Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba, about 43 million light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;



This galaxy, discovered by British astronomer James Dunlop in 1826, is part of the larger NGC 1808 group of galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intimate-view-of-ngc-1792">Intimate view of NGC 1792</h2>



“An orange glow radiates from the center of NGC 1792, the heart of this stellar forge. Captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this intimate view of NGC 1792 gives us some insight into this galactic powerhouse,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The vast swathes of tell-tale blue seen throughout the galaxy indicate areas that are full of young, hot stars, and it is in the shades of orange, seen nearer the center, that the older, cooler stars reside.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vigorous-star-formation-nbsp">Vigorous star formation&nbsp;</h2>



NGC 1792 is notable for its vigorous star formation, classifying it as a starburst galaxy. This high rate of star formation is thought to be triggered by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies, though the exact cause is still under study.



“Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy,” said ESA. “Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fierce-bursts-of-star-formation">Fierce bursts of star formation</h2>



ESA noted that when galaxies have a large reservoir of gas, like NGC 1792, these short-lived starburst phases can be sparked by galactic events such as mergers and tidal interactions.&nbsp;



“One might think that these starburst galaxies would easily consume all of their gas in a large forming event. However, supernova explosions and intense stellar winds produced in these powerful starbursts can inject energy into the gas and disperse it.”&nbsp;



“This halts the star formation before it can completely deplete the galaxy of all its fuel. Scientists are actively working to understand this complex interplay between the dynamics that drive and quench these fierce bursts of star formation.”



Due to its distance and brightness, NGC 1792 can be observed with medium-sized telescopes under favorable conditions.



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



Galaxy evolution refers to the process by which galaxies form and change over time. It begins in the early universe, shortly after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, when small density fluctuations in the primordial gas led to the collapse of matter into the first galaxies. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-mergers">Galaxy mergers</h3>



These early galaxies were small and irregular, composed mostly of gas and dark matter. Over billions of years, galaxies grew larger by merging with one another and by accreting gas from the surrounding space.&nbsp;



These interactions often triggered bursts of star formation, and collisions between galaxies sometimes led to the creation of new, more massive galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes">Structural changes</h3>



As galaxies evolve, their morphology - their shape and structure - can change. Early galaxies were often irregular or disk-shaped, but over time, many galaxies formed into the elliptical or spiral shapes we see today.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation">Star formation</h3>



Star formation is a key driver of galaxy evolution, but it gradually slows down as galaxies age. 



The gas that fuels <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> can be used up, or it can be heated and pushed out of galaxies by supernovae or black holes, reducing the galaxy's ability to form new stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-environment-nbsp">Galaxy environment&nbsp;</h3>



The environment in which a galaxy resides also plays a role in its evolution. Galaxies in dense clusters are more likely to interact with their neighbors, which can alter their shape or trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;



In contrast, galaxies in more isolated regions of space evolve more slowly and without as many dramatic interactions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter">Dark matter</h3>



Dark matter also plays a crucial role in galaxy evolution. It provides the gravitational framework that holds galaxies together and influences their interactions with one another.&nbsp;



Supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Galaxies%20merge&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, found at the centers of most large galaxies, can also affect their evolution by releasing energy that impacts star formation and the movement of gas within the galaxy.



Overall, galaxy evolution is a complex and ongoing process driven by interactions between stars, gas, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, and black holes, and shaped by both internal processes and external influences.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, J. Lee



-----



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



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



-----

NGC 1792: A galactic powerhouse 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba, about 43 million light-years away from Earth.&nbsp; This galaxy, discovered by British astronomer James Dunlop in 1826, is part of the larger NGC 1808 group of galaxies.&nbsp; Intimate view of NGC 1792 “An orange glow radiates from the center of NGC 1792, the heart of this stellar forge. Captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this intimate view of NGC 1792 gives...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. It is one of the world's longest glaciers outside of the polar regions.&nbsp;



“An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of glaciers in the high-elevation valleys of the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. The upper portion of Fedchenko Glacier crosses the center of the scene.”



NASA noted that most of the larger glaciers in the image show a prominent pattern of light- and dark-brown parallel lines.&nbsp;



“The darker ‘streamlines,’ known as medial moraines, give a sense of the direction of flow of the ice down the valleys. These are concentrations of debris that has been eroded by the glacier from the adjacent mountainsides or a rocky outcrop,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fedchenko-a-high-altitude-glacier">Fedchenko: A high-altitude glacier</h2>



Fedchenko Glacier stretches for approximately 48 miles and covers an area of around 270 square miles. This massive glacier is a critical source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a>, feeding several rivers and influencing the region's hydrology.



Fedchenko Glacier lies at high altitudes, with its origins in the high peaks of the Pamirs, where snow accumulates heavily. Despite being situated in a relatively arid region, the glacier's significant size and volume are maintained by substantial snowfall.&nbsp;



Named after Alexei Pavlovich Fedchenko, a Russian explorer and naturalist, the glacier was first surveyed in 1928 during Soviet-era expeditions. It plays a crucial role in climate studies, as changes in its length and mass provide insights into the effects of global warming in Central Asia.&nbsp;



The glacier is also part of a spectacular and remote landscape, surrounded by towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and rugged terrain, making it a key feature of the Pamirs' natural beauty.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-glaciers-worldwide">Threats to glaciers worldwide</h2>



Like many glaciers worldwide, Fedchenko faces the threat of retreat due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peru-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, raising concerns about water availability and ecosystem changes in the region.



Rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of glacier melting. Warmer temperatures not only melt glacier surfaces but also increase the flow of meltwater beneath them, accelerating their disintegration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-pollution-nbsp">Human activities and pollution&nbsp;</h3>



Deforestation and urbanization exacerbate these effects by reducing reflective snow cover and increasing heat absorption in nearby areas.&nbsp;



Airborne pollutants like soot and black carbon darken glacier surfaces, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight and speeding up the rate of melting. 



Industrial activities and tourism in glacier regions add physical stress and pollution, further degrading these fragile ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-supplies">Water supplies</h3>



The loss of glaciers has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts freshwater supplies for millions of people who depend on glacial runoff for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-sea-levels">Rising sea levels</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melting glaciers</a> contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, the loss of glaciers impacts biodiversity, as many species rely on cold, glacial habitats for survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-glaciers">Protecting glaciers</h3>



Efforts to mitigate these threats focus on reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> emissions, protecting glacier regions from industrial exploitation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.&nbsp;



However, without urgent action, the continued decline of glaciers will have profound implications for the planet's climate, water systems, and ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pamir-mountains-nbsp">The Pamir Mountains&nbsp;</h2>



The Pamir Mountains, often called the "Roof of the World," are a vast and rugged mountain range located in Central Asia.&nbsp;



They span across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, forming a vital part of the junction where the Himalayas, the Tian Shan, the Karakoram, the Kunlun, and the Hindu Kush converge.&nbsp;



With peaks soaring over 7,000 meters, including Ismoil Somoni Peak, the range is home to some of the highest altitudes on Earth.



The Pamir Mountains have been central to trade and cultural exchange for centuries, serving as a critical segment of the ancient Silk Road.&nbsp;



Today, the mountains are a popular destination for trekkers and explorers drawn by their breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain.



The Pamirs are not only a natural wonder but also a biological treasure trove, supporting unique wildlife that is adapted to extreme altitudes.&nbsp;



Culturally, the mountains are home to diverse communities, each with its unique traditions and ways of life, shaped by the harsh but majestic environment.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



-----



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



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



-----

Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

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

The island of Sardinia sits between the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Sea">Mediterranean Sea</a> to the south and west and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east. To its immediate north is the island of Corsica, which is a part of France. To the east of Sardinia is the middle of the Italian peninsula (not shown). Sardinia glows here with the green blush of spring.
Sardinia has had a tumultuous history. Starting in ancient times, the island was occupied by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans; thereafter it was controlled by Vandals, Byzantines, and a long string of rulers of Italian city-states. In the late 15th century, Sardinia came under the control of Spain, then in the early 18th century was passed to the Austrians. It briefly fell to Spanish occupation in 1717, but by 1720 was given over again to the control of Italian rule. This true-color Aqua <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/credit-nasa-image-courtesy-the-modis-rapid-response-team-goddard-space-flight-center/">MODIS</a> image was acquired on April 27, 2003. Sardinia is politically a region of Italy.

Its official name is Regione Autonoma della Sardegna. Also enjoys some degree of domestic autonomy granted by a specific Statute. It is divided into four provinces and a metropolitan city, with Cagliari being the region's capital and also its largest city. Sardinia's indigenous language and the other minority languages (Sassarese, Corsican Gallurese, Algherese Catalan and Ligurian Tabarchino) spoken on the island are recognized by the regional law and enjoy "equal dignity" with Italian.

Credit: <a href="https://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view.php?id=66312">Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC</a>

Sardinia

The island of Sardinia sits between the Mediterranean Sea to...

In mid-April 2003, heavy rains in Afghanistan led to floods that killed 30 people and displaced hundreds. The floodwaters can be seen in this false-color image acquired on April 22, 2003, by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite. The most devastating floods occurred in southern Afghanistan in the Helmand province along the Helmand River.
Earlier in the month (April 4, 2003), there was much less standing water in southern Afghanistan. And the Helmand River, which can be seen winding its way up from the bottom of April 22 image, is hardly visible on April 4. In this false-color image, water is blue. Clouds appear as pale blue and white, vegetated land is green and arid land is tan.

Human habitation in Afghanistan dates back to the Middle Paleolithic Era, and the country's strategic location along the Silk Road connected it to the cultures of the<a href="http://www.earth.com/image/devastating-floods-impact-the-middle-east/"> Middle East</a> and other parts of Asia. The land has historically been home to various peoples and has witnessed numerous military campaigns, including those by Alexander the Great, Mauryas, Muslim Arabs, Mongols, Sikhs, British, Soviets, and since 2001 by the United States with NATO-allied countries. It has been called "unconquerable"and nicknamed the "graveyard of empires," though it has been occupied during several different periods of its history. The land also served as the source from which the Kushans, Hephthalites, Samanids, Saffarids, Ghaznavids, Ghorids, Khaljis, Mughals, Hotaks, Durranis, and others have risen to form major empires

Credit: <a href="https://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view.php?id=66243">Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC</a>

Southern Afghanistan (Before Floods)

In mid-April 2003, heavy rains in Afghanistan led to floods...

