Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of northern Afghanistan. The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.



“The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains and eventually discharges into the Amu Darya River,” noted NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-fayzabad-nbsp">Climate of Fayzabad&nbsp;</h2>



According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, the climate of Fayzabad varies from cold semi-arid to Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental.



The summer months are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The winter months are cold, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing - sometimes reaching as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The region receives moderate precipitation, mostly during the spring and winter. Snowfall is common in winter, adding to the mountainous region's picturesque landscape.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fayzabad-culture">Fayzabad culture</h2>



Historically, Fayzabad has been a center of learning and culture, though its development has been hampered by years of conflict.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> remains a vital component of the region, which is known for its traditional crafts including weaving and embroidery.



Cultural life in Fayzabad is influenced by its predominantly Tajik population, along with other ethnic groups such as Uzbeks and Hazaras. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Afghan flavors, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and a variety of spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes-nbsp">Land use changes&nbsp;</h2>



“This territory has experienced notable changes in its land use in recent decades, especially with commercial and administrative growth near the airport,” noted NASA.



“Among the changes: a new airstrip built west of the Kokcha River. However, mountains hem in the city and limit how much development is possible.”



“Despite these topographical barriers, some development has spread into hilly areas south of Fayzabad. Green vegetation is mostly confined to mountain valleys, stream channels, and the Kokcha River floodplain.”&nbsp;



“The Kokcha River meanders through the valley, providing a vital water resource for the region. Fields of predominantly wheat and rice cover much of the floodplain, though these flat areas are mixed with residential, industrial, and commercial activity as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kokcha-river-nbsp">Kokcha River&nbsp;</h2>



The Kokcha River originates in the Hindu Kush mountains. It stretches approximately 360 kilometers before joining the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.&nbsp;



The Kokcha River traverses rugged terrain, providing vital irrigation for agriculture in the region and supporting local communities' livelihoods.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> basin features diverse landscapes that include mountainous areas and fertile valleys.&nbsp;



Throughout history, the Kokcha River has played a crucial role in the region's cultural and economic development, serving as a natural resource for the inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of northern Afghanistan. The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia. Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. “The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a plume of Saharan dust pouring off the coast of southern Morocco.



The Sahara Desert is the world's biggest source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airborne dust</a>. Each year, it releases hundreds of millions of tons of mineral dust that are lifted into the atmosphere and transported across vast distances up to thousands of miles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-air-layer-nbsp">Saharan Air Layer&nbsp;</h2>



The transport of Saharan dust is primarily driven by the trade winds and atmospheric phenomena such as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). This dry air mass often accompanies tropical storms across the Atlantic, sometimes even influencing the development and intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-can-intensify-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>.&nbsp;



“From late spring to early fall, it is common for the dry, dusty Saharan Air Layer to carry the particles westward across the Atlantic Ocean high in the atmosphere. With different wind patterns in the winter and spring, dust emerging from North Africa can drift over the United Kingdom and western Europe at relatively low altitudes,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153246/dust-pours-off-the-moroccan-coast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Saharan Air Layer activity subsides after mid-August, according to NOAA, making it less likely that the plume shown here is bound for a transoceanic journey. Instead, it arcs to the north after blowing out over the ocean. Earlier in the summer, however, several clouds of fine dust from the Sahara reached the United States, creating hazy skies over Texas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-saharan-dust-nbsp">Impacts of Saharan dust&nbsp;</h2>



Saharan dust plays a crucial role in global climate and environmental systems. For example, Saharan dust can affect weather patterns by absorbing and scattering sunlight, influencing temperature and cloud formation. It also plays a role in fertilizing ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest, by providing essential nutrients like iron and phosphorus.&nbsp;



However, Saharan dust also has more complex impacts. It can reduce air quality, leading to respiratory issues in people living downwind of the dust. In addition, the dust impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> health by contributing to algae blooms, which can create dead zones in marine environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-clouds-and-human-health">Dust clouds and human health</h2>



In a recent study from Texas A&amp;M University, researchers explored the potential health impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria and fungi</a> that travel within dust plumes.&nbsp;



The team found traces of several pathogens known to cause disease in humans, as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).



Study co-author Dr. Daniel Spalink noted that while the DNA of several pathogenic bacteria and fungi were identified in African dust, it is not yet known if they can infect us and make us sick. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summertime-dust-events">Summertime dust events</h2>



“Scientists are interested in summertime Saharan dust events in part because of the influence they can have on large storm systems. Dry, stable, dust-laden air can inhibit tropical cyclone formation in the North Atlantic. And in a new study, researchers found that dust can modulate the amount of rainfall brought by these storms,” noted NASA.



