Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Gobi Altai Mountains and neighboring plains covered in snow and illuminated by sunlight. 



The photograph was captured on January 25, 2024 as the International Space Station (ISS) passed over central Mongolia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-peaks-and-plains">Mountain peaks and plains</h2>



“Late-afternoon sunlight casts long shadows of mountain peaks onto the plains below. Numerous steep gullies cut into the massif, or mass of mountains, whose rugged appearance contrasts with the flat plains stretching along the top of the image,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “The plains are a semidesert grassland, or steppe, which provides pasture for livestock herders in the region.”



“The grassland surrounding the massif is classified by scientists as a cold semidesert. At an elevation of about 1,250 meters, annual temperatures are much lower there than in the mountains. The highest peak in the massif, Ikh Bogd (also known as Tergun Bogd), reaches nearly 4,000 meters.”&nbsp;



According to NASA, the climate on the peaks is classified as a polar tundra because the average annual temperature is below freezing. "Asia’s main tundra zone is located in Siberia, along the coast of the Arctic Ocean, 2,800 kilometers (1,750 miles) to the north.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harsh-winters-and-livestock-in-mongolia">Harsh winters and livestock in Mongolia</h2>



Harsh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-winters-are-getting-colder-while-world-is-getting-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winters</a> in Mongolia, locally known as "dzud," pose significant challenges for livestock and the herders who depend on them for their livelihood. These winters can be particularly severe, characterized by extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and ice, which can block access to grazing grounds, leaving animals without enough food.&nbsp;



The cold temperatures and nutritional shortages result in high mortality rates among livestock, which are crucial to the Mongolian economy and the nomadic lifestyle of many of its people.



The impact of these harsh winters extends beyond immediate animal welfare. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock</a> numbers dwindle, herders face financial hardships, and the ripple effects can be felt throughout the entire community.&nbsp;



To combat these challenges, various strategies have been employed, including the development of better forecasting and early warning systems, the stockpiling of fodder, and improved veterinary care. These measures aim to strengthen the resilience of herding communities and ensure the survival of their livestock during Mongolia's most challenging seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-wildlife-of-mongolia">Diverse wildlife of Mongolia</h2>



Mongolia is renowned for its diverse wildlife, adapted to its unique landscapes ranging from vast steppes to rugged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and arid deserts. Among the most iconic species is the Bactrian camel, native to the region and crucial to nomadic herders.&nbsp;



The resilient Mongolian horse, integral to local culture, is celebrated for its endurance across the vast, open landscapes. Predators such as the snow leopard roam the high altitudes, playing a key role in the ecosystem, while the elusive Gobi bear survives in the sparse vegetation of the Gobi Desert.



The steppes are home to the fast-moving Mongolian gazelle and the critically endangered saiga antelope, known for its distinctive nose. The mountains support populations of argali sheep, the world's largest wild sheep, and the ibex, which has mastered the art of navigating rocky terrains. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valley-of-lakes">Valley of Lakes</h2>



“Part of a small dry lake appears in the top left of the image. In wetter years, water from this lake feeds Orog Lake (also photographed by astronauts), out of frame to the upper right. This and other nearby lakes are part of the Valley of Lakes waterfowl conservation habitat, protected as a Ramsar site,” noted NASA.



The Valley of Lakes is known for its expansive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-potential-of-tidal-wetlands-as-blue-carbon-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a> and diverse ecosystems that support a variety of bird species, especially migratory waterfowl. This area serves as a crucial stopover for birds during their migration periods, providing them with essential resources such as food and shelter.&nbsp;



The conservation efforts in the Valley of Lakes focus on maintaining and restoring these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-wetlands-are-inching-closer-to-extinction-as-the-world-heats-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a> to ensure they continue to offer a safe haven for waterfowl. These efforts include controlling invasive plant species that threaten the natural vegetation and managing water levels to create optimal conditions for bird populations.&nbsp;



Education and community involvement are also key components of the conservation strategy, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of these habitats and encourage sustainable practices that help protect the local wildlife.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mountain peaks and plains of central Mongolia 

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1559, located around 35 million light-years away in the southern constellation Reticulum. The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-for-star-formation">Fuel for star formation </h2>



"The data featured in this portrait make use of two of Webb’s instruments: the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) and Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam)," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Here MIRI captures the glow of interstellar dust grains, which trace out the interstellar medium, the fuel for future star formation. NIRCam shows the light from stars, even young stars hidden behind prodigious amounts of dust. NIRCam also captures emission from ionised nebulae around young stars."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-reveals-galaxies-in-new-light">Webb reveals galaxies in new light</h2>



According to ESA, the data was collected by the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/phangs/home">PHANGS team</a> as part of a program in which Webb will observe 55 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a> that have also been mapped by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, and more.&nbsp;



"By combining Webb’s unprecedented view of the dust and stars with data from these other facilities, the team aims to obtain a new, highly detailed view of how stars are born, live, and die in galaxies across the Universe."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-1559-a-loner-in-space">NGC 1559: A loner in space</h2>



Although NGC 1559 appears to sit close to one of our nearest neighbors in the sky - the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) - this is just a trick of perspective, noted ESA.



While it is part of the Reticulum constellation, NGC 1559 is not part of the Local Group of galaxies but instead resides in a more distant region of space.



"In reality, NGC 1559 is physically nowhere near the LMC in space; in fact it truly is a loner, lacking the company of any nearby galaxies or membership of any galaxy cluster."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1559">Star formation in NGC 1559</h2>



NGC 1559 is notable for its active star formation and strong magnetic fields. It has also been the site of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, making it of particular interest to astronomers studying stellar evolution and the lifecycle of stars.



The structure of NGC 1559 includes well-defined spiral arms that are rich in young, hot stars and regions of ionized gas, indicative of ongoing <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>.



The galaxy’s central bar is believed to play a role in driving gas towards the core, fueling both the star formation and the activity around its nucleus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-extragalactic-wonder">An extragalactic wonder</h2>



Despite being relatively small compared to larger galaxies like the Milky Way, NGC 1559 is an important object for understanding how barred spiral galaxies evolve and the processes that trigger supernovae.



The galaxy’s remote location and active nature make it a fascinating subject of study in the field of extragalactic astronomy. The isolation of NGC 1559 allows for a clearer view of its structure without much interference from neighboring galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxies">Barred spiral galaxies</h2>



Barred spiral galaxies are a type of spiral galaxy characterized by a central bar-shaped structure composed of stars. This bar extends out from the core and connects to the galaxy's spiral arms, which swirl outward in a graceful pattern.