Floods in Southern Afghanistan. In mid-April 2003, heavy rains in Afghanistan led to floods that killed 30 people and displaced hundreds. The floodwaters can be seen in this false-color image acquired on April 22, 2003, by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/nasa-tropical-cyclones-satellite/">NASA’s</a> Aqua satellite. The most devastating floods occurred in southern Afghanistan in the Helmand province along the Helmand River.
Earlier in the month (April 4, 2003), there was much less standing water in southern Afghanistan. And the Helmand River, which can be seen winding its way up from the bottom of April 22 image, is hardly visible on April 4. In this false-color image, water is blue. Clouds appear as pale blue and white, vegetated land is green and arid land is tan.

Human habitation in Afghanistan dates back to the Middle Paleolithic Era, and the country's strategic location along the Silk Road connected it to the cultures of the Middle East and other parts of Asia. The land has historically been home to various peoples and has witnessed numerous military campaigns, including those by Alexander the Great, Mauryas, Muslim Arabs, Mongols, Sikhs, British, Soviets, and since 2001 by the United States with NATO-allied countries. It has been called "unconquerable"and nicknamed the "graveyard of empires," though it has been occupied during several different periods of its history. The land also served as the source from which the Kushans, Hephthalites, Samanids, Saffarids, Ghaznavids, Ghorids, Khaljis, Mughals, Hotaks, Durranis, and others have risen to form major empires

Floods in Southern Afghanistan

Floods in Southern Afghanistan. In mid-April 2003, heavy rains in...

Scattered fires in northern Australia’s and Western Australia state and Northern Territories send smoke streaming off in the northwestward-blowing wind. Therefore you will see the smoke plumes appear as streaks of gray moving away from the fires. Also which are marked in red. In the lower center of the image, right on the border between the two states, sits man-made Lake Argyle, the largest freshwater body in the Southern Hemisphere. The lake was created in the early 1970s as part of the Ord River Irrigation Project, which was designed to transform the area around the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ord_River">Ord River</a> into a highly-productive agricultural oasis.

To the north of Lake Argyle is the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. Therefore  shows clouds of tan and green in its waters. The majority of these clouds are caused by sediment and silt from rivers emptying into the Gulf. Also though they may also indicate the presence of microscopic marine life. Similar clouds appear off the coast of the Northern Territories (upper right). Therefore between the mainland and Melville Island in the Van Diemen Gulf. Also as well as off the coast of Western Australia. Beyond the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf is the Timor Sea. And in the upper left corner of the image is the eastern edge of the <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents/">Indian Ocean</a>. This true-color Aqua MODIS image was acquired on April 24, 2003. Fires in Northern Australia are common during the dry hot storm season. Therefore the terrain and rubbish burns for miles causing a lot of damage.

Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Fires in Northern Australia

Scattered fires in northern Australia’s and Western Australia state and...

On April 18, 2003, African Dust Reaches Northern Europe a mixture of dust from the Sahara Desert, air pollution, and smoke lingers over the Atlantic Ocean (left). This image shows numerous fires (red dots) burning in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom">United Kingdom</a> (left of center) and the Republic of Ireland (farther left). A few scattered fires are burning in other parts of the image. This image was acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite.

Northern Europe is the geographical region in Europe roughly north of the southern coast of the Baltic Sea Therefore which is about 54°N. Narrower definitions may be based on other geographical factors such as climate and ecology. A broader definition would include the area north of the Alps. Countries which are central-western (such as Belgium and Switzerland), central (such as Austria) or central-eastern (such as Hungary and Poland) are not usually considered part of either Northern or Southern Europe.
Historically, when Europe was dominated by the Roman Empire, everything not near the Mediterranean region was termed Northern European, including southern <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/the-ries-crater-in-southern-germany/">Germany</a>, all of the Low Countries, and Austria. This meaning is still used today in some contexts, for example, discussions of the Northern Renaissance. African Dust Reaches Northern Europe often this time of year. Although storm season comes with storms and intense weather, the northern Europe area is beautiful.

Credit: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/11327/african-dust-reaches-northern-europe">Image courtesy Jacques Descloitres</a>, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC

African Dust Reaches Northern Europe

On April 18, 2003, African Dust Reaches Northern Europe a...

Scores of fires in Argentina and Paraguay were burning in central South America. Therefore were detected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/credit-nasa-image-courtesy-the-modis-rapid-response-team-goddard-space-flight-center/">(MODIS</a>) on the Aqua satellite on April 16, 2003. Fires (red dots) are visible is Paraguay (top center) and Argentina (left). Right of center, fires are burning in the peninsula-like Misiones region of Argentina, which harbors some of the last remaining tracts of a unique rainforest ecosystem known as Atlantic Rainforest. The ecosystem, which is different from the Amazon rainforest of the interior portion of the continent, once stretched hundred of miles inland along most of the eastern South American coastline, but it has been almost completely cut down in the centuries since European settlement.
The high-resolution image provided above is 500 meters per pixel. The MODIS Rapid Response System provides this image at MODIS maximum spatial resolution of 250 meters. Also these Fires in Argentina and Paraguay are common.

Also this time of year there are many storms coming in and out of the country. The country has many damaged done to it caused by these horrible storms and fires. Most of this country in tropical terrain and also a lot of rainforest.