“Using a machine-learning model based on meteorological data, NASA’s IMERG (Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM) precipitation estimates, and other satellite measurements, the study’s authors found that dust optical depth - a measure of how much light filters through a dusty plume - was a key predictor of rainfall from tropical cyclones.”



The researchers concluded that smaller amounts of dust particles promote the formation of rain clouds, while the sunlight-blocking effects of large dust clouds ultimately suppress precipitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-storms">Saharan dust storms</h2>



Dust storms in the Sahara Desert are some of the most far-reaching in the world. These storms, also known as haboobs, occur when strong winds lift large quantities of sand and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-impacts-dust-levels-on-a-global-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> from the desert's surface into the atmosphere.&nbsp;



Saharan dust storms vary in intensity, with some being relatively mild while others are severe, reducing visibility to almost zero and creating hazardous conditions. They often happen in the spring and early summer when the temperature difference between the desert and the surrounding regions creates strong pressure gradients, fueling powerful winds.



Ultimately, these dust storms are a natural part of life. They shape the landscape over time by eroding rock formations and redistributing sand dunes. Despite their destructive potential, they are also a reminder of the dynamic and interconnected nature of Earth's climate systems.



The image was captured on August 24, 2024 by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Saharan dust launches off the Moroccan coast

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

Jupiter’s Colourful Palette

Incredible view of Jupiter captured by Hubble Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a striking new look at Jupiter captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.

The Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) is the most technologically advanced instrument to take images in the visible spectrum.

The WFC3 shot this photograph on June 27, 2019, when Jupiter was 644 million kilometers away at its closest point to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA">Earth</a> this year.

Jupiter is primarily composed of hydrogen with a quarter of its mass being helium, though helium comprises only about a tenth of the number of molecules. It may also have a rocky core of heavier elements,but like the other giant planets, Jupiter lacks a well-defined solid surface. Because of its rapid rotation, the planet's shape is that of an oblate spheroid (it has a slight but noticeable bulge around the equator). The outer atmosphere is visibly segregated into several bands at different latitudes, resulting in turbulence and storms along their interacting boundaries. A prominent result is the Great Red Spot, a giant storm that is known to have existed since at least the 17th century when it was first seen by telescope. Surrounding Jupiter is a faint planetary ring system and a powerful magnetosphere. Jupiter has 79 known moons, including the four large Galilean moons discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610. Ganymede, the largest of these, has a diameter greater than that of the planet <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/peregrine-falcons-mercury/">Mercury</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: European Space Agency

&nbsp;

Incredible view of Jupiter captured by Hubble

Incredible view of Jupiter captured by Hubble Today's Image of...

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from is seen here from the space station in Today’s Image of the Day. The photo was taken by an astronaut onboard the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html">International Space Station</a>. Coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-seafloor-erosion/">reefs</a> are relatively easy to see from space because the clear, light blues of shallow waters greatly contrast from the dark blues of deep water areas.

Great Barrier Reef from Space

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from is seen here from the...

Cosmic Fireworks in Ultraviolet

Cosmic fireworks captured in high resolution. Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the highest resolution image of Eta Carinae ever taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Eta Carinae, which is located 7,500 light years from the Earth, is essentially a massive pair of stars that are between one and five million times brighter than the sun.

The gases exploding throughout this distant stellar system can be seen glowing in red, white, and blue.

The image was captured using ultraviolet light and is providing scientists with brand new details about the behavior of the star system. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA">NASA's</a> view.

Space is the boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative position and direction. Physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum known as spacetime. The concept of space is considered to be of fundamental importance to an understanding of the physical universe. However, disagreement continues between philosophers over whether it is itself an entity, a relationship between entities, or part of a conceptual framework.
Debates concerning the nature, essence and the mode of existence of space date back to antiquity; namely, to treatises like the Timaeus of Plato, or Socrates in his reflections on what the Greeks called khôra (i.e. "space"), or in the Physics of Aristotle (Book IV, Delta) in the definition of topos (i.e. place), or in the later "geometrical conception of place" as "space qua extension" in the Discourse on Place (Qawl fi al-Makan) of the 11th-century <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/contrasting-landscapes-in-the-arabian-desert/">Arab</a> polymath Alhazen. Many of these classical philosophical questions were discussed in the Renaissance and then reformulated in the 17th century, particularly during the early development of classical mechanics. In Isaac Newton's view, space was absolute—in the sense that it existed

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: European Space Agency

Cosmic fireworks captured in high resolution

Cosmic fireworks captured in high resolution. Today's Image of the...

Southern Brazil Atlantic Coastline is seen here in this Image of the Day from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at the Atlantic coastline of southern Brazil. The tan formations are the Barchan dunes, which separate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/dark-phytoplankton-blooms/">ocean coastline</a> from Lagoa de Barros, one of several lagoons formed hundreds of thousands of years ago when the sea level was much higher. This image was captured by an astronaut on board the International Space Station.