Scientists believe that the bar plays a crucial role in the evolution of the galaxy, funneling gas towards the core and potentially triggering star formation or feeding a central black hole. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our own galaxy, is an example of a barred spiral. These galaxies are quite common in the universe, making up about two-thirds of all observed spiral galaxies.



The bar itself is thought to be a temporary feature, developing as the galaxy matures and possibly disappearing over time as the dynamics of the stars change. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-reticulum-constellation">The Reticulum constellation</h2>



The Reticulum constellation is a small, faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name means "the reticle" in Latin, which refers to the crosshairs in an eyepiece of a telescope. 



The constellation was named in the 18th century by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to honor the reticle he used in his scientific instruments. It is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, A. Leroy, J. Lee and the PHANGS Team



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Spiral galaxy NGC 1559 is a loner in outer space

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. 



NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies. 



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



“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.



HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. 



Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-blue-giants">Significance of blue giants</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. 



The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.



The galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.



According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.



“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.



The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.



Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. 



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Cyclone Chido, an intense tropical cyclone that caused unprecedented devastation across Southeast Africa in December 2024.



On December 14, Chido struck the islands of Mayotte with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h (124 mph) and gusts over 225 km/h (140 mph), marking it as the most powerful storm to hit the French territory in at least 90 years.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-moving-tropical-cyclones-are-becoming-more-powerful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyclone</a> ultimately made three landfalls - all with winds equivalent to those of a Category 4 tropical cyclone. According to media reports, authorities in Mayotte fear that hundreds and possibly thousands of people have died.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-intensification-of-chido">Rapid intensification of Chido</h2>



“Chido formed in the southeastern Indian Ocean on December 5, 2024. The disturbance rapidly intensified before hitting the Mauritian islands of Agaléga on December 11. The next day, the cyclone peaked in intensity, with sustained winds of about 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour - equivalent to a strong Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153708/cyclone-chido-pummels-mayotte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Cyclone Chido continued to move west in an environment favorable for sustaining storms. That included warm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> of up to 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) and low vertical wind shear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastation-of-cyclone-chido-nbsp">Devastation of Cyclone Chido&nbsp;</h2>



The cyclone obliterated entire neighborhoods, particularly in hillside shantytowns inhabited by undocumented migrants. Official reports confirm at least 31 fatalities and thousands of injuries - though the actual death toll may be significantly higher.&nbsp;



The destruction in Mayotte's capital, Mamoudzou, has left approximately 100,000 people homeless. The aftermath has been characterized by a lack of visible assistance from authorities, with residents relying on community support amid concerns over hunger, disease outbreaks, and lawlessness.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landfall-in-mozambique-nbsp">Landfall in Mozambique&nbsp;</h2>



Following its impact on Mayotte, Chido continued westward, making landfall in Mozambique on December 15 near the city of Pemba as a strong Category 4-equivalent intense tropical cyclone.&nbsp;



The storm resulted in at least 34 deaths and 43 injuries across three northern provinces. In neighboring Malawi, Chido claimed two lives.&nbsp;



The cyclone's ferocity, fueled by warmer ocean temperatures attributed to climate change, has raised concerns about the increasing frequency and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intensity</a> of such storms in the region.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-efforts-and-vulnerable-communities-nbsp">Recovery efforts and vulnerable communities&nbsp;</h2>



The crisis has highlighted the vulnerabilities of affected regions, particularly Mayotte, which faces challenges of poverty, overcrowding, and inadequate infrastructure.&nbsp;



The lack of preparedness and insufficient emergency response have drawn criticism, highlighting the need for improved disaster management and investment in resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of future climate-induced disasters.&nbsp;



In response to the disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Mayotte, and relief efforts are underway, including the arrival of a ship carrying 180 tons of aid.&nbsp;



However, the scale of destruction and ongoing challenges in delivering assistance to remote and inaccessible areas continue to impede recovery efforts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-fueled-intensification-of-cyclones-nbsp">Climate-fueled intensification of cyclones&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-rising-impact-of-tropical-cyclones-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intensification of cyclones</a> due to climate change is a significant and concerning phenomenon. As global temperatures rise, warmer ocean waters provide the energy that fuels tropical cyclones, making them stronger and more destructive.&nbsp;



Higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> lead to increased evaporation, which adds more moisture to the atmosphere. This moisture can enhance the rainfall associated with cyclones, increasing the risk of flooding.&nbsp;



Additionally, rising sea levels, driven by the melting of polar ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater, exacerbate storm surge impacts, causing more extensive and severe coastal flooding during cyclonic events.



Changes in atmospheric conditions also play a role. While climate change may not increase the overall frequency of cyclones, it is likely to shift the distribution and intensity of these storms. For instance, studies suggest that a larger proportion of cyclones are reaching the most intense categories.&nbsp;



Furthermore, slower-moving cyclones, a trend linked to weakened steering currents, can linger longer over vulnerable areas, compounding the damage with prolonged heavy rainfall and strong winds.



These changes in cyclone behavior present challenges for disaster preparedness and response. Coastal communities, particularly in low-lying regions, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the compounded impacts of more powerful storms, highlighting the urgent need for climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.



The image was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite, about three hours after the storm made landfall.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Cyclone Chido’s path of destruction: A climate wake-up call

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."



According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means that NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>.&nbsp;



NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies. This group includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.



“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.



"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-star-formation">More about star formation </h2>



Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.



The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. 



The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. 



Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

Hormuz Island off the coast of Iran. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Hormuz Island, which is located in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iran.

The island is known for a rainbow of colors across its diverse landscapes, including beaches, salt caves, and mountains.

According to NASA, the island is a salt dome - a mound of rock salt, gypsum, anhydrite, and other evaporites that has risen upward through overlying layers of rock. 