Credit: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/11285/fires-in-argentina-and-paraguay">Image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz</a>, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC

Fires in Argentina and Paraguay

Scores of fires in Argentina and Paraguay were burning in...

Fires (red dots) were burning in North Korea on April 16, 2003. To the west, ripples of dusty air flow over Korea Bay. This Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) image is from the Aqua satellite.

North Korea officially describes itself as a "self-reliant" socialist state, and formally holds elections, though they have been described by outside observers as sham elections. Outside observers also generally view North Korea as a Stalinist totalitarian dictatorship, particularly noting the elaborate cult of personality around Kim Il-sung and his family. The Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), led by a member of the ruling family,holds power in the state and leads the <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/democratic-presidential-candidates-climate/">Democratic</a> Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland of which all political officers are required to be members. Juche, an ideology of national self-reliance, was introduced into the constitution in 1972.

The means of production are owned by the state through state-run enterprises and collectivized farms. Most services such as healthcare, education, housing and food production are subsidized or state-funded. From 1994 to 1998, North Korea suffered a famine that resulted in the deaths of between 240,000 and 420,000 people, and the population continues to suffer malnutrition. North Korea follows Songun, or "military-first" policy. It is the country with the highest number of military and paramilitary personnel, with a total of 9,495,000 active, reserve and paramilitary personnel, or approximately 37% of its population. Its active duty army of 1.21 million is the fourth largest in the world, after China, the United States and India; consisting of 4.8% of its population. It possesses nuclear weapons.

Credit: <a href="https://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view.php?id=66123">Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC</a>

Fires Across North Korea

Fires (red dots) were burning in North Korea on April...

Fires in Mexico and Central America. Scores of fires were burning in Mexico and Central America on April 16, 2003. This image from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite shows part of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and northern Guatemala where an especially high number of fires were detected (marked in red). The high-resolution scene shows fires stretching northward into Mexico and southward into numerous Central American countries. Smoke plumes are drifting out overt the Gulf of Mexico to the northwest. Beneath the smoke, the colorful swirls in the water may be a mixture of sediment and marine plant life known as phytoplankton.

Measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) from the Measurements of Pollution in The Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument on NASA’s Terra satellite show the pollutants from wildfires in southern Mexico being carried towards Florida. This image shows the mixing ratio of CO at about 3 km (700 km) above the surface for March 18-22, 2003. An <a href="http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?img_id=5678">image from SeaWIFS</a> shows the smoke from the fires in the same region. There were <a href="http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?img_id=5680">numerous fires</a> burning during this period on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Carbon monoxide is a good tracer of pollution since it is produced as a by-product of the combustion associated with wildfires and agricultural fires. The reds in this image show the highest levels of CO and blues show the lowest levels. The gray areas show where no data were collected, either due to persistent cloud cover or gaps between viewing swaths.

Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Fires in Mexico and Central America

Fires in Mexico and Central America. Scores of fires were...

Calving,At,The,Front,Terminus,Of,The,Hisinger,Glacier,,Dickson

Tsunamis are powerful natural phenomena capable of reshaping entire coastlines. Modern technology is now capable of helping scientists to study them in remarkable detail. 



The ability to monitor and analyze these massive waves in real-time has revolutionized our understanding of their behavior and impact, providing invaluable data that can inform safety protocols and predictive models.



This technological prowess recently helped unravel the nine-day-old reverberations of a tsunami in Greenland, a rare and complex event captured by the International SWOT Satellite. 



The satellite's advanced imaging capabilities revealed unprecedented insights into how the tsunami waves moved and persisted within the steep walls of Dickson Fjord, thereby contributing significantly to the field of oceanography.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swot-satellite-tsunami-discovery">SWOT satellite tsunami discovery</h2>



At the core of this investigation were scientists from <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California and France’s CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales).



These dedicated professionals collaborated on the international Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission. 



Their joint efforts led to the discovery of unique shapes formed by tsunamis trapped within the steep walls of Greenland's Dickson Fjord.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-picture-paints-a-thousand-words">A picture paints a thousand words</h2>



On September 17, 2023, the day following a massive rockslide, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-launches-revolutionary-satellite-to-monitor-earths-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWOT satellite</a> was at the right place at the right time, collecting water elevation measurements in the Dickson Fjord. 



By comparing these measurements with those recorded a few weeks prior, the scientists got a clear image of the aftermath of the tsunami.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenland-tsunami_SWOT-satellite_NASA_1m.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenland-tsunami_SWOT-satellite_NASA_1s.webp" alt="A SWOT data visualization shows water on the northern side of Greenland’s Dickson Fjord at higher levels than on the southern side on Sept. 17, 2023. A huge rockslide into the fjord the previous day led to a tsunami lasting nine days that caused seismic rumbling around the world. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory" class="wp-image-1950872"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A SWOT data visualization shows water on the northern side of Greenland’s Dickson Fjord at higher levels than on the southern side on Sept. 17, 2023. A huge rockslide into the fjord the previous day led to a tsunami lasting nine days that caused seismic rumbling around the world. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</figcaption></figure>



The SWOT satellite captured a colored data visualization, indicating higher water levels with lighter colors and lower levels with darker tones. 



