Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.



Collectively, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine glaciers</a> of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-archives-of-past-climate">Natural archives of past climate </h2>



"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"In just over two decades, Corbassière has shrunk in area and surface mass. The glacier was darker in 2023 due to lack of snow, and the glacier’s tongue had retreated."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-from-the-corbassiere-glacier">Ice cores from the Corbassière glacier</h2>



To reconstruct past concentrations of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-aerosols-impact-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, a team of scientists analyzed ice cores that were collected from the Corbassière glacier in 2018 and 2020.&nbsp;



Aerosols are tiny airborne particles that are deposited in the ice. "Such information from glaciers around the world can provide clues about past environmental conditions thousands of years ago," noted NASA.



"Ice cores contain ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions - signatures of aerosols lacing the snow that’s deposited on glaciers year after year. Ion concentrations are lower in winter than in summer because less polluted air can rise from the valley when the air is cold."



When the researchers analyzed the ice core from 2018, they found seasonal fluctuations in the amount of ion deposits - which is what they expected to find.&nbsp;



"But when we went to core the glacier in 2020, we noticed melting on the surface right away,” said Margit Schwikowski, an environmental chemist at <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> in Switzerland.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-surface-melting-on-corbassiere-glacier">Rapid surface melting on Corbassière glacier</h2>



The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. 



"This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.



Schwikowski has joined a team of other experts in an effort to preserve cores from the last remaining glaciers. Led by the <a href="https://www.ice-memory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Memory Foundation</a>, the goal of the project is to obtain ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers around the world in 20 years and collect them in a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-has-a-history-of-rapid-and-unexpected-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate archive</a>.



“Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and we may find similar issues at other sites,” said Schwikowski. She added that even at the highest altitudes in the Alps, "glaciers are on the verge of becoming unsuitable as natural paleo-archives."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-the-corbassiere-glacier">Features of the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. 



The glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.



A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. 



One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. 



This bridge not only enhances the experience for visitors but also serves as a crucial observation point for scientists studying glacier dynamics and the effects of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Swiss Alps&nbsp;</h2>



The Swiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a> are a majestic and expansive mountain range that stretches across the southern part of Switzerland, forming a part of the greater Alpine region that spreads across several countries in Europe.&nbsp;



Renowned for their stunning beauty and formidable peaks, the Swiss Alps are not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural symbol of Switzerland, epitomizing its identity as a nation of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure.



The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. Among these peaks are some of the highest in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa massif, which is the highest point in Switzerland. 



The Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss mountains, is celebrated for its unique, pyramid-like shape and is a magnet for climbers and tourists alike.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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The Corbassière glacier in the Swiss Alps

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps. Collectively, the alpine glaciers of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s. Natural archives of past climate "Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy I Zwicky 18, which was captured in remarkable detail by the James Webb Space Telescope.



I Zwicky 18 is a blue compact dwarf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located approximately 59 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-i-zwicky-18">Star formation in I Zwicky 18</h2>



The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> compared to other galaxies of similar age.



“The galaxy was first identified by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in the 1930’s and resides roughly 59 million light-years from Earth,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. “This galaxy has gone through several sudden bursts of star formation.”&nbsp;



According to ESA, I Zwicky 18 is typical of the kinds of galaxies that inhabited the early universe and is much smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-image-of-the-galaxy">Webb telescope image of the galaxy</h2>



“Two major starburst regions are embedded in the heart of the galaxy. The wispy brown filaments surrounding the central starburst region are bubbles of gas that have been heated by stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation unleashed by hot, young stars,” said ESA.



“A companion galaxy resides nearby to the dwarf galaxy, which can be seen at the bottom of the wider-field image. The companion may be interacting with the dwarf galaxy and may have triggered that galaxy's recent star formation.”&nbsp;



ESA explained that the “orange blobs” surrounding the galaxy are the dim glow from ancient fully formed galaxies at much larger distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-i-zwicky-18">Key characteristics of I Zwicky 18</h2>



As previously mentioned, the galaxy has a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, suggesting that it has not undergone significant stellar processing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-stellar-population-nbsp">Young stellar population&nbsp;</h3>



Despite its old age, I Zwicky 18 contains many young, hot stars. This suggests that it might have experienced a burst of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> relatively recently in its history.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-medium-nbsp">Interstellar medium&nbsp;</h3>



The galaxy has a high density of gas, which is a prime ingredient for star formation. This gas is mostly in the form of hydrogen.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics">Unusual characteristics</h3>



Its characteristics are more typical of primordial galaxies found in the early universe, making it a valuable object of study for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.