Hormuz Island also contains layers of clay, carbonates, shale, and iron-rich volcanic rocks. Some of these rocks transformed into brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange when they interacted with water and minerals from other rock layers as they emerged. Iran is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, beginning with the formation of the <a title="Elam" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elam">Elamite</a> kingdoms in the fourth millennium BC. It was first unified by the <a title="Iranian peoples" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_peoples">Iranian</a> <a title="Medes" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medes">Medes</a> in the seventh century BC, and reached its territorial height in the sixth century BC, when <a title="Cyrus the Great" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_the_Great">Cyrus the Great</a> founded the Achaemenid Empire, which became <a title="List of largest empires" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_empires">one of the largest empires in history</a>. The empire fell to Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC and was divided into several <a title="Hellenistic period" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_period">Hellenistic states</a>. An Iranian rebellion established the Parthian Empire in the third century BC, which was succeeded in the third century AD by the <a title="Sasanian Empire" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasanian_Empire">Sasanian Empire</a>, a major world power for the next four centuries.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran#cite_note-Norman_A._Stillman_p._22-18">[15]</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran#cite_note-Byzantine_Studies_2006,_p._29-19">[16]</a> <a title="Muslim conquest of Persia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_conquest_of_Persia">Arab Muslims conquered the empire</a> in the seventh century AD, which led to the <a title="Islamization of Iran" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamization_of_Iran">Islamization of Iran</a>, and it subsequently becoming a major center of Islamic culture and learning, with its art, literature, philosophy, and architecture spreading across the Muslim world and beyond during the <a title="Islamic Golden Age" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Golden_Age">Islamic Golden Age</a>. Over the next two centuries, a series of <a title="Iranian Intermezzo" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Intermezzo">native Muslim dynasties</a> emerged before the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Seljuq dynasty" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seljuq_dynasty">Seljuq Turks</a> and the <a title="Ilkhanate" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilkhanate">Mongols</a> conquered the region.

This natural-color image was acquired by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. 

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Hormuz Island off the coast of Iran

Hydrothermal systems are gateways to some of the most fascinating processes shaping our planet. 



The Arctic Ocean’s Polaris hydrothermal field is a site that is rewriting what we know about vent diversity and the role of hydrothermal activity in sustaining life on Earth - and possibly beyond.



Recent studies have revealed a broader range of venting styles than experts had anticipated, recalibrating our understanding of these vents' origins and their larger impact on our oceans and planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-polaris-hydrothermal-field">The Polaris hydrothermal field</h2>



Our story unfolds at the Polaris <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/knipovich-ridge-new-hydrothermal-field-arctic-intense-geological-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal field</a>, located in the Arctic Ocean on the ultraslow-spreading Gakkel Ridge. 



Initial studies painted a picture of Polaris as a classic "black smoker" system, caused by its proximity to a volcanic seamount and the temperature and turbidity anomalies in its hydrothermal plume.



But the story of the Polaris field has taken a surprising turn. After comprehensive seafloor surveys and geochemical analyses, scientists discovered that Polaris was not your average black smoker.



Instead, it discharges hydrogen- and methane-enriched fluids into the Arctic Ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrothermal-life-more-diverse-than-we-knew">Hydrothermal life: More diverse than we knew</h2>



What's more, the deep-sea hydrothermal plumes detected along ultra-slow spreading mid-ocean ridges have revealed a diversity of venting styles beyond what was previously reported. 



According to scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), this expansion of geodiversity has stretched even into the Arctic Ocean, broadening our understanding of the workings of our planet's oceans.



"Hydrogen-rich vents like Polaris have a lot more chemical potential energy available for life than any other kinds of vents," explained Chris German, senior scientist at WHOI. 



"The microbial diversity you get when there is that much energy available also is really quite impressive and distinct from most ordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-new-hydrothermal-vents-discovered-in-the-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal vents</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-life-beyond-earth">Implications for life beyond Earth</h2>



These insights into the workings of our ocean hold not only earthly significance but also carry weight for the possibilities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-compound-suggests-that-life-beyond-earth-could-be-common/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life beyond our planet</a>. 



"The discoveries we have made here are particularly important because they reassure us that we could go and search for life on other ocean worlds in a credible and meaningful way, based on what we now know," said German.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arctic-ocean-a-window-into-the-unknown">The Arctic ocean: A window into the unknown</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Ocean</a>, one of the least-explored places on Earth, serves as a window into geological processes that would otherwise remain hidden. 



"The insights we gained from the Polaris hydrothermal system were unexpected, with major implications for hydrothermal exploration in other oceans. We are excited to learn what other surprises the Arctic holds in the future," noted Elmar Albers, a postdoctoral investigator at WHOI.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-life-on-earth-to-outer-space">Connecting life on Earth to outer space</h2>



Unraveling the mysteries of our home planet serves as a stepping stone toward understanding the distribution of life in the universe.



"What we learn here, in the Arctic or anywhere on Earth, is directly applied to our successful exploration at other worlds, like Europa and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-sparking-energy-source-found-on-saturns-moon-enceladus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enceladus</a>, and beyond," said Becky McCauley Rench, Astrobiology Program Scientist at NASA headquarters.



This study was primarily supported by NASA’s PSTAR program at WHOI and the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. 



As we continue to explore into the ocean's mysteries, we are reminded of the intricate connections between our own planet and the vast universe that exists beyond it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrothermal-systems-and-the-origins-of-life">Hydrothermal systems and the origins of life</h2>



The Polaris hydrothermal field stands out not only for its diversity but also for its unique chemical signatures. 



Unlike traditional black smoker systems that expel iron- and sulfur-rich fluids, Polaris emits hydrogen- and methane-enriched plumes. These gases fuel specialized microbial communities that thrive in the absence of sunlight, using chemical energy to sustain life.



These hydrogen-rich environments are hotspots for chemosynthesis, a process where microbes convert chemical energy into organic matter. 



The potential energy available in these systems makes them exceptional laboratories for studying how life could arise and persist under extreme conditions, both on Earth and on other ocean worlds.



This distinctive chemistry has implications for understanding how hydrothermal systems may have contributed to the origin of life. 



The chemical gradients observed at Polaris mirror the energy sources theorized to have supported early life on Earth, providing a compelling analog for extraterrestrial environments.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012821X24005983?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth and Planetary Science Letters</a>.



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Hydrothermal vents: Earth’s blueprint for finding alien life

Hydrothermal systems are gateways to some of the most fascinating...

Has anyone ever told you, "You don't look your age!" While it's usually a flattering compliment for us, it seems this is not just the case for our physical appearance. It turns out, our brains too can look older or younger, and artificial intelligence (AI) is helping us understand why.



In a recent study that bridges artificial intelligence and neuroscience, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered fascinating insights into brain aging. 



The research suggests that the key to maintaining a youthful brain might lie in the health of our blood vessels.



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



With dementia affecting thousands of new patients each year in Sweden alone – over 20,000 to be precise, with Alzheimer's disease accounting for roughly two-thirds of cases – <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-25-years-of-research-revealed-about-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding brain aging</a> has never been more crucial. 



This new study offers practical insights into how we might maintain our cognitive health as we age.



The study's innovative approach utilized artificial intelligence to analyze brain images from 739 cognitively healthy 70-year-olds, with women making up slightly more than half of the participant group. 



