Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of Mount Nemrut, a volcano located in eastern Turkey near Lake Van.



Mount Nemrut is notable for its immense caldera, which was formed through a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a>. The caldera, one of the largest in the world, now contains several lakes such as Lake Nemrut.&nbsp;



"The eastern half of the caldera is partially filled by solidified lava flows from past eruptions. Snow cover present at the time of this photo accentuates pressure ridges that formed as the lava was flowing and cooling," noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"These pressure ridges vary in size, thickness, and orientation due to the varying viscosity and flow direction of the lavas during eruptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-lake-nemrut">Formation of Lake Nemrut</h2>



"Lake Nemrut (Nemrut Gölü) occupies the western half of the caldera, creating a rough crescent shape that partially submerges the old lava flows," said NASA.



"This freshwater lake, reaching up to 176 meters deep, is accompanied by a smaller lake at the upper-center of the caldera."



The lake was formed after the collapse of the Nemrut volcano's summit. This collapse created a massive crater, which gradually filled with water over time, forming the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unesco-world-heritage-site">UNESCO World Heritage Site </h2>



Mount Nemrut and its surroundings are part of a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their ecological and geological significance.



The site is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species that use the lake as a stopover during migration. The caldera also contains smaller lakes and wetlands, adding to the area's biodiversity.



Lake Nemrut is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape.



Despite its popularity, the lake remains relatively remote and unspoiled, contributing to its appeal as a natural wonder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mount-nemrut-has-shaped-the-landscape">Mount Nemrut has shaped the landscape</h2>



Geologically, Mount Nemrut is interesting because its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a> have played a key role in shaping the local landscape. 



Its last major eruption occurred around 1441 AD, which indicates that it's not currently active but is considered dormant.



The area around Nemrut is known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and fumaroles, suggesting that there is still significant heat beneath the surface.



Over thousands of years, various civilizations have inhabited the region around Nemrut, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tribute-to-a-king">Tribute to a king</h2>



The summit of Mount Nemrut is dominated by a vast funerary mound constructed by King Antiochus I Theos, who ruled the Kingdom of Commagene in the 1st century BCE. 



The site was intended to serve as his tomb sanctuary and a place to commemorate the king's vision of divine kingship and unity between Eastern and Western cultures.



The mound, made of loose crushed stones, measures about 50 meters (164 feet) in height and spans a diameter of 150 meters (492 feet), creating an imposing feature visible from afar.



Surrounding the mound are terraces on the eastern, western, and northern sides, each adorned with colossal statues and reliefs. The statues, ranging in height from 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet), represent various deities, including Zeus, Apollo, Hercules, and the goddess Tyche, alongside King Antiochus himself. 



The heads of the statues, many of which have toppled over due to <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">earthquakes</a> and erosion, lie scattered around the site, creating an iconic and enigmatic scene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiritual-and-religious-practices">Spiritual and religious practices</h2>



In addition to the statues, inscriptions at Mount Nemrut provide valuable historical information about the kingdom, the king's lineage, and the religious practices of the time.



The site is not only a marvel of ancient engineering but also a spiritual and astronomical center. Scholars believe the terraces were aligned with celestial events, serving as an observatory for solstices and equinoxes.



In addition to its natural and historical significance, the Nemrut volcano has been the subject of scientific study, as researchers aim to understand more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in the region, the history of its eruptions, and the potential risks it may pose in the future.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Mount Nemrut: Ancient mysteries and natural marvels 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of Mount Nemrut, a volcano located in eastern Turkey near Lake Van. Mount Nemrut is notable for its immense caldera, which was formed through a series of eruptions. The caldera, one of the largest in the world, now contains several lakes such as Lake Nemrut.&nbsp; "The eastern half of the caldera is partially filled by solidified lava flows from past eruptions. Snow cover present at the time of this photo...

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 <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Pacific coast of northern Peru, which is home to sone of the world's longest waves. These waves along the fishing town of Puerto Malabrigo (Chicama) are legendary among surfers.



"While some famous wave breaks around the world can be ridden for seconds, the breaks at Chicama can be ridden for minutes," reports NASA.



"The swells responsible for Chicama’s famous waves are visible in this image, acquired on March 23, 2021, with the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. Notice the row after row of the waves neatly lining up as they approach the coast."



Andrew Thomas, an oceanographer at the University of Maine, explained that the swell is generated by storm systems and weather fronts hundreds to thousands of miles away in the Pacific Ocean, and occasionally the Southern Ocean. As the waves move across the open water, this with similar wavelengths and speed become sorted and start to travel together. “Because the coast of Peru is very deep, these large swells will continue their journey until very close to shore," said Thomas.&nbsp;



He noted that the waves arriving from the open ocean roll nearly parallel to this part of Peru’s coastline. “This is not common in Peru or Chile, where the waves mostly just crash into a coast that is perpendicular to the direction of swell propagation,” said Thomas.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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

The legendary waves off northern Peru

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a smoky steppe fire in eastern Mongolia.