Southern Brazil Atlantic Coastline

Southern Brazil Atlantic Coastline is seen here in this Image...

Rare snowfall in the African country of Lesotho. Today’s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows snow covering most of the South African country of Lesotho. 

A winter weather front produced between 2 and 12 inches of snow, with the largest amount of precipitation falling in the Maluti Mountains.

Heavy snowfall has become a rare event in the region, but light dustings are still relatively common. There is one ski resort in Lesotho, where artificial snow is made during most of the short winter season.

This image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA">NASA’s</a> Terra satellite on August 11, 2018.Rare snowfall in the African country of Lesotho

Lesotho (/ləˈsuːtuː/ (listen), Sotho pronunciation: , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho), is an enclaved country within the border of <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/hawaii-south-africa-extinctions/">South Africa</a>. Along with the Vatican City and San Marino, it is one of only three independent states completely surrounded by the territory of another country, and the only one outside the Italian peninsula or that is not a microstate. Lesotho is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) and has a population of around 2 million. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. The official language is Sesotho.
Lesotho was previously the British Crown Colony of Basutoland, but it declared independence from the United Kingdom on 4 October 1966. It is now a fully sovereign state and is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The name Lesotho roughly translates to "the land of the people who speak Sesotho"

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

Rare snowfall in the African country of Lesotho

Rare snowfall in the African country of Lesotho. Today’s Image...

Gulf of Taranto off the coast of Italy is seen here in this Image of the Day, thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a>. The gulf measures 90 miles in length by 90 miles in width and is located just off the coast of southern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/campi-flegrei-volcano-erupt/">Italy</a>. The gulf is surrounded by the Italian regions of Apulia, Basilicata, and Calabria. The city of Taranto is known as an important port that holds steel factories, oil refineries, and shipyards.

The Gulf of Taranto in Italy

Gulf of Taranto off the coast of Italy is seen...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features brightly colored vegetation that has appeared in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.

Storms brought heavy rainfall to the foothills of the Andes mountains in January and February 2019. 

The Atacama Desert, which is known for being one of the driest places in the world, was transformed by the heavy rainfall. By March, land that typically appears brown and barren was covered with wildflowers and other vegetation.


This image depicts the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a measure of the health and greenness of vegetation based on data collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite in April 2019.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

The Atacama Desert turns green

The tallest and strongest grass in the world is bamboo (yes, it’s NOT a tree). Japan is home to many bamboo forests, some of which look like this! Simply amazing!

Bamboo Forest, or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or Sagano Bamboo Forest, is a natural forest of bamboo in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. The forest consists of several pathways for tourists and visitors. The Ministry of the Environment considers it a part of the soundscape of Japan.
Prior to 2015 there was a charge to access the area.
The forest is not far from Tenryū-ji Temple, which is the location of Rinzai School, and the Nonomiya Shrine.

Japan (Japanese: (listen)) is an island country located in East Asia. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, and spans more than 3,000 kilometers (1,900 mi) along the coast of the continent from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East<a href="http://www.earth.com/news/tropical-storm-aere-drifting-in-the-south-china-sea/"> China</a> Sea and Philippine Sea in the south. Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan encompasses a stratovolcanic archipelago of about 6,852 islands, with five main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa) comprising 97% of the country's total area of 377,975 square kilometers (145,937 sq mi).
Japan is officially divided into 47 prefectures and traditionally into eight regions. Approximately two-thirds of the country's terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, and less than one-eighth of land is suitable for agriculture. Consequently, Japan is among the most densely populated and urbanized countries in the world, with over 90% of its population living in urban areas. The largest of these is the metropolitan area centered on the capital city of Tokyo, which is the most populous in the world and home to more than 38 million people. Japan itself is the world's eleventh most populous country with a population of 126.2 million, of which 97.8% are ethnically Japanese.

Credit: <a href="http://funnyphoto.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/10-of-the-most-beautiful-places-on-earth-16.jpg">funnyphoto.eu</a>

Bamboo Forest in Japan

The tallest and strongest grass in the world is bamboo...

The "soil footprint" is emerging as a crucial concept in sustainable farming, measuring the impact of agriculture on soil erosion. 



As the global population grows, the challenge of feeding everyone without depleting essential natural resources becomes more pressing. 



While much focus has been placed on carbon and water footprints, the soil footprint addresses the often-overlooked issue of soil degradation.



Tackling soil degradation is key to preserving life and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-the-soil-footprint">Introducing the soil footprint</h2>



Scientists Andrés Peñuela, Vanesa García Gamero, and Tom Vanwalleghem at the <a href="https://www.uco.es/internacional/extranjeros/en/about-uco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Córdoba</a> have been instrumental in defining and applying the concept of the soil footprint in Spain, where soil erosion presents a critical challenge for agricultural sustainability.