The research team developed a sophisticated AI algorithm that could estimate the biological age of brains from MRI scans.



"The algorithm is both accurate and robust, yet easy to use," explained Professor Eric Westman, the study's principal investigator and professor of Neurogeriatrics at <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>.



He noted that while it's currently a research tool requiring further evaluation, the experts hope to eventually implement it in clinical settings, particularly for dementia investigations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vascular-connection-to-brain-age">Vascular connection to brain age</h2>



Perhaps the most striking finding from the study is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-sleep-habits-may-age-the-brain-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strong connection</a> between vascular health and brain age. 



The research team discovered that several factors harmful to blood vessel health were associated with brains that appeared older than the participants' chronological age. These factors included diabetes, previous strokes, cerebral small vessel disease, and inflammation.



"A take-home from the study is that factors that adversely affect the blood vessels can also be related to older-looking brains, which shows how important it is to keep your blood vessels healthy, to protect your brain, by making sure, for instance, that your blood glucose level is kept stable," noted study lead author Anna Marseglia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-lifestyle-choices">Power of lifestyle choices</h2>



The research wasn't all about risk factors – it also revealed some encouraging news about the power of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy lifestyle choices</a>.



 Regular exercise emerged as a significant factor associated with younger-looking brains, suggesting that staying physically active might be one of our best defenses against cognitive aging.



This finding is particularly important because it emphasizes that we have some control over our brain's aging process. 



While we can't change our genetics or completely prevent all health conditions, we can make lifestyle choices that promote better vascular health and, by extension, better brain health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-based-differences-in-brain-aging">Sex-based differences in brain aging</h2>



Intriguingly, the study uncovered potential sex-based differences in brain aging. 



The research team found that factors contributing to older- or younger-looking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/financial-decisions-are-not-as-reliable-in-the-aging-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> varied between men and women, suggesting that the pathways to building brain resilience might differ between sexes.



This discovery has prompted further research initiatives. 



"Next year, we'll launch a study to understand how social health – including social engagement, connectedness, and support – in middle and older age, along with sleep and stress, influence brain resilience, with a focus on women's health factors," said Marseglia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-the-brain-s-resilience">Boosting the brain's resilience </h2>



The timing of this research is particularly significant. 



"Despite the recent introduction of new Alzheimer's drugs, they will not work for everyone with dementia, so we want to study what can boost the brain's resilience against pathological aging processes," notes Marseglia.



This perspective highlights the importance of prevention and understanding the factors that contribute to brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hobbies-keep-the-brain-sharp-and-slow-cognitive-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>. 



While medical treatments for cognitive decline continue to advance, maintaining good vascular health through lifestyle choices might be our best first-line defense against accelerated brain aging.



The study's findings suggest several practical steps we can take to promote brain health:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Maintain stable blood glucose levels through diet and regular check-ups</li>



<li>Engage in regular physical exercise</li>



<li>Control inflammation through diet and lifestyle choices</li>



<li>Pay attention to vascular health through regular medical check-ups</li>



<li>Consider sex-specific factors in brain health maintenance</li>
</ol>



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



The research team's next steps - focusing on social health factors, sleep, and stress - promise to add another layer of understanding to how we can protect our cognitive health as we age.



This holistic approach to brain health research could lead to more personalized recommendations for maintaining cognitive function throughout our lives.



Understanding brain aging is becoming increasingly important as our global population ages. 



This research from Karolinska Institutet not only provides valuable insights into the factors affecting brain age but also offers hope that through proper vascular health maintenance and lifestyle choices, we might be able to keep our brains younger for longer.



For now, the message is clear: taking care of your blood vessels isn't just good for your heart – it's essential for maintaining a youthful, resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cells-develop-faster-in-space-than-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>. 



As we await further developments in this field, including the potential clinical implementation of AI-based brain age assessment tools, we can all take steps to protect our vascular health and our cognitive future.



The study is published in <a href="https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14435" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's &amp; Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association</a>. 



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AI reveals the secret to keeping your brain young

Has anyone ever told you, "You don't look your age!"...

Whales continue to astonish us with the surprises they reveal, and the most recent discovery is nothing short of extraordinary.



A comprehensive new study reveals that right whales have been underestimated in terms of their longevity. This discovery not only overturns long-standing beliefs but also highlights the remarkable resilience and mysterious nature of these marine giants.



These magnificent creatures, once thought to live only 70 to 80 years, are now known to surpass 130 years, with some nearing the age 150 - far outliving humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-right-whales-astonishing-lifespans">Right whales' astonishing lifespans</h2>



This incredible discovery surfaced in an in-depth study that painstakingly analyzed photos of individual whales spanning four decades. 



The researchers spotlighted two specific species - the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-right-whales-have-shifted-their-foraging-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern right whale</a>, found in the oceans below the equator, and the North Atlantic right whale, native to the Atlantic coast of North America.



The experts used the photographic data to build survivorship curves - a statistical tool similar to what is used by insurance companies - to calculate these remarkable lifespans.



The data revealed that Southern right whales can live for more than 130 years, with some speculated to reach the ripe old age of 150.



On the other hand, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-stop-the-extinction-of-north-atlantic-right-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Atlantic right whales</a> were found to have an average lifespan of a mere 22 years, with very few surviving beyond 50 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-north-atlantic-whales">Human impact on North Atlantic whales</h2>



According to Greg Breed, the study's lead author at the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a>, this longevity gap between two closely related species is primarily attributable to human interference.



"North Atlantic whales have unusually short lifespans compared to other whales, but this isn't because of intrinsic differences in biology, and they should live much longer," said Breed. 



"They're frequently tangled in fishing gear or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ships-are-disregarding-efforts-to-protect-north-atlantic-right-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struck by ships</a>, and they suffer from starvation, potentially linked to environmental changes we don’t fully understand.”



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



These findings will not only rewrite biology textbooks but will also recalibrate the scales on which we measure conservation efforts for these creatures.



"To attain healthy populations that include old animals, recovery might take hundreds of years," noted Breed. "For animals that live to be 100 or 150 and only give birth to a surviving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-ever-footage-of-a-blue-whale-nursing-its-calf-captured/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calf</a> every 10 years or so, slow recovery is to be expected.”



This slow recovery trajectory highlights the critical need for sustained conservation measures and global collaboration to protect these iconic marine mammals.



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



The research also emphasizes the significance of cultural knowledge among whale clusters. 



“There’s a growing recognition that recovery isn’t just about biomass or the number of individuals. It’s about the knowledge these animals pass along to the next generation," said Breed. 