"When spring warmth melts snow off the steppe of eastern Mongolia, the remains of last year’s plant growth are exposed. In dry and windy conditions, these brown, withered grasslands can become tinder for wildfires," reports NASA.



Hundreds of people, including firefighters, soldiers and local residents, are battling to extinguish steppe fires that broke out in the provinces of Dornod and Sukhbaatar.



Fire was first detected in satellite images that were captured by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) overnight on April 18. Within 24 hours, the fire had spread about 60 miles to the east.&nbsp;



According to University of Wisconsin-Madison meteorologist Scott Bachmeier, strong winds - driven by a tight atmospheric pressure gradient between a high over central China and a low over Siberia - likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire,&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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

Steppe fires in eastern Mongolia

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a plume of Saharan dust that has traveled out of North Africa and across the Mediterranean into Western Europe. According to NASA, the dust turned skies orange, blanketed cities, impaired air quality, and stained ski slopes.



"The plume was driven by an atmospheric river arising from Storm Celia, which brought strong winds, rain, and snow to the Canary Islands. Atmospheric rivers, normally associated with extreme moisture, can also carry dust," reports NASA.



You can think of an atmospheric river as the confluence of a dust river and a water vapor river within a single storm environment, explained Bin Guan, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.



“The same atmospheric dynamics that give rise to a water vapor river - specifically strong winds - can act to pick up and transport dust as the storm moves across desert areas."



Guan's research shows that in the last 40 years, nearly 80 percent of atmospheric rivers over northwestern Africa have led to extreme dust events over Europe.



"Each year, more than 100 million tons of dust blow out of North Africa, lofted from the Sahara Desert by strong seasonal winds. At least a few times a year, strong and persistent winds from the south drive Saharan dust north toward Europe," says NASA.



"The dust plays a major role in Earth’s climate and biological systems, absorbing and reflecting solar energy and fertilizing ocean ecosystems with iron and other minerals that plants and phytoplankton need to grow."



At the same time, however, dust storms can have a negative impact on air quality and human health. Beyond polluting the air, the dust can darken the snowpack and lead to more rapid snowmelt compared to a pristine atmospheric river, said Guan.



"In a 2021 dust event, Guan and colleagues found that dust deposition led to snow darkening in the Alps, decreasing the reflectance, or albedo, of the snow by 40 percent and warming the surface. Together, this reduced the snow depth in the Alps by half in less than a month," reports NASA.



The full effects of this year's storm have yet to be seen but compared to the 2021 event, this storm seems to be carrying more dust than water vapor, explained Guan. “The water vapor river over northern Africa does not appear to be particularly strong compared to last year’s - it’s an arid region, after all. The dust river is likely more intense.”



The image was captured on March 15 by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 spacecraft.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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

Atmospheric river carries African dust to Western Europe

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an old area of sea ice breaking up near Land Glacier in West Antarctica. According to NASA, as new ice was forming in March, part of the glacier’s ice tongue crumbled away.



The sea ice around Antarctica is starting to gain momentum after reaching its lowest extent on record in late February 2022.&nbsp;



Michael Lowe is an analyst at the U.S. National Ice Center. He recognized the changes near Land Glacier - part of the Antarctic coastline known as Marie Byrd Land.&nbsp;



“I've had my eye on that area over the past two months as a large area of very old fast ice began to break apart,” said Lowe. “When comparing two SAR images from consecutive days I saw that the tip of the Land Glacier was starting to break up.”



An earlier satellite image that was captured in February showed a vast expanse of sea ice fastened to the Land Glacier’s ice tongue and icebergs. Lowe explained that this “fast ice” often has a symbiotic relationship with glaciers and icebergs.&nbsp;



“The glaciers and grounded bergs allow sea ice to accumulate and ‘fast’ in a stable fashion,” said Lowe. “This fast ice then helps anchor those bergs and glaciers as it thickens into old ice over years.”



A recent analysis of satellite observations revealed that fast ice off the coast of Marie Byrd Land, and in other parts of Antarctica as well, has been decreasing since around 2000.&nbsp;



According to Frazer Christie, a glacier geophysicist at the University of Cambridge, the loss of fast ice may have further consequences. It is possible, he said, that the quick evacuation of fast ice between February and March, in addition to the longer-term losses, may have contributed to the rifting and ultimate calving of Land Glacier’s ice tongue.



“An increasing body of research has begun to show the important role sea ice plays in congealing together and buttressing both ice tongues and ice shelves,” said Christie.



"While Land Glacier has been observed to retreat, thin, and speed up in recent years, there is no evidence to suggest that its recent calving is related to anthropogenically forced climate change." “Instead, its behavior most likely reflects the natural calving lifecycle common to all Antarctic ice shelves and marine terminating glaciers.”&nbsp;



The image was captured on March 23, 2022 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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

Tip of Land Glacier breaks up in Antarctica

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a brutal a dust storm over northern Iraq on April 7, 2022.&nbsp;



NASA reports that the dust storm engulfed parts of Iraq for multiple days, turning skies orange, reducing visibility, and degrading air quality.