Through their pioneering work, the experts have brought attention to an often-underappreciated yet vital resource: soil.



Unlike the more widely known carbon and water footprints, this latest footprint specifically focuses on soil - a resource that is frequently overlooked in discussions about environmental sustainability but is just as crucial for supporting life as water, air, or energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-is-the-soil-footprint-calculated">How is the soil footprint calculated?</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-soils-produce-a-symphony-of-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Healthy soil</a> is the foundation of productive ecosystems, ensuring food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.



The soil footprint quantifies the amount of soil lost during cultivation, offering a clear metric for evaluating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural practices</a>. It is calculated by dividing the erosion rate by the crop's productivity, providing a tangible way to measure the sustainability of farming techniques.



A larger soil footprint indicates significant soil erosion, which can lead to devastating losses in essential nutrients, biodiversity, and the soil’s ability to retain water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-awareness-about-soil-erosion">Raising awareness about soil erosion </h2>



The rationale behind introducing the footprint is to encourage communication about the dire issue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-rates-have-exploded-in-the-midwestern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil erosion</a>.



The researchers believe that the concept can help raise awareness, just like the water footprint. By making consumers aware of the concept, they can join the fight in combating soil erosion.



The objective is to promote sustainable production models by encouraging all stakeholders, including consumers, to play their part. 



If consumers demand foods that do not contribute to soil erosion, this can motivate the productive sector to adopt sustainable practices, as observed with eco-friendly and cruelty-free products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-spain-s-soil-footprint">A closer look at Spain's soil footprint</h2>



The researchers applied the soil footprint concept to Spain's top ten crops, examining areas facing the most problems due to soil erosion.



The experts found that olive trees had the largest footprint, followed by cherry trees and wheat. The crops with the smallest soil footprints were onions, potatoes, and oranges.



"The solution is not to reduce the number of olive trees, but rather to incorporate strategies that protect the soil from erosion, such as vegetation cover," explained Peñuela.



Studies have shown that this management approach can significantly curb soil erosion in Mediterranean olive groves, thus reducing their soil footprint.



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



The soil footprint brings a new perspective to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-farming-is-good-for-farmers-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable farming</a>. It helps us understand the impact of our food choices on the environment and pushes us towards making more responsible decisions. After all, soil is a precious and finite resource that we must protect for generations to come.



By being mindful of our impact on soil, we can play a part in preserving land for future generations, just as we do with water and energy.



The soil footprint concept is a vital tool in our quest to achieve sustainable farming and ensure food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-issue-of-soil-erosion">Global issue of soil erosion </h2>



While the soil footprint concept is gaining traction in Spain, its relevance extends far beyond national borders. Soil erosion is a global issue, affecting agricultural productivity and food security across continents.



In regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, unsustainable farming practices and climate change exacerbate soil degradation. 



The footprint offers a valuable metric for these regions to evaluate the long-term viability of their farming methods and implement soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>.



By adopting this approach globally, we can promote more resilient agricultural systems and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on arable land.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667006224000303?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil Security</a>.



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Soil footprint: A new frontier in sustainable farming

The "soil footprint" is emerging as a crucial concept in...

Ever had a catchy song lyric or a random fact stick in your head, making it harder to focus on other things? This phenomenon - where mental clutter builds up and affects memory - was explored in a recent study.



The research was led by Rob Reinhart, an associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at <a href="https://www.bu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University</a>, along with his postdoctoral associate, Wen Wen. The team investigated how mental clutter impacts memory as we age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-changes-with-age">Memory changes with age</h2>



As we get older, our brains become less efficient at clearing out irrelevant information, leading to slower processing and more frequent lapses in memory.&nbsp;



The study identifies a brain pattern called beta frequency variability, which predicts memory performance in older adults.&nbsp;



Younger adults, on the other hand, show a stronger ability to hold on to relevant information. These findings offer a clearer picture of how memory changes with age and provide insights into cognitive health and mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-processes-in-working-memory-nbsp">Critical processes in working memory&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/working-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Working memory</a> is like a mental workspace that allows us to hold and manipulate information for short periods. It’s essential for tasks that require reasoning, problem-solving, and planning. 



As we age, working memory declines, which is normal to some degree but can also be linked to conditions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/managing-negative-emotions-may-prevent-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>.



