Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp;



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-draco-nbsp">The constellation Draco&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



The Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study. 



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of South Georgia, a remote and rugged island located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. 



"Linked with the South Sandwich Islands to form a British Overseas Territory, this southern Atlantic island is a haven for a vast array of wildlife," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Around five million seals call the islands home, as well as 65 million birds of 30 different species. Migrating whales and various fish species populate the surrounding waters and there is a large penguin population."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-wildlife-of-south-georgia">Climate and wildlife of South Georgia </h2>



The island is dominated by mountains, glaciers, and fjords. Its highest peak, Mount Paget, rises to 2,935 meters, making it one of the tallest in the region.



South Georgia’s location within the Antarctic Convergence gives it a cold, maritime climate. Although not part of the Antarctic Treaty System, its environment and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> are closely linked to Antarctica. 



The island is home to vast colonies of penguins, seals, and seabirds. The surrounding waters are rich with krill, providing an abundant food source for marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguins-adapted-to-harsh-environments">Penguins adapted to harsh environments </h2>



The most notable species found here are the king penguins, which are the second-largest penguin species in the world. South Georgia also hosts large populations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-the-gentoo-penguin-the-worlds-fastest-swimming-bird/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gentoo</a> and macaroni penguins. 



The island's harsh climate, characterized by strong winds, snow, and cold temperatures, makes it a tough environment, but the penguins have adapted well. 



Their colonies - some of which number in the hundreds of thousands - can be found along the island's rugged coasts and beaches. 



The island’s isolation, combined with its plentiful food supply, makes it a critical breeding ground for these penguins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-south-georgia">History of South Georgia </h2>



The island has a history of exploration and exploitation. Captain James Cook first claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. 



During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a hub for the <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> industry, with stations like Grytviken serving as operational centers. These stations have since been abandoned, and the island is now a haven for scientific research and ecotourism.



South Georgia is also notable for its role in Ernest Shackleton’s famed Endurance expedition. His crew reached the island in 1916 after an extraordinary open-boat journey from Elephant Island. Shackleton later died on South Georgia in 1922 and is buried in Grytviken.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pristine-nature-of-the-island">Pristine nature of the island</h2>



Today, South Georgia is a focus of conservation efforts. The eradication of invasive species, such as rats and reindeer, has been a significant success, allowing native wildlife to recover. 



Rats and mice were responsible for the decline of ground-nesting birds, including the South Georgia pipit, the island's only endemic bird. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reindeer-use-ultraviolet-vision-to-find-food-in-the-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reindeer</a>, which had been introduced for farming in the 19th century, caused extensive damage to the island’s vegetation, disrupting the habitat for native species.



South Georgia is uninhabited except for a small number of scientists and staff working at research stations and administrative facilities, emphasizing its role as a protected wilderness area and an essential site for understanding global environmental changes.



Its uninhabited status has helped preserve its pristine nature. Visitors to South Georgia must follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize human impact on this extraordinary island.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance-of-remote-islands">Scientific significance of remote islands </h2>



Remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islands</a> are scientifically significant for several reasons. They often serve as unique ecosystems that can provide insights into evolutionary processes, biodiversity, and adaptation. 



Due to their isolation, species on remote islands may evolve differently from their mainland counterparts, resulting in the development of endemic species that exist nowhere else in the world. 



These islands also act as natural laboratories for studying the effects of climate change, human activity, and ecological interactions, as they are more vulnerable to disturbances. 



Moreover, remote islands can offer valuable information on the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as their ecosystems are often less impacted by human-induced factors. This makes them ideal for studying natural processes in relatively undisturbed environments. 



The isolation of these islands can also help scientists study the patterns of species migration, colonization, and extinction.



Image Credit: ESA 



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South Georgia: One of the most remote islands in the world

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Messak Settafet, a rocky plateau located in the central Sahara Desert. It is part of the greater Messak Plateau, which stretches between the Erg Uan Kasa and the Murzuq Sand Sea.&nbsp;



The plateau's surface is characterized by blackened sandstone, sculpted by thousands of years of wind erosion. This dark patina, often referred to as "desert varnish," adds to its distinctive appearance. The region is starkly beautiful but harsh, with extreme temperatures and minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-the-messak-settafet">Image of the Messak Settafet</h2>



“Towering over the desert in southwestern Libya, the Messak Settafet plateau resembles the wall of a giant fortress, with its dark, erosion-resistant sandstone separating the Ubari Sand Sea to the north and the Marzūq Sand Sea to the south,” noted NASA.



“The large outcrop of Cretaceous rock features a sharp escarpment on its north side. The cliff, some 300 meters (1,000 feet) high in places, is lined with a thin dark shadow.”&nbsp;



“Dark debris from rockfalls is visible to the north. Note that an optical illusion called relief inversion can make high-elevation areas appear low and vice versa when shadows appear on the northern side of a feature.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-archaeological-significance-of-the-plateau-nbsp">Archaeological significance of the plateau&nbsp;</h2>



Messak Settafet is often referred to as the "land of stone tools" because it is one of the world's largest sites for prehistoric tools.&nbsp;



The area is littered with countless <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fstone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> and artifacts dating back to various prehistoric periods, including the Acheulean and Neolithic. These tools offer insights into early human technology and adaptation to desert environments.



“Signs of ancient tool making cover much of the plateau’s surface,” said <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “According to one archaeological survey, people discarded so many stone tools and rock fragments on the plateau over hundreds of thousands of years that roughly 75 artifacts per square meter now carpet the surface.”&nbsp;



“That makes this one of the earliest known examples of hominins modifying an entire landscape, according to the University of Cambridge archaeologists who conducted the survey.”



“Other signs of ancient activity include the bright spots that dot the image. These areas were likely quarrying pits where people dug up rocks and crafted them into tools, the archaeologists reported.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rock-art-on-the-plateau-nbsp">Rock art on the plateau&nbsp;</h2>



The plateau is home to numerous petroglyphs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negev-petroglyphs-ancient-art-rock-carvings-face-erosion-fungi-lichens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carvings</a>. These engravings depict animals, humans, and symbolic designs, providing valuable clues about the lives, beliefs, and environments of the region's ancient inhabitants.&nbsp;



“For instance, Wadi Mathendous, a prehistoric archaeological site located in the southern part of the plateau, contains engravings of rhinoceroses, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, fighting cats, giraffes, long-horned buffaloes, and elephants. The art is thought to be about 8,000 years old,” said NASA.



Some of the animals depicted, such as giraffes and elephants, indicate that the Sahara was once a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fa-lush-green-sahara-desert-helped-early-humans-migrate-out-of-africa%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">much wetter</a> and more hospitable environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-the-messak-settafet">Cultural significance of the Messak Settafet</h2>



Messak Settafet forms part of the Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. This designation highlights the area's importance for understanding early human culture and environmental changes in the Sahara.