The findings suggested that the northern side of the fjord reached certain points where water levels were almost 4 feet (1.2 meters) higher than on the southern side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-milestone-in-the-field-of-research">A milestone in the field of research</h2>



Astoundingly, this was the first instance where the SWOT satellite had the opportunity to examine the shape of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tsunami-wave-from-tonga-eruption-was-90-meters-tall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tsunami wave</a>. 



“SWOT happened to fly over at a time when the water had piled up pretty high against the north wall of the fjord,” said Josh Willis, a sea level researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. 



“Seeing the shape of the wave - that’s something we could never do before SWOT."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-origins-of-the-tsunami">Tracing the origins of the tsunami</h2>



A paper published recently in Science traced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic</a> signals of the tsunami back to its roots.



More than 880 million cubic feet of rock and ice, equivalent to 25 million cubic meters, had plummeted into Dickson Fjord, triggering the tsunami that sloshed around within the fjord.



The fjord is a part of a network of channels on Greenland's eastern coast, with the depth of about 1,772 feet (540 meters) and width of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers), while its walls tower over 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) high.



Interestingly, because the fjord is far from the open ocean and confined, the energy from the tsunami's motion had limited opportunities to dissipate. 



This resulted in the wave moving back and forth approximately every 90 seconds for a surprising duration of nine days.



These findings demonstrate how modern technology can help us unravel nature’s mysteries. The international SWOT satellite, through its unique capabilities, has managed to provide us with a fresh understanding of tsunamis and their prolonged effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-technology-and-monitoring-tsunamis">Satellite technology and monitoring tsunamis</h2>



The SWOT satellite's ability to capture and analyze detailed water elevation data showcases the immense potential of satellite technology in monitoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>.



Unlike traditional, on-ground sensors, satellites offer a comprehensive view of remote locations, like Greenland’s fjords. This capability is crucial for capturing disaster impacts and building predictive models for better preparedness.



The September 2023 event in Dickson Fjord demonstrated how satellite imaging has evolved to reveal the movement of tsunami waves over nine days, offering insights that were previously unattainable.



Such data enhance our understanding of energy dynamics within confined areas, informing disaster response and risk mitigation efforts.



Beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-may-help-with-earlier-tsunami-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tsunami monitoring</a>, satellites like SWOT play a vital role in observing storm surges, flooding, and sea-level rise. 



Integrating satellite data with real-time analytics paves the way for quicker, more effective responses to natural disasters, thereby contributing to safer and more resilient communities.



-----



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



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



-----

Satellite records a 650-foot tsunami in Greenland that lasted 9 days

Tsunamis are powerful natural phenomena capable of reshaping entire coastlines....

Black holes need no introduction. Their ability to pull everything that crosses their boundary into a gravity pit is legendary. But did you know they can also spew out charged particles resulting in explosive bursts of gamma rays? 



In an instant, black holes can unleash more energy than our Sun will produce over its entire lifetime. This extraordinary phenomenon owes its intensity to a hidden asset: a formidable magnetic field.



But where this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-black-holes-are-trapped-in-an-eternal-dance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic power</a> originates from has remained an unsolved mystery, until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-of-magnetic-fields">Origin of magnetic fields</h2>



Experts at the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.simonsfoundation.org%2Fflatiron%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flatiron Institute</a>, backed by their collaborators, have managed to identify the source of these powerful magnetic fields.



Through meticulous calculations of black hole formation, they have traced the origin of the magnetic fields back to the collapsing parent stars of the black holes themselves.



Black holes are not born out of the blue. They emerge after a star explodes as a supernova, leaving a dense remnant core known as a proto-neutron star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mothers-of-black-holes">The mothers of black holes</h2>



Ore Gottlieb, the study’s first author, is a research fellow at the Flatiron Institute’s&nbsp;Center for Computational Astrophysics&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-astrophysics/?swcfpc=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CCA</a>) in New York City.



“Proto-neutron stars are the mothers of black holes in that when they collapse, a black hole is born. What we are seeing is that as this black hole forms, the proto-neutron star’s surrounding disk will essentially pin its magnetic lines to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-suggests-that-dark-energy-comes-from-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>,” said Gottlieb.&nbsp;



“It’s very exciting to finally understand this fundamental property of black holes and how they power gamma ray bursts - the most luminous explosions in the universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dissecting-the-magnetic-enigma-of-black-holes">Dissecting the magnetic enigma of black holes</h2>



The journey of a star from birth, collapse, to the formation of a black hole is akin to a cosmic rollercoaster. 



The team set out to model this journey in an effort to study outflows like jets that generate gamma ray bursts. However, they hit a roadblock.



The behavior of these magnetic fields during the stellar collapse presented a modeling challenge. There were pre-existing theories about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/directly-detecting-dark-matter-primordial-black-holes-simple-as-monitoring-mars-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> and their magnetic prowess, but none added up when considering the power behind a black hole’s jets and gamma ray bursts.



“What had been thought to be the case is that the magnetic fields of collapsing stars are collapsing into the black hole,” explained Gottlieb. "During this collapse, these magnetic field lines are made stronger as they are compressed, so the density of the magnetic fields become higher.”



The team determined that a different process had to be at play and focused their attention on a black hole's progenitor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-maestro-the-neutron-star">Magnetic maestro: The neutron star</h2>



The researchers felt that previous simulations may not have presented the complete picture. 