In the research, Wen and her team highlight two critical processes in working memory: maintenance and deletion. Maintenance is about actively holding onto relevant information, while deletion is the process of removing outdated or irrelevant data.&nbsp;



Deletion is crucial because it keeps our mental workspace flexible and prevents cognitive overload. When these processes work together, we can efficiently maintain what’s important and clear out what is not.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhythmic-patterns-of-brain-activity">Rhythmic patterns of brain activity</h2>



The study also focuses on beta-band neural oscillations, which are rhythmic patterns of brain activity that help regulate working memory. These oscillations can be recorded through an EEG, and they’re particularly important for modulating the contents of working memory.&nbsp;



Beta-band oscillations are thought to control how well we maintain or delete information from our mental workspace.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-differences-in-working-memory-nbsp">Key differences in working memory&nbsp;</h2>



When looking at younger and older adults, the experts found some key differences in how working memory functions. 



For younger adults, their ability to maintain information predicted how well they performed in memory tasks. 



For older adults, though, the critical factor was their ability to delete irrelevant information. This suggests that as we age, deletion deficits contribute significantly to cognitive decline, aligning with what’s known as the inhibition deficit theory of aging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-clutter-and-information-processing">Memory clutter and information processing </h2>



The research offers valuable insight into cognitive decline and how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-may-be-driven-by-genetic-imbalances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> affects memory. By breaking down working memory into its core processes - maintenance and deletion - the study provides a more detailed understanding of why memory problems occur as we get older. 



It turns out that being unable to efficiently delete irrelevant information can create a bottleneck in working memory, making it harder to maintain focus and process new information effectively.



One of the most surprising findings was how differently working memory functions between younger and older adults.&nbsp;



While maintenance plays a key role for younger individuals, older adults’ memory performance hinges more on their ability to delete unnecessary information.&nbsp;



Interestingly, while older adults showed maintenance deficits, these didn’t seem to affect their overall performance as much as their deletion deficits did.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study-nbsp">Broader implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The findings have practical implications, especially when it comes to developing interventions for age-related memory decline. For instance, many current memory training programs focus on improving maintenance, but this study suggests that targeting deletion might be even more effective for older adults.&nbsp;



Additionally, the research points to beta activity as a neural signature for the deletion process. This opens the door to new brain training methods or rehabilitation techniques, such as non-invasive neuromodulation, which could enhance or restore deletion functions in working memory by adjusting beta-band neural oscillations.



In summary, the study sheds light on the complexities of how our brains manage information as we age and highlights the importance of both maintaining relevant information and clearing out the clutter to keep our mental workspace efficient.



The experts noted that future research is needed to test the causal role of beta activity in modulating the influence from deficient deletion to subsequent maintenance in older adults.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002784" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Memory clutter speeds up aging in the brain

Ever had a catchy song lyric or a random fact...

Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting The Starry Night is renowned for its swirling blue skies and luminous yellow stars, capturing the viewer with its vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes.&nbsp;



The painting presents a vision of the night sky that is both enchanting and immersive, with each star encased in radiant ripples, as if the sky itself were in motion.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-van-gogh-s-distinctive-brushstrokes-nbsp">Van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes&nbsp;</h2>



The illusion of movement in The Starry Night is so vivid that it has piqued the curiosity of scientists who wonder how closely van Gogh’s depiction mirrors the actual physics of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clear-air-turbulence-expected-to-intensify-in-a-warmer-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turbulence</a>.&nbsp;



While the movement of the sky in the painting is beyond measurement, van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes can be scientifically analyzed.



In a study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0213627" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Fluids</a> by AIP Publishing, researchers specializing in marine sciences and fluid dynamics from China and France analyzed van Gogh’s brushwork to uncover what they describe as “hidden turbulence” within the painting.&nbsp;



The team explored the physical properties of the swirling patterns in van Gogh’s The Starry Night and sought to determine whether they align with known principles of fluid dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-turbulence-in-the-starry-night-nbsp">Hidden turbulence in The Starry Night&nbsp;</h2>



“The scale of the paint strokes played a crucial role,” said lead author Yongxiang Huang, a scientist at the Xiamen University.&nbsp;



“With a high-resolution digital picture, we were able to measure precisely the typical size of the brushstrokes and compare these to the scales expected from turbulence theories.”



To do this, the researchers used van Gogh’s swirling brushstrokes as a model, similar to how scientists would study wind patterns by observing how leaves swirl in a vortex.&nbsp;



The team examined the painting's use of luminance, or the relative brightness of the colors, to represent the kinetic energy typically found in atmospheric turbulence.&nbsp;



The variation in brightness across the canvas allowed them to draw parallels between van Gogh’s strokes and the flow of energy in real atmospheric systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intuitive-understanding-of-natural-phenomena">Intuitive understanding of natural phenomena </h2>



“It reveals a deep and intuitive understanding of natural phenomena,” Huang said. “Van Gogh’s precise representation of turbulence might be from studying the movement of clouds and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-is-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>, or it could reflect an innate sense of how to capture the dynamism of the sky.”