The plateau has been a critical area for studying the migration and adaptation of early humans. Its archaeological richness offers a glimpse into how humans thrived in this region during periods when the climate was wetter.



“Although the plateau now receives less than 0.4 inches of rain annually, clues in the landscape make clear it was once much wetter,” noted NASA.



“Deeply incised dried stream valleys, or wadis, crisscross the plateau, indicating significant past water flow. The small, bright features scattered across the plateau are sand and silt deposits left where water once pooled.”



The Messak Settafet, like many remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert</a> regions, faces challenges such as erosion, vandalism of ancient rock art, and the potential impacts of development. 



Efforts to preserve its archaeological treasures are vital for protecting its cultural and scientific significance.



The image was captured November 17, 2024 by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Messak Settafet plateau in the Sahara Desert

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <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</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



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



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a pair of interacting spiral galaxies known as the Antennae Galaxies. They are located approximately 45 million light-years away in the constellation Corvus.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antennae-galaxies-in-a-deadly-embrace">Antennae Galaxies in a deadly embrace </h2>



“The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has snapped the best ever image of the Antennae Galaxies. Hubble has released images of these stunning galaxies twice before, once using observations from its Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) in 1997, and again in 2006 from the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS),” noted <a href="https://esahubble.org/images/potw1345a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The galaxies - also known as NGC 4038 and NGC 4039 - are locked in a deadly embrace. Once normal, sedate spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, the pair have spent the past few hundred million years sparring with one another.”



According to ESA, the clash of the Antennae Galaxies is so violent that stars have been ripped from their host <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collision-2-million-mph-stephans-quintet-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> to form a streaming arc between the two.&nbsp;



The name "Antennae" comes from this long stream of stars and gas, which resembles insect antennae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-bursts-of-star-formation-nbsp">Intense bursts of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



The collision has triggered intense bursts of star formation, making the Antennae Galaxies one of the nearest and most dramatic examples of a starburst galaxy.&nbsp;



Many of the newly formed stars are concentrated in massive star clusters, some of which are expected to evolve into globular clusters over millions of years.



“This new image of the Antennae Galaxies shows obvious signs of chaos. Clouds of gas are seen in bright pink and red, surrounding the bright flashes of blue star-forming regions - some of which are partially obscured by dark patches of dust,” explained ESA.



“The rate of star formation is so high that the Antennae Galaxies are said to be in a state of starburst, a period in which all of the gas within the galaxies is being used to form stars.”&nbsp;



“This cannot last forever and neither can the separate galaxies; eventually the nuclei will coalesce, and the galaxies will begin their retirement together as one large elliptical galaxy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-antennae-galaxies">Significance of the Antennae Galaxies</h2>



The Antennae Galaxies are one of the most well-studied examples of galaxy collisions, offering insight into the processes that shape galaxies over time.



Astronomers study the Antennae Galaxies using a range of telescopes across different wavelengths, including visible light, infrared, and X-rays.&nbsp;



Observations in X-rays have revealed evidence of supernovae and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, while infrared studies highlight regions of dust and star formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-s-collision-course-nbsp">The Milky Way's collision course&nbsp;</h2>



The Antennae Galaxies provide a glimpse into the future of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, which is expected to eventually merge with the Andromeda Galaxy - our closest spiral galaxy neighbor.



The cosmic collision course of the Milky Way and Andromeda will reshape both galaxies over billions of years.&nbsp;



This event is expected to occur in about 4.5 billion years. Both galaxies are part of the Local Group, a cluster of galaxies bound together by gravity. Their mutual gravitational pull is drawing them closer at a speed of approximately 110 kilometers per second.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birth-of-an-elliptical-galaxy-nbsp">The birth of an elliptical galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



When the two galaxies collide, their individual stars will largely avoid direct collisions due to the vast distances between them. However, the gravitational forces involved will create dramatic effects.&nbsp;



These forces will distort the galaxies' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shapes</a>, triggering intense bursts of star formation as gas clouds collide and compress. Over time, the galaxies will settle into a new, larger elliptical galaxy often referred to as "Milkomeda" or "Milkdromeda" by astronomers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-merger-and-the-solar-system">Galaxy merger and the solar system</h2>



Despite the seemingly destructive nature of the collision, the solar system is unlikely to face direct harm. Our Sun may find itself flung into a new orbit within the merged galaxy or even cast into intergalactic space.&nbsp;



The merger will also significantly alter the night sky, with the Andromeda Galaxy becoming increasingly prominent before blending into the unified structure.



This event is part of the natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of galaxies</a> and serves as a fascinating reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the universe. 



While the collision is still billions of years away, studying it helps astronomers understand galactic interactions and the long-term future of our cosmic neighborhood.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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The violent clash of the Antennae Galaxies  

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a compilation of European cities that resemble stars. 



“Star-shaped cities are scattered across Europe, their geometric designs most appreciated when viewed from above,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2024/12/Earth_from_Space_Star_cities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-star-shaped-cities">Development of star-shaped cities</h2>



The development of star-shaped fortresses, also known as bastion forts, emerged during the Renaissance in Italy as a response to the rapidly evolving art of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migrating-eagles-have-been-rerouted-by-the-war-in-ukraine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warfare</a>.&nbsp;



Traditional medieval fortifications, characterized by high, straight walls and square towers, became vulnerable with the advent of gunpowder weaponry. Cannons could easily reduce these structures to rubble, rendering them obsolete.



The star-shaped design addressed these vulnerabilities by incorporating wide moats and projecting bastions - angled structures that jutted outward from the main walls.&nbsp;



These bastions provided overlapping fields of fire, allowing defenders to cover blind spots and effectively repel attackers attempting to approach or scale the walls.&nbsp;



Additionally, the sloped walls of these fortresses, known as glacis, were designed to deflect cannonballs rather than absorb their impact, further enhancing their resilience.



This innovative design not only improved defensive capabilities but also transformed the battlefield, forcing attackers to develop new siege techniques. It marked a pivotal moment in military engineering, influencing fortress construction across Europe and beyond for centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-star-shaped-cities">Examples of star-shaped cities</h2>



“Four examples of such cities can be seen here, arranged clockwise from the top left: Bourtange in the Netherlands, Palmanova in Italy, Almeida in Portugal, and Neuf-Brisach in France,” said ESA.



“The green and red hues evoke a Christmas vibe, achieved through different band combinations during image processing to generate true-color (green) and false-color (red) visuals.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bourtange-netherlands">Bourtange, Netherlands </h3>



Fort Bourtange, nestled in the picturesque countryside of northeast Netherlands near the German border, is a remarkable example of Renaissance military architecture and urban planning.&nbsp;



Constructed in 1593 during the Eighty Years' War, it was strategically positioned to control the only road linking Germany to the Dutch city of Groningen - a vital route for military and trade purposes.&nbsp;



Its unique pentagonal, star-shaped design featured angled bastions, wide moats, and interconnected defensive structures, making it nearly impenetrable to enemy forces equipped with the era's artillery.