Ultimately, I Zwicky 18 provides insights into the conditions and processes that might have been prevalent in the early universe.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-of-stars-and-dust">Life cycles of stars and dust</h3>



The image was captured as part of a Webb program to study the life cycle of dust in I Zw 18.&nbsp;



“Scientists are now building off of previous research with Hubble obtained at optical wavelengths, studying individual dusty stars in detail with Webb’s equivalent spatial resolution and sensitivity at infrared wavelengths.”&nbsp;



ESA noted that this galaxy is of particular interest as its content of elements heavier than helium is one of the lowest of all known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in the local universe.&nbsp;



“Such conditions are thought to be similar to those in some of the first star-forming galaxies at high redshift, so the Webb study of I Zw 18 should shed light on the life-cycle of stars and dust in the early universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-ursa-major">The constellation Ursa Major </h2>



Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable constellations in the northern sky. 



Its name, "Ursa Major," means "Great Bear" in Latin, and it has been a significant part of various mythologies and star lore across cultures for thousands of years. 



One of the most famous asterisms within Ursa Major is the Big Dipper, a group of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The Big Dipper is often used as a navigation tool because it points to Polaris, the North Star, located in the nearby constellation Ursa Minor.



Ursa Major is best viewed in the northern hemisphere and is circumpolar, meaning it is visible year-round for much of the Northern Hemisphere. Its position changes with the seasons, rotating around Polaris, the North Star.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

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

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Columbus Ka-band antenna (ColKa), which will be installed on the exterior of Europe’s Columbus laboratory to become part of the International Space Station. High-speed radio link for astronauts as shown in the image above has taken off.

ColKa will provide astronauts and researchers with data speeds of up to 50 mbit/s.


Before the antenna is deployed, the hardware must be tested at the ESA’s technical center in The Netherlands. ColKa is pictured here in the Hertz test chamber.High-speed multimedia radio (HSMM) is the implementation of high-speed wireless TCP/IP data networks over amateur radio frequency allocations using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware such as 802.11 Wi-Fi access points. Also High-speed radio link for astronauts are shown to Improve the NASA.

This is possible because the 802.11 unlicensed frequency bands partially overlap with amateur radio bands and ISM bands in many countries. Only licensed amateur radio operators may legally use amplifiers and high-gain antennas within amateur radio frequencies to increase the power and coverage of an 802.11 signal. The idea behind this implementation is to modify commercial 802.11 equipment for use on licensed Amateur Radio frequencies. The main frequency bands being used for these networks are: 900 MHz (33 cm), 2.4 GHz (13 cm), 3.4 GHz (9 cm), and 5.8 GHz (5 cm) Since the unlicensed 802.11 or Wi-Fi frequency bands overlap with amateur frequencies, only custom firmware is needed to access these licensed frequencies. Such networks can be used for emergency communications for disaster relief operations as well as in everyday amateur radio communications (

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer


Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a>

High-speed radio link for astronauts

An unprecedented view of the Sun Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features an infrared view of the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, which is scheduled to launch in February of 2020.

The Solar Orbiter was designed to observe the Sun and solar wind at a closer range than ever before possible, and is currently being tested at the IABG facility in Ottobrunn, Germany.

The spacecraft panel that will face the Sun is visible on the left of this image covered with a heat shield. In the upper part of the panel, sliding doors will open and allow sunlight to reach remote-sensing instruments during the mission. The Sun is a tabloid newspaper published in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. As a broadsheet, it was founded in 1964 as a successor to the Daily Herald, and became a tabloid in 1969 after it was purchased by its current owner. It is published by the News Group Newspapers division of News UK, itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Since The Sun on Sunday was launched in February 2012, the paper has been a seven-day operation. The Sun previously had the largest circulation of any daily newspaper in the United Kingdom,but it was overtaken by rival Metro in March 2018
--

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

An unprecedented view of the Sun

An unprecedented view of the Sun Today's Image of the...

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the all-electric Spacebus Neo Xenon Propulsion System (XPS) module. Spacebus Neo will transport Konnect satellite 


Spacebus Neo is a new telecom satellite product line by Thales Alenia Space.

This particular module will be used to move the Konnect satellite into its geostationary orbit, where it will deliver high-speed broadband across Europe and Africa.

SpacebusTM is a satellite bus produced at the Cannes Mandelieu Space Center in France by Thales Alenia Space. Spacebuses are typically used for geostationary communications satellites, and seventy-four have been launched since development started in the 1980s. Spacebus was originally produced by Aérospatiale and later passed to Alcatel Alenia Space. In 2006, it was sold to Thales Group as Thales Alenia Space.
The first Spacebus satellite, Arabsat-1A, was launched in 1985. Since then, seventy-four have been launched, with one more completed, and six outstanding orders. The launch of the 50th Spacebus satellite, Star One C1, occurred in November 2007. It was a Spacebus 3000B3, launched by an Ariane 5 rocket flying from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.
Several variants have been built: the early Spacebus 100 and Spacebus 300; followed by the Spacebus 2000, optimised for launch on the Ariane 4 carrier rocket; and the subsequent modular Spacebus 3000 and 4000 series, designed for use with the Ariane 5 rocket. Spacebus Neo will transport Konnect satellite shown on image above shows that beautiful color.