The team focused on analyzing the spatial scale of 14 prominent swirling shapes in the painting to determine whether they followed the same energy transfer patterns observed in natural turbulent flows.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/starry-night_van-gogh_physics-analysis_atmospheric-dynamics_credit-Yinxiang-Ma_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/starry-night_van-gogh_physics-analysis_atmospheric-dynamics_credit-Yinxiang-Ma_1s.webp" alt="The authors measured the relative scale and spacing of the whirling brush strokes in van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” along with variances in luminance of the paint, to see if the laws that apply in the physics of real skies apply in the artist’s depiction. The results suggest van Gogh had an innate understanding of atmospheric dynamics. He captured multiple dimensions of atmospheric physics with surprising accuracy. Credit: Yinxiang Ma" class="wp-image-1944953"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The authors measured the relative scale and spacing of the whirling brush strokes in van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” along with variances in luminance of the paint, to see if the laws that apply in the physics of real skies apply in the artist’s depiction. The results suggest van Gogh had an innate understanding of atmospheric dynamics. He captured multiple dimensions of atmospheric physics with surprising accuracy. Credit: Yinxiang Ma</figcaption></figure>



Specifically, they wanted to see if the painting aligned with Kolmogorov’s law, a theory that describes how kinetic energy cascades from large to small scales in turbulent atmospheric systems.



The analysis revealed that the overall composition of The Starry Night indeed aligns with Kolmogorov’s theory. This was a significant finding, as it suggests that van Gogh’s depiction of the swirling night sky follows the same rules that govern atmospheric movement.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-van-gogh-s-work-nbsp">Complexity of Van Gogh's work&nbsp;</h2>



On a more detailed level, within the smaller paint strokes where luminance diffuses across the canvas, the researchers found evidence of Batchelor’s scaling.&nbsp;



This describes how energy behaves in small-scale turbulence, where passive scalar fields (such as temperature or concentration of a pollutant) follow similar energy laws to those in larger-scale flows.



The discovery of both Kolmogorov and Batchelor scaling in one system is rare and was a major motivator for the research team.&nbsp;



It highlights the complexity of van Gogh’s work, suggesting that the artist might have captured an intricate representation of atmospheric physics without the benefit of formal scientific knowledge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-starry-night-challenges-existing-theories-nbsp">The Starry Night challenges existing theories&nbsp;</h2>



“Turbulence is believed to be one of the intrinsic properties of high Reynolds flows dominated by inertia, but recently, turbulence-like phenomena have been reported for different types of flow systems at a wide range of spatial scales, with low Reynolds numbers where viscosity is more dominant,” Huang explained.



He went on to suggest that this study opens up new possibilities for understanding turbulence.&nbsp;



“It seems it is time to propose a new definition of turbulence to embrace more situations,” he added, indicating that their findings in The Starry Night might challenge existing theories and expand the scope of fluid dynamics research.



This research brings a new perspective to van Gogh’s masterpiece, revealing not just artistic genius, but also an uncanny alignment with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-law-of-nature-explains-the-evolution-of-everything-that-exists-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laws of nature</a>.&nbsp;



By capturing the hidden turbulence in his night sky, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cnemaspis-vangoghi-new-gecko-species-discovered-india-named-after-van-gogh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">van Gogh</a> may have been unwittingly painting a scientifically accurate representation of the complex and dynamic forces at work in our atmosphere.



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Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' masterpiece captured real world physics

Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting The Starry Night is renowned...

For the first time ever, scientists have successfully observed how valence electrons behave in organic molecules. This gives us a clearer picture of the complex nature of chemical bonds that make up all matter. 



By looking at how these electrons act, we can learn more about the stability and reactivity of different compounds.



Their findings have been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, marking a major step forward in our understanding of how atoms interact to form molecules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-true-nature-of-valence-electrons">True nature of valence electrons</h2>



Valence electrons are the outermost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/attosecond-electron-freeze-frame-of-liquid-water-seen-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrons in an atom</a>, and they play a key role in how atoms bond with one another. These electrons are responsible for a material's properties, especially during chemical bonding.



Despite their importance, isolating and observing these electrons directly has been tough for researchers. 



Most scientists have had to depend on theoretical models or indirect methods like spectroscopy to figure out how they behave. But now, this new method lets us get a direct and detailed look at these tricky particles.



This achievement was made possible through a sophisticated X-ray diffraction technique, which the researcher team from <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> in Japan used to map the electron distribution in organic molecules. 



They were able to extract the electron density in atoms within a crystal, focusing first on glycine, a simple amino acid. 



Instead of the predicted smooth, continuous electron cloud, the team observed a fragmented, wave-like structure, challenging long-held ideas about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-vibrating-atoms-tune-single-electron-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron behavior</a>.