In 1851, after centuries of military service, Fort Bourtange was decommissioned and transformed into a peaceful village.&nbsp;



Despite the change in purpose, its original geometric layout, defined by precise angles and symmetrical patterns, remained intact. The pentagonal walls, surrounding waterways, and radial street design continue to showcase the ingenuity of its designers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palmanova-italy">Palmanova, Italy </h3>



Palmanova, located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy, is a masterpiece of Renaissance urban and military planning.&nbsp;



Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it exemplifies the idealized city envisioned during the late Renaissance, combining beauty, functionality, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-u-s-military-bases-for-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">military</a> innovation.&nbsp;



Constructed in 1593 by the Republic of Venice, Palmanova was strategically designed to protect the Republic’s northeastern borders from external threats - particularly the Ottoman Empire.



The city’s layout embodies the principles of symmetry and order characteristic of the Renaissance. Its unique radial design spreads out from the central hexagonal square, known as Piazza Grande or Piazza del Duomo, which serves as the civic and social heart of the city.&nbsp;



From this central hub, six straight avenues fan outward, connecting the square to the surrounding neighborhoods and gates. This design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, allowing for efficient movement and communication within the city.



Today, Palmanova is celebrated not only for its historical and architectural significance but also as a rare example of a perfectly preserved star fortress.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-almeida-portugal-nbsp">Almeida, Portugal&nbsp;</h3>



Perched on a high plain in northeast Portugal near the Spanish border, the fortress of Almeida is a striking example of military engineering and a symbol of Portugal’s resilience.&nbsp;



Built to secure the nation’s eastern frontier, Almeida has played a significant role in Portuguese history, particularly during its early years of independence and throughout various military conflicts, including the Peninsular War.



The fortress's defining star-shaped ramparts consist of twelve points, each projecting outward to eliminate blind spots and provide overlapping fields of fire against advancing enemies.&nbsp;



The thick walls, surrounding moats, and angular bastions made Almeida a formidable stronghold capable of withstanding prolonged sieges.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neuf-brisach-france">Neuf-Brisach, France</h3>



Neuf-Brisach, located in the Alsace region of northeastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/470-million-year-old-animal-fossils-discovered-in-frances-cabrieres-biota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a> near the German border, is another fascinating example of military and urban design.&nbsp;



The town was constructed in 1697 after the loss of Breisach, which stood on the opposite bank of the Rhine River in Germany.&nbsp;



The name "Neuf" (meaning "new" in French) reflects its creation as a strategic replacement and fortification to strengthen France's defense along its eastern border.



Designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the renowned military engineer under King Louis XIV, Neuf-Brisach is part of the extensive network of fortifications that Vauban designed to protect France from external threats.&nbsp;



Vauban's expertise in defensive architecture is evident in the town's star-shaped layout, which was intended to optimize defense while accommodating civilian life within the fortifications.&nbsp;



The fortifications were built to withstand sieges and were strategically positioned to control movement across the Rhine River and defend against potential invasions. The outer star-shaped ramparts extend in a way that creates a nearly impenetrable defensive perimeter.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Star-shaped cities scattered across Europe

The foothills of the Andes mountains. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> features the foothills of the Andes mountains near the southern coast of Peru.

The Andes are spread out over about 7,000 kilometers from Venezuela down South America’s west coast to the top of Argentina. The foothills of the Andes mountains

The mountain range was formed by a process called subduction when the Nazca and Antarctic tectonic plates shifted underneath the South American plate.

The Andes, Andes Mountains or Andean Mountains (<a title="Spanish language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language">Spanish</a>: Cordillera de los Andes) are the <a title="List of mountain ranges" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mountain_ranges#By_length">longest</a> <a title="Continental crust" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_crust">continental</a> <a title="Mountain range" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_range">mountain range</a> in the world, forming a continuous highland along the western edge of South America. The range is 7,000 km (4,300 mi) long, 200 to 700 km (120 to 430 mi) wide (widest between <a title="18th parallel south" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/18th_parallel_south">18° south</a> and <a title="20th parallel south" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_parallel_south">20° south</a> <a title="Latitude" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latitude">latitude</a>), and has an average height of about 4,000 m (13,000 ft). The Andes extend from north to south through seven South American countries: <a title="Venezuela" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venezuela">Venezuela</a>, <a title="Colombia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia">Colombia</a>, <a title="Ecuador" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecuador">Ecuador</a>, <a title="Peru" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru">Peru</a>, <a title="Bolivia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolivia">Bolivia</a>, <a title="Chile" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile">Chile</a>, and <a title="Argentina" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina">Argentina</a>.

Along their length, the Andes are split into several ranges, separated by intermediate <a title="Depression (geology)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(geology)">depressions</a>. The Andes are the location of several high <a title="Plateau" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plateau">plateaus</a> – some of which host major cities such as <a title="Quito" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quito">Quito</a>, <a title="Bogotá" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogot%C3%A1">Bogotá</a>, <a title="Cali" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cali">Cali</a>, <a title="Arequipa" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arequipa">Arequipa</a>, <a title="Medellín" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medell%C3%ADn">Medellín</a>, <a title="Bucaramanga" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucaramanga">Bucaramanga</a>, <a title="Sucre" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucre">Sucre</a>, <a title="Mérida, Mérida" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9rida,_M%C3%A9rida">Mérida</a> and <a title="La Paz" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Paz">La Paz</a>. The <a title="Altiplano" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altiplano">Altiplano plateau</a> is the world's second-highest after the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Tibetan plateau" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_plateau">Tibetan plateau</a>. These ranges are in turn grouped into three major divisions based on climate: the <a title="Tropical Andes" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Andes">Tropical Andes</a>, the <a title="Dry Andes" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_Andes">Dry Andes</a>, and the <a title="Wet Andes" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_Andes">Wet Andes</a>.

&nbsp;

---The Andes Mountains are the highest mountain range outside Asia. The highest mountain outside Asia, Argentina's Mount <a title="Aconcagua" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconcagua">Aconcagua</a>, rises to an elevation of about 6,961 m (22,838 ft) above sea level. The <a class="mw-redirect" title="Summit (topography)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summit_(topography)">peak</a> of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Chimborazo (volcano)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimborazo_(volcano)">Chimborazo</a> in the Ecuadorian Andes is farther from the Earth's center than any other location on the Earth's surface, due to the <a title="Equatorial bulge" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_bulge">equatorial bulge</a> resulting from the <a title="Earth's rotation" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth%27s_rotation">Earth's rotation</a>. The world's highest <a title="Volcano" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcano">volcanoes</a> are in the Andes, including <a title="Ojos del Salado" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ojos_del_Salado">Ojos del Salado</a> on the Chile-Argentina border, which rises to 6,893 m (22,615 ft).