"Dust storms in Iraq are most common in the summer, provoked by the shamal - strong winds that blow from the northwest. But they can occur in other seasons, too," reports NASA.



"Western Iraq, for example, sees more shamal-driven dust storms in spring. According to a report from The World Bank, northern Iraq - between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and along the border of Syria - has the highest density of dust sources in the Middle East."



During this dust storm, dozens of people were hospitalized with respiratory problems across the country.&nbsp;



"The dust also appears to have darkened the snow on mountains in Turkey," said NASA.



"The director of Iraq’s meteorological office noted that drought is causing dust storms in Iraq to become more frequent. While the shamal winds are common, drought makes it more likely that eroded material can be lofted into the air."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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

Dust storm transforms Iraq with a "ghostly orange" sky

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the coast of eastern Australia, where places like Sydney have received more than a year's worth of rainfall in the last three months.&nbsp;



"The recent deluge brought more flooding to the already rain-soaked southern and central coasts of New South Wales, prompting evacuations," reports NASA.



"On April 7, torrential downpours brought a month’s worth of precipitation - more than 100 millimeters (4 inches) - to parts of the city. The storm pushed rain gauges past 1,223 millimeters (48 inches) for the year, leaving them 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) above the mean annual rainfall in early April."



The heavy rainfall began in late 2021 with the rainiest November on record, says NASA. "It continued with more rain and flooding in February and March 2022. On March 9, Australia declared a national emergency."



When the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 acquired this image on April 4, 2022, the flooding impacts can be seen in the muddy rivers and inundated land.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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

Deadly, torrential rainfall persists in eastern Australia

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Iceland, where a population of wild reindeer has grown rapidly in recent decades. In particular, reindeer have thrived in an area of East Iceland that has an abundance of a key type of lichen (Cetraria islandica) for herds to consume.&nbsp;



According to NASA, reindeer were first brought by royal decree from Norway to Iceland in the 1700s after diseases had killed about 60 percent of the island’s sheep population.&nbsp;



The initial plan was to domesticate the animals and raise them on farms. However, the plan was unsuccessful due to a number of factors, including harsh winters and a lack of interest in raising the reindeer.



NASA reports that the population swelled from a few dozen reindeer in the 1700s to more than 5,000 today. Many spend the summer foraging in the highlands near Mount Snæfell, descending into the warmer valleys in the winter.&nbsp;



In East Iceland, reindeer do not have any natural predators, parasitic flies, or mosquitoes to slow population growth. Hunters are permitted to kill about 1,000 - 1,300 reindeer each year.



“To prevent overgrazing, we keep the density of winter populations under one animal per square kilometer,” explained Skarphéðinn Þórisson of the East Iceland Nature Centre. “Most of the overgrazing that happens in Iceland is related to sheep farming - not reindeer - and happens mainly in areas other than East Iceland.”



The image was captured on August 14, 2020 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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

Reindeer are thriving in East Iceland

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the cone of Mount Vesuvius peaking through a break in the clouds on January 2, 2022. The stratovolcano is located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy.



Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe. A famous eruption in AD 79 destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae along with several other settlements.



At the time of the catastrophic eruption, volcanic gases and ash were ejected more than 20 miles into the sky. Rock and lava were released at a rate of 1.5 million tons per second, with a level of thermal energy that was 100,000 times the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.



NASA reports that Naples has a population of three million people, 800,000 of whom live on the volcano’s slopes, which makes Vesuvius one of the most dangerous volcanoes on the planet.



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/ Joshua Stevens&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

Mount Vesuvius peaks out through the clouds

Urban coyotes are thriving in cities, but not for the reasons one might expect. A recent study reveals that human-related factors, rather than access to natural habitats, have a stronger impact on their survival.&nbsp;



Researchers tracking coyotes in Chicago discovered that densely populated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-living-causes-chronic-stress-for-some-coyotes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human areas</a> are linked to longer coyote lifespans, overturning the conventional belief that wildlife fares better in more natural settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-presence-plays-a-surprising-role">Human presence plays a surprising role</h2>



“What we found was really interesting, in that the societal characteristics seem to play a much more important role in predicting coyote survival time than the environmental characteristics,” said Emily Zepeda, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>.&nbsp;



“And then we found this positive effect of human population density on survival time. Both of those things are unexpected because we usually associate human activity with detrimental effects on wildlife.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-urban-coyote-research-project">The Urban Coyote Research Project</h2>



The study, recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11252-024-01643-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urban Ecosystems</a>, stems from the Urban Coyote Research Project, a long-term study of coyote ecology in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.&nbsp;



This research, led by wildlife ecologist Stan Gehrt, has monitored the behavior and ecology of Chicago’s estimated 4,000 coyotes, offering rare insights into how they adapt to urban life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-coyote-survival">Tracking coyote survival</h2>



For this study, researchers analyzed movement data from 214 coyotes tracked between 2013 and 2021. Using the length of time each coyote was monitored as a proxy for survival, they evaluated societal and environmental factors such as neighborhood income, human density, road density, and proximity to parks.