At the core of the study is a technique called Core Differential Fourier Synthesis (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourier_analysis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDFS</a>). Using this method, the researchers were able to specifically target and visualize the valence electrons of organic molecules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-team-learned">What the team learned</h2>



This experiment took place at <a href="https://www.spring8.or.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPring-8</a>, a renowned synchrotron X-ray facility. The team started their work by focusing on the glycine molecule.



What they found was astonishing: the electron cloud around the glycine molecule did not form the smooth, enveloping shape that many expected. Instead, it appeared as a fragmented and discrete state, reflecting the quantum mechanical wave nature of electrons.



"We named this method the CDFS method. Using this method, we observed the electron state of the glycine molecule, a type of amino acid," corresponding author Hiroshi Sawa said. 



"Although the method was relatively simple to perform, the result was impressive. The observed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edge-state-atoms-how-electrons-find-their-groove-in-frictionless-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron cloud</a> did not exhibit the smooth, enveloping shape that many predicted, but rather a fragmented, discrete state."



This wave-like behavior is a key aspect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum theory</a>, but seeing it so clearly in a real-world setting was both surprising and enlightening.



To make sense of these findings, the researchers produced a color map of the electron distribution. This type of visual tool is often used in chemistry to display variations in data, making complex information easier to interpret. 



In this case, the map showed interruptions in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-quantum-light-generates-weird-electron-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron distribution</a> around the carbon atoms in glycine, revealing how electrons rearrange themselves during chemical bonding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valence-electrons-and-chemical-bonds">Valence electrons and chemical bonds</h2>



The fragmented electron distribution provides clear evidence of the wave nature of electrons, which are not continuously spread around atoms but instead form nodes -- areas where electrons are absent -- due to their wave-like properties. 



This observation challenges the traditional model of a continuous electron cloud and aligns more closely with modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanical theories</a>.



To confirm their findings, the researchers performed advanced quantum chemical calculations in collaboration with another institution, and the results matched perfectly. 



This solidified their discovery and validated the new experimental method as a reliable tool for visualizing electron behavior.



This newfound ability to observe valence electrons in detail offers exciting possibilities for multiple scientific fields. 



By understanding how electrons behave during bonding, researchers can better predict molecular interactions, a critical aspect of designing new drugs and functional materials. 



The study also has implications for the design of organic semiconductors and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landmark-study-reveals-275-million-new-genetic-variants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA research</a>, where molecular stability is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-in-health-and-material-science">Applications in health and material science</h2>



One of the most exciting aspects of this discovery is its potential to revolutionize drug development. The ability to visualize how molecules bond at the electron level could help scientists understand why some drugs work while others do not.



By mapping out electron behavior, researchers can pinpoint the exact interactions that lead to a drug’s effectiveness or failure, opening the door to more targeted and efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-revolutionize-drug-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pharmaceutical design</a>.



"It may, for example, explain why some medicines work and others don't. Fields where interactions influence functionality and structural stability, such as organic semiconductors and research on the structure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-building-block-of-life-called-tna-created-in-the-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA double helixes</a>, are likely to benefit most from our research," Sawa explained.



Additionally, this technique could greatly benefit the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the development of advanced materials. 



Understanding electron behavior can lead to the creation of new materials with enhanced properties, whether it be organic semiconductors used in electronics or materials designed for more efficient energy storage.



The team’s work on glycine is just the beginning. After their initial success, they moved on to studying cytidine, a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex molecule</a>. 



Here, too, they were able to observe differences in electron behavior between different types of chemical bonds, further demonstrating the versatility and power of their new method.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-valence-electron-visualization">Future of valence electron visualization</h2>



To sum it all up, the ability to visualize valence electrons is a huge leap forward in chemistry and physics, with no shortage of potential applications. 



As this technique develops, scientists will use it to tackle many long-standing questions in chemistry and related fields.



By bringing together different areas of expertise, the team pulled off what was once seen as impossible: directly observing and mapping how valence electrons behave.



In the years ahead, we can expect this method to be applied to even more complex molecules, giving us deeper insights into molecular interactions and chemical reactions.



Whether it's in pharmaceuticals, materials science, or basic chemistry research, this breakthrough could really change how we understand the building blocks of matter.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c05673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Chemical Society</a>.



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First observation of valence electrons reveals true nature of chemical bonding

For the first time ever, scientists have successfully observed how...

Every year, millions of birds migrate in search of warmer climates to escape the harsh winter. However, this seasonal journey does not necessarily help birds conserve energy as previously thought, according to a recent study from the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB). 