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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

Image Credit: European Space Agency


&nbsp;

Spacebus Neo will transport Konnect satellite

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> shows an X-ray view of an ancient galaxy cluster captured by astronomers using the XMM-Newton space observatory.

The X-ray glow of hot gases from the cluster XLSSC006 appears purple in the image. 

According to the ESA, the massive cluster is home to hundreds of galaxies, large amounts of diffuse, and even larger amounts of dark matter. Overall, XLSSC006 has a mass that is equivalent to 500 trillion solar masses. 

The galaxy cluster is so far away from us that we are viewing the structure as it appeared when the Universe was only about nine billion years old.


The X-ray data was combined with optical and near-infrared data from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, revealing a multitude of other galaxies.

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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 

Image Credit: European Space Agency

The X-ray glow of an ancient galaxy cluster

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a view of the Milky Way and its surrounding galaxies from the Gaia satellite.

The map represents the overall brightness and the color of the stars in each region of the sky based on measurements of nearly.1.7 billion stars obtained between July 2014 and May 2016.

The bright horizontal structure is the Galactic plane, which is home to most of the stars in our galaxy. 

--The spacecraft will monitor each of its target objects about 70 times over the first five years of the mission to study the precise position and motion of each target, and will keep doing so. The spacecraft has enough micro-propulsion fuel to operate until about November 2024. As its detectors are not degrading as fast as initially expected, the mission could therefore be extended. The Gaia targets objects brighter than magnitude 20 in a broad photometric band that covers most of the visual range;such objects represent approximately 1% of the Milky Way population. Additionally, Gaia is expected to detect thousands to tens of thousands of Jupiter-sized exoplanets beyond the Solar System, 500,000 quasars outside our galaxy and tens of thousands of new asteroids and comets within the Solar System

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

The Gaia satellite maps the stars

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows the contrasting ice elevation across the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.

The image of the icy terrain was captured by NASA’s Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2).

When it was launched in September 2018, ICESat-2 became the highest-resolution laser altimeter ever operated from space. 

The satellite can measure the height of Earth’s surfaces, including sea ice, in remarkable detail. In fact, ICESat-2 can detect ice elevation differences down to a few centimeters.


“We know a lot less about the sea ice in the Antarctic than the Arctic,” said NASA scientist Ron Kwok. “We can see so much more detail than we have seen before.”

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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 

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

&nbsp;

ICESat-2 detects ice elevation differences within centimeters

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> represents an increase in snowfall accumulation over Antarctica during the 20th century, which was estimated to offset global sea level rise by one centimeter. 

However, this additional gain of ice only makes up for one third of the total ice loss in Antarctica.

Study lead author Brooke Medley is a glaciologist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

“Our findings don’t mean that Antarctica is growing; it is still losing mass, even with the extra snowfall,” said Medley. “What it means is that without these gains, we would have experienced even more sea level rise in the 20th century.”

This image is a map of accumulated mass change over Antarctica from 1900 to 2000.
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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 

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 
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Snowfall accumulation increased over the 20th century in Antarctica

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

&nbsp;

Lake Dukan looks just like a Christmas tree Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a photo of Lake Dukan in northern Iraq that closely resembles a Christmas tree. 

Lake Dukan is actually a man made reservoir that was created during the construction of one of the oldest dams in Iraq, the Dukan Dam. 

Lake Dukan (or Lake Dokan) (Kurdish: Deryaçey Dûkan‎) is the largest lake in Iraq. It is located close to the city of Ranya, and is a reservoir on the Little Zab created by the construction of the Dukan Dam. The Dukan Dam was built between 1954 and 1959 as a multi-purpose dam to provide water storage, irrigation and hydroelectricity. Prior to the flooding of Lake Dukan, the area has been subjected to archaeological research to investigate as many archaeological sites as possible. An archaeological survey in the Ranya Plain documented some 40 archaeological sites with evidence for occupation ranging from the sixth millennium BCE up to the present. Five of these sites were then excavated: Tell Bazmusian, ed-Dem, Kamarian, Qarashina and Tell Shemshara. The excavations at Tell Bazmusian revealed a temple dating to the second millennium BCE. At Tell Shemshara, an early-sixth millennium BCE village was excavated, as well as an early-second millennium BCE palace with a small archive of clay tablets. The inhabitants of some 50 villages in the flooded area, around 1,000–1,200 families, were resettled to the west of the lake. Also Lake Dukan looks just like a Christmas tree.

