-dropped-under-six-percent-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a> efforts. 



Observations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency support this finding. The agency reported substantial expansion in plastic recycling efforts from 1980 to 2010.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-missing-plastic">The mystery of missing plastic </h2>



Raymond Najjar, professor of oceanography at Penn State, believes this study can clarify the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-interior-has-accumulated-missing-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">missing plastics</a>" paradox. This refers to the disparity between the estimated amounts of plastic waste entering the ocean annually and the visible amount that can be found floating on the ocean's surface.



Professor Najjar suggested that estuaries, particularly tidal marshes, could be trapping river-borne plastics preventing them from reaching the ocean. 



"This could explain why there is far less plastic floating around in the surface ocean compared to how much is expected to be there given the input to the ocean from rivers," said Professor Najjar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-to-reduce-plastic-consumption">Need to reduce plastic consumption </h2>



The research team predicts continued growth of microplastic concentrations in both water and sediment.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contamination-crisis-microplastics-found-in-88-of-protein-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humans are ingesting plastic when they eat</a> and drink and inhaling it when they breathe, and the long-term impacts are just beginning to be studied," said Warner. 



"However, we need to figure out how to release less plastic into the environment and how to reduce consumption and exposure.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-and-future-research-directions">Study implications and future research directions</h2>



Bringing together an interdisciplinary team from three campuses, five colleges, and five disciplines, Emili highlighted the significance of this collaboration. 



“We brought together complementary skillsets from our fields of chemistry, engineering, hydrology, oceanography and soil science."



Emili also mentioned that the research project was initially funded with an Institute of Energy and the Environment seed grant, which "served as an ‘incubator’ for a continuation and expansion of our work exploring the fate and transport of microplastics in freshwater environments, with a particular focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-lagoons-have-high-loads-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal locations</a>.”



Going forward, Professor Warner hopes to investigate how the composition and types of microplastics have evolved over time. He also wants to assess how the associated health risks have unfolded.



The research was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, Penn State’s Commonwealth Campus Center Nodes (C3N) Program, and the Institute of Energy and the Environment.



Ultimately, the study aims to expand our understanding of the land-to-sea pathway of microplastics and inspire long-term solutions to reduce pollution and its associated health risks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0048969724067755" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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Microplastics are steadily increasing in freshwater environments

As plastic pollution reaches alarming levels in ecosystems worldwide, a...

Not long ago, the common belief was that only a subset of media consumers - often less educated and highly biased - would let their political allegiance override the truth. They would believe the news that favors their political inclinations, even if it wasn't authentic.



Then some intriguing studies emerged which indicated quite the opposite. The research suggested that media consumers across the spectrum value truth over partisanship.



The studies proclaimed that the authenticity of news was more influential than its alignment with a consumer's political views by more than four times.



However, as we stand on the brink of a national election fraught with misinformation, a fresh study shakes this understanding to its core.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-news-and-political-views">News and political views</h2>



The research, led by top psychology scholars at Stanford University, suggests that the masses tend to prioritize partisanship over truth when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/political-views-change-our-perception-of-the-past-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consuming news</a>.



Quite unexpectedly, this behavioral pattern spans across all political orientations, educational backgrounds, and reasoning capabilities.



Study lead author Michael Schwalbe is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychology at the School of Humanities and Sciences at <a href="http://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>.



"We saw an effect of people being more influenced by political alignment than truth," said Schwalbe. 



"We saw it on both political sides and even among people who scored well on a reasoning test. We were a bit surprised to see how widespread this tendency was. People were engaging in a lot of resistance to inconvenient truths."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pervasive-problem-across-political-parties">Pervasive problem across political parties</h2>



The researchers unearthed intriguing ways in which political views and partisanship can impact the analysis of news. 



In one measure of bias, people's beliefs about the impartiality of their political side compared to their rivals were assessed. Ironically, those who were most confident in their side's neutrality were the most biased.



Furthermore, partisanship seemed to have a more robust effect on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-opinions-swing-voting-and-elections-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processing real news</a> than fake news. People demonstrated a higher propensity to reject true information that challenged their political views and accept false information that supported their ideological stances.



"Everyone thinks it's the other person who is the problem," said Geoffrey L. Cohen, the James G. March Professor of Organizational Studies in Education and Business, professor of psychology in H&amp;S, and senior author of the study. 



"People say, 'Not me!' But it turns out, like with a lot of social psychological research, it's actually a pretty pervasive problem across political parties and up and down the educational ladder. The problem isn't just misinformation but the filters of our own mind - perhaps more so."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-news-sources-and-political-beliefs">News sources and political beliefs</h2>



The study is based on research conducted on a sample of the voting-age U.S. population, matched to the demographics of the census. This group included supporters and opponents of former President Donald Trump.



A distinctive aspect of this research is its deviation in methodology from previous studies. According to Cohen, this could be why the findings contradict them. While the other studies used existing news headlines, this research involved fabricated ones.



Also, in prior investigations, subjects could see the news sources, which may have influenced their acceptance or rejection of the information, whereas this study focused on the headlines alone.



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



The research team conjured fake headlines like "Trump Beats Grandmaster Chess Champion" and "Trump Attended Private Halloween Gala with Sex Orgies Dressed as the Pope." 



Surprisingly, the experts discovered that Trump's supporters and opponents were more likely to believe headlines that aligned with their views than to accept <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-are-largely-unprepared-for-the-effects-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">true headlines</a> that opposed their beliefs.