The loss of older whales disrupts this critical transfer of knowledge and could potentially jeopardize the survival of younger individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-study-to-other-species">Expanding the study to other species</h2>



With this breakthrough discovery under their belts, the scientists plan to extend their research to other whales.



The objective is to determine if species currently believed to have an average lifespan of around 80 years might also be hiding centennial secrets. 



Furthermore, the team is eager to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whaling</a> has impacted the number of aged whales in today's populations and predict when their numbers might rebound to match their pre-whaling glory.



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



The dramatic difference in lifespans between Southern and North Atlantic right whales demonstrates the long-lasting consequences of historical and modern whaling practices.



Southern right whales, which faced significantly less hunting pressure in recent decades, are now showcasing their potential for remarkable longevity. 



In contrast, North Atlantic right whales bear the scars of centuries of exploitation, compounded by ongoing threats such as fishing gear entanglements and ship strikes.



Whaling not only reduced populations but also eliminated many of the oldest individuals, robbing populations of cultural knowledge that is vital for survival.



These findings emphasize the importance of creating safer ocean environments and reducing human interference to allow whales to reach their full lifespans.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq3086" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Right whales live nearly twice as long as we thought

Whales continue to astonish us with the surprises they reveal,...

As the holiday season approaches, homes worldwide are decorated with evergreen conifers like spruce and pine. Beyond spreading warmth and joy as Christmas trees, these resilient conifers thrive in harsh natural environments - enduring everything from frigid winters to intense sunlight in boreal forests.



Scientists at Umeå University are shedding light on how these remarkable trees endure such adversities and remain lush and green year-round.



The experts found that conifers possess unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in some of the planet's most challenging environments.



The findings not only deepen our understanding of conifers but also hint at potential applications in conservation and crop resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-strategies-of-conifers">Photosynthesis strategies of conifers</h2>



The process of photosynthesis is conserved across most plants, yet conifers exhibit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinct strategies</a> that set them apart. 



One such adaptation is a structural change in their thylakoid membranes - the sites where photosynthesis occurs. During winter, Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII), typically separated in most plants, come closer together in a phenomenon known as spill-over.



"This helps them to safely dissipate extra energy and avoid damage from too much sunlight in the cold," explained Stefan Jansson, a professor in the <a href="https://www.upsc.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå Plant Science Center</a>.



This mechanism prevents excess light from overwhelming their photosynthetic machinery, enabling them to survive harsh winters unscathed.



Previously, researchers referred to this process as "sustained quenching," likening it to a photosynthetic lockdown. However, the precise mechanism remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternative-electron-flow">Alternative electron flow</h2>



In addition to spill-over, conifers possess a second survival strategy: alternative electron flow - a key aspect of their resilience in harsh winter environments.



This method involves the use of&nbsp;flavodiiron proteins, which redirect electrons during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-cleverly-adapt-to-withstand-storms-and-high-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. This redirection ensures that the photosynthetic system remains balanced, even when faced with intense sunlight and freezing temperatures.



Alternative electron flow acts as a backup mechanism to handle excess energy, preventing the photosynthetic machinery from becoming overloaded and damaged. This is particularly critical in winter when sunlight can be strong but the freezing conditions make energy dissipation challenging.



Together with&nbsp;spill-over, where Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII) collaborate to dissipate extra energy, these strategies form a dual defense system. 



Spill-over reduces the risk of light-induced damage, while alternative electron flow maintains the system's stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-adaptations-of-conifers">Unique adaptations of conifers</h2>



Conifers' photosynthetic apparatus also diverges from that of flowering plants (angiosperms) in other significant ways. 



For instance, they lack certain light-harvesting proteins found in angiosperms. This unique configuration might explain why conifers thrive in nutrient-poor, cold, and water-scarce environments.



"All together, this can explain why conifers are the dominant species in boreal forests, thriving where few others can, perhaps at the expense of advantages during less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-in-the-wrong-place-can-make-cities-hotter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenging conditions</a>," noted Pushan Bag, lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-crop-resilience">Implications for crop resilience </h2>



Understanding the survival mechanisms of conifers goes beyond academic curiosity. As the climate changes, insights into how conifers adapt to extreme conditions may inform conservation strategies and predict forest responses to new environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-diversity-makes-forests-more-resilient-against-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges</a>.



These findings could also guide the development of crops that are resilient to extreme weather, ensuring food security in an unpredictable future.



"This paper highlights the intricate adaptations of conifers to extreme winter conditions. By combining structural, molecular, and evolutionary insights, it advances our understanding of how these trees have come to dominate some of the harshest ecosystems on Earth," said study co-author Alexander Ivanov.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-resilience-of-conifers">Incredible resilience of conifers</h2>



Conifers’ ability to adapt and thrive in severe conditions is a proof of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-in-big-trouble-and-scientists-are-sounding-the-alarm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature's ingenuity</a>. Their unique photosynthetic strategies, refined over millennia, ensure their survival in environments where most plants would falter.



As researchers continue to explore these mechanisms, they uncover not only the secrets of these hardy evergreens but also pathways to address pressing challenges like climate change and food insecurity.



This festive season, as you admire the beauty of a Christmas tree, take a moment to appreciate the incredible resilience and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-trees-protect-their-genetic-diversity-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary brilliance</a> of conifers. 



They are not just symbols of joy and celebration but also living proof of nature's ability to overcome adversity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(24)00300-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.



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Christmas trees have unique strategies to survive freezing winters

As the holiday season approaches, homes worldwide are decorated with...

Northern,Lights,Over,Forest,With,Sunset,In,The,Horizon

The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, have long fascinated people around the world. They appear as vibrant ribbons of green, pink, purple, and red that seem to move and shift across dark skies. 



Scientists attribute this mesmerizing sight to charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. 



These displays have typically been seen in northern regions such as Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska, and they have sometimes surprised <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auroras-southern-united-states-this-week-huge-solar-storm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observers farther south</a> when solar activity ramps up.



Increased solar output toward the end of our star’s current cycle has allowed sightings in places like Texas. That has brought new urgency to research efforts aimed at understanding the precise steps behind the aurora’s appearance. 



Professor Peter Delamere, from the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a>, has led a study to explore what happens at the particle level when these lights dance in rapid, shape-shifting arcs. His recent analysis was published on November 19 in Physics of Plasmas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-particles-in-aurora-lights">Studying particles in aurora lights</h2>



Until not long ago, many details about the particle processes that produce these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-lights-activity-will-intensify-over-the-next-18-months/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flickering lights</a> remained elusive. 