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: NASA

&nbsp;

The foothills of the Andes mountains

Most of the plastic that pollutes our oceans comes from an unexpected source: rivers. Strangely enough, research on plastic pollution has been primarily focused on ocean environments - leaving freshwater sources a bit neglected.



Enter a team of innovative scientists from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, who are turning the tide with their novel research.



Published in the journal Nature, the study explores the use of remote sensing technology to monitor and remove plastic debris from rivers like the Mississippi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-concern-of-plastic-pollution">Growing concern of plastic pollution</h2>



Plastic pollution in oceans has become a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental crisis</a>. The United Nations Environment Program (<a href="https://www.unep.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a>) ranks it among the top pollution challenges of our time.



Yet, freshwater environments - rivers and lakes - have received far less attention, despite being the primary conduits for plastic waste flowing into oceans. Recognizing this gap, the researchers set out to find innovative solutions for freshwater plastic pollution.



Traditional methods of monitoring and removing plastic debris rely on manual sampling. These techniques, while effective, are time-consuming and expensive. 



The new study addresses these limitations with advanced remote sensing technology, offering a more cost-effective and scalable solution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remote-sensing-to-detect-plastic-pollution">Remote sensing to detect plastic pollution</h2>



The researchers utilized spectral reflectance properties - specific wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum - to detect different types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-this-breakthrough-finally-solve-the-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> debris.



By isolating the unique spectral signatures of plastics, the technology can distinguish them from natural materials commonly found in freshwater - such as sediments, driftwood, and algae.



Study lead author Mohammadali Olyaei is a Ph.D. student in the <a href="https://cse.umn.edu/cege" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering</a>.



“We could use this technology to identify different types of plastics in the water simultaneously. This is key information that we need when employing other technology, like drones, to capture and remove plastic debris in natural environments,” explained Olyaei.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-in-real-world-conditions">Testing in real-world conditions</h2>



The research team conducted their experiments at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, where the Mississippi River flows through the facility. 



This setting allowed the team to test their theories in real river conditions. They combined a remote sensing platform, called a spectroradiometer, with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera to classify and monitor various types of debris based on their spectral signatures.



This approach not only helps identify plastic debris but also lays the foundation for deploying technologies, like drones, for cleanup efforts. This dual capability of monitoring and removing debris makes remote sensing a promising tool in the fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-we-combat-the-escalating-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-environmental-impact">Broader environmental impact</h2>



Study co-author Ardeshir Ebtehaj is an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering.



“If we can develop technology at the Mississippi headwaters, in a place like Minnesota, to catch plastic debris, we can protect the downstream states and the entire ocean from plastic pollution," said Professor Ebtehaj.



"As soon as these plastics begin to spread more and more, their control becomes more and more challenging.” 



By stopping plastics at the source, the researchers hope to mitigate the downstream effects of pollution. 



The study emphasizes the importance of addressing freshwater systems to prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-still-possible-to-save-the-ocean-from-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> from reaching oceans, where it becomes far more difficult to manage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-scaling-up-the-research">Next steps: Scaling up the research</h2>



The team plans to expand their research to larger river systems in order to understand the movement of plastic debris across freshwater networks and to refine removal strategies.



This broader scope will also shed light on the origins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-win-the-battle-of-planet-vs-plastic-drastic-changes-are-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> pollution, which will enable more targeted interventions.



In addition to Olyaei and Professor Ebtehaj, the research team included Christopher R. Ellis, a senior research associate at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.



The work was funded by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (<a href="https://www.legacy.mn.gov/environment-natural-resources-trust-fund" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ENTRF</a>), a permanent fund dedicated to protecting Minnesota's natural resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-early-intervention">Importance of early intervention</h2>



The study represents a significant step forward in tackling the often-overlooked issue of freshwater plastic pollution with remote sensing.



By leveraging advanced remote sensing technology, the researchers offer a scalable, efficient solution that can benefit both local ecosystems and the global environment.



The research highlights the importance of early intervention in freshwater systems to prevent plastics from spreading uncontrollably. 



With continued research and development, this technology could become a critical tool in protecting rivers, lakes, and ultimately, the oceans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-024-03974-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Data</a>.



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Remote sensing can help prevent plastic from reaching the ocean

Most of the plastic that pollutes our oceans comes from...

California’s vibrant native wildflowers face a growing threat: invasive grasses that form dense, suffocating layers of debris and prevent seed germination. 



According to a new study by the University of California, Riverside (UCR), a simple solution could lie in raking away this “thatch” - a layer of dead leaves and debris that blankets the ground.



This technique not only encourages biodiversity but also helps reduce fire risk in these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-raking">What is raking?</h2>



Raking involves using a tool, like a rake, to physically remove surface debris, including leaves, dead grass, and other organic material, from the soil. This process, often part of gardening or land management, has the following applications beyond basic cleanup.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Prepares soil for planting: By exposing bare soil, raking allows better water infiltration and nutrient absorption for seeds.</li>



<li>Improves soil aeration: Removing dense organic layers lets air circulate, enhancing microbial activity that is essential for healthy soil.</li>



<li>Prevents pest build-up: Thatch and debris can harbor pests and diseases; raking removes these potential threats.</li>



<li>Aids erosion control: By managing debris strategically, raking can prevent water runoff from eroding topsoil.</li>



<li>Enhances aesthetic appeal: In landscaped areas, raking maintains a neat, manicured appearance.</li>
</ol>



It’s a versatile, low-tech method that benefits both small-scale gardens and larger ecological restoration projects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raking-for-grass-management">Raking for grass management </h2>



The study, published in the journal Restoration Ecology, compared raking with other invasive grass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/">mana</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gement</a> techniques like controlled burns, hand weeding, and herbicide application.



The results? Raking stands out as a low-cost, less labor-intensive, and ecologically friendly alternative.



“In these ecosystems, native seeds often fall on thick layers of thatch and can’t germinate. Raking the thatch lets light in and gives native plants a chance to grow,” explained <a href="https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/markos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marko Spasojevic</a>, the study's lead author and UCR associate professor of plant ecology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-native-wildflowers">The return of native wildflowers</h2>



The research was conducted on grasslands near the UCR campus. The team used a grid of paired plots - one raked and one left untouched - to observe changes in plant communities over three years.



The findings revealed that raking significantly increased overall plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>. Invasive grasses like ripgut brome declined, while native and exotic wildflowers, collectively known as forbs, thrived.