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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 

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

&nbsp;

Lake Dukan looks just like a Christmas tree

&nbsp; Lake Dukan looks just like a Christmas tree Today's...

People in many countries struggle with being overweight, and the global obesity issue has worsened in recent years. There is a constant search for easy additions to daily meals that might help with weight management and heart health.



Chia seeds have captured public interest for their fiber content, fats, and versatility. They have popped up in everything from breakfast puddings to nutrition bars. 



However, according to Dr. Abbas Karimi at the <a href="https://en.tbzmed.ac.ir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tabriz University of Medical Sciences</a>, the reality is more nuanced than dramatic weight changes from a single supplement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-chia-phenomenon">Understanding the chia phenomenon</h2>



Chia seeds are promoted for their high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid and plant-based protein. Some people say they support fullness and maintain stable energy throughout the day.



Scientists have taken a closer look at the effects of including these seeds in a balanced diet, hoping to see improvements in cardiovascular markers such as blood pressure or lipid profiles. 



While some findings suggest a modest reduction in waist circumference, measurable changes in overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight</a> remain unpredictable.



Chia seeds are also known for their high content of soluble and insoluble fiber which can absorb liquid and form a gel-like consistency. This fiber may <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87559129.2013.818014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slow carbohydrate breakdown</a> and contribute to a more balanced blood sugar after consumption. 



Small studies have hinted at better glucose control, though large-scale trials often show less dramatic shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blood-pressure-question">The blood pressure question</h2>



Research indicates that chia might help reduce systolic blood pressure by a few points. One idea is that the magnesium and potassium content supports healthy vascular function, which could relax blood vessels. 



However, not everyone sees these results, and individual factors may matter more than a simple addition of chia seeds.



There is also speculation about whether chia’s fiber can influence hormones that control blood pressure. If fiber leads to beneficial changes in gut health, the result might be indirect support for heart function. Still, any improvement might be modest and should be paired with the adoption of other healthy habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-and-heart-markers">Inflammation and heart markers</h2>



According to experts, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce low-level inflammation. It has been speculated that chia’s alpha-linolenic acid might help bring down C-reactive protein, an indicator of chronic inflammation. 



Other inflammatory markers, like interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, have shown less consistent change.



In addition, chia seeds contain polyphenols that can act as antioxidants. These compounds might fight oxidative stress, though the effect can vary and may be more dependent on a person’s baseline diet, their genetics, and lifestyle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-and-glucose">Weight and glucose</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chia-seeds-have-great-potential-to-improve-human-health/">Chia seeds</a> promote a feeling of fullness because the soaked seeds swell, which may help to limit snacking between meals. However, not all trials reveal striking weight loss or major body mass index changes after chia supplementation.



An analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials on overweight groups suggests that chia might help with waist size, but blood sugar measures, like fasting glucose levels, often stay in the same range. 



A single food rarely solves metabolic problems, so experts recommend viewing chia as just one piece of a broader plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incorporating-chia-seeds-in-meals">Incorporating chia seeds in meals</h2>



Some enjoy stirring chia into oatmeal, combining it with yogurt, or blending it into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-say-this-is-the-best-fruit-to-eat-for-a-healthier-liver/">fruit smoothies</a>. Two tablespoons of chia can provide a dose of fiber, healthy fats, and protein without drastically altering the taste of a dish.



Others grind chia seeds to sprinkle on salads or to replace part of the flour in certain baked goods. Whole seeds can work well in breakfast bowls, though ground seeds may release nutrients more effectively.



Moderation helps avoid bloating, especially for those who are not used to a high-fiber diet. Chia seeds absorb water, so sufficient fluid intake is important to prevent any digestive discomfort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-latest-research-on-chia">The latest research on chia</h2>



The systematic <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39285289/">review</a> by Dr. Karimi and colleagues found that chia is not a magic solution for reducing LDL cholesterol or glucose levels. 



However, the potential to trim waist circumference and bring down certain inflammatory markers is worth noting for those with metabolic concerns.



Researchers emphasize that consistency matters. Adding seeds for a few days and expecting major changes can set people up for disappointment. 



On the other hand, including chia in a sustainable routine might show small but meaningful differences over several weeks or months.



The study is published in <a href="https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-024-00847-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrition &amp; Metabolism</a>.



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Tiny chia seeds pack a powerful nutrient punch

People in many countries struggle with being overweight, and the...