The findings revealed that human population density positively influenced coyote survival. Coyotes in areas with low human density tended to have shorter lifespans, while those in densely populated areas lived longer. Interestingly, the interaction between income and density also played a role.&nbsp;



In low-density areas, income had little effect on survival, likely due to the lack of human presence. However, in moderate- to high-density neighborhoods, coyotes in lower-income areas were 1.5 times more likely to survive to age two than those in wealthier areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resources-and-competition-in-urban-settings">Resources and competition in urban settings</h2>



The researchers theorize that higher human population density provides urban coyotes with essential resources like food and shelter, helping them endure harsh conditions such as Chicago winters.&nbsp;



“We’ve hypothesized that population density may have a positive effect because it’s actually providing resources like human-related structures or food that allow coyotes to weather the harsh conditions of the winter, which is a major mortality factor for Chicago coyotes,” Zepeda explained.



However, these benefits may come at a cost in higher-income areas, where vegetation and better waste management can attract more coyotes, leading to increased competition and disease transmission.&nbsp;



“There might be more individuals in those areas, but survival time may be shorter there,” Zepeda said. “You might die younger in an area where there are a lot of competitors.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability-of-coyotes">Adaptability of coyotes</h2>



Surprisingly, the study found no significant link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-species-are-shifting-their-habitats-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural habitats</a> and coyote survival. Parks and nature preserves, often assumed to be ideal environments for coyotes, did not seem to offer a survival advantage.&nbsp;



“Anecdotally, we see really high densities of coyotes in nature preserves and urban parks. That’s often where you see coyotes in the city if you see them at all,” Zepeda said.



The researchers speculate that this finding could result from a variety of factors, including limitations in how habitat types are classified on city maps or more frequent hunting and trapping in natural areas.&nbsp;



Alternatively, it may highlight the adaptability of coyotes, which seem capable of thriving in urbanized environments despite their preference for natural habitats.&nbsp;



“It could speak to how adaptable they are that they might prefer natural habitat, but at least in terms of survival, they can do just as well in more urbanized areas,” Zepeda added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-societal-factors-and-urban-ecosystems">Societal factors and urban ecosystems</h2>



This study adds to growing evidence that societal factors affecting human populations also influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-biodiversity-is-not-a-luxury-it-is-attainable-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban ecosystems</a>. The presence or absence of humans, combined with the conditions in which they live, may overshadow natural influences on wildlife survival.&nbsp;



Gehrt’s long-term research emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics as urban areas expand.



As urban ecosystems continue to evolve, studies like this provide critical insights into how wildlife interacts with human populations.&nbsp;



Further research could explore specific societal factors - such as waste management practices or public attitudes toward coyotes - and their influence on urban <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>.



By better understanding these relationships, cities can develop strategies to foster coexistence between humans and animals, creating urban environments where both can thrive.



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Coyotes live longer in densely populated human areas

Urban coyotes are thriving in cities, but not for the...

California has become a vivid example of a global phenomenon known as “hydroclimate whiplash,” which involves sudden and dramatic swings between extreme wet and dry conditions.&nbsp;



These abrupt shifts are increasingly destabilizing ecosystems and communities, as shown in a new study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00624-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Earth and Environment</a>.&nbsp;



The research highlights how climate change is intensifying these weather patterns and their associated risks, from destructive wildfires to devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flood-fatalities-experts-reveal-the-hidden-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floods</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-state-in-constant-flux">A state in constant flux</h2>



The winters of 2022-23 and 2023-24 brought California unprecedented precipitation, fueled by dozens of atmospheric rivers.&nbsp;



Mountain towns were buried under snow, valleys were inundated with rain and snowmelt, and landslides occurred across the state.&nbsp;



However, these deluges were followed by record summer heat and a drought-ridden start to the 2025 rainy season. The resulting dry vegetation has provided ample fuel for a series of wildfires.



“This whiplash sequence in California has increased fire risk twofold,” explained lead author Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.&nbsp;



“First, by greatly increasing the growth of flammable grass and brush in the months leading up to fire season, and then by drying it out to exceptionally high levels with the extreme dryness and warmth that followed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-trends-in-climate-whiplash">Global trends in climate whiplash</h2>



California's situation mirrors a global trend. The study found that hydroclimate whiplash has increased worldwide by 31% to 66% since the mid-20th century - outpacing predictions made by climate models.&nbsp;



The trend is accelerating due to human-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, with projections suggesting that whiplash events could more than double if global temperatures rise by three degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.