Ripgut brome, one of the dominant invasive species, is notorious for its sharp bristles that can injure grazing animals. 



“It’s super nasty for sheep and cattle to eat,” said Spasojevic. On the other hand, native flowers like the common fiddleneck, a species prevalent in Riverside, showed modest improvement when raking was applied.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-of-exotic-flowers">Growth of exotic flowers</h2>



However, the study revealed a trade-off. While raking reduced invasive grasses, it also encouraged the growth of certain exotic wildflowers, such as mustard, which can be highly invasive.



“Raking boosted native wildflowers by about 5% and exotic forbs by 7 to 10%,” said Advyth Ramachandran, co-leader of the project. 



“This doesn’t mean raking isn’t worthwhile. It’s a simple, low-cost method that could be a first step for restoring these systems,” noted Ramachandran, a former UCR undergraduate who is now studying plant ecology at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado, Boulder</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-seeds-initiative">The SEEDS initiative </h2>



This study represents more than just ecological research; it’s a proof of student-led innovation. The project traces its origins to the 1980s, when the study plots were created for an introductory biology class and later abandoned. 



During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramachandran and fellow UCR students revived the site through the university’s SEEDS club, a grassroots research initiative.



“We built this project from scratch, writing protocols, identifying species, and involving over 25 undergraduates,” Ramachandran said. “It’s rare for undergraduates to initiate and lead publishable research like this.”



Spasojevic credited the project’s success to its accessibility. “The research site is on campus, so students could sample between classes. It lowered barriers for involvement and became a rich mentorship opportunity,” he said.



The SEEDS initiative continues to thrive, with students now collecting data for a fifth consecutive year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-implications-for-land-managers">Practical implications for land managers</h2>



The findings offer a practical, low-cost method for land managers seeking to restore <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> in California’s grasslands and coastal sage ecosystems. 



Native plants play a critical role in these ecosystems by providing food and habitat for local wildlife, supporting pollinators like bees, and preventing soil erosion. Meanwhile, invasive grasses pose multiple threats: outcompeting native plants, reducing biodiversity, and increasing wildfire risk with their dense, flammable layers.



“This project shows how small actions - like raking - can make meaningful differences in our ecosystems,” Ramachandran said. “It’s a promising step toward restoring California’s native landscapes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-california-s-native-wildflowers">Restoring California’s native wildflowers</h2>



The UCR team’s research highlights the importance of simple yet effective interventions in combating ecological challenges. As California continues to face threats from invasive grass species and wildfires, methods like raking could play a key role in preserving the state’s natural heritage.



Land managers and conservationists alike can take inspiration from the study’s findings, and apply this technique to boost native biodiversity while promoting community involvement in ecological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration</a> efforts.



The success of the SEEDS initiative also underscores the power of student-driven research to address real-world environmental issues.



Restoring California’s wildflowers may not require monumental efforts. Sometimes, it’s as simple as picking up a rake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rec.14340" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restoration Ecology</a>.



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California’s native wildflowers can be restored by raking dead grass

California’s vibrant native wildflowers face a growing threat: invasive grasses...

Carrying too much visible fat around the waist and hips is a well-known health risk. However, unseen fat around the heart also poses significant dangers. 



Scientists at the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System are developing a non-invasive method to assess these risks, potentially transforming how doctors diagnose and treat heart disease.



Led by Dr. Frederick H. Epstein of UVA’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, the researchers are using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze the composition of epicardial adipose tissue - the fat surrounding the heart.



This technique could help doctors pinpoint patients who are at risk for severe heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. It may also help predict patient responses to treatments, which would enhance care strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-in-heart-imaging">Progress in heart imaging</h2>



Initial testing has shown promising results. The new MRI technique offers insights that were previously unavailable.



“Using this new MRI technique, we now for the very first time have the ability to know the composition of the fat that accumulates around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-patients-have-a-unique-vulnerability-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a>,” said Dr. Amit R. Patel, a cardiologist at <a href="https://uvahealth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UVA Health</a>.



“This is important because, depending on its makeup, the fat which surrounds the heart has the potential to release damaging substances directly into the heart muscle, leading to serious heart problems.”



Dr. Patel noted that the research could enable patients to convert unhealthy fat into healthier forms using lifestyle changes or medications.



“We believe that by doing so, we will be able to reduce some of the complications associated with heart disease,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-nature-of-epicardial-fat">Dual nature of epicardial fat</h2>



Epicardial adipose tissue is a type of fat that surrounds the heart. In healthy individuals, this fat plays an important protective role, helping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-more-plant-protein-lowers-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart function</a> properly.



However, in people with conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or unhealthy habits like smoking and poor diets, this fat can accumulate excessively. In this case, it may become inflamed and undergo changes that can harm the heart instead of protecting it.



Scientists can now study the composition of this fat by analyzing the types of fatty acids it contains - saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.



These insights help doctors identify people at risk of heart disease before symptoms appear. Finding and addressing these risks early can slow down the progression of heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-challenges-of-heart-scans">Tackling the challenges of heart scans</h2>



Capturing clear images of heart fat posed significant technical challenges due to constant heart and lung motion. To overcome this, the team developed advanced computational methods and innovative imaging approaches.



“The ability to make these measurements in epicardial adipose tissue required the use of advanced computational methods that can extract the unique signature of saturated fatty acids from an overall noisy signal,” said Dr. Epstein.



He commended&nbsp;Jack Echols, a biomedical engineering graduate student, for his pivotal contributions.



With these advances, the team can now obtain precise images in a single breath hold, paving the way for real-world applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-findings-from-heart-scans">Early findings from heart scans</h2>



Tests revealed that the fat surrounding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-accurately-predicts-cardiovascular-heart-disease-risk-30-years-into-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> in obese patients with prior heart attacks contained excessive saturated fatty acids. 



This discovery suggests that the new MRI technique could help identify at-risk individuals and improve patient outcomes.



“Being able to see the composition of the fat that surrounds the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> will improve our understanding of heart disease and may lead to the development of new treatment strategies in the future,” noted Dr. Patel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-scans-and-early-interventions">Heart scans and early interventions</h2>



The new MRI technique represents a significant leap in heart disease care. 



"Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the adipose depot positioned between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium, has emerged as an important contributor to cardiovascular disease, particularly in obesity and metabolic heart disease," explained the researchers.



By providing a clearer picture of this fat composition around the heart, the new imaging technique could empower doctors to intervene earlier and more effectively, reducing the burden of heart disease worldwide.



The findings were published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mrm.30285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magnetic Resonance in Medicine</a>. 



The study received funding from the&nbsp;National Institutes of Health,&nbsp;National Institute on Aging,&nbsp;American Heart Association, and other organizations.



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Simple scan can predict risks of serious heart problems

Carrying too much visible fat around the waist and hips...