Scientists recently shared news of a particle event that has sparked excitement in the physics community. One of the most energetic neutrinos ever recorded was observed in the Mediterranean Sea by the ARCA detector of the KM3NeT project.



The astounding neutrino, named KM3-230213A, has caught global attention.&nbsp;Researchers estimate its energy at about 220 million billion.



“KM3NeT has begun to probe a range of energy and sensitivity where detected neutrinos may originate from extreme astrophysical phenomena," said Paschal Coyle, a researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research (<a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/fr/le-cnrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a>).



"This first ever detection of a neutrino of hundreds of PeV opens a new chapter in neutrino astronomy and a new observational window on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gravity-search-south-pole-neutrinos-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe</a>.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-elementary-particles">Mysterious elementary particles</h2>



Neutrinos travel across the universe, slipping through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and planets without much disturbance. 



For decades, scientists have aimed to spot ultra-high-energy neutrinos to shed light on cosmic accelerators. The <a href="https://www.km3net.org/about-km3net/collaboration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KM3NeT Collaboration</a> unites more than 360 experts from 68 institutions in 21 countries.



“Neutrinos are one of the most mysterious of elementary particles. They have no electric charge, almost no mass and interact only weakly with matter. They are special cosmic messengers,” said Rosa Coniglione, a researcher at the <a href="https://home.infn.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INFN National Institute for Nuclear Physics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-deep-sea-sensors-detect-neutrinos">How deep-sea sensors detect neutrinos</h2>



KM3NeT is a sprawling setup resting on the seabed, composed of two detectors called ARCA and ORCA. 



ARCA is located about 50 miles from <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/sicily/portopalodicapopassero" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portopalo di Capo Passero</a>, Sicily, at a depth of 11,319 feet. ORCA is positioned near Toulon, France, at a depth of 8,038 feet. 



Each site serves a distinct goal, with ARCA tuned for high-energy neutrinos and ORCA for lower-energy neutrinos.



The detectors depend on photomultipliers nestled within glass spheres. When a cosmic neutrino collides with water molecules, faint bluish light appears. The sensors collect that light, letting researchers map the neutrino’s journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-single-muon">Remarkable single muon</h2>



ARCA picked up a single <a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsmuons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muon</a>, which signaled a neutrino interaction close by. Its path across the detector left a trail that triggered a large number of active sensors. 



This confirmed the neutrino was <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic</a> in origin rather than coming from local backgrounds.



“To determine the direction and energy of this neutrino required a precise calibration of the telescope and sophisticated track reconstruction algorithms,” said Aart Heijboer, KM3NeT Physics and Software Manager.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-high-energy-neutrinos">Origins of high-energy neutrinos </h2>



Scientists suggest that such high-energy neutrinos could come from cataclysmic sources like supernova remnants or supermassive black holes.



Interactions between cosmic rays and other matter or photons can also create these neutrinos. Some of the most energetic cosmic rays in the universe may bump into the cosmic microwave background, producing what researchers call “cosmogenic” neutrinos.



Studying these events may unmask fresh secrets of the universe, offering a direct clue about the places and processes that fling particles to unimaginable energies. 



As these neutrinos fly mostly unimpeded from their source, they can deliver information that light or charged particles cannot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-neutrino-astronomy">Advancing neutrino astronomy </h2>



The ARCA site will eventually include 230 detection units, while the ORCA site will have 115. Each unit features 18 high-tech optical modules, and altogether, KM3NeT will span over a cubic kilometer of water.&nbsp;



Miles Lindsey Clark is the KM3NeT Technical Project Manager and research engineer at the CNRS - Astroparticle and Cosmology laboratory in France.



“The scale of KM3NeT, eventually encompassing a volume of about one cubic kilometer with a total of about 200,000 photomultipliers, along with its extreme location in the abyss of the Mediterranean Sea, demonstrates the extraordinary efforts required to advance neutrino astronomy and particle physics,” said Clark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-a-rare-event">Capturing a rare event</h2>



Though the installation is incomplete, ARCA was able to catch one of the rarest events in nature. With advanced calibration and data analysis, teams extracted the trajectory and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-travels-back-in-time-to-better-understand-supernovae-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy details</a> of this neutrino. 



Since it most likely entered the water with more than 220 PeV of energy, that single neutrino opens the door to more surprises as KM3NeT continues to grow.



Such an event supports the existence of even higher-energy cosmic neutrinos. Different from lower-energy detections, these ultra-high-energy signals hint that distinct astrophysical engines could drive them.



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



Teams worldwide aim to see if this was a “cosmogenic” neutrino or if it sprang from an active celestial powerhouse. 



Eventually, a bigger fleet of detection units will allow more frequent captures of such signals, improving the odds of pinpointing their origin and clarifying the forces that shape our universe.