By implanting miniaturized loggers into wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-blackbirds-get-sick-it-takes-weeks-for-them-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blackbirds</a>, scientists were able to record detailed measurements of the birds' heart rates and body temperatures every 30 minutes, from fall until the following spring. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-overall-energy-advantage-nbsp">No overall energy advantage&nbsp;</h2>



The study offers an unprecedented look into the true energetic costs of both migrating and staying in place. The data also uncovered an unexpected energy-saving mechanism used by blackbirds before migration begins.



“We never expected to discover that birds gain no overall energy advantage by escaping cold winters,” said Nils Linek, a first author of the study and researcher at MPI-AB.&nbsp;



“It was a longstanding textbook assumption that animals spend less energy by migrating to warmer places, but our findings have shown that these savings don’t add up. Rather, the energetics of migration is far more complex and interesting than theory predicted.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-energy-expenditure-of-blackbirds-nbsp">Measuring energy expenditure of blackbirds&nbsp;</h2>



Migration is a spectacular example of how animals adapt to changing seasons, but the fundamental question of why animals migrate has long puzzled scientists.&nbsp;



Part of the challenge has been the difficulty of studying the physiology of free-living animals over extended periods.&nbsp;



In this study, researchers from MPI-AB and <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> made a significant breakthrough by using sensors that measured the energy expenditure of blackbirds over the course of a full year, including their migration. 



They then paired this physiological data with energy modeling to calculate the predicted energetic costs of regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-can-predict-hot-days-and-adjust-their-body-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body temperature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blackbirds-save-up-energy-for-their-journey">Blackbirds save up energy for their journey</h2>



The data showed that migrating blackbirds conserved substantial amounts of energy in preparation for migration by lowering their metabolism three weeks before departing. This adjustment may offset the energy costs of the migratory flights.&nbsp;



“They are essentially turning down their internal thermostat, allowing them to save energy for the journey ahead,” explained Linek.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicted-energy-surplus-nbsp">Predicted energy surplus&nbsp;</h2>



Yet, once the birds reached their warmer wintering areas, they did not seem to reduce their overall daily energy expenditure as expected.



“This was not what we anticipated,” said co-first author Scott Yanco, a scientist at the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change.&nbsp;



“The energy modeling we did in the study predicted that migration should definitely create an energy surplus because of the substantially reduced cost of keeping warm in milder climates.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-costs-in-overwintering-sites-nbsp">Hidden costs in overwintering sites&nbsp;</h2>



The mystery remains: where did this predicted energy surplus go? “We can only speculate at this point, but we suggest that there may be other physiological adaptations or hidden costs that migrant blackbirds face in their milder overwintering sites,” said Linek. 



“These might include factors such as the need to maintain vigilance in new environments, immune functions, or unknown stressors that offset the thermal advantage they should have experienced.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partially-migratory-blackbirds">“Partially migratory” blackbirds</h2>



The researchers conducted their study in southern Germany, where blackbird populations are “partially migratory.” This means that while some blackbirds migrate south to regions like Spain and France, others remain in Germany throughout the year.&nbsp;



To track both migrant and resident birds, the researchers implanted heart rate and body temperature loggers into 120 wild blackbirds. These devices recorded data continuously from September until May.&nbsp;



Additionally, the team used radio transmitters to monitor the departure and return of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Over one million data points were analyzed to compare the physiological differences between the two groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-blackbirds-in-remarkable-detail-nbsp">Tracking blackbirds in remarkable detail&nbsp;</h2>



“Using physiological data, we were able to see in remarkable detail how birds undertake and experience migration,” said co-author Tamara Volkmer, a doctoral student at MPI-AB.&nbsp;



“We could observe everything from the migratory flight itself to how they recovered afterward and what they did over the winter. By recording long-term, detailed energy measurements, we could glimpse the hidden costs of their impressive round trip.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-drivers-of-migration-nbsp">Evolutionary drivers of migration&nbsp;</h2>



The findings suggest that migration, despite its risks and challenges, does not result in energy savings in warmer climates. This raises new questions about the evolutionary drivers of migration.&nbsp;



“This could have implications for our understanding of migration and its underlying mechanisms across different bird species,” Linek explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study-nbsp">Broader implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The study also has broader implications for predicting how species will respond to future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate changes</a>.



Study senior author Jesko Partecke is a group leader at MPI-AB who has been studying blackbird migration for two decades.



“Understanding the physiological underpinnings of migration means that we can better forecast which species may adapt, which may alter their migratory patterns, and which may face greater risks as the world continues to warm,” said Partecke.&nbsp;



As climate change progresses, this research could prove essential in understanding how migratory species will cope with shifting environmental conditions, potentially altering migration strategies or even leading to the disappearance of certain migratory behaviors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02545-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>, 



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Blackbirds reveal the true energy costs of migrating

Every year, millions of birds migrate in search of warmer...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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