New research is offering unprecedented insights into the icy planetesimals of the early solar system, such as trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and centaurs.



Planetesimals are small, celestial objects that form during the early stages of planetary system development. 



They are made up of dust and gas particles that coalesce in a protoplanetary disk surrounding a young star.



The study, which has revealed the distribution and evolution of these intriguing celestial bodies, is giving scientists an entirely new perspective on the formation of the outer solar system.



These new findings enhance our understanding of these distant objects while providing clues about the processes that shaped the solar system's architecture billions of years ago.



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



Trans-Neptunian objects are small bodies that orbit the Sun beyond Neptune, hanging out in regions like the Kuiper Belt and possibly much farther in the Oort Cloud. 



They come in a range of sizes, with some as large as dwarf planets and others no bigger than chunks of rock and ice. 



Pluto, once called the ninth planet, is one of the most famous trans-Neptunian objects, but there are many others like Eris, which is roughly the same size, and Haumea, known for its elongated shape.



These objects often have reddish or darker surfaces because of chemical compounds called tholins, formed when ultraviolet light interacts with their icy makeup. 



Because they’re so far from the Sun, trans-Neptunian objects stay extremely cold and move slowly along their distant orbits.



These icy objects, with orbits comparable to or larger than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-dark-spot-on-neptune-detected-from-earth-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a>'s, remain untouched by collisions -- preserving vital clues about the solar system's ancient past.



Astronomers value trans-Neptunian objects because they act like time capsules from the Solar System’s early days. Their orbits and compositions can clue us in on how planets and smaller bodies formed billions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-groups-of-tnos">Distinct groups of TNOs</h2>



Researchers at the University of Central Florida (<a href="https://www.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCF</a>) conducted comprehensive analyses of trans-Neptunian objects (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-carbon-ices-discovered-objects-beyond-neptune-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TNOs</a>) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-objects-called-centaurs-29p-continue-to-perplex-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">centaurs</a>.



With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), the scientists discovered three distinct compositional groups of TNOs. 



These were defined by ice retention lines that existed when the solar system was formed, billions of years ago.



Thanks to the advanced capabilities of the JWST, a clearer, more holistic picture of the solar system's early formation and evolution can be ascertained.



The telescope made it possible to identify the specific molecules responsible for the remarkable variety of spectra, colors, and albedo observed in TNOs. 



The research presents a direct connection between the spectral features of TNOs and their chemical compositions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-composition-of-planetesimals">Formation and composition of planetesimals </h2>



The ice retention lines are identified as regions where temperatures were cold enough for specific ices to form and survive within the protoplanetary disk.



These areas, determined by their distance from the sun, serve as markers in the early solar system's temperature gradient, linking the formation conditions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetesimals</a> and their present-day compositions.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/trans-neptunian-object_tno_distribution-map_planetesimals_JWST_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/trans-neptunian-object_tno_distribution-map_planetesimals_JWST_1s.webp" alt="Artistic representation of the distribution of trans-Neptunian objects in the planetesimal disk, with overlaid representative spectra of each compositional group highlighting the dominant molecules on their surfaces. Credit: Graphic art by William D. González Sierra for the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida" class="wp-image-1955116"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artistic representation of the distribution of trans-Neptunian objects in the planetesimal disk, with overlaid representative spectra of each compositional group highlighting the dominant molecules on their surfaces. Credit: Graphic art by William D. González Sierra for the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida</figcaption></figure>



One of the major outcomes of the research was the discovery that there is a clear connection between the formation of planetesimals in the protoplanetary disk and their later evolution.



The NTO composition groups are not uniformly scattered among objects with similar orbits. This insight helps explain how today's observed distributions emerged in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-six-planet-star-system-moves-in-strange-perfect-synchrony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary system</a> shaped by complex, dynamical evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centaurs-pulled-to-the-inner-solar-system">Centaurs pulled to the inner solar system</h2>



The UCF team didn’t stop with TNOs. They also explored the world of centaurs, which are TNOs that have shifted their orbits into the region of the giant planets following a close gravitational encounter with Neptune.



TNOs transform into centaurs as they warm while approaching the Sun; sometimes they also grow comet-like tails.



Centaurs are often unstable in their current positions and may eventually become comets. They are intriguing objects for studying the transition between the icy bodies of the outer solar system and the more rocky, volatile-depleted bodies closer to the Sun.



Unique spectral signatures were observed from centaurs, revealing the presence of dusty regolith mantles on their surfaces. 



These surfaces showed unique characteristics when compared with the surfaces of TNOs, suggesting that adaptations occurred as a result of their journey into the inner solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bodies-of-the-outer-solar-system">Bodies of the outer solar system</h2>



Though considerable progress has been made in understanding TNOs and centaurs, there is always more to learn. 



The researchers identified three distinct groups based on their surface compositions. These groups show properties that hint at the protoplanetary disk's compositional structure.



The research provides a broader understanding of the material that helped form outer solar system bodies like the gas giants, their moons, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pluto-may-not-be-real-planet-but-has-real-big-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pluto</a>.



Consequently, the findings have opened new horizons for further exploration and discovery. Now that scientists have some general information about the identified compositional groups, more detailed investigation will now take place to understand how these groups came into existence.



The future promises even more exciting revelations about TNOs, centaurs, and the roots of our solar system.



The research was supported by a grant from the Space Telescope Science Institute.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02433-2">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Webb captures best view ever of icy objects from the early solar system

New research is offering unprecedented insights into the icy planetesimals...

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a severe threat to global health, with potentially catastrophic consequences. 



New research led by Northern Arizona University (NAU) reveals that infection-related deaths could surge due to multidrug-resistant and pan-resistant bacteria. This isn’t a question of if, but when, warns the study’s lead author, Benjamin Koch.



Published in&nbsp;the journal Communications Medicine, the study highlights the growing danger of antibiotic resistance. As antibiotic usage increases worldwide, bacteria are evolving to resist multiple antibiotics, leading to multidrug-resistance.



What's even more troubling is that pan-resistant bacteria could emerge, marking a turning point in global health. Pan-resistant bacteria are immune to all known antibiotics. 



“Multidrug-resistance is bad, but once a pathogen gains resistance to all known antibiotics, known as pan-resistance, a dramatically rapid shift, rather than a gradual rise in public health impacts, can be expected,” said Koch, a senior research scientist at <a href="https://nau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NAU</a>’s Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-antibiotic-resistance">What is antibiotic resistance?</h2>



Antibiotic resistance is when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria evolve</a> to survive treatments meant to kill them. Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Over time, certain bacteria adapt and develop defenses against these drugs.



This resistance often arises from improper or excessive use of antibiotics. For example, taking antibiotics for viral infections, not completing prescribed doses, or overusing them in farming can all contribute. 