“We stand at a frontier where new data will sharpen our understanding of the cosmos,” said a KM3NeT representative. 



Each new detection offers a chance to spot patterns and compare them with signals from gamma-ray telescopes and other observatories.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08543-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Record-breaking, ultra-high energy "ghost particle" found underwater

Scientists recently shared news of a particle event that has...

Strange as it sounds, some scientists think the earliest life forms on Earth may have painted our planet in shades of purple rather than the green we see today. 



This idea, known as the Purple Earth hypothesis, suggests that single-celled organisms depended on a less complex molecule than chlorophyll to harness sunlight.



NASA-supported work points to retinal as that pivotal molecule, which lent these microbes a vivid violet color. 



The concept has been investigated by astrobiologist Dr. Edward Schwieterman of the University of California, Riverside, and professor Shiladitya DasSarma of the University of Maryland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-color-from-a-different-molecule">Early color from a different molecule</h2>



Chlorophyll is the green pigment modern plants rely on, but it may not have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-building-blocks-of-life-zinc-arrived-on-early-earth-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s first choice for photosynthesis. Retinal is simpler and was likely present on Earth when atmospheric oxygen was scarce.



During that period, known for low oxygen and a hazy sky, scientists believe sunlight was still abundant enough to power these purple microbes. This scenario points to a very different Earth from the lush, leafy version we see now.



Many of these primeval organisms fell under the archaea umbrella, a group that thrives in environments hostile to most other life. 



One notable example is often called halobacterium, a bright purple microbe that survives in salty spots like the Great Salt Lake.



Despite its name, halobacterium is not a bacterium but an archaeon that uses photosynthesis in a less common way. It absorbs green wavelengths through retinal and reflects red and blue, which produces its striking purple appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-purple-earth-turned-green-nbsp">How purple Earth turned green&nbsp;</h2>



Over time, other organisms evolved a more efficient pigment called chlorophyll, enabling them to harvest sunlight at stronger wavelengths. 



This shift eventually overshadowed the retinal-based approach and helped fuel the Great Oxygenation Event, when oxygen levels in our atmosphere rose dramatically.



Retinal-based life did not disappear, but it was no longer the dominant force shaping the planet’s surface color. Chlorophyll-using organisms thrived, turning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-planets-formed-in-the-harsh-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s general look from purple to green.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-colorful-life">Searching for colorful life</h2>



Astrobiologists suspect exoplanets might host creatures that still rely on retinal. 



“If the Purple Earth hypothesis was correct and there was a dominance of purple organisms in the early Earth, then we might be able to find another planet that’s at an earlier stage of evolution,” said DasSarma.



Color signals from these far-off worlds could reveal whether simple purple life is out there. Early retinal-based photosynthesis might offer a stepping stone before more advanced pigments evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purple-pockets-on-modern-earth">Purple pockets on modern Earth</h2>



Although Earth is now mostly green, places like the Dead Sea still shine with violet hues thanks to halobacterium. These hardy microbes thrive in extreme salt concentrations that deter many other forms of life.



By studying these vibrant spots, researchers gain insights into how purple life could survive on extraterrestrial terrains with similarly tough conditions. Observing them also helps scientists refine the signals they might seek on exoplanets.



Today’s vegetation has a recognizable red edge, where leaves strongly absorb red light but reflect a specific infrared wavelength. 



Retinal, on the other hand, would likely create a different type of spectral fingerprint that peaks in the green region.



Scientists are calling for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-78071-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">instruments</a> that can track a wider range of wavelengths to detect such signatures. This approach broadens our view of what life might look like on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-other-planets-collected-first-water-from-unexpected-source-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> circling distant stars.



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



Advances in telescope technology will soon allow more detailed observations of exoplanet atmospheres and surfaces. 



Analysts hope to find color patterns that reflect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological processes</a>, whether they resemble chlorophyll or something entirely different. A confirmed Purple Earth <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20170011333" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phase</a> would be a key reminder that life can take unexpected paths.&nbsp;



“This is another reference point in a library of potential biosignatures that we can search for elsewhere,” said Schwieterman. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-earth-s-purple-past-matters">Why Earth’s purple past matters</h2>



The Purple Earth hypothesis remains unproven, yet it encourages new ways of thinking about our planet’s past and the search for life beyond. 



If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/looking-to-earths-ancient-climate-to-predict-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s earliest successful photosynthesizers truly glowed purple, then that color might reappear wherever organisms adopt retinal as their main solar sponge.



This imaginative view highlights life’s capacity to adapt in surprising ways. It also urges us to look for signals we might otherwise miss if we focus only on what we see today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.05791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrobiolo</a><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.05791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gy</a>.