“The dazzling lights <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-lights-called-steve-are-challenging-what-we-thought-we-knew-about-auroras/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are extremely complicated</a>,” Delamere explained. “There’s a lot happening in there, and there’s a lot happening in the Earth’s space environment that gives rise to what we observe.”



He explained that these processes are difficult to track. 



“Understanding causality in the system is extremely difficult, because we don’t know exactly what’s happening in space that’s giving rise to the light that we observe in the aurora,” he continued. “KiNET-X was a highly successful experiment that will reveal more of the aurora’s secrets.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kinet-x-takes-flight">KiNET-X takes flight</h2>



This project, known as the Kinetic-scale Energy and momentum Transport experiment -- <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/sounding-rockets/nasa-wallops-may-rocket-launch-exploring-energy-transport-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KiNET-X</a> -- launched on May 16, 2021, from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. 



The mission lifted off just before the end of a nine-day launch window and headed over the Atlantic Ocean. 



One of NASA’s largest sounding rockets soared to roughly 249 miles above Earth, then released two canisters of barium thermite. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KiNET-X_rocket-launch_May16-2021_credit-UAlaska-Fairbanks_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KiNET-X_rocket-launch_May16-2021_credit-UAlaska-Fairbanks_1s.webp" alt="A BlackBrant XII sounding rocket carrying the KiNET-X experiment launches from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on May 16, 2021. NASA photo by Terry Zaperach" class="wp-image-1954364"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A BlackBrant XII sounding rocket carrying the KiNET-X experiment launches from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on May 16, 2021. NASA photo by Terry Zaperach</figcaption></figure>



About 90 seconds later, on a downward path near 186 miles high, it released the second set of canisters near Bermuda.



Observers on the ground, as well as a NASA research aircraft, watched as the barium clouds formed. Sunlight caused the barium to transform into ionized plasma, creating conditions similar to those seen in natural auroras. 



Researchers sought to see if the environment created during the rocket’s flight would help them understand the way low-energy particles from the solar wind gain the energy that powers the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aurora-borealis-seen-as-far-south-as-the-equator-after-largest-known-solar-storm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swirling curtains of light</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aurora-lights-and-alfven-waves">Aurora lights and Alfvén Waves</h2>



The experiment attempted to form an Alfvén wave, a type of wave found in magnetized plasmas, including the sun’s outer atmosphere and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetosphere</a>. 



Plasmas consist of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-lights-linked-to-electrons-traveling-at-millions-of-miles-per-hour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">charged particles</a> that can conduct electricity. When something disturbs a magnetic field inside a plasma, the resulting ripple travels through the charged environment as an Alfvén wave.



KiNET-X introduced barium into the upper atmosphere to generate such a disturbance, which then caused electric fields to align with Earth’s magnetic field. 



That alignment, as expected, accelerated electrons in much the same way they are sped up in real auroras. 



“We generated energized electrons,” Delamere said. “We just didn’t generate enough of them to make an aurora, but the fundamental physics associated with electron energization was present in the experiment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brief-encounter-with-barium-plasma">Brief encounter with barium plasma</h2>



“It showed that the barium <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-issues-severe-geomagnetic-storm-watch-first-time-since-2005/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma cloud</a> coupled with, and transferred energy and momentum to, the ambient plasma for a brief moment,” Delamere said. 



The result was a small beam of electrons moving along the planet’s magnetic field line. Because the total amount of energized electrons was small, no visible display formed in the sky. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KiNET-X_green-barium-cloud_credit-UAlaska-Fairbanks_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KiNET-X_green-barium-cloud_credit-UAlaska-Fairbanks_1s.webp" alt="Ionization by the sun turns the green barium cloud of the KiNET-X experiment to purple over the Atlantic Ocean on May 16, 2021. Photo courtesy Don Hampton" class="wp-image-1954362"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ionization by the sun turns the green barium cloud of the KiNET-X experiment to purple over the Atlantic Ocean on May 16, 2021. Photo courtesy Don Hampton</figcaption></figure>



Still, in data readouts, scientists identified the beam as a pattern of green, blue, and yellow pixels showing up in the experiment’s magnetic field line information.



“That’s analogous to an auroral beam of electrons,” Delamere said. This finding has given researchers a key indicator for studying those invisible steps that turn free-floating solar wind into streaks of light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-physics-fits">How the physics fits</h2>



“It’s a question of trying to piece together the whole picture using all of the data products and numerical simulations,” Delamere said. 



Through detailed analysis, KiNET-X has helped clarify the link between solar particles, magnetic fields, and those fast-moving streams that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storm-triggered-stunning-auroras-worldwide-october-11-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light up the night</a>. 



Investigators can also draw on past experiments in new ways, comparing data sets to see how electrons behave under similar conditions.



The KiNET-X findings suggest that a small dose of carefully placed energy can trigger large, complex interactions in plasma. 



Although the rocket mission produced only a tiny pulse of enhanced particles, the core physics may be similar to the process that unleashes dancing lights above Earth’s poles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aurora-lights-and-future-studies">Aurora lights and future studies</h2>



Early results confirm that KiNET-X was successful. Researchers expect to keep analyzing the experiment’s data for fresh insights. 



Many are eager to see if this approach can be adjusted or repeated to capture even more details about electron acceleration.



Scientists continue to study these brilliant illuminations from many angles. As the solar cycle progresses, the Northern Lights may appear in locations far from the poles. 



Researchers hope that future missions like KiNET-X, combined with ongoing modeling, will fill more gaps in our understanding of nature’s most captivating light show.



The possibilities are wide open, and each discovery brings us closer to a full explanation of how our planet interacts with the sun’s energetic winds.



-----



The success of KiNET-X relied on a diverse team of researchers and students. 



<a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UAF</a> doctoral students Matthew Blandin, Kylee Branning, and Nathan Barnes played key roles, from supporting optical operations to operating cameras and assisting with computer modeling. 



Collaborators from <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a>, the <a href="https://www.unh.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New Hampshire</a>, and <a href="https://www.clemson.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clemson University</a> also contributed their expertise and equipment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pop/article/31/11/112108/3321344/Alfven-wave-generation-and-electron-energization" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Plasmas</a>.



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How are auroras made? Space rocket takes a closer look at the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, have long...

Every time we think we're close to fully understanding the human body, something fresh and unexpected shows up. Recently, a team of researchers stumbled upon strange entities, or obelisks, living inside of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-chemicals-from-food-production-pass-into-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human bodies</a> that had escaped notice until now.