When bacteria become resistant, they continue to grow and spread despite antibiotic treatment, making infections harder or even impossible to cure.



This problem isn’t limited to just one country or region. Resistant bacteria can spread globally, threatening public health and making previously treatable illnesses - like pneumonia or urinary tract infections - more dangerous.



To address this, we need better antibiotic use, policies, and the development of new medicines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-when-pan-resistance-strikes">What happens when pan-resistance strikes</h2>



Using hypothetical models, researchers studied the potential impact of a pan-resistant strain of E. coli on sepsis deaths in the United States. By analyzing long-term data on sepsis incidence, mortality rates, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-could-cause-39-million-deaths-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment outcomes</a>, they found shocking results.



Their models predict that sepsis deaths could increase by 18 to 46 times within just five years after the introduction of a pan-resistant strain. This hypothetical strain doesn’t exist yet, but the rapid evolution of bacteria suggests it may be inevitable.



“With the available data, researchers aren’t able to predict the timing of pan-resistance with any accuracy; it could be in a year, or it could be in a century,” Koch noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-health-equalizer">Global health equalizer</h2>



Antibiotic resistance doesn’t discriminate. Unlike other health crises that disproportionately affect lower-income populations, pan-resistance would erase advantages like access to superior health care or varied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic options</a>.



People in both high-income and low-income countries would face the same grim outcomes from infections that were once easily treatable.



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



The researchers emphasize that while the threat is grave, steps can be taken to reduce the risk. Governments, industries, and individuals have crucial roles to play.



Governments must enforce stricter policies around the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> in both human and veterinary medicine. They must also incentivize the development of new antibiotics - an area of research that has slowed in recent years.



“There are technologies that could monitor the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance,” said Koch. Investments in these innovations could provide early warnings and help contain outbreaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responsible-antibiotic-use">Responsible antibiotic use</h2>



On an individual level, the proper use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-increases-threat-antimicrobial-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> is critical. Koch advises using antibiotics only when prescribed by a health care provider and avoiding unnecessary usage. 



Supporting policies that promote antibiotic stewardship can help curb the spread of resistance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-urgent-action">Need for urgent action</h2>



The rise of pan-resistant bacteria could redefine global public health challenges. 



“We must reduce the forces that currently promote the evolution and dissemination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic</a>-resistant pathogens. Globally, this means improving antibiotic stewardship in human and veterinary medicine and in food-animal production,” Koch concluded.



The findings highlight the urgency of tackling antibiotic resistance before it spirals out of control. With coordinated action, the global community can slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and potentially save millions of lives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43856-024-00693-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Medicine</a>.



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Antibiotic resistance could cause a global health crisis

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a severe threat to global health,...

Peeling back the layers of history, we find ourselves in the heart of the ancient copper industry in the time of King Solomon’s mines.



The tale of this legendary biblical king and his mines has been passed down through generations, with many people assuming that the mining process of ancient copper production left rampant pollution and environmental destruction.



But what if that ominous narrative isn't as factual as we’ve been led to believe?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-copper-production">New perspective on copper production </h2>



Researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) have recently challenged this story. Their study delivers a new perspective on the industrial history of these legendary mines.



Their findings not only rewrite the story of ancient copper smelting but also invite a reexamination of how we interpret environmental impacts in historical contexts.



The research, published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, reveals that the environmental pollution generated by ancient copper production was far less severe than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveys-at-copper-production-sites">Surveys at copper production sites</h2>



The study was led by Professor Erez Ben-Yosef, Dr. Omri Yagel, Willy Ondricek, and Dr. Aaron Greener from the Chaim Rosenberg School of Jewish Studies and Archaeology at <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>.



To investigate, the team conducted comprehensive geochemical surveys at copper production sites in the Timna Valley near Eilat, Israel.



The sites dated back to the 10th century BCE - an era that echoes with the names of the biblical Kings David and Solomon.



"We inspected two major copper production sites in the Timna Valley, one from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hazelnut-shells-offer-clues-ancient-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iron Age</a> and King Solomon’s era and another nearby that is about 1,500 years older,” said Professor Ben-Yosef.



“Our study was very extensive. We took hundreds of soil samples from both sites for chemical analyses, creating high-resolution maps of heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-was-lifes-first-essential-metal-and-shaped-early-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metal</a> presence in the region,” he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extremely-low-pollution-levels">Extremely low pollution levels</h2>



The results of the study were rather surprising. According to Professor Ben-Yosef, the team found that pollution levels at the Timna copper mining sites are extremely low and confined to the locations of the ancient smelting furnaces.



 “For instance, the concentration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/151-million-americans-have-mental-health-disorders-linked-to-leaded-gasoline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead</a> - the primary pollutant in metal industries - drops to less than 200 parts per million just a few meters from the furnace," said Professor Ben-Yosef.



"By comparison, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines industrial areas as safe for workers at 1,200 parts per million and residential areas as safe for children at 200 parts per million.”



The experts noted that this finding directly contradicts a series of papers published since the 1990s alleging pollution caused by the ancient copper industry.



"We demonstrate that this is not true. Pollution in Timna is very restricted spatially, and it’s likely that only those working directly at the furnace suffered from inhaling toxic fumes, while just a short distance away, the soil is entirely safe," said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debunking-old-theories">Debunking old theories </h2>



Seeking to understand the bigger picture, the TAU archaeologists also conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on ancient industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-in-six-deaths-in-2019-was-caused-by-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>.



Their review unveiled a recurring assumption: traces of ancient metallurgical activity were labeled as "pollution." 



As a result, the inference was drawn that metal industries, from their earliest beginnings, were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/car-tires-shed-pollutants-that-are-especially-toxic-for-humans-and-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful to humans</a>. This standpoint, the researchers argue, is far from the truth.



"Even when metal production was large-scale, becoming integral to human civilization, it was the toxic lead industry that caused global pollution, not necessarily other metals," the team noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projecting-our-pollution-problems">Projecting our pollution problems </h2>



The experts emphasized that in dealing with the severe environmental challenges of our time, we must be cautious not to project modern pollution problems onto the past.



“While we might label a few pieces of slag on the ground as 'pollution,' we should not confuse this localized waste with regional or global environmental pollution,” they cautioned.



Taking us on a journey through time, the researchers at TAU help us see the past in a new light - one that challenges our preconceived notions about an ancient copper industry. 



The findings provide a crucial reminder that we need to view the past without the lens of our current environmental anxieties.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80939-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Copper industry of King Solomon’s era didn't harm the environment

Peeling back the layers of history, we find ourselves in...

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the world. Masks, lockdowns, travel bans, and public health mandates became the norm in 2020, as virus cases surged.