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'Purple Earth Hypothesis' is gaining momentum in the scientific community

Strange as it sounds, some scientists think the earliest life...

Scientists in the UK have made a bold leap in the quest to create powerful quantum computers. They say they have now teleported logical gates - basic computing blocks - between two quantum processors placed more than six feet apart.



Quantum computing promises high-speed data processing which could solve problems that are too large for standard computers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-scalability-challenges">Tackling scalability challenges</h2>



“In our study, we used quantum teleportation to create interactions between these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/google-claims-commercial-quantum-computing-is-just-five-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant systems</a>,” said study lead author Dougal Main of the University of Oxford.



Main is part of a team that is determined to fix what experts call the scalability problem, a snag where millions of qubits - tiny data units that hold zeros and ones at the same time - are required for a large-scale quantum machine.



Qubits are powerful because they tap into quantum physics, a branch of science that describes how particles behave at very small scales. Standard computers process bits that are either 0 or 1, but qubits defy that limitation and take on both states.



Teleporting a logical gate allows two smaller processors to combine their computing power without being physically merged. This approach might help avoid building one massive system that would be impractical in size.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teleported-quantum-gates">Teleported quantum gates </h2>



Quantum gates act like switches that guide how qubits interact. They work in parallel, which can supercharge data processing for tasks like encryption and searching large datasets.



“This breakthrough enables us to effectively ‘wire together’ distinct quantum processors into a single, fully-connected quantum computer,” said Main. This move could one day connect smaller modules into a network that behaves as one bigger machine.



Such technology was recently tested in an experiment that ran a Grover’s search algorithm, a known quantum method for finding items in unsorted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-quantum-computers-just-got-easier-with-new-technique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data</a> faster than usual. The team reported a 71% success rate, demonstrating a step toward coordinated processing across a distance.



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



Quantum teleportation has attracted attention for its promise of moving data in a way that standard physics once deemed impossible. In late 2023, researchers used photons to transmit an image between two points without moving it in the traditional sense.



The Oxford study focused on teleporting quantum gates, not just states or images. The setup involved modules connected by particles of light, allowing the two ends to share information needed for these operations.



In tests, the system achieved about 86% accuracy when teleporting a controlled-Z gate between qubits. This figure will need to climb well above 99% before quantum computers become reliably stable for daily use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-and-next-steps">Progress and next steps</h2>



Quantum internet - a secure network linking quantum processors - has become a hot topic. In 2024, Harvard scientists showed that entanglement, a quantum effect linking particles even when apart, can be shared between remote locations.



The Oxford team took this idea further by proving that two separate processors, each holding trapped-ion qubits, could function like a single unit. The modules were bridged by photons, forming a quantum state shared between them.



“Our experiment demonstrates that network-distributed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doped-diamonds-discovery-may-reshape-quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a> processing is feasible with current technology. Scaling up quantum computers remains a formidable technical challenge that will likely require new physics insights as well as intensive engineering effort over the coming years,” said Professor David Lucas, the project’s principal investigator.



Engineers still face a huge challenge in bringing error rates under control. High accuracy is essential for fault-tolerant computing, which means that results stay correct even if some parts of the system misbehave.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-toward-practical-machines">Steps toward practical machines</h2>



Qubit errors happen when delicate quantum states collapse or pick up noise from the environment. Error correction tools can fix some mistakes, but they require additional qubits that put more strain on the hardware.



Teleporting gates may reduce some of these complications by letting multiple modules share tasks. This flexible setup could allow each device to handle a smaller portion of the load, while still achieving a level of performance that a single giant system might provide.



Teams worldwide are racing to fine-tune these technologies. Some aim to pair them with classical computers for hybrid approaches that ease the transition from today’s machines to tomorrow’s quantum platforms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-quantum-computing">What’s next for quantum computing</h2>



Experts hope that further development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-artificial-intelligence-ai-to-make-quantum-computers-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> hardware and design strategies will address the final hurdles. Extended testing with larger algorithms should reveal how to push success rates closer to that coveted 99% mark.



One day, smaller quantum computers might link up like puzzle pieces, forming a robust network that competes with bigger standalone devices. That would change data processing at its core and pave the way for secure communication and unimaginable computational speed.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08404-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Quantum gates teleported: A leap toward scalable computing

Scientists in the UK have made a bold leap in...

Some sea creatures prefer to linger in their eggs, waiting for a precise moment to appear. This strategy can range from a few weeks to several years, as certain octopuses spend more than 4 years inside their eggs, and eel-nosed sharks stay put for over 3 years.