“Past simulations have only considered isolated neutron stars and isolated black holes, where all magnetism is lost during the collapse. However, we found that these neutron stars have accretion disks of their own, just like black holes,” said Gottlieb.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/black-hole_magnetism-source_infographic_credit-Lucy-Reading-Ikkanda_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/black-hole_magnetism-source_infographic_credit-Lucy-Reading-Ikkanda_1s.webp" alt="Infographic explaining how black holes inherit their magnetism. Credit: Lucy Reading-Ikkanda / Simons Foundation" class="wp-image-1950869"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Infographic explaining how black holes inherit their magnetism. Credit: Lucy Reading-Ikkanda / Simons Foundation</figcaption></figure>



“And so, the idea is that maybe an accretion disk can save the magnetic field of the neutron star. This way, a black hole will form with the same magnetic field lines that threaded the neutron star.”



The team’s calculations revealed that before the newly formed black holes gobble up all the magnetic fields of their collapsing neutron stars, the disks of the neutron stars transfer their magnetic field lines to the black holes, anchoring them.



"In most cases, the timescale for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-spots-two-supermassive-black-holes-spiraling-on-collision-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole's</a> disk formation is shorter than it losing its magnetism," said Gottlieb. "So, by having an accretion disk, the black hole can inherit a magnetic field from its parent, the neutron star."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-across-the-universe">Echoes across the universe</h2>



Beyond solving a longstanding mystery, this discovery has the potential to expand our understanding of jets. 



“This study changes the way we think about what types of systems can support jet formation because if we know that accretion disks imply magnetism, then in theory, all you need is an early disk formation to power jets,” explained Gottlieb.



“I think it would be interesting for us to rethink all of the connections between populations of stars and jet formation now that we know this.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-and-their-magnetic-mysteries">Black holes and their magnetic mysteries</h2>



Gottlieb attributes the success of this endeavor to the collaborative nature of the research and the computational resources at the CCA.



“This was a multidisciplinary collaboration that enabled us to address this question from different directions and form a coherent picture of a star’s evolution post-collapse,” said Gottlieb.



“And the generous computational resources of CCA let us run simulations of the collapse more consistently than has ever been done before. I think these two aspects led to an innovative approach.”



With this leap forward, we inch closer to fully comprehending the enigmatic black holes and their magnetic mysteries, shedding more light on the dark wonders of the universe.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad8563" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>. 



-----



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



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



-----

Black holes capture magnetic fields from collapsing stars

Black holes need no introduction. Their ability to pull everything...

Meat lovers can attest that the move to plant-based alternatives isn't always a simple transition. However, thanks to a team of innovative Stanford engineers, life is becoming a little tastier for those wishing to embrace greener diets.



Working from a unique mechanical engineering perspective, they’ve developed an intriguing approach to food texture evaluation. 



This could potentially lead to plant-based steaks that even the staunchest meat enthusiasts will find impossible to resist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-in-plant-based-meat-texture">Innovation in plant-based meat texture</h2>



The team from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> recently showcased how mechanical testing, combined with machine learning, can essentially mimic the palate of human taste testers. Their ingenious method could potentially accelerate the evolution of superior plant-based meats.



Interestingly, they discovered that several plant-based products are already successfully emulating the texture of the meats they strive to replicate. According to Ellen Kuhl, the senior author of the recent study, it is possible to close the gap between animal meat texture and that of plant-based meats. 



"We were surprised to find that today’s plant-based products can reproduce the whole texture spectrum of animal meats,” noted Kuhl.



This is phenomenal progress since the days when tofu was the only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-meat-paradox-people-care-about-animals-but-still-eat-meat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat</a> substitute available.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-environmental-impact-of-our-food-choices">The environmental impact of our food choices</h2>



Industrial animal agriculture's environmental toll is heavy; it leads to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meat-consumption-climate-change-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, pollution, habitat loss, and antibiotic resistance. An effective way to lighten this is by shifting from animal proteins to plant proteins.



Previous studies have shown that plant-based meats cause, on average, 50% less environmental impact than animal meats. However, most meat eaters are hesitant to make this change.



For instance, in one survey, only a third of Americans stated their likelihood of purchasing plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-plant-based-meat-alternatives-the-key-to-a-healthier-heart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternatives</a> as "very likely' or 'extremely likely."



"People love meat. If we want to convince the hardcore meat eaters that alternatives are worth trying, the closer we can mimic animal meat with plant-based products, the more likely people might be open to trying something new," explained Skyler St. Pierre, the lead author of the paper. 



Unfortunately, conventional food testing methods are neither standardized nor transparent, making it tougher for scientists to collaborate on creating new recipes for alternatives.



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



This novel and futuristic food texture test that makes use of AI came to life as part of a class project by St. Pierre. He was looking for affordable materials to use in engineering tests on stress, load and stretching. He turned to tofu and hot dogs as possible study materials.



Through the summer of 2023, student researchers experimented with the texture and mechanics of these and other foods, and then trialed their findings on eight products including animal and plant-based hot dogs, sausages, turkey, and firm and extra firm tofu. 



A machine was used to simulate the act of chewing, and to test how the materials reacted when pulled, pushed, and sheared.



This data was then processed using machine learning to design a new type of neural network, and resulted in equations defining the properties of the different meats.