A key driver of this intensification is the “expanding atmospheric sponge,” a phenomenon in which a warmer atmosphere absorbs and releases more water.&nbsp;



For every degree Celsius of warming, the atmosphere’s capacity to hold moisture increases by 7%, compounding the severity of both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a> and floods.



“The problem is that the sponge grows exponentially, like compound interest in a bank,” Swain said. “The rate of expansion increases with each fraction of a degree of warming.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-rainfall-the-role-of-evaporation">Beyond rainfall: The role of evaporation</h2>



While many studies focus solely on precipitation patterns, this research emphasizes the role of increasing “evaporative demand.”&nbsp;



A warming atmosphere pulls more moisture from plants and soil, exacerbating drought conditions even when rainfall does not decrease.



“The expanding atmospheric sponge effect may offer a unifying explanation for some of the most visible, visceral impacts of climate change,” Swain noted.&nbsp;



This includes the rapid transitions between floods and droughts, landslides triggered by oversaturated soil, and cycles of vegetation growth and fire.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-for-water-management">Challenges for water management</h2>



The intensifying hydroclimate whiplash poses significant challenges for water resource management.&nbsp;



California’s traditional strategies, such as diverting flood waters to the ocean, need to be balanced with measures to retain water for prolonged dry spells. Swain emphasized the importance of a “co-management” approach that considers drought and flood risks together.



John Abatzoglou, a UC Merced climate scientist and co-author of the study, highlighted the strain on California’s infrastructure:&nbsp;



“Hydroclimate in California is reliably unreliable. Swings like we saw a couple years ago, going from one of the driest three-year periods in a century to the once-in-a-lifetime spring 2023 snowpack, both tested our water-infrastructure systems and furthered conversations about flood water management to ensure future water security in an increasingly variable hydroclimate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-phenomenon-of-climate-whiplash-nbsp">Global phenomenon of climate whiplash&nbsp;</h2>



While California offers a stark example, hydroclimate whiplash is a global issue. 



Regions such as northern Africa, South Asia, and the tropical Pacific are projected to experience the most dramatic increases, but almost every region will face growing risks.



“Increasing hydroclimate whiplash may turn out to be one of the more universal global changes on a warming Earth,” Swain said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-california-fire-season-s-extended-grip">Southern California: Fire season’s extended grip</h2>



Southern California’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-identified-the-key-driver-of-severe-wildfires-in-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> risks have been amplified by the lack of rain and the dry vegetation left behind by previous wet seasons.&nbsp;



While seasonal winds, such as the Santa Anas, play a role in spreading fires, Swain noted that “climate change is increasing the overlap between extremely dry vegetation conditions later in the season and the occurrence of these wind events.”&nbsp;



“This, ultimately, is the key climate change connection to Southern California wildfires.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowing-the-intensification-of-climate-whiplash">Slowing the intensification of climate whiplash</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need to reduce global warming to slow the intensification of hydroclimate whiplash.&nbsp;



“The less warming there is, the less of an increase in hydroclimate whiplash we’re going to see,” Swain said.&nbsp; However, with the planet on track for two to three degrees Celsius of warming this century, substantial increases in variability are likely.



Adapting to these changes will require rethinking water management, infrastructure, and conservation strategies. By addressing both ends of the water spectrum - flood and drought - policymakers and communities can better prepare for the challenges of a warming world.



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Climate whiplash: From floods to droughts and wildfires

California has become a vivid example of a global phenomenon...

The,Beast

The volcano eruption at Mount Tambora in 1815, which is in present-day Indonesia, brought with it a climate chill so severe that it ruined harvests and took countless lives. Ash filled the sky, sunlight faded, and global temperatures plunged for months on end.



Today, experts say a large volcanic explosion of similar, or even bigger size, might strike again. This time, because we live in a warmer world, the global aftermath will likely be much worse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcano-eruptions-in-modern-times">Volcano eruptions in modern times</h2>



In 1816, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-cooling-not-warming-caused-a-major-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense cold</a> created what some called a <a href="https://www.masshist.org/beehiveblog/2016/11/1815-the-year-without-a-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">year without a summer</a>. Crops withered, people starved, and entire communities faced desperate conditions. That moment in history stands out because it reveals how far-reaching a single event can be. 



Modern civilization seems stronger, but the planet’s population has grown to more than eight billion, and climate change has warmed the Earth. We are no longer dealing with the same environment that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tambora" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Tambora</a> affected two centuries ago. “The question is not if, but when. The next massive eruption will cause climate chaos, and humanity does not have any plan,” said <a href="https://www.unige.ch/sciences/terre/en/people/dst/professors/markus-stoffel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Markus Stoffel</a>, a climate professor at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>, who also <a href="https://archive-ouverte.unige.ch/unige:167000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notes</a> that catastrophic events may be more intense in a warmer world. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-volcano-eruptions-cool-the-planet">How volcano eruptions cool the planet</h2>



Large volcanic explosions have a way of throwing out <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanoes-can-affect-climate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">huge amounts</a> of debris, including rock fragments, ash, and various gases. 



Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) has the biggest effect on climate cooling, as it travels high into the stratosphere and creates aerosol particles that scatter sunlight. 



Temperature drops can linger for years. As the planet warms, there is also a concern that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01884-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faster</a> atmospheric circulation might spread these particles more widely. 



<a href="https://cplb.rutgers.edu/people/alan-robock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alan Robock</a>, a climate professor at <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers University</a>, believes that shifting wind patterns and changes in ocean currents mean these eruptions may trigger greater temperature swings. 



“As the monsoon in the summer happens because the land warms faster than the ocean,” Robock said, "a massive eruption can tip that balance and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094722000688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disrupt</a> the rains that feed millions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connections-to-past-volcano-eruptions">Connections to past volcano eruptions</h2>



Mount <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/1510/global-effects-of-mount-pinatubo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pinatubo</a> erupted in the Philippines in 1991, propelling an enormous cloud of sulfur dioxide into the sky. 



Scientists determined that this eruption cooled Earth’s average temperature by about 1 degree Fahrenheit for a few years. It wasn’t on the scale of Tambora, but it illustrated how short-term climate shifts could happen. 



Earlier eruptions like <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377027322002190" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samalas</a> (in 1257) and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6456407/#:~:text=The%20Icelandic%20volcano%20Laki%20erupted,on%20record%20in%20Western%20Europe." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laki</a> (in 1783-1784) also had strong impacts. Historical records suggest these events caused poor harvests, extreme winters and, in some cases, social upheavals. 



Studies of ice cores and tree rings indicate that giant blasts can lower global temperatures even more than Mount Pinatubo managed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-warming-intensifies-the-threat">Why warming intensifies the threat</h2>



Scientists who study volcanic systems are <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/increase-in-volcanic-eruptions-at-the-end-of-the-ice-age-caused-by-melting-ice-caps-and-glacial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">looking</a> at how melting ice, heavier rains, and shifting pressures inside the Earth might encourage future eruptions. “The effects might be even worse than we saw back in 1815,” said <a href="https://as.nyu.edu/faculty/michael-rampino.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Rampino</a>, a professor at NYU, who suspects that all these factors could magnify the disruption.&nbsp;



Lighter ice sheets reduce the weight pressing down on magma sources, which can make it easier for molten rock to move upward. Meanwhile, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9326289/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavier rainfall</a> might seep deep underground and affect volcanic processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-daily-life-and-food">Impacts on daily life and food</h2>



A sudden temperature drop of just 1 degree Celsius might not sound like a lot, but it comes as an average. Some places could experience chilling conditions that ruin crops across whole regions. 



A devastating scenario could see farmland in the U.S., Russia, and China all hit at once, which would lead to a decrease in global food supplies. 



More than 800 million people worldwide live <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70148718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">within about 60 miles</a> of an active volcano. That proximity could put major population centers at risk if the blast sends out pyroclastic flows or thick ash.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-surprises-from-the-past">Possible surprises from the past</h2>



Studies of ancient eruptions show that local climates can shift in striking ways. <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2002722117" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> investigating <a href="https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/okmok" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Okmok volcano</a> in Alaska discovered that an enormous outburst in 43 BC may have cooled parts of the Mediterranean region by as much as 13 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



That sort of drastic change, even if temporary, can damage agriculture for multiple seasons. Such disruptions bring disease, hunger, and political tensions, especially if resources become scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done">What can be done</h2>



Specialists do not have a method to stop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/">volcanoes from erupting</a>. Efforts focus on monitoring volcanic areas, improving evacuation plans, and modeling scenarios that anticipate how the ash and gases could spread.&nbsp;



Some scientists call for international cooperation to manage food reserves and healthcare services if an event like Tambora happens in today’s era. 



That includes looking at how to distribute supplies on short notice. Local authorities in active regions often conduct drills and share alerts, but experts suggest more investment in preparedness is necessary.



No one can say exactly when a volcano <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will produce a colossal blast</a>. Certain sites, like parts of Indonesia or even Yellowstone in the western United States, get attention because they have erupted violently in the past. Yet the signs of unrest may come only a few months or even weeks beforehand. 



Stoffel urges a deeper look at possible future disasters. He advises scenario planning, building stockpiles, and forging rapid-response networks. Such strategies may reduce the shock to global trade and public health.



Details of the research were published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03680-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Earth's next big volcano eruption will 'cause global chaos' because there is no plan

The volcano eruption at Mount Tambora in 1815, which is...

Chimpanzees bear genetic adaptations that help them thrive in different habitats, such as forests and savannahs, according to a recent study conducted by an international team of researchers. 



Moreover, some of these adaptations seem to protect them from diseases like malaria.



Led by the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London </a>(UCL), the study sheds light on chimpanzee evolution, while offering new insights into the biology of malaria infection in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-adaptations-in-chimpanzees">Local adaptations in chimpanzees </h2>



Chimpanzees share over 98% of their DNA with humans, making them invaluable for studying our own evolutionary history and vulnerabilities. 