The researchers suggest that one contributing factor for this situation is the increased consumption of partisan media. 



"We found that the strongest predictors of bias include extreme views of Trump, a one-sided media diet, and belief in the objectivity and lack of bias of a person's own political side relative to the other side," Schwalbe said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-concern-about-news-consumption">Growing concern about news consumption </h2>



The findings of this study underscore concerns about news consumption in the 21st century, especially with the advent of social media and the constant availability of political news. 



Gaining access to one-sided information has become easier, which can reinforce beliefs in personal objectivity and lead to deepened polarization over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-paths-to-improvement">Possible paths to improvement</h2>



Having identified the problem, the next logical step is to propose interventions. A measure suggested by Cohen, known as "pre-bunking," involves proactive fact-checking where media sources warn of potential misinformation, or people independently learn to recognize manipulation tactics.



However, Cohen and Schwalbe emphasized that the solution doesn't solely lie in policy changes focused on fake news; people are also biased in their disbelief of true news.



Accordingly, they highlight the significance of promoting intellectual humility, wherein media consumers acknowledge the fallibility of their minds and learn to question their perceptions.



"There's still much more to do to understand the problem," said Schwalbe. So, while this study forms a solid foundation for further exploration, there's no denying that we're only at the beginning of this investigative journey.



The study is published in the <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2025-33892-004.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Psychology: General</a>. 



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People trust news that matches their political views, even when it's fake

Not long ago, the common belief was that only a...

The cooperative behavior of bees, resembling a singular "superorganism," is something uniquely remarkable in the world of nature.



It is not uncommon for thousands of worker bees to function collectively to protect the colony, feed it, and look after the offspring. This intricate social conduct unifies their individual actions into a concerted effort.



But how is this complex behavior encoded and inherited among generations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-spread-viruses-to-bumblebees-in-the-spring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bees</a>? The answer lies in a special gene, as unveiled by a team of scientists.



The research was led by experts at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (<a href="https://www.hhu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HHU</a>), along with colleagues from Frankfurt/Main, Oxford, and Würzburg. The study has uncovered the genetic underpinnings of honey bee cooperation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-behind-cooperative-bee-behavior">Genes behind cooperative bee behavior</h2>



The principal investigator and the head of the Institute of Evolutionary Genetics at Heinrich-Heine University, Dr. Martin Beye, and his team have made this breakthrough discovery. The research was focused on a gene called "doublesex" or "dsx."



"The behavioral repertoire of the individual bees and their function in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a> are not learned, but rather inherited. Until now, it was not known how such complex behaviors were genetically encoded," said Dr. Beye.



The key discovery is that the dsx gene influences worker bee-specific behavior, noted study first author Dr. Vivien Sommer.



"The gene programs whether a worker bee takes up a task in the colony and for how long. This includes collective tasks such as caring for the larvae or foraging for food and social exchanges on food sources, for example," said Dr. Sommer. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-editing-in-bees">Gene editing in bees</h2>



The team used the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique to modify the dsx gene in select bees, attaching a QR code to the manipulated bees.



Cameras inside the hive monitored the bees' behavior, and with the assistance of artificial intelligence, video sequences were analyzed to determine individual behavioral patterns.



"Our central question was whether and how the inherited behavioral patterns changed as a result of the gene modification. Such changes must be reflected in the nervous system of the worker bees where the specific behaviour is controlled," said Dr. Sommer.



Adding a twist, the researchers introduced a green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the dsx sequence to visualize the neuronal circuits. 



They found that the dsx gene plays a crucial role in creating specific neural pathways in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-explores-the-basis-of-social-behavior-in-the-insect-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee’s brain</a>, according to doctoral researcher Jana Seiler, who is also a co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-bee-behavior">New chapter in bee behavior </h2>



"Our findings indicate a fundamental genetic program that determines the neuronal circuitry and behavior of worker bees," said Dr. Wolfgang Rössler, an expert in the Department of Behavioural Physiology and Sociobiology at the University of Würzburg.



The next challenge is to move from the individual honeybee to the whole bee colony and understand how the gene influences the “superorganism.” 



"We hope to find the link between individual programming and the coordinated behaviour of many individuals," said Alina Sturm, a doctoral researcher at HHU.



Revealing the genetic secret behind the collective behavior of honey bees is more than just a scientific breakthrough. It’s a tribute to the remarkable complexity of nature and its infinite capacity for surprise. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-bee-behavior">Broader implications of bee behavior</h2>



The discovery of a gene that influences honey bee behavior has implications beyond the study of bees.



Understanding how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-single-gene-allows-cape-honey-bees-to-reproduce-asexually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single gene</a> can shape complex social dynamics could inspire innovations in fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence.



For example, roboticists often look to nature for insights into building more efficient, cooperative systems. The hive’s "superorganism" structure could serve as a model for developing autonomous swarm robots designed to work together toward a shared goal.



Additionally, the study of bee cooperation offers valuable insights for ecology and conservation. 



Honey bees play a critical role in pollination. Identifying the genetic foundations of their social behavior could lead to better strategies for supporting bee populations amid environmental threats.



By shedding light on the inner workings of the hive, this research adds a new dimension to preserving biodiversity and maintaining the stability of ecosystems that rely heavily on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp3953?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D91765132952246405812279585398434020131%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1730680771" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Bees do not learn to be cooperative - it is in their genes

The cooperative behavior of bees, resembling a singular "superorganism," is...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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