A survey was later conducted to test if these equations could truly replicate the sensation of texture. 



The survey respondents, after sampling the eight products, rated them in 12 categories including softness, hardness, brittleness, chewiness, gumminess, viscosity, springiness, stickiness, fibrousness, fattiness, moistness, and meat-likeness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-findings-and-hope-for-the-future">Plant-based findings and hope for the future</h2>



The results were thrilling. For instance, plant-based hot dogs and sausages were very similar to their animal counterparts in terms of their stiffness. Human testers ranked the stiffness of the hot dogs and sausages very similarly to the mechanical tests. 



“What’s really cool is that the ranking of the people was almost identical to the ranking of the machine. That’s great because now we can use the machine to have a quantitative, very reproducible test,” said Kuhl.



Such discoveries suggest that data-driven methodologies may accelerate the development of delectable plant-based products. 



The team even suggests using generative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-artificially-intelligent-machines-take-over-food-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> for creating plant-based meat recipes that have specific desired properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-open-source-collaboration-and-future-prospects">Open-source collaboration and future prospects</h2>



In an effort to push this field forward, the team has opted for open-source data, allowing other researchers to view, add to, and learn from their work. 



“Historically, some researchers, and especially companies, don’t share their data and that’s a really big barrier to innovation,” Kuhl added.



The team continues in their food testing endeavors as they look to establish a public database of their findings.



They're now testing deli slices, both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-carrots-and-colorful-veggies-really-can-improve-your-eyesight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetable</a> and meat-based. They also plan to test engineered fungi that has been developed by a new addition to their team.



Kuhl has generously extended an invitation to the wider community to contribute to the ongoing study. 



“If anybody has a plant-based meat they want to test, we’re so happy to test it to see how it stacks up,” said Kuhl.



In their quest to save the planet one bite at a time, these Stanford engineers are transforming our perception of plant-based diets. 



Their commitment to open-source information and collaboration is setting the stage for a more sustainable future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-024-00330-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of Food</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Scientists are perfecting plant-based meats with AI

Meat lovers can attest that the move to plant-based alternatives...

Welcoming a new life into the world is one thing all expectant parents anticipate with a mix of emotions - excitement, apprehension, and everything in between. And with that anticipation comes an important question - where is the best place to have the baby? 



For years, the medical community has debated this with passion. Are hospitals the only safe place for childbirth, or are homes and birth centers suitable options?



A breakthrough study, led by researchers at Oregon State University (OSU), may finally provide some clarity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pre-existing-beliefs">Pre-existing beliefs</h2>



For years, the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians has touted hospitals and accredited birth centers as the safest places to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pregnancy-changes-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deliver a baby</a>. 



These facilities, unlike a typical home setup, are equipped with medical resources and personnel. 



But wait, before we create a mental picture of birth centers as cold, sterile, and impersonal spaces, let's clarify what they actually are. A birth center is a healthcare facility that offers a more home-like and natural environment than is found in a hospital.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-home-vs-birth-center">Home vs. birth center</h2>



The <a href="https://oregonstate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> team analyzed two national registries for community births - meaning planned births at home or in a birth center for low-risk pregnancies.



In this study, a low-risk pregnancy was defined as one involving a single baby being carried to full term, with its head positioned down, and no major maternal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-during-pregnancy-rewires-the-fetal-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complications</a> like diabetes or pre-eclampsia.



Interestingly, Marit Bovbjerg, an associate professor in the Oregon State College of Health, estimates that at least 70% of pregnancies are low risk.



The two registries documented over 110,000 births between 2012 and 2019 across all 50 U.S. states. And guess what they found? There was no difference in safety between home births and those in birth centers.



"Our study is the first to provide evidence that these two birth settings are equally safe," declared Bovbjerg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-of-different-settings">Safety of different settings</h2>



The research team included Marit Bovbjerg and Melissa Cheyney, a professor in the OSU College of Liberal Arts and a licensed midwife. 



While they didn't directly compare the safety of community settings to hospitals, they highlighted the growing body of evidence supporting the safety of planned community <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-impacting-infant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">births</a>. 



Interestingly, this claim is supported by a U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine report published in 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-perception">Shift in perception</h2>



Bovbjerg and Cheyney's study doesn't just shed light on safety - it also reflects a shifting perception of childbirth.



Home births have been on the rise over the last two decades in the U.S. Currently, 2% of births happen within community settings, which include both home and birth center environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-choose-home-births">Why choose home births?</h2>



One might wonder why some expecting parents choose home birth. The reasons can be complex. One factor may relate to concern over negative hospital experiences. 



"They might fear a loss of continuity of care provider, as well as possible mistreatment and judgment upon arrival at the hospital," explained Cheyney. 



Indeed, a national care-experience study reported instances of mistreatment, including being ignored, scolded, shouted at, or undergoing an invasive procedure without consent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-if-something-goes-wrong">What if something goes wrong?</h2>



A common concern regarding home birth is the potential risk if complications arise. However, the reality is that midwives and healthcare professionals involved in home births are well-prepared to manage emergencies. 



They are trained to recognize early signs of complications and are ready to transfer care to a hospital if necessary. The study by Bovbjerg and her team emphasizes that, with proper planning and risk assessment, home births can be a safe alternative for low-risk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-during-pregnancy-does-it-impact-the-babys-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancies</a>.