Their surprising presence challenges assumptions and raises pressing questions about what else might be lurking unseen inside us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-presence">Hidden presence</h2>



These new visitors appear smaller than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-viruses-hold-clues-to-earth-past-future-climate-and-microbial-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> most people learn about in basic biology classes. Rather than behaving like familiar microbes, they introduce themselves as something different.



Their discovery came about when researchers began analyzing massive genetic libraries, searching for patterns that did not match any known organisms. 



This unusual find was led by Nobel Prize winner in Medicine <a href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/andrew-fire">Andrew Fire</a>, from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calling-them-obelisks">Calling them obelisks</h2>



What the researchers uncovered are entities they have chosen to call "obelisks." They do not resemble typical life forms, and their name comes from their distinctive shape. 



“The more we look, the crazier we see,” said <a href="https://www.med.unc.edu/cellbiophysio/directory/mark-peifer-phd/">Mark Peifer</a>, a cell and developmental biologist at the <a href="https://www.northcarolina.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a>.



They resemble what scientists call viroids, which are infectious loops of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA</a> known for their effects on plants. 



Obelisks share certain traits with these plant pathogens, yet they appear in human-associated bacteria. 



According to <a href="https://microbiology.osu.edu/people/sullivan.948">Matthew Sullivan</a>, an integrative biologist at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>, the health implications for humans remain unclear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-rna-the-basics">Understanding RNA -- the basics</h2>



RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a vital molecule that plays several important roles in all living cells. Think of it as the messenger that helps turn the genetic instructions stored in DNA into the proteins that build and repair your body. 



Unlike DNA, which usually forms a double helix, RNA is typically single-stranded and can fold into different shapes to perform various functions. 



There are different types of RNA, such as messenger RNA (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccines-linked-to-neurological-blood-and-heart-related-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mRNA</a>), transfer RNA (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tRNA</a>), and ribosomal RNA (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-fingerprints-could-be-key-to-early-cancer-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rRNA</a>) which is a key component of ribosomes, the cell’s protein factories.



But RNA isn’t just about making proteins -- it also helps regulate how genes are expressed and can even act as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions. 



For example, some RNA molecules can turn genes on or off, controlling what proteins are made and when. This regulation is crucial for everything from development to responding to changes in your environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-rna-loops">Strange RNA loops</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/">Viruses</a> often have protective shells made of proteins. Obelisks seem to lack that familiar coat. Instead, they carry RNA instructions around in tiny loops.



Unlike standard viruses, they do not appear to encode protein shells. These differences suggest that life’s definitions might need some rethinking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obelisks-throughout-human-bodies">Obelisks throughout human bodies</h2>



It is not just a single type of obelisk. Thousands of unique varieties have turned up when scientists comb through genetic datasets.



Discoveries have emerged from multiple locations around the world, indicating that these intruders are not rare oddities tucked away in one place.



Not only are these obelisks found far and wide, they also appear in different parts of the human body. They have cropped up in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-your-mouth-multiply-in-a-very-unique-way/">bacteria from the mouth</a> and in those dwelling in the intestinal tract.



The genetic signatures hint that distinct types prefer particular regions. This suggests an intricate relationship with our internal ecosystems, though it is too soon to say what they are doing there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-puzzles">Evolutionary puzzles</h2>



Their unusual nature stirs questions about how viruses, viroids, and these newcomers might be related. 



A persistent puzzle has always been whether today’s viruses originated from simpler <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-cells-communicate-with-each-other-through-rna/">RNA forms</a> or if they started out more complex and shed traits over time.



Entities like obelisks add color to these debates, leaving scientists wondering how ancient these forms might be and how they took shape during the planet’s biological history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-categorizing-human-obelisks">Categorizing human obelisks</h2>



Obelisks do not slide neatly into existing categories. They are not standard viruses, not classic bacteria, and not exactly viroids either.



Their discovery hints that we may be missing entire classes of RNA-based life that challenge current textbooks. This complicates efforts to catalog and understand the full range of microbial life.



This investigation involved scanning colossal gene catalogs derived from human-associated microbes. Researchers used new computational tools to spot circular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-molecular-orientation-new-discovery-deepens-the-mystery/">RNA molecules</a>. 



These approaches required careful filtering to ensure what they found was not just random noise. The effort paid off, revealing a strange world that had gone unnoticed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fresh-perspective">A fresh perspective</h2>



“This is one of the most exciting parts of being in this field right now,” said <a href="https://biosciences.lbl.gov/profiles/simon-roux/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Roux</a>, a computational biologist at the <a href="https://jgi.doe.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DOE Joint Genome Institute</a> at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.



These sentiments reflect a general feeling among experts who are sifting through molecular data and finding surprises. 



The study that introduced obelisks was posted on January 21st on bioRxiv, sparking interest among scientists who study microbial communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-still-so-many-unknowns">Still so many unknowns</h2>



While researchers piece together the story of obelisks, the potential impact on humans remains uncertain. They know these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/">RNA circles</a> live inside bacterial cells that, in turn, inhabit our bodies.



If these entities influence bacterial behavior, they could, by extension, shape aspects of our own biology. Nobody can say yet what the long-term implications will be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-human-obelisks">What's next for human obelisks?</h2>



The human body is more than organs and tissues; it is a crowded universe of tiny creatures, many of them strangers we have not fully met before.



Obelisks may be just one example of what can happen when scientists look at genetic data in new ways. There could be more discoveries ahead, each one forcing us to adjust how we describe life and its building blocks.



Until then, researchers continue to watch, learn, and puzzle over these miniature visitors that have managed to hide in plain sight.



The full study was published in <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioRxiv</a> and <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rsos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>. 



Current research on circular RNA:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.30.596730v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circular RNA in human microbiomes</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.24.586467v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circular RNA in microbiomes</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.20.576352v1.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Classes of Replicating RNAs</a>.</li>
</ul>



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New forms of life discovered inside human bodies

Every time we think we're close to fully understanding the...

In our modern world, food waste remains a significant problem. A shocking revelation from ReFed, a food waste nonprofit, informs us that in 2022, a staggering 5 million tons of food had been wasted by U.S. grocers.



Ultimately, 35% of this discarded food ended up in landfills. What's even more concerning is that over half of that waste - around 2.7 million tons - were only discarded for having passed their labeled expiration dates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-technological-solution-to-food-waste">A technological solution to food waste</h2>



Every problem presents an opportunity for innovation and solutions, and food waste is no exception. New research from Texas McCombs suggests a transformative solution: transitioning from paper shelf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-could-be-greatly-reduced-with-better-labels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">labels</a> to digital ones.