The researchers investigated how different populations of chimpanzees have adapted to various environments - ranging from dense forests to open savannahs - and how these adaptations might protect them from diseases like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-malaria-impact-wild-african-apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">malaria</a>.&nbsp;



The study also emphasizes the implications of habitat threats such as climate change and human pressures on these genetic adaptations.



“There are just a few hundred thousand chimpanzees alive, but they are found across very different landscapes from east Africa to the far west of the continent, including dense tropical rainforests and open areas of woodland and savannah. This makes them quite unique, because except for humans, all other apes live exclusively in forests,” said lead author Aida Andrés from the UCL Genetics Institute.&nbsp;



“Here we have shown that besides acquiring behavioral adaptations, different chimpanzee populations have evolved genetic differences to survive in their different local habitats.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-differences-of-chimpanzees">Genetic differences of chimpanzees</h2>



To explore genetic adaptation, the international team collected non-invasive DNA samples, primarily from feces, as part of the <a href="http://panafrican.eva.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pan African Program: The Cultured Chimpanzee</a> (PanAf).&nbsp;



These samples allowed scientists to analyze the exomes - the protein-coding regions - of 828 wild chimpanzees, eventually focusing on 388 individuals representing 30 different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzee-cultures-are-more-complex-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> across the four chimpanzee subspecies.



By comparing genetic variants across these populations and correlating them with local environmental conditions, the team identified key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-lizards-show-physical-and-genetic-adaptations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic adaptations</a>. They discovered that genes related to pathogen resistance, especially malaria, showed strong signs of selection in forest-dwelling chimpanzees.&nbsp;



Specifically, genetic variants in the GYPA and HBB genes, known in humans for their roles in malaria resistance and sickle cell anemia respectively, were found to be under similar selective pressures.



“The close genetic similarities between the great apes have resulted in diseases jumping from apes to humans, such as with malaria and HIV/AIDS, so studying wild chimpanzees is extremely useful to understand these and other shared infectious diseases in humans, and could help to develop new treatments or vaccines,” explained Dr. Harrison Ostridge from UCL Genetics Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-conservation-and-human-health">Implications for conservation and human health</h2>



The study highlights that as chimpanzees face threats like habitat destruction, poaching, and infectious diseases, their genetic diversity is crucial for resilience.&nbsp;



“As chimpanzees are facing threats across their range, including environmental changes to the climate and displacement due to human pressures, it is important that their genetic diversity is conserved to maintain their resilience and ensure the long-term survival of this intelligent and fascinating species,” Andrés said.



Moreover, finding that chimpanzees and humans share similar genetic adaptations to malaria provides an evolutionary perspective on how resistance to this disease has developed.&nbsp;



The discovery suggests that there might be limited genetic pathways to achieving malaria resistance, which could inform future human treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-diverse-habitats">Insights from diverse habitats</h2>



The research didn’t just focus on forest dwellers. It also touched on how chimpanzees adapt to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-the-scariest-predators-in-the-african-savannah/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">savannah</a> conditions - areas with higher temperatures, lower rainfall, and scarcer food. 



These adaptations may shed more light on how early human ancestors survived as they moved from forests to savannahs millions of years ago, adapting to new challenges along the way.



The study was a massive collaborative effort involving institutions across Africa, Europe, and North America. Dr. Hjalmar Kuehl, co-director of PanAf, acknowledged the work of international colleagues.



“This groundbreaking study on chimpanzee local adaptations could not be accomplished without the extraordinary collaboration of an international team of scientists who worked tirelessly to collect non-invasive data, including fecal samples, from countries across the chimpanzee range,” said Dr. Kuehl.



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



Furthermore, the research invites public engagement through initiatives like <a href="https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/sassydumbledore/chimp-and-see" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chimp &amp; See</a>, where community scientists can assist in annotating videos collected alongside genetic samples.



The findings have far-reaching implications not only for conservation efforts - by guiding strategies to preserve genetic diversity and adapt to environmental changes - but also for human health research into infectious diseases like malaria.&nbsp;



As the study continues, researchers aim to further unravel how genetic adaptations in chimpanzees mirror those in humans, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention strategies.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adn7954" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Chimpanzees are genetically adapted to thrive in their local environment

Chimpanzees bear genetic adaptations that help them thrive in different...

Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is a growing public health concern, driven by the bacteria’s evolving ability to resist common drugs. While contaminated food is a well-known source of infection, new findings suggest that pet dogs may also serve as an overlooked conduit for transferring these pathogens to humans.&nbsp;



A study by <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> researchers has shown that household dogs are a significant risk for the spread of antimicrobial-resistant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-safe-to-eat-eggs-salmonella-contamination-found-in-poultry-production-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a>, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene and awareness when living closely with canine companions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-household-dogs-and-salmonella-nbsp">Household dogs and Salmonella&nbsp;</h2>



People can contract Salmonella through contaminated food products or direct contact with infected individuals or animals, often by unintentionally coming into contact with feces, such as when touching hands or petting animals.&nbsp;



The Penn State team revealed that household dogs might act as vectors for nontyphoidal Salmonella, which causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps in humans, potentially leading to dangerous complications in severe cases.