Selecting the right hatching day can mean the difference between thriving and perishing. Embryos that hatch too early may face predators or insufficient resources, while those emerging too late risk missing optimal conditions or becoming trapped inside a deteriorating eggshell.



A recent study has revealed new details about the hatching timeline of fish embryos. The research was led by Dr. Matan Golan of the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-eggs-wait-to-hatch">Why eggs wait to hatch</h2>



Many organisms coordinate their arrival with favorable surroundings, relying on environmental signals like tidal shifts, changing temperatures, or even the sounds of predators. 



For fish, these cues can be subtle yet powerful, shaping their transition from protected egg to independent juvenile.



Embryos sense these factors through partial information crossing the eggshell. Yet the exact trigger that moves a fish from quiet embryo to active hatchling has remained unclear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-hormone-controls-fish-hatching">Single hormone controls fish hatching</h2>



The researchers suspected thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) might play a major role in fish development because it influences metabolism and lactation in mammals.



In zebrafish, the team found that blocking TRH meant the embryos never left their eggs, suggesting a missing puzzle piece in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-embryo-mortality-could-rise-by-71-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hatching</a> equation.



The experts applied CRISPR technology to disrupt TRH production. As a result, the zebrafish stayed sealed inside their chorions and eventually perished. A simple injection of TRH rescued the fish - triggering hatching in under two minutes and confirming its vital function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-common-evolutionary-thread">A common evolutionary thread</h2>



When fish hatch, specialized cells release proteolytic enzymes that weaken the eggshell. TRH appears to prompt these cells to act, ensuring a swift exit once conditions feel right.



To check if this hormone-based strategy is widespread, the team investigated Oryzias latipes, a distant relative of zebrafish. An injection of TRH in this species also triggered immediate hatching, indicating a common thread across more than 200 million years of evolution.



Although these fish differ in body form and reproductive habits, they share a reliance on TRH to break free. This consistency highlights how deeply conserved such mechanisms can be.



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



The natural habitat for many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-find-new-ways-to-reproduce-in-response-to-predators/">fish</a> is changing quickly, with pollution and warming waters altering the signals that eggs receive. If embryonic cues shift, fish might hatch at the wrong moment, jeopardizing entire populations.



Conservationists are exploring whether hormonal pathways like TRH can be affected by chemical disruptors or temperature swings. 



Understanding these vulnerabilities could guide strategies for sustaining vital fish stocks in unpredictable conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-fish-biology">Beyond fish biology</h2>



TRH is studied in humans for its impact on hormonal balance, but fish show it may also direct critical life transitions. 



Such findings encourage scientists to rethink how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/319-million-year-old-fish-holds-clues-about-brain-evolution/">embryonic brains</a> sense and respond to changing environments.



Comparative approaches might reveal if other aquatic or terrestrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-deep-sea-squid-discovered-that-broods-giant-eggs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> use similar neuroendocrine signals. The insights could improve our understanding of the evolution of parental investment and embryo autonomy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precise-timing-of-fish-hatching">Precise timing of fish hatching</h2>



Biologists still wonder how fish embryos decide the precise moment to activate TRH. Some suspect that the embryo’s brain gathers data on water oxygen levels, temperature shifts, or chemical cues released by predators.



Future studies may investigate whether additional hormones or genes combine with TRH to refine this timing. The results may illuminate broader survival strategies and help researchers predict how species adapt to an ever-changing planet.



Farms that raise fish for food or conservation programs might harness this knowledge to optimize breeding and release efforts. By regulating the environment, hatchery managers may encourage consistent hatching windows that boost survival.



In the wild, interventions could focus on reducing pollutants that interfere with TRH signaling. These measures might prevent developmental mismatches where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-egg-cells-have-a-swirl-pattern/">eggs open</a> too early or too late.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-more-clues">Searching for more clues</h2>



Studies in amphibians, reptiles, and even birds could reveal parallel systems, confirming that embryos are more active decision-makers than once believed. 



Each discovery challenges the notion of passive development and reveals how life orchestrates its own transformations.



Further research will examine whether TRH or related signals also influence other milestones, such as yolk absorption or the onset of feeding. This knowledge might inform future efforts to protect biodiversity under stress from climate shifts and habitat loss.



Scientists hope to identify genetic variants that fine-tune how TRH responds to environmental triggers. This line of inquiry could explain species differences in hatching schedules and inform selective breeding for aquaculture.



Additional experiments may look at how fish sense vibrations, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-water-molecules-will-force-chemistry-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">water chemistry changes</a>, or even mild electrical fields. Each factor might contribute to the embryonic countdown that ends with a swift swim into open water.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado8929" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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'Master switch' controls the timing of fish egg hatching

Some sea creatures prefer to linger in their eggs, waiting...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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