The World Health Organization estimates that over three million lives were lost to the virus in its first year alone, marking a profound impact on health systems and economies worldwide.



Now, half a decade later, researchers continue to explore how we can better prepare for future respiratory diseases. A study from the University of Surrey, led by Dr. Richard Sear, sheds light on the effectiveness of combined public health measures in mitigating airborne viral transmission.



These findings offer valuable insights for managing not just future pandemics but also seasonal illnesses like flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-viral-transmission">Understanding viral transmission</h2>



Dr. Sear, an associate professor at Surrey’s School of Mathematics and Physics, examined how COVID-19 spreads through airborne transmission.



His work combined data modeling with information from the UK’s NHS COVID-19 app to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies like mask-wearing and improved ventilation.



“I’ve tried to measure how effective strategies, such as mask-wearing, are for the transmission of airborne viruses. This is both for any future pandemic, and for seasonal flu,“ said Dr. Sear.



“I combined modeling with data from the UK’s NHS COVID-19 app. While these estimates are highly approximate, they provide guidance on the value of measures such as face masks, social distancing and improved indoor air quality, which could be tested in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-quality-face-masks">High quality face masks</h2>



Among the protective measures studied, high-quality face masks stood out as particularly effective. Masks like N95/FFP2 reduced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/virus-lifespan-and-transmission-boosted-by-high-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 transmission</a> rate by approximately ninefold when worn universally. 



Even when used individually, these masks cut transmission risk by threefold, regardless of the contact duration. However, surgical and cloth masks were found to be much less effective by comparison.



The study highlights the importance of prioritizing high-quality masks in future public health strategies, not just for pandemics but also for managing seasonal respiratory illnesses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-indoor-ventilation-a-key-strategy">Improving indoor ventilation: A key strategy</h2>



Beyond high-quality masks, ventilation plays a crucial role in reducing virus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-use-gps-to-move-precisely-within-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transmission</a>. Viral particles tend to accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces, especially during close-contact interactions, speaking, or coughing. 



Dr. Sear’s study found that doubling indoor air turnover rates - whether through open windows, increased airflow from air conditioning systems, or improved mechanical ventilation - can lower transmission risk by as much as 30%.



Coupling better ventilation with physical distancing further enhances protection, creating a multi-layered approach to airborne transmission prevention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-behavioral-factors">Environmental and behavioral factors</h2>



The variability in COVID-19 transmission rates can be influenced by multiple factors, including viral load, individual susceptibility, and environmental conditions. 



Some contacts pose a significantly higher risk than others, emphasizing the need for public health strategies that address both environmental and behavioral aspects.



“The COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-covid-19-virus-travels-deep-inside-our-lungs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic</a> was terrible for many of us, which is why it’s important that we learn from our experiences. It also demonstrated how quickly we can develop and roll out vaccines when faced with a global health crisis,“ noted Dr. Sear.



“Moving forward, both we as individuals and our leaders have an opportunity to apply these lessons to better control respiratory diseases - not only to head off any future pandemics, but to also manage seasonal diseases such as flu and RSV.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-to-reduce-viral-transmission">Strategies to reduce viral transmission </h2>



The lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the value of preventive measures in controlling airborne diseases. 



Investing in high-quality masks, improving indoor air quality, and promoting behavioral changes like distancing and masking during outbreaks can significantly reduce viral transmission risks. These strategies will not only help in preventing future pandemics but also improve management of seasonal respiratory illnesses.



By understanding and applying these findings, society can better protect itself from the health and economic impacts of airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-infection-equips-the-body-to-fight-off-the-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a>. 



As Dr. Sear’s study demonstrates, simple yet effective measures like wearing N95 masks and enhancing ventilation can make a substantial difference in reducing virus transmission and saving lives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/pre/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevE.110.064302" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review E</a>.



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Preparing for the next pandemic: Lessons about viral transmission

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the world. Masks, lockdowns, travel...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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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



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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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



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.

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 Rud-e-Gaz and Rud-e-Hara rivers. Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> a remote area in southern Iran that includes the Rud-e-Gaz and Rud-e-Hara rivers.
The river wetlands and deltas have a variety of tidal mudflats, creeks, saltmarshes, mangroves, sandbanks and offshore islands.
The region is an important site for wintering waterbirds.
Iranians have used their rivers to allow for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/irrigated-farms-cooling-temperatures/">irrigation</a> of their agricultural lands since ancient times. Modern dams on the Ab-e Dez, Karkheh, Karun, Sefid Rud, and other rivers provide irrigation to ever larger agricultural regions. Also they generate hydroelectricity for the countries steel companies, oil refineries, power plants and other industries. The Karun River is Iran&#8217;s only permanently navigable waterway, and it has been an important commercial waterway ever since oil was discovered in the region. The Sefid Rud and Diyala River Valleys are also important trade routes. The <a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-longest-rivers-in-iran.html">Sefid</a> Rud River is notable for its massive quantities of fish, especially sturgeon and Caspian trout.
Many Biblical scholars believe that the Karun River was one of the four rivers of the Garden of Eden. Archaeological evidence confirms that this area was an important area for early human hunter-gatherers, as well as groups of Neanderthals,Deltas of Rud-e-Gaz &amp; Rud-e-Hara. 23/06/75; Bandar-e Abbas; 15,000 ha; 26°40&#8217;N 057°20&#8217;E. An extensive complex of tidal mudflats, creeks, saltmarshes, mangroves, sandbanks and offshore islands at the mouth of two rivers. A remote area with sparse human population and an extremely arid, low-lying hinterland. The site is important for wintering waterbirds. Ramsar site no. 52. Most recent RIS information: 1997.
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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Image Credit: ESA
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The Rud-e-Gaz and Rud-e-Hara rivers

Smoke plume towers over Anak Krakatau. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a burst of activity from the Indonesian volcano Anak Krakatau, with a smoke plume towering over the peak.

The volcano has experienced more than 50 known eruption periods in the last 2,000 years. 

"The location of the plume suggests that it is volcanic in origin,” said Verity Flower, a USRA volcanologist based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Based on the color of the plume, Flower believes it is composed of mainly water vapor and gas. These reflective particles make a plume appear white. 

"Anak Krakatau volcano has displayed these small eruptive bursts periodically through the last few years,” said Flower. “However, it can also display more destructive activity such as tsunami-triggering eruptions.” Krakatoa, or Krakatau (Indonesian: Krakatau), is a caldera in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in the Indonesian province of Lampung. The caldera is part of a volcanic island group (Krakatoa Archipelago) comprising four islands: two of which, Lang and Verlaten, are remnants of a previous volcanic edifice destroyed in eruptions long before the famous 1883 eruption; another, Rakata, is the remnant of a much larger island destroyed in the 1883 eruption.

The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 on April 13, 2020.

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: NASA

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