This highlights the importance of a thorough prenatal assessment and the collaboration between midwives and nearby healthcare facilities to ensure a seamless transition if transfer becomes necessary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-home-births-are-a-safe-option">Home births are a safe option </h2>



Insights from this study guide us towards improving the childbirth experience. For example, if hostile hospital experiences discourage necessary transfers, the logical solution is to improve these experiences.



"Transfer from community settings is often necessary, and anything that discourages a necessary transfer likely causes harm," Cheyney cautioned.



With a shared goal - to make childbirth a safe, comfortable, and positive experience for all involved - this research encourages us to rethink traditional beliefs and recognize the safety and efficacy of diverse childbirth settings.



The future of childbirth may be more flexible and accommodating than we've ever imagined. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/fulltext/2024/12000/planned_home_births_in_the_united_states_have.7.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical Care</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Are home births as safe as giving birth in the hospital?

Welcoming a new life into the world is one thing...

Air pollution is a silent menace that can subtly worsen the heart conditions that many patients battle daily. Often, we are not aware of the full extent of this danger.



Unlike viruses or bacterial infections, which are more tangible and typically easier to detect and manage, this invisible threat arises from the very air we breathe, infiltrating our bodies with harmful particles that can exacerbate chronic heart issues.



A new study by heart researchers at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City finds that patients with heart disease, particularly those who have suffered heart failure, are especially vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution and poor air quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-heart-health">Air pollution and heart health</h2>



The results of the study were presented at the American Heart Association's 2024 Scientific Sessions international conference in Chicago.



The experts found that two inflammatory markers - CL27 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 27) and IL-18 (interleukin 18) - were elevated in heart failure patients who were exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-air-quality-linked-to-cognitive-problems-in-infants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air quality</a>, but did not change in those without heart disease.



This suggests that air pollution places additional stress on the bodies of patients with pre-existing heart conditions.



“These biomarkers rose in response to air pollution in people who already had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-research-proves-that-air-pollution-causes-heart-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, but not in patients who were heart disease free, showing that heart failure patients are not as able to adapt to changes in the environment,” said Dr. Benjamin Horne, the study's principal investigator, is a professor of research at Intermountain Health.



The findings emphasize the unique vulnerability of individuals with heart problems, and highlight the need for targeted protective measures to mitigate the harmful effects of poor air quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-research-process">Unraveling the research process</h2>



The retrospective study involved collaboration between Intermountain Health researchers and scientists from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> and the <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard School of Public Health</a>. 



They analyzed blood samples from patients enrolled in the Intermountain INSPIRE registry, which collects blood, biological samples, medical information, and laboratory data from both healthy individuals and those with various medical conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-air-pollution-peaks">Identifying air pollution peaks</h2>



The researchers examined blood for 115 different proteins that are indicative of increased inflammation.



The samples came from 44 heart failure patients and 35 individuals without heart disease. 



Blood was drawn on days with low air pollution (PM2.5 levels under 7 μg/m3) and days on which pollution spiked (PM2.5 levels of 20 μg/m3 or higher). This allowed the researchers to compare the samples and determine the effects of pollution spikes.



The spikes were due either to summer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-disaster-raising-awareness-to-reduce-wildfire-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> smoke or winter inversions, where warm air traps pollution close to the ground.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-measures-for-heart-patients">Proactive measures for heart patients</h2>



“It’s important that individuals with known heart disease, including those diagnosed with heart failure, need to be especially cautious during periods of poor air quality," said Dr. Horne.



"This includes exercising indoors, making sure to take their prescribed medications, and avoiding areas like roadways and highways where there’s a lot more traffic and pollution."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-air-quality-matters">Why air quality matters </h2>



The&nbsp;results&nbsp;of&nbsp;this study highlight a pressing need for enhanced public education and prevention among heart patients during times of adverse&nbsp;air quality.



Air pollution is an increasingly common problem, in both developed and developing countries. This is due, in part, to&nbsp;urbanization, industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> and climate change. 



Individuals with heart diseases, along with many others, have increased susceptibility. The study reiterates the need for improved air quality monitoring and public health interventions that are centered on heart patients' needs. In terms of healthcare professionals, these findings pave the way for more focused education for patients with a comorbid condition. Physicians may advise that the suggested strategies be implemented, such as having <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioengineered-super-plant-acts-as-natural-indoor-air-purifier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air purifiers</a> at home or not opening windows during days of poor air quality.



This proactive approach not only mitigates immediate health risks but also promotes long-term well-being for heart patients. In addition, policymakers may use research like this as the foundation for their advocacy of stronger air quality standards and environmentally conscious, sustainable urban planning that decreases pollution-emitting sources.



If&nbsp;stricter&nbsp;regulations&nbsp;on&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;are&nbsp;enacted,&nbsp;coupled&nbsp;with&nbsp;a focus on&nbsp;cleaner technologies, communities&nbsp;can&nbsp;protect&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;just&nbsp;heart patients. The public in&nbsp;general&nbsp;will benefit by improving overall health, reducing healthcare burdens for governments.



-----



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



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



-----

Heart disease patients have a unique vulnerability to air pollution

Air pollution is a silent menace that can subtly worsen...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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