According to the experts, infected people can transmit Salmonella to other humans, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-dogs-are-rapidly-evolving-in-strange-ways-due-to-nuclear-radiation-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> can do the same, particularly since canine ownership involves close physical interaction, creating ample opportunities for bacterial spread. 



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/zph.13174" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoonoses and Public Health</a>, provides new insights into an underrecognized factor in the cross-species transmission of Salmonella.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmonella-in-dogs-clinical-or-asymptomatic">Salmonella in dogs: Clinical or asymptomatic</h2>



Salmonella infections in dogs can be clinical (showing signs or symptoms), or asymptomatic. 



Various studies have discovered Salmonella in clinically healthy dogs, according to senior author Erika Ganda, an assistant professor of food animal microbiomes at Penn State. 



This means that even dogs without any visible illness could harbor and shed Salmonella bacteria, posing an invisible risk.



A major concern is the close bond between humans and their pet dogs which creates ample opportunity for Salmonella ‘<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-u-s-is-alarmingly-unprepared-for-zoonotic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zoonosis</a>’ - the transition of the disease to humans from animals, Ganda noted. 



Choices regarding food handling, contaminated treats, and hygiene all factor into how easily the bacteria might spread from pets to people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmonella-strains-in-domestic-dogs-nbsp">Salmonella strains in domestic dogs&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers used the FDA's <a href="https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/science-research/veterinary-laboratory-investigation-and-response-network" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network</a> to identify Salmonella strains found in domestic dogs from May 2017 to March 2023. 



From these 87 canine cases, the team matched timing and location data with strains isolated from human infections in the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Biotechnology Information</a> database. 



The analysis revealed 77 suspected zoonotic cases, meaning the pathogen likely jumped between dogs and humans, including 164 strains collected from 17 states.



Notably, the data showed that all identified strains carried resistance genes to drug classes designated by the <a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> as critically or highly important. 



This indicates that companion animals could be part of a broader web of antimicrobial resistance that extends beyond farms and healthcare settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnected-nature-of-human-and-animal-health">Interconnected nature of human and animal health</h2>



“We identified 16 nontyphoidal Salmonella isolates from humans closely related to more than one of six dog-associated strains,” explained lead author Sophia Kenney, a student in the molecular, cellular, and integrative biosciences doctoral program.&nbsp;



“Collectively, our data emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and sustained biosurveillance beyond human and agriculture-associated veterinary medicine, using a ‘One Health’ framework, that accounts for all transmission points - including companion animals.”



The One Health concept acknowledges the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health.&nbsp;



This study expands the perspective by demonstrating how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a> in household dogs can pose a serious hazard to human well-being, particularly when owners lack knowledge about safe handling practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-risks-and-rewards-of-dog-ownership">Balancing risks and rewards of dog ownership</h2>



While the discovery that dogs can harbor resistant Salmonella raises concern, researchers stress that pet ownership also offers substantial benefits.&nbsp;



“At the same time, several studies highlight the significant physical and mental health benefits of owning a dog, including reduced stress and increased physical activity,” said Ganda.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Our goal is not to discourage pet ownership but to ensure that people are aware of potential risks and take simple steps, like practicing good hygiene, to keep both their families and their furry companions safe.”



The study cites examples of past outbreaks, such as pig ear pet treats that infected 154 people in 34 states, illustrating how easily pets can unwittingly pass along harmful bacteria.&nbsp;



Even the healthiest dog could carry Salmonella, emphasizing the need for consistent hand washing and careful supervision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limiting-dog-exposure-to-salmonella-nbsp">Limiting dog exposure to Salmonella&nbsp;</h2>



Beyond the immediate risk to households, dog-associated Salmonella highlights a wider issue of antimicrobial resistance.&nbsp;



The authors propose that reducing the misuse of critically important antibiotics in companion animal medicine is essential. A “One Health” approach, incorporating the interactions between human medicine, veterinary care, and environmental factors, is crucial for mitigating the spread of resistant strains.



For the owners themselves, small changes such as washing hands after handling pets, cleaning dog bowls and food storage areas regularly, and avoiding raw meat diets for dogs can limit exposure to Salmonella. These measures protect families and maintain the health benefits of pet companionship.



Ultimately, the research points to a delicate balance between reaping the rewards of owning a dog and remaining vigilant about potential risks.&nbsp;



With greater awareness and responsible hygiene practices, families can safely enjoy the joy of canine companionship, ensuring that antibiotic-resistant Salmonella remains at bay.



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Humans can contract Salmonella infections from their dogs

Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is a growing public health concern, driven by...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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