This shift allows supermarkets to easily lower prices on items nearing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-develop-smart-food-packaging-show-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expiration dates</a>, moving them off the shelves and into consumers’ homes, reducing waste and emissions.



Ioannis Stamatopoulos, associate professor of information, risk, and operations management, elaborated on the potential benefits of digital food labels.



“Everyone is better off when dynamic pricing is enabled,” said Stamatopoulos. “There’s less food waste and less emissions from food ending up in landfills.”



Grocers also benefit from the technology, saving time and money. “They can change digital labels - also called electronic shelf labels - with a few keystrokes on a tablet, compared with printing physical labels and sticking them onto shelves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digital-food-labels-and-inventory-management">Digital food labels and inventory management </h2>



To understand the impact of dynamic pricing, Stamatopoulos collaborated with Naveed Chehrazi of <a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a> in St. Louis and Robert Sanders of the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Diego</a> to analyze two European grocery chains adopting digital labels.



At a United Kingdom-based chain, digital labels were introduced for 940 perishable items, displaying discounts as products neared expiration. 



This resulted in a 54% increase in price changes, proving how the technology encourages proactive inventory management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-more-dimensions-to-barcodes">Adding more dimensions to barcodes</h2>



Another supermarket chain in the European Union not only embraced electronic labels but took it a step further by introducing expanded barcodes. 



These barcodes are not your typical barcodes. They hold crucial inventory details such as packaging dates, lot numbers, and expiration dates. 



As inventory nears its "sell-by" date, the store can conveniently lower prices to encourage buying. After implementing these two technologies, the EU stores witnessed an astonishing increase of 853% in price change frequency.



The researchers observed that adopting such rapid price changes is beneficial for shoppers. “If you’re a consumer who really, really cares about price, then you can buy the blueberries that will expire two days later and consume them today," said Stamatopoulos.



These technologies also improve stores’ profitability. "Because the grocery store can put things on discount when they’re about to expire, they can afford larger orders, so they take advantage of economies of scale in ordering,” explained Stamatopoulos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-dynamic-pricing">Challenges of dynamic pricing</h2>



However, despite the long-term benefits of dynamic pricing, it does face some short-term challenges. One major concern is consumer apprehension, as seen when Wendy’s faced backlash in February over its dynamic pricing announcement.



Though the fast-food chain clarified it would only reduce prices during slow periods, the fear of price hikes lingers.



However, Stamatopoulos noted that grocers face a unique limitation. “For retailers to estimate demand very finely and dynamically respond accordingly, so as to squeeze every dollar out of it, I think that’s kind of impossible.”



Another hurdle is the upfront cost. Implementing digital labels, tablets, and daily data updates for thousands of products requires significant investment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-transition-to-digital-food-labels">The transition to digital food labels</h2>



While Europe leads the adoption of these technologies, the U.S. is catching up. Walmart plans to transition to digital price labels in 2,300 stores by 2026, with other retailers like Amazon Fresh and Schnuck’s following suit.



To accelerate adoption, Stamatopoulos suggests government subsidies, akin to those for solar panels or electric vehicles. 



"Somebody needs to break this equilibrium,” said Stamatopoulos. “Then things will move to a new era where everybody’s using the additional information.”



By embracing digital innovation, the grocery industry can turn the tide on food waste, paving the way for a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspires-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mksc.2023.0473" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marketing Science</a>.



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Digital labels help grocers cut food waste

In our modern world, food waste remains a significant problem....

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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video 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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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&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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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

The fascinating coastline of Tahiti. Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the coastline of Tahiti, including the Isthmus of Taravao and the surrounding coral reefs. The isthmus connects two ancient volcanoes, Tahiti-Nui and Tahiti-Iti, as well as villages along the coast. 
Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands that make up French <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-beautiful-coastline-of-tahiti/">Polynesia.</a> The island is known for its breathtaking landscape, which includes dense rainforest and waterfalls. 
Most of Tahiti&#8217;s population is concentrated along the coast, where sea-level rise and beach erosion are increasing threats to the shoreline. The fascinating coastline of Tahiti. Tahiti is the economic, cultural, and political centre of French Polynesia, an <a title="Overseas collectivity" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_collectivity">overseas collectivity</a> (and one of two <a title="Overseas country of France" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_country_of_France">overseas countries</a>, the other being <a title="French Guiana" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Guiana">French Guiana</a>) of the <a title="France" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France">French Republic</a>. The capital of French Polynesia, <a title="Papeete" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papeete">Papeete</a>, is located on the northwest coast of Tahiti. The only international airport in the region, <a title="Faa'a International Airport" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faa%27a_International_Airport">Faa&#8217;a International Airport</a>, is on Tahiti near Papeete. Tahiti was originally settled by <a title="Polynesians" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynesians">Polynesians</a> between 300 and 800 AD. They represent about 70% of the island&#8217;s population,The island was part of the <a title="Kingdom of Tahiti" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Tahiti">Kingdom of Tahiti</a> until its <a title="Annexation" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annexation">annexation</a> by France in 1880, when it was proclaimed a <a title="French colonial empire" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_colonial_empire">colony of France</a>, and the inhabitants became <a title="French nationality law" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_nationality_law">French citizens</a>. French is the only official language, although the <a title="Tahitian language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahitian_language">Tahitian language</a> (Reo Tahiti) is widely spoken. The fascinating coastline of Tahiti
Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 
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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The fascinating coastline of Tahiti

Blue swirls of phytoplankton in the South Atlantic. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a phytoplankton bloom in the South Atlantic between South America and the Falkland Islands. The swirls of milky blue water show where large numbers of phytoplankton are present off the western Jason Islands, an archipelago off of West Falkland Island. 

"The bright color suggests this might be coccolithophores, although its hard to say for sure,” said Marina Marrari, a biological oceanographer with the Costa Rica Fishing Federation. “In general, there is a species succession at the shelfbreak from diatoms in spring to dinoflagellates to coccolithophores in summer, and this also varies with latitude. October seems early in the season but with the right nutrients it is possible.”

“This is such a beautiful image. To me it really looks like a patch of coccolithophorids because there are no rivers in the Falklands capable of providing such an amount of sediments,” said Priscilla Lange, an expert at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science. “It is a pretty large patch, and blooms of coccolithophorids are so common in this area. It is also possible to see blooms of other phytoplankton (dark patches) in the middle of the white swirls.” Blue swirls of phytoplankton in the South Atlantic

The image was captured on October 18, 2020 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat 8 satellite.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer