Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 78 (M78), a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion about 1,350 light-years away from Earth. 



This image was released as part of the initial series of observations from ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a>.&nbsp;



All data collected during these early observations, including a series of incredible <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_s_first_images_the_dazzling_edge_of_darkness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new views</a> of the nearby universe, is available to the public. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-messier-78">Image of Messier 78</h2>



Featured here is a high-resolution, detailed segment of a larger image showcasing Messier 78, a dynamic region of star formation obscured by cosmic dust.&nbsp;



This specific view highlights how young stars generate winds of charged particles, carving out “cavities” in the molecular clouds around them.&nbsp;



The blue hues in the image represent ionized atomic hydrogen, which is a primary component of the cloud, while the red indicates the absorption and scattering of light by dust particles.



The image captures hundreds of stars varying in brightness, illuminating their nebulous, purple surroundings. A dark, arch-like structure stretches from the upper left to the bottom right of the frame, merging into the densest, darkest clouds at the image’s base.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-site-of-star-formation-nbsp">Active site of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is not just a single nebula but part of a larger complex of stars and nebulous regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a>, which includes various other objects like dark nebulae that are visible as patches blocking light from behind.



This region is an active site of star formation, featuring many young stars and protostars, which are stars in the early stages of formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-messier-78">Viewing Messier 78</h2>



M78 is easily observable with small telescopes, and it appears as a hazy patch of light with two prominent stars near its center, which illuminate the surrounding dust.&nbsp;



The nebula is also a favorite among amateur astronomers for its beauty and relatively bright appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subject-of-scientific-interest-nbsp">Subject of scientific interest&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is fascinating not only for its visual beauty but also for its scientific interest, particularly in the study of <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> and interstellar matter.&nbsp;



The nebula consists of dense, cold gas and dust, which are essential ingredients for the birth of new stars.&nbsp;



The intense blue light that characterizes M78 is due to the reflection of starlight off these dust particles, a process known as scattering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-region-surrounding-messier-78-nbsp">Region surrounding Messier 78&nbsp;</h2>



The region surrounding M78 includes several other interesting features. For instance, there are Herbig-Haro objects within it, which are small patches of nebulosity associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly born stars</a>.&nbsp;



These objects are formed when gas ejected by young stars collides with clouds of gas and dust at high speeds, creating shock waves that glow brightly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-stages-of-star-development-nbsp">Earliest stages of star development&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, infrared observations of M78 have revealed much about the dust and colder objects in the area, which are not visible in optical light.&nbsp;



The observations have helped astronomers identify numerous young stars and brown dwarfs (objects that are too large to be planets and too small to be stars) within the nebula. 



This makes M78 a critical area for studying the earliest stages of star development and the properties of the interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp-0">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-batch-of-brilliant-images-from-the-euclid-mission-live-up-to-the-hype/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a> is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission designed to study the dark universe, particularly focusing on dark energy and dark matter, which are fundamental components that are believed to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe and shape its large-scale structure.&nbsp;



The mission aims to map the geometry of the dark universe and better understand the physics of the cosmos.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-billions-of-galaxies-nbsp">Observing billions of galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



Euclid uses two primary scientific instruments: a visible light camera (VIS) and a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer (NISP).&nbsp;



These instruments will allow Euclid to measure the shapes and redshifts of galaxies at distances of up to 10 billion light-years. By surveying more than a third of the sky, the mission is expected to observe several billion galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-dark-universe-nbsp">Studying the dark universe&nbsp;</h3>



The data collected will help astronomers in studying the effects of dark matter and dark energy in depth, testing cosmological models, and exploring new theories about the nature of the universe.&nbsp;



The mission, named after the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, seeks to address key questions related to the structure of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics governing its evolution and expansion.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Messier 78: Young stars shine through dense dust

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76, located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.



Astronomers captured this image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).



The snapshot provides not only a breathtaking view, but also deep insights into the life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and the dynamic processes within nebulae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-messier-76">Understanding Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 is categorized as a planetary nebula - a term which refers to its round, planet-like appearance when viewed through early, low-power telescopes. 



However, the term is somewhat misleading as planetary nebulae have no connection to actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>.&nbsp;



Instead, they represent an expansive shell of luminous gases expelled by a dying red giant star, which subsequently collapses into a dense, hot white dwarf. 



This transformation marks the late stages of stellar evolution for medium to low-mass stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-messier-76">Structure of Messier 76</h2>



The structure of Messier 76 is particularly notable. It includes a central ring, giving the appearance of a bar-like feature, with two distinct lobes emanating from either side. 



This formation is believed to be the result of materials ejected by the star during its red giant phase, possibly sculpted by interactions with a companion star.&nbsp;



Although this binary companion is not visible in current Hubble images, its presence is inferred from the thick disk of dust and gas aligned with its orbital plane. 



The phenomenon of the companion star potentially being absorbed by the primary star, a process akin to stellar cannibalism, is a captivating aspect of the nebula's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-environment-of-the-nebula">The dynamic environment of the nebula</h2>



At the core of the nebula, the primary star, now collapsing into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, reaches extreme temperatures. This heat is estimated to be 120,000 degrees Celsius - about 24 times hotter than the surface of our Sun.&nbsp;



This intensely hot remnant is visible as a small, bright point at the center of the nebula. Directly below this, another star can be seen; however, it is merely aligned with the nebula by chance and is not a part of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-glow-of-messier-76">Powerful glow of Messier 76</h2>



The dynamics within Messier 76 are driven by powerful forces. The central disk seems to constrict the material, creating two lobes of gas escaping along the rotational axis of the star, perpendicular to the disk.&nbsp;



The lobes are propelled outward by a potent stellar wind, moving at a staggering two million miles per hour. This rapid movement is sufficient to travel the distance from Earth to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in just over seven minutes.&nbsp;



The collision of the fast-moving gas with older, slower-moving material ejected during the star’s red giant phase results in the stunning glowing effect seen in the nebula. 



The glow, ignited by the ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf, is a spectacle of colors with red emanating from nitrogen and blue from oxygen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-moment-in-time">A cosmic moment in time</h2>



Despite its current brilliance, the existence of the Little Dumbbell Nebula is fleeting on a cosmological scale. It is expected to last only about 15,000 years - a mere moment in the lifespan of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.&nbsp;



This brief period highlights the transient nature of such cosmic phenomena, which, while short-lived, provide crucial insights into the mechanics of stellar evolution and the complex interactions within these celestial sculptures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-messier-76">More about Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was later cataloged by Charles Messier, who included it in his famous list of nebulous objects.



The nebula's faintness and small size require a good telescope to be observed effectively, with larger telescopes able to reveal more of its fine details and structure.



Studying Messier 76 helps astronomers understand the life cycle of stars and the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution. 



The materials expelled by planetary nebulae like Messier 76 eventually contribute to the interstellar medium, from which new stars and planetary systems may form.



Image Credit: ESA Space Agency&nbsp;



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Secrets of the Little Dumbbell Nebula  

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the remnants of Lake Razzaza, an artificial lake situated a few miles west of Karbala, Iraq.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> was created in the late 1970s as a flood control measure to regulate the floodwaters of the Euphrates River. 



Razzaza covers an area of approximately 1,562 square kilometers and is located in a depression where excess water from Lake Habbaniyah is diverted through a controlled escape channel or canal.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colors-of-lake-razzaza">The colors of Lake Razzaza</h2>



“The lake, also known as Baḩr al-Milḩ (‘Sea of Salt’ in Arabic), is fed by overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, which lies just outside the top left corner of the image,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153756/iraqs-sea-of-salt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The difference in water color results from the various communities of algae that thrive in the lake depending on the water temperature and salinity.”



“Green areas contain lower salt concentrations than red areas. At times when the lake receives no overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, as shown in this image, most of the lakebed is exposed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity-of-lake-razzaza">Salinity of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Over the years, the salinity of Lake Razzaza has been increasing due to inadequate water supply from the linked canal and high evaporation rates during Iraq's hot summers.&nbsp;



This rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> has led to a decline in fish populations, adversely affecting local fishermen who once relied on the lake for their livelihoods. 



By 2008, only the fish species locally known as "al-Shanik" (Acanthopagrus arabicus), of marine origin and stocked by the government, was reported to survive in the lake.&nbsp;



The lake's fluctuating water levels and increasing salinity have also impacted its recreational appeal, with few recreational areas existing around the lake.&nbsp;



Additionally, the surrounding desert landscape and low cliff shores contribute to its limited accessibility for leisure activities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-razzaza">Wildlife of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Despite these challenges, Lake Razzaza remains an important habitat for various bird species. It has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, supporting significant numbers of wintering waterfowl and serving as a breeding ground for species such as the marbled duck.&nbsp;



The lake's mudflats attract large numbers of waders and shorebirds during migration periods.&nbsp;



The surrounding area features vegetation such as Phragmites australis, Juncus acutus, Aeluropus lagopoides, Salicornia herbacea, and Schoenoplectus litoralis, along with desert shrublands including Tamarix aucherana, Prosopis farcta, and Haloxylon salicornicum.&nbsp;



Mammals reported in this region include Rüppell's fox, golden jackal, Indian grey mongoose, jungle cat, and wildcat.&nbsp;



In recent years, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> has faced environmental challenges due to reduced water inflows and increased evaporation, leading to higher salinity levels and a decline in biodiversity. 



Efforts to address these issues are essential to preserve the ecological and economic significance of Lake Razzaza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-euphrates-river-nbsp">The Euphrates River&nbsp;</h2>



The Euphrates River is one of the most significant rivers in the Middle East and holds immense historical, cultural, and ecological importance.&nbsp;



Stretching approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles), it originates in the mountains of eastern Turkey and flows through Syria and Iraq before merging with the Tigris River to form the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years, supporting ancient Mesopotamian societies, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.



The Euphrates has provided water for irrigation, enabling the development of agriculture in an otherwise arid region. Its floodplains have been vital for sustaining life and fostering the growth of cities along its course.&nbsp;



However, the river also plays a key geopolitical role, as disputes over water usage and dam construction among Turkey, Syria, and Iraq have emerged over the years, impacting water availability downstream.



Ecologically, the Euphrates supports a range of habitats, from wetlands to desert ecosystems, making it home to diverse flora and fauna.&nbsp;



However, modern challenges such as damming, pollution, and climate change threaten its flow and ecological balance. Despite these challenges, the Euphrates remains a symbol of life and resilience in the heart of the Middle East.



The image was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) on September 23, 2024.



Image Credit: NASA



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Lake Razzaza: A shrinking oasis shaped by salinity

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, which is located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. The image was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



“A prominent bar of stars stretches across the center of this galaxy, and spiral arms emerge from each end of the bar. Because NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, its disk takes on an almond shape, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” said <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-12-hubble-spies-spiral-galaxy-ngc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“As NGC 2566 appears to gaze at us, astronomers gaze right back, using Hubble to survey the galaxy's star clusters and star-forming regions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-appearance-of-ngc-2566">Complex appearance of NGC 2566</h2>



NGC 2566 lies at a considerable distance from Earth, making it a challenging object for amateur astronomers to observe in detail without powerful telescopes.&nbsp;



It can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is better observed from locations with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-light-pollution-influences-interest-in-astronomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a>.&nbsp;



The galaxy's arms are populated with young, bright stars, regions of active star formation, and interstellar gas and dust - giving it a dynamic and complex appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ages-of-stars">Measuring the ages of stars</h2>



According to NASA, data from Hubble is especially valuable for studying stars that are just a few million years old. “These stars are bright at the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to which Hubble is sensitive.”



“Using these data, researchers can measure the ages of NGC 2566's stars, which helps piece together the timeline of the galaxy's star formation and the exchange of gas between star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.”



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



Star formation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> is a fascinating and complex process that unfolds over millions of years. It begins in vast clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, which are often found in the spiral arms of galaxies or in regions of irregular or starburst galaxies.&nbsp;



These clouds provide the raw material for star formation, consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of heavier elements.



As the molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity, regions within them begin to condense and fragment, forming dense clumps. Within these clumps, protostars emerge. Their formation is driven by the gravitational pull drawing in surrounding gas. 



During this process, the gas heats up due to increasing pressure, eventually igniting nuclear fusion in the core, signaling the birth of a new star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-star-formation-nbsp-across-galaxies">Rate of star formation&nbsp;across galaxies</h2>



The rate of star formation varies across galaxies is influenced by numerous factors. In spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, star formation is most active in the spiral arms, where density waves compress gas and dust, triggering the collapse of molecular clouds. 



In contrast, elliptical galaxies, which often have little cold gas and dust, typically exhibit low rates of star formation or none at all.



Starburst galaxies, on the other hand, experience episodes of exceptionally high star formation, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-a-galaxy-collision-with-a-radiant-smile/">galactic collisions</a> or interactions. 



These events can funnel large amounts of gas into central regions, leading to intense star-forming activity. However, such bursts are usually short-lived on cosmic timescales, exhausting the available gas quickly.



The environment within a galaxy also plays a significant role. Stellar winds and supernova explosions from existing stars can both inhibit and promote star formation. They may disperse gas, preventing further collapse, or compress nearby clouds, triggering new star formation.&nbsp;



Over time, as galaxies evolve, the availability of gas diminishes, leading to a gradual decline in star formation activity.



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



The Puppis constellation in the southern sky represents the stern of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation known as Argo Navis, which depicted the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts. 



However, Argo Navis was later divided into three separate constellations: Puppis, Carina (the keel), and Vela (the sails). Puppis is the largest of these three and contains many notable celestial objects.



This constellation is home to several bright stars, including Naos (Zeta Puppis), a hot, massive star that emits intense ultraviolet radiation. Puppis also hosts a wide variety of deep-sky objects, such as open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and nebulae. 



Among these, Messier 46 and Messier 47 stand out. Both are beautiful star clusters that are visible through binoculars or small telescopes. The region is dense with stars because it lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, making it a prime area for stargazing and astrophotography. 



Image Credit: NASA



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NGC 2566: A cosmic eye in the Puppis constellation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral...

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 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

Top-down control is when predators who sit atop the food chain assist with the regulation of the animals who are beneath them. That's exactly what happened when the wolves were reintroduced. With deer numbers dwindling, the vegetation flourished. Photo credit: U.S. Marines

Plants are Back

Volcanic,Gas,Bubbles,Through,Porous,Rock,Near,The,Island,Of

Axial Seamount sits under the Pacific Ocean about 300 miles from the U.S. coast. Since 1997, scientists have kept a careful eye on it using instruments that measure pressure on the ocean floor. 



Data shows that the volcano has been swelling, with changing rates that hint at an upcoming eruption.



Its activity caught the attention of experts because it shows a pattern of erupting after reaching a particular level of inflation. 



Observers have noted that the volcano’s swelling slowed from 2015 to 2023, then sped up again in late 2023. By mid-2024, that rate hit 10 inches per year, while daily earthquakes soared into the hundreds.



Mark Zumberge, a geophysicist at <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>, has described it this way: “It’s the most well-instrumented submarine volcano on the planet.” 



He and others use pressure sensors and AI-driven analysis to gauge shifts in earthquake patterns. William Chadwick of <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> once referred to a 2015 eruption forecast as their “best forecasting success.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-continental-plates-pull-apart">Where continental plates pull apart</h2>



Axial Seamount rises from the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/subduction-juan-de-fuca-plate-beneath-north-american-pla" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juan de Fuca Ridge</a>, an underwater mountain range in the northeastern Pacific. 



At this ridge, the Earth’s crust pulls apart due to the motion of tectonic plates, allowing molten rock to rise up and shape new crust. 



Plates moving apart have built a chain of peaks called a mid-ocean ridge. These ridges rarely capture the public’s imagination, yet they form one of Earth’s largest continuous geological features.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_underwater-geography_credit-UWashington_1m-1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_underwater-geography_credit-UWashington_1s.webp" alt="Geography of the underwater volcano Axial Seamount, located in the Juan de Fuca Ridge, an underwater mountain range. Credit: University of Washington" class="wp-image-1955549"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Geography of the underwater volcano Axial Seamount, located in the Juan de Fuca Ridge, an underwater mountain range. Credit: University of Washington</figcaption></figure>



The ridge separates the Pacific Plate and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/claim-earth-has-six-continents-not-seven-north-america-europe-connected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North American Plate</a>. When those plates drift away from each other, magma surfaces and hardens. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volcanic and seismic events</a> dot this region, including those at Axial. Repeated eruptions at this particular volcano have given researchers a real-time window into volcanic processes that most can only study from old rocks on land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-axial-seamount-eruptions">Axial Seamount eruptions</h2>



Because Axial Seamount experiences frequent eruptions, it provides chances to fine-tune eruption predictions. 



Its swelling has reached levels that match those seen before past eruptions, prompting discussions about the next event possibly coming by the end of 2025.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_underground-magma-system_credit-OregonStateU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_underground-magma-system_credit-OregonStateU_1s.webp" alt="A schematic model of the magmatic system below Axial Seamount. Green, blue, and cyan polygons on the seafloor indicate 1998, 2011, and 2015 lava flows, respectively. The red star indicates the location of a revised prolate-spheroid inflation source for the 2015 eruption52, and the magenta cycles denote the hydrothermal vents. Black lines denote eruptive fissures identified during 2011 and 2015 eruptions. A thermally controlled permeability boundary layer separates the MMR from hydrothermal fluid circulation (cyan dashed lines with arrows) in the dike and lava section above13. White dashed lines denote the isotherms. Credit: Nature" class="wp-image-1955438"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A schematic model of the magmatic system below Axial Seamount. Green, blue, and cyan polygons on the seafloor indicate 1998, 2011, and 2015 lava flows, respectively. The red star indicates the location of a revised prolate-spheroid inflation source for the 2015 eruption52, and the magenta cycles denote the hydrothermal vents. Black lines denote eruptive fissures identified during 2011 and 2015 eruptions. A thermally controlled permeability boundary layer separates the MMR from hydrothermal fluid circulation (cyan dashed lines with arrows) in the dike and lava section above13. White dashed lines denote the isotherms. Credit: Nature</figcaption></figure>



Since these eruptions have been fairly similar each time, scientists are learning which signs point to magma movement and what those signals might mean for future activity.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hydrothermal-vents-earths-blueprint-for-finding-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hydrothermal vents</a> play a role in shaping local marine ecosystems. Lava flows and bursts of heated fluid feed specialized life, such as tube worms and clams, that flourish in dark, high-pressure environments. 



This small spot of deep-sea life is a reminder of how volcanic activity can spur biological communities in unexpected places.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-new-prediction-methods">AI and new prediction methods</h2>



A recent effort involves analyzing quake patterns prior to 2015. That study leverages machine learning to recognize signals that precede an eruption. 



Experts see these methods as a way to identify shifts in ground motion more quickly than manual approaches. 



As inflation picks up again, this automated tracking could help identify the precise moment when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-molten-rock-layer-discovered-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molten rock</a> nears the surface.



Zumberge and others draw on a network of sensors that map every tremor and change in ground tilt. “At Axial, we don’t have to worry about false alarms,” said Chadwick. 



Thanks to these tools, false starts - common in volcano monitoring - have not posed much confusion here.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-axial-seamount-s-slopes">Beyond Axial Seamount's slopes</h2>



Underwater eruptions may seem distant to folks on land, but they have global significance. The 2022 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tonga-eruption-had-the-energy-of-five-nuclear-explosions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hunga Tonga event</a>, for example, triggered a tsunami that caused an estimated $90 billion in losses. 



Though Axial Seamount itself poses little direct threat - shield volcanoes are less violent, and tremors here lack the force to create large waves - insights gained may aid efforts to forecast other, more hazardous sites.



“There’s no crystal ball,” noted volcanologist Valerio Acocella, from <a href="https://www.uniroma3.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Roma Tre</a> in Italy, who studies both submarine and terrestrial volcanoes. 



That simple fact drives efforts to refine predictive science, using a wide range of data: ground deformation, quake frequency, and the chemistry of volcanic gases. 



Any improvement in these forecasts could limit harm in regions where eruptions might strike without warning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-models-with-real-time-data">Refining models with real-time data</h2>



When Axial erupts, molten rock pours out across the seafloor, and new vents appear. These events offer a direct look at how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crystals-can-help-predict-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma moves underground</a>. 



Instruments feed constant streams of measurements to shore-based labs, revealing changes that happen within hours or even minutes. 



That trove of information helps experts see common threads that tie Axial’s predictable nature to more erratic volcanoes around the world.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_seafloor-uplift_graph_credit-OregonStateU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_seafloor-uplift_graph_credit-OregonStateU_1s.webp" alt="Cumulative seafloor uplift and detected earthquakes at Axial Seamount underwater volcano. The vertical axis shows the uplift since May 2015, and the horizontal axis shows the cumulative amount of earthquakes detected since May 2015. Credit: Oregon State University" class="wp-image-1955436"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cumulative seafloor uplift and detected earthquakes at Axial Seamount underwater volcano. The vertical axis shows the uplift since May 2015, and the horizontal axis shows the cumulative amount of earthquakes detected since May 2015. Credit: Oregon State University</figcaption></figure>



Each new episode produces extra details, clarifying where magma is stored and how it shifts in the days or weeks before an eruption. 



According to Acocella, “We need these ideal cases to understand how volcanoes work.” 



Because Axial has such robust instrumentation, these “ideal cases” are more complete than anything available from many land-based sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Even though the undersea location of Axial Seamount means there is minimal risk to nearby shorelines, scientists still keep track of everything that happens beneath the waves. 



If a future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submarine volcano</a> shows similar signals but lies closer to inhabited regions, the same methods could help governments plan. 



Real-time data streams might allow them to evacuate at-risk areas or safeguard critical infrastructure.



At Axial, repeated eruptions give a sense of certainty about what might unfold next. 



Unlike volcanoes that lie dormant for decades, this one reactivates on a cycle, creating a chance to track repeated patterns. That cyclical aspect has turned Axial into a natural classroom for geophysicists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-impact-of-axial-seamount">Global impact of Axial Seamount</h2>



To sum it all up, technological advances have made it easier to keep watch on both shallow and deep sections of Earth’s crust. Long cables connect sensors, offering near-instant awareness of quake swarms and ground shifts. 



By combining those tools with AI algorithms, research teams spot subtle shifts that might have gone unnoticed in older data sets.



The anticipation of Axial’s next eruption has galvanized experts who study volcanic forecasting. 



Axial’s shield structure, real-time monitoring, and location on a mid-ocean ridge present a unique scenario where everything lines up for practical research. 



Overall, many specialists see this site as a key test bed for learning about submarine eruptions. 



Eruptions at Axial allow researchers to gather immediate, detailed data that refine future warnings and guide planning for potentially dangerous underwater volcanoes elsewhere.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49188-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>



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Underwater volcano off the US coast could erupt at any moment

Axial Seamount sits under the Pacific Ocean about 300 miles...

Volcanoes hold incredible power, but similar to plants and their root systems, most volcanic activity that occurs before an eruption happens beneath the surface.



Traditional monitoring tools focus on measuring seismic activity and collecting gas samples, yet these methods can miss subtle warning signs hidden in rugged landscapes. 



Researchers have been searching for additional ways to detect signs of unrest before eruptions happen, especially for volcanoes that are far from inhabited areas. They are now turning to plant life for clues and signs that a volcano is close to erupting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-plants-and-volcanoes">Carbon dioxide, plants, and volcanoes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volcanic gases, like carbon dioxide</a>, are often released as magma pushes upward. Detecting them can be tricky because the same gases also appear in everyday life.



Certain remote volcanoes lack permanent sensors or easy access, which leads scientists to test creative approaches that might reveal small changes long before other instruments notice them.



One project was led by Robert Bogue from <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> in Montreal, Canada, who worked with colleagues to measure patterns in vegetation health near hydrothermal areas in the Yellowstone Caldera. 



The results reveal how plants respond to changes in the ground beneath them, which may point to rising magma and a heightened risk of volcanic activity or the imminent eruption of a volcano.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-volcanoes-as-allies">Plants and volcanoes as allies</h2>



Plants adjust how they grow when their surroundings shift. This adjustment includes changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> and patterns in leaf structure.



Variations in carbon dioxide, sulfur, and soil temperature can affect how trees flourish, and these factors often emerge in volcanic settings. 



Scientists reason that such signals might appear in plant tissues months or years before major events occur.



In the field, it can be hard to see small changes in vegetation by eye alone. Forests are vast, and weather can alter growth in ways unrelated to volcanoes. 



That is why satellite imaging has become popular. It can scan large areas and detect subtle hints of stress or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-learning-can-help-track-changes-in-forest-cover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual greening</a> that might not stand out on the ground.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beneath-the-canopy">Looking beneath the canopy</h2>



One helpful technique is the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (<a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/MeasuringVegetation/measuring_vegetation_2.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NDVI</a>). This calculation captures how vigorously plants are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/details-photosynthesis-water-viewed-atomic-level-cryo-microscope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesizing</a> by measuring chlorophyll levels.



Scores range from negative numbers up to 1, with higher numbers pointing to healthy leaves. By comparing these values in different spots over time, researchers can see if there are trends that may connect to shifts in the subsurface environment.



Studies in volcanic regions suggest that small bursts of carbon dioxide and heated fluids can initially fertilize local plants. But higher concentrations of harmful gases or very hot soil can stress and even kill them. 



Tracking these ups and downs over multiple years can reveal a story of underground changes that unfold gradually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tern-lake-as-a-proving-ground">Tern Lake as a proving ground</h2>



In Wyoming, the Tern Lake thermal area sits in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-music-will-yellowstones-seismic-activity-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone Caldera</a>. From 1984 to 2022, archived Landsat images showed that tree health in this hydrothermal zone improved for about 16 years. 



Scientists believe the initial benefit may have come from extra nutrients reaching the soil. Then around the early 2000s, the satellite record captured a shift, with tree health dipping and many lodgepole pines dying near the center of activity.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/plants_predict-volcanic-eruptions_satellite-photos_credit-McGill-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/plants_predict-volcanic-eruptions_satellite-photos_credit-McGill-University_1s.webp" alt="Images of the study area in 1994 compared to 2022, with the significant loss of trees in the epicenter of the hydrothermal area. Landsat images (c, d) highlight the decline in plant health in the central area with lighter color shading corresponding to lower Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values. Credit: Bogue et al. McGill University" class="wp-image-1955545"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Images of the study area in 1994 compared to 2022, with the significant loss of trees in the epicenter of the hydrothermal area. Landsat images (c, d) highlight the decline in plant health in the central area with lighter color shading corresponding to lower Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values. Credit: Bogue et al. McGill University</figcaption></figure>



Infrared data suggested that soil temperatures in parts of the site exceeded 122°F, and that poisonous gases and acidic fluids were breaking down <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant tissues</a>.



Over time, the zone of stress spread outward, and a bare patch of dead trees became more visible. This persistent change confirmed that a deeper process was heating the ground and altering the chemistry that plants depend on.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-from-plants-that-a-volcano-is-waking-up">Signs from plants that a volcano is waking up</h2>



The research team linked these findings to pathways of hydrothermal fluids moving toward the surface. In some areas, mineral buildup may have clogged old routes, forcing new channels to open. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquake-activity-will-increase-due-to-glacial-retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earthquake data</a> supported this interpretation. Small tremors can indicate that magma or hot fluids are seeking different escape routes.



Collectively, these events point to activity that might have begun well before on-the-ground surveys took note.



Observations also suggest that this expansion reached a limit. Some recent field checks found signs of new seedlings taking hold in once-barren terrain. 



This could mean the local system is calming, at least for the moment. Changes in vegetation and plant life can serve as a reminder that volcanoes and their processes are not always linear. Conditions can shift as gases and fluids come and go.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



These discoveries illustrate how forests can serve as eyes on a hidden world. Researchers have often relied on thermal cameras and gas detectors to evaluate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic hazards</a>, but those instruments have limitations.



In some places, there is no easy way to install or maintain them. Harsh weather, dense canopies, and rough slopes can hamper efforts to collect reliable data.



Satellite imagery provides wide coverage without the need for a permanent presence in challenging locations. 



Vegetation-based monitoring is not a standalone method, but it can offer valuable hints for scientists. If the data show unusual patterns of greening or die-off, teams can schedule closer inspection or deploy instruments before any major event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanoes-plants-and-a-safer-tomorrow">Volcanoes, plants, and a safer tomorrow</h2>



Every volcano is unique. Some are surrounded by thick forests, while others sit in deserts or at high elevations. 



Where conditions support enough plant life, scientists can try vegetation indexes to look for shifts that might signal building magma. 



In other areas, this strategy may be less useful or confounded by drought, wildfires, or different species that react in unexpected ways.



The hope is to combine these plant observations with other signals. Minor quakes, ground swelling, and changes in gas composition all help create a clearer picture of what lies beneath the surface. 



Scientists continue to refine these approaches. As they gather more information, they can figure out how to focus resources on volcanoes that pose the greatest risk.



The story at Tern Lake shows that forests can act as an early warning system, revealing shifts that might mean an eruption is more likely. By studying these patterns, experts might someday issue alerts sooner than ever before.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GC010938" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems</a>.



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Plants and trees are able to predict volcano eruptions

Volcanoes hold incredible power, but similar to plants and their...

On December 16, Henry, the world’s oldest known crocodile, marked his 124th birthday at a conservation center in South Africa. He has attracted attention for his extraordinary lifespan and remains a prime example of how a well-protected environment may support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-aging-what-animals-can-teach-us-about-getting-older/">healthy aging in animals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-henry-s-timeless-presence">Henry’s timeless presence</h2>



He has resided at the <a href="https://crocworld.co.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crocworld Conservation Centre</a> in Scottburgh, South Africa, since 1985 and arrived with a history reaching back to his capture in the Okavango Delta in 1903. 



According to the center, <a href="https://crocworld.co.za/news/detail/friends-of-henry-can-rest-assured-this-crocodile-is-still-rocking-at-crocworld" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henry</a> has fathered over <a href="https://crocworld.co.za/news/detail/friends-of-henry-can-rest-assured-this-crocodile-is-still-rocking-at-crocworld">10,000 offspring</a>, illustrating his sustained vitality and robust biological functions.



“An age of 124 is not inconceivable for a crocodile,” said <a href="https://www.uab.edu/cas/biology/people/faculty/steven-n-austad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steven Austad</a> from the <a href="https://www.ua.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama</a>. This commentary adds weight to Henry’s reputation and has prompted curiosity about the factors that support crocodile resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-and-metabolism">Growth and metabolism</h2>



Many reptiles grow throughout their lives, and Henry is no exception at an estimated 1,540 pounds (700 kg) in mass and 16.4 feet (5 meters) in length. 



This hefty size, combined with a slow metabolism, helps him conserve energy and may also give him an edge against external threats.



Crocodiles rely on heat from the sun and surrounding environment instead of generating warmth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-croc-day-embracing-the-mighty-reptile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">within their bodies</a>. 



This trait appears to reduce the rate at which their tissues wear out, and adds to their ability to maintain a high level of functioning for years.



Life in captivity has limited Henry’s exposure to food shortages or conflicts with other crocodiles. Such stability shields him from hazards that might cut short a more vulnerable reptile’s life in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-on-crocodile-aging">Observations on crocodile aging</h2>



Scientists have found <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/aging-insights-reptiles-amphibians" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> that reptiles in good living conditions show minimal deterioration in muscles, bones, and even immune response. 



Henry’s lifestyle suggests that an environment with the right temperature, healthy nutrition, and reliable care can delay many common issues that come <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-aging-what-animals-can-teach-us-about-getting-older/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with advanced age</a>.



Research on crocodiles reveals remarkable immune features. One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024006145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> demonstrated that Nile crocodile blood contains proteins that help ward off infections and boost healing by increasing white blood cell production.



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



In one investigation, experts observed a spike in white blood cells within a single hour after a crocodile was exposed to a common bacterial threat. 



Those findings highlight the speed and strength of crocodiles’ defenses, which may keep them healthy across the decades.



Antibacterial qualities in crocodile blood have been shown to limit the spread of harmful pathogens. 



This may explain how these animals survive wounds in habitats that teem with microbes, while comparable injuries might be life-threatening for other creatures.



Scientists have also examined the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844021026979" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiome</a> in crocodiles, suspecting that their intestinal microbes support a stronger immune system. 



This microbial harmony might protect against infections, thus promoting longevity and resilience in harsh conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-resilience">Historical resilience</h2>



Crocodilians have been around for many millions of years, according to the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/crocodile-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>. 



They endured drastic climate changes and lived through mass extinction events that eradicated many other large reptiles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodile-aging-studies">Crocodile aging studies</h2>



Researchers aim to unravel more details about crocodiles’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodile-evolution-was-influenced-by-environmental-factors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune functions</a>, as these might inspire new treatments for infections and inflammatory conditions. 



Unlocking these biological pathways could offer significant benefits for human health.



Advances in technology will allow teams to study crocodile genes, proteins, and microbial interactions more thoroughly. 



This focus may lead to safer approaches in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria or managing wound recovery, thereby improving people’s quality of life in underserved areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-level-gains">Community-level gains</h2>



Neighboring communities can use knowledge from this research to protect their natural surroundings. 



Preserving habitats for crocodiles, while observing how these animals regulate their health, might lead to conservation and biomedical breakthroughs.



Henry’s case highlights the importance of safeguarding older animals that can teach us about longevity. 



Facilities that promote coexistence between people and wildlife help preserve irreplaceable genetic resources that might one day turn into lifesaving innovations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-public-awareness">Improved public awareness</h2>



Experts believe this research can spark interest in reptile welfare and the crucial role these species play in ecosystems. 



Encouraging broader conservation efforts, in turn, fosters a stronger appreciation of biodiversity and its benefits.



Representatives from conservation groups outside of Crocworld have remarked that aging crocodiles sometimes exhibit unusual levels of disease resistance. 



This input aligns with what researchers are finding about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-crocodile-had-dolphin-like-flippers-and-smooth-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptile biology</a>, emphasizing the value of long-term study in controlled environments.



Gathering data on crocodiles from hatchling to old age remains difficult, given these animals’ lifespans. 



Studies require a long window of monitoring, and continuity can be hard to maintain as scientists change institutions or move on to other projects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodiles-aging-and-the-future">Crocodiles, aging, and the future</h2>



Henry’s enduring presence offers a chance to learn more about life at the extreme upper range of crocodile longevity. 



By exploring the intersection of genetics, environment, and microbial symbiosis, scientists may find pathways to boost disease prevention for both animals and humans.



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124-year-old crocodile challenges everything we know about aging

On December 16, Henry, the world’s oldest known crocodile, marked...

Ebola, a severe hemorrhagic disease caused by a virus endemic in parts of East-Central and West Africa, is generally known to spread through contact with bodily fluids from individuals who have the infection.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ebola-virus-on-the-skin-surface">Ebola virus on the skin surface</h2>



More recent outbreaks, such as the 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, have shown that infectious Ebola virus (EBOV) is also found on the surface of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-tech-will-track-emotions-through-changes-in-our-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a> of those who have succumbed to infection or at late times during infection.&nbsp;



Although this suggests that the virus can be transmitted from skin contact with someone in the later stages of the disease, researchers have not yet fully understood how the virus exits the body and appears on the skin’s surface.



In a recent study, scientists at <a href="https://uihealthcare.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iowa Health Care</a>, working with colleagues at <a href="https://www.txbiomed.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas Biomedical Research Institute</a> and <a href="https://www.bu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University</a>, have uncovered a cellular route that EBOV uses to traverse the inner and outer layers of skin and emerge onto the surface.&nbsp;



The researchers identified new cell types within the skin that are targeted by EBOV during infection and confirms that human skin tissues actively sustain EBOV infection.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-route-of-ebola-infection">Possible route of Ebola infection</h2>



The results, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr6140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, suggest that the skin’s surface may be one possible route of person-to-person transmission.



“The skin is the largest organ in the human body yet is woefully understudied compared to most other organs. Interactions of EBOV with skin cells have not previously been extensively examined,” said study senior author Wendy Maury, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa.&nbsp;



“Our work provides evidence for one mechanistic avenue that EBOV uses to exit from the human body. A comprehensive understanding of which cells are targeted during virus infection is critical for rational development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/willow-bark-may-contain-life-saving-antiviral-medications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antiviral</a> approaches.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-skin-model-for-tracking-ebola">Human skin model for tracking Ebola</h2>



The research team, guided by Maury and Kelly Messingham, a research professor of dermatology at the University of Iowa, designed a new method for discovering which skin cells are infected by Ebola virus.&nbsp;



They constructed a human skin explant system using full-thickness biopsies from healthy individuals, preserving both the deeper (dermal) and surface (epidermal) layers of skin.



Next, the team placed these explants dermal side down in culture media, adding virus particles to simulate how EBOV would move from the bloodstream outward toward the skin’s exterior.&nbsp;



This setup let the researchers use specialized tracing and labeling techniques to observe how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-covid-19-virus-travels-deep-inside-our-lungs/">virus</a> progressed from one layer of skin to the next, tracking which cells became infected as time passed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-cells-prone-to-ebola-infection">Skin cells prone to Ebola infection</h2>



Prior clinical and animal studies indicated that skin cells could become infected with EBOV, yet they did not identify the particular cells involved.&nbsp;



In this work, the authors showed that EBOV infects several cell types in the skin explant, including macrophages, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes.&nbsp;



Some of these cells are also infected by EBOV in other tissues, but keratinocytes - particular to skin - had not been previously recognized as an EBOV replication site.



Notably, the virus appeared to replicate more actively in the epidermal layer than in the dermal layer when compared on a per-gram basis. Within three days, infectious virus was detected at the epidermal surface, underscoring the virus’s ability to rapidly move through skin to the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tool-for-exploring-new-therapies">Tool for exploring new therapies </h2>



In addition to mapping how the virus travels through the skin, the scientists demonstrated that human skin explants offer a realistic, three-dimensional model for examining potential antiviral treatments against EBOV. This model could be an economical and valuable tool for exploring new therapies.



“This study explores the role of the skin as a potential route of Ebola virus infection and identifies, for the first time, several cell types in the skin that are permissive to infection,” Messingham said.&nbsp;



“In total, these findings elucidate a mechanism by which EBOV traffics to the skin’s surface and may explain person-to-person transmission via skin contact.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-ebola-infection-nbsp">New insights into Ebola infection&nbsp;</h2>



Beyond its discoveries about the skin, the research also zoomed in on interactions between the Ebola virus and two particular skin cell types, fibroblasts and keratinocytes.&nbsp;



The team found specific receptors on these cells that facilitate the virus’s entry, adding further clarity on how EBOV infects skin on a molecular level.



By clarifying one route the virus may take to exit the body, these findings expand our knowledge of Ebola’s spread and highlight why skin-to-skin contact in advanced cases of infection can pose such a risk.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-public-health-concern">Ongoing public health concern</h2>



Understanding these pathways, and identifying the cell types that the virus relies on, can influence future efforts to develop effective treatments and prevention measures.



This work also sets the stage for further investigations into how EBOV might exploit other organs or tissues and suggests potential ways to block the virus’s path at the skin level.&nbsp;



With Ebola remaining an ongoing global health concern, insights like these can help scientists target the virus more effectively and better protect those at risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-infection-equips-the-body-to-fight-off-the-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infection</a>.



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Skin may play a hidden role in Ebola infection

Ebola, a severe hemorrhagic disease caused by a virus endemic...

Ground,Coffee,In,Coffee,Maker,Portafilter,On,Coffee,Beans,Background,

Ever wondered if the flavor of your coffee could taste even better? A simple dash of water might hold the secret to a richer, smoother cup. 



New research reveals that adding moisture to coffee beans before grinding can significantly improve brewing flavor while preventing the mess and waste often caused by static electricity.



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



Grinding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-coffee-reduces-the-risk-of-certain-cancers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> beans produces friction as the particles collide, rub together, and break apart. This process causes the ground coffee to develop a charge, which then produces static electricity.



The charged coffee particles stick together, forming clumps that can clog grinders. These clumps make it difficult to achieve a consistent grind, leading to uneven brewing and less flavorful coffee.



Scientists have investigated the impact of this static buildup on the brewing process. Their research revealed a simple yet effective solution: adding water to the beans before grinding. 



This moisture reduces static electricity, prevents clumping, and ensures smoother grinding, which ultimately improves the quality and flavor of the brewed coffee.



"Moisture, whether it's residual moisture inside the roasted coffee or external moisture added during grinding, is what dictates the amount of charge that is formed during grinding," explained Christopher Hendon, a materials chemist at the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oregon</a>.



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



Static electricity is what happens when there's an imbalance of tiny electric charges on the surface of an object. 



Everything around us is made up of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/x-ray-single-atom-captured-by-scientists-for-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny particles called atoms</a>, and inside these atoms, there are even smaller particles called electrons. Electrons carry a negative charge, and they can move from one object to another.



For example, when you rub a balloon on your hair, some electrons from your hair move to the balloon, making the balloon negatively charged and your hair positively charged. This is why the balloon can stick to your hair or make your hair stand up - opposite charges attract!



We experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-of-static-electricity-has-finally-been-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">static electricity</a> a lot in everyday life. You might have felt it when you touch a metal doorknob and get a little shock, or when your clothes stick together after they come out of the dryer.



These shocks happen when the extra charges suddenly move from one thing to another, often through your body, which feels like a quick zap. 



Static electricity is more common in dry air because moisture in the air helps stop the buildup of charges. That’s why it tends to happen more in the winter when the air is dry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-better-coffee-brewing">Science of better coffee brewing</h2>



Hendon and Joshua Méndez Harper, a former volcanologist from the University of Oregon, investigated how moisture affects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-coffee-is-missing-these-five-brain-boosting-spices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> grinding. 



The researchers examined coffee beans from various origins, with different roasting levels and moisture contents. 



They measured key factors such as the static electricity generated during grinding, the size of the resulting particles, and the flavor profiles of the brewed coffee.



The study revealed that darker, drier coffee roasts are more susceptible to static electricity than lighter, moister beans. 



The increased brittleness of darker roasts leads to greater friction during grinding, which causes clumping and uneven grounds.



By adding a small amount of water to the beans before grinding, the researchers showed that static electricity could be reduced. 



This simple adjustment produced a smoother grind and improved consistency, enhancing the quality of the coffee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-espresso-with-water">Stronger espresso with water</h2>



Harper and his team compared espresso brewed with beans ground with and without added moisture. 



They discovered that a light spritz of water not only reduced clumping but also improved the extraction process. The moist grounds allowed water to flow more evenly, and pulled more flavor from the coffee.



Hendon recommends adding about 20 microliters of water per gram of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robusta-coffee-could-save-our-morning-brew-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a>, which equals roughly half a milliliter for a single shot of espresso. 



This minor adjustment not only enhances the uniformity of the grind but also ensures a stronger and tastier cup of coffee, making it a simple yet effective technique for coffee enthusiasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-geophysics">Lessons from geophysics</h2>



The research also connects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-drinking-coffee-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> science with earth science. 



"There's a lot more to know about how coffee breaks, how it flows as particles, and how it interacts with water," said Harper. 



By studying coffee, scientists hope to gain insights into broader geophysical phenomena like landslides, volcanic eruptions, and soil water flow.



These parallels highlight how everyday activities like brewing coffee can inspire scientific breakthroughs in seemingly unrelated fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spritz-your-beans-before-grinding">Spritz your beans before grinding </h2>



For coffee enthusiasts, the study provides an easy and practical tip: spritz your beans before grinding. By preventing clumping, the grinding process becomes smoother and more consistent, which leads to evenly sized grounds.



This consistency enhances the brewing process, allowing water to flow more uniformly through the coffee. 



The result is a richer and more flavorful espresso, making this method an easy way to elevate your coffee experience without requiring additional tools or complex techniques.



"A few simple squirts of water have solved the problems of clumping, channeling, and poor extractions while aiding in the pursuit of attaining the tastiest espresso," Hendon states.



So, the next time you prepare your morning brew, try adding a little water to your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-coffee-good-for-you-it-may-depend-on-your-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beans</a>. It’s a simple step with a big payoff - and who knows, your kitchen experiment might just inspire the next scientific breakthrough.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/matter/fulltext/S2590-2385(23)00568-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matter</a>.



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Coffee flavor can be greatly improved with a simple trick

Ever wondered if the flavor of your coffee could taste...

Researchers at the Allen Institute have identified a specific brain region in mice where aging triggers significant changes in numerous cell types. The study also pinpointed which cell types undergo the most profound transformations



This new information, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08350-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, points toward potential approaches for slowing or controlling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-25-years-of-research-revealed-about-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> process in the brain.



The research was focused on numerous glial cell types - the brain’s “support cells” - that demonstrated considerable shifts in gene activity with age. Among the cells most affected were microglia, border-associated macrophages, oligodendrocytes, tanycytes, and ependymal cells.&nbsp;



The study showed that, in aging brains, the activity of genes linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation</a> rose, while the activity of genes important for neurons decreased.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-hotspot-identified-in-the-brain">Aging hotspot identified in the brain</h2>



The researchers discovered a concentration of these changes in an “aging hotspot,” located in the hypothalamus.&nbsp;



The most significant gene expression changes were discovered in cell types located near the third ventricle of the hypothalamus.



The cells include tanycytes, ependymal cells, and neurons with an important role in food intake, energy homeostasis, metabolism, and how our bodies use nutrients.&nbsp;



This observation hints at a connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>, lifestyle factors, brain aging, and changes that influence susceptibility to age-related brain disorders.



“Our hypothesis is that those cell types are getting less efficient at integrating signals from our environment or from things that we're consuming,” said study lead author Kelly Jin, a scientist at the <a href="https://alleninstitute.org/division/brain-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allen Institute for Brain Science</a>.&nbsp;



“And that loss of efficiency somehow contributes to what we know as aging in the rest of our body. I think that's pretty amazing, and I think it’s remarkable that we're able to find those very specific changes with the methods that we're using.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-millions-of-brain-cells">Analyzing millions of brain cells</h2>



The experts employed advanced single-cell RNA sequencing and high-resolution mapping methods created through <a href="https://braininitiative.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The BRAIN Initiative®</a>.&nbsp;



The team analyzed over 1.2 million brain cells taken from mice at two months of age (classified as “young”) and 18 months of age (considered by researchers to be “late middle-aged”).&nbsp;



Mice share critical structural, functional, and genetic features with humans, making them useful for studying how the brain evolves over time.



“Aging is the most important risk factor for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-attacks-the-brain-in-two-separate-phases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a> and many other devastating brain disorders. These results provide a highly detailed map for which brain cells may be most affected by aging,” said Richard J. Hodes, the director of <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIH’s National Institute on Aging</a>.&nbsp;



“This new map may fundamentally alter the way scientists think about how aging affects the brain and also provides a guide for developing new treatments for aging-related brain diseases.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-targets-for-future-therapies">Possible targets for future therapies</h2>



The researchers found that particular clusters of cell types in the hypothalamus had a meaningful drop in the genes essential for neuron functioning, while the genes involved in inflammation rose in activity.&nbsp;



The experts reasoned that examining this hotspot and these cell types more closely could lead to targeted interventions.



“We want to develop tools that can target those cell types,” said Hongkui Zeng, the executive vice president and director of the Allen Institute for Brain Science. “If we improve the function of those cells, will we be able to delay the aging process?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-factors-in-brain-aging">Lifestyle factors in brain aging</h2>



These data support earlier links between aging and metabolic changes, along with evidence suggesting that intermittent fasting or a balanced diet might influence longevity.&nbsp;



While the study did not test dietary patterns directly, it highlights the importance of understanding which brain cells may be “players” in the aging process.



“It’s not something we directly tested in this study,” said Jin. “But to me, it points to the potential players involved in the process, which I think is a huge deal because this is a very specific, rare population of neurons that express very specific genes that people can develop tools for to target and further study.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-age-related-declines-in-brain-health">Preventing age-related declines in brain health</h2>



The study provides a starting point for deeper inquiries into how diet, lifestyle, or pharmaceuticals might alleviate or slow age-related declines in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a>. 



By tracking the most vulnerable cell types, researchers hope to devise strategies - whether dietary or pharmaceutical - that help maintain healthy brain function well into old age.



“The important thing about our study is that we found the key players - the real key players - and the biological substrates for this process,” Zeng said.&nbsp;



“Putting the pieces of this puzzle together, you have to find the right players. It’s a beautiful example of why you need to study the brain and the body at this kind of cell type-specific level.”&nbsp;



“Otherwise, changes happening in specific cell types could be averaged out and undetected if you mix different types of cells together.”



As scientists probe further into the link between these specific cells and the hypothalamic region, this line of research sets the stage for developing new methods aimed at preserving cognitive abilities and forestalling age-related diseases. 



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'Aging hotspot' found in the brain may hold the key to longevity 

Researchers at the Allen Institute have identified a specific brain...

He was out prospecting for gold in 2015, when something far heavier than any ordinary rock caught his eye. David Hole believed he had stumbled upon a valuable nugget in Maryborough, just a few hours from Melbourne.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-curious-find">A curious find</h2>



At first glance, the odd <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-finds-best-evidence-yet-life-on-mars-cheyava-falls-rock/">reddish rock</a> looked like it might hold a fortune. Hole tried every method he could think of to see if there was gold buried inside.



Melbourne Museum geologist Dermot <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vLYRmCsAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henry</a> first examined the object when Hole brought it in, still believing it contained hidden treasure. 



Henry recognized qualities that made the rock stand out from typical specimens that people lug into the museum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unbreakable-mystery">Unbreakable mystery</h2>



The stone withstood onslaughts with a rock saw, power drills, and even repeated hammer blows. Hole’s attempts to crack it exposed an important detail: the thing was tough in a way that ordinary, gold-containing stones are not.



After a diamond saw finally cut off a thin slice, the internal structure <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/prospector-s-mystery-rock-was-no-nugget-but-something-much-rarer-20190716-p527pi.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">showed</a> an abundance of iron and nickel.&nbsp;



It was an <a href="https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbullclass.php?sea=h5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H5 ordinary chondrite meteorite</a> weighing 17 kilograms (37.5 pounds), and <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/media-releases/meteorite-found-by-gold-prospector-the-first-found-in-victoria-since-1995-comes-to-museums-victoria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">originally</a> part of the leftover chunks from our Solar System’s early days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-largest-of-its-kind">Second largest of its kind</h2>



Experts concluded that this Maryborough meteorite is around <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/media-releases/meteorite-found-by-gold-prospector-the-first-found-in-victoria-since-1995-comes-to-museums-victoria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4.6 billion years old</a>. It is only the 17th meteorite ever recorded in the Australian state of Victoria and the second-largest single chondritic mass found there.



Bill <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/about-us/staff/dr-bill-birch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birch</a>, also from the Melbourne Museum, immediately noticed how unnaturally heavy the stone felt for its size. He recognized the polished, sculpted exterior, shaped was by a fiery descent through Earth’s atmosphere.



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



The researchers say meteorites like this provide vital pieces in the puzzle of how our planetary neighborhood formed. By analyzing their chemical makeup, scientists can learn about conditions that existed long before Earth was fully formed.



When the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/">Solar System</a> took shape, it began as a swirling mix of gas and chondrite fragments. Much of this material coalesced into planets, while some lumps never merged and ended up in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-journey">Unexpected journey</h2>



A cosmic collision in that belt might have dislodged the Maryborough meteorite long ago. It then hurtled through space, entered Earth’s atmosphere, and eventually plopped into the clay where Hole discovered it.



Carbon dating <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/RS/RS19002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">places</a> its arrival at anywhere between 100 and 1,000 years ago. Observers in the region reported bright fireballs overhead at different times in history, any one of which might have been the final leg of this stone’s cosmic trip.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-significance">Historic significance</h2>



Investigations show that meteorites of this size do not surface often in Victoria. Many people <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supergiant-gold-deposit-find-claims-to-be-the-worlds-largest-discovery-ever/">find gold</a> in Maryborough’s fields, but few come across something formed beyond our planet.



“Meteorites provide the cheapest form of space exploration. They transport us back in time, providing clues to the age, formation, and chemistry of our Solar System (including Earth),” said Henry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rarity-over-gold">Rarity over gold</h2>



“This is only the 17th meteorite found in Victoria, whereas there’s been thousands of gold nuggets found,” said Henry. That ratio alone underlines how uncommon such objects can be.



Scientists discovered small, metallic chondrules within the space rock. These droplets once floated in a cloud of hot dust in the early Solar System, and eventually hardened into solid rock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-museum-worthy-exhibit">Museum-worthy exhibit</h2>



The Maryborough meteorite was placed on display at the Melbourne Museum. Hole, who never found gold in that rock, later marveled at its grander significance.



Experts classify it as an H5 ordinary chondrite, a type believed to resemble the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/">material that formed our planet</a>. Learning about its texture and composition may shed light on how Earth evolved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-stay-on-earth">Short stay on Earth</h2>



The meteorite’s weathered surface suggests it has not spent more than a few centuries in the soil. Researchers point to several historical newspaper accounts about blazing objects in the sky, any of which could match its rough arrival date.



In July 2019, Henry and Birch, along with other collaborators, published a detailed <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/rs/rs19002">paper</a> describing the meteorite's properties. Their study chronicles its structure and chemical makeup, and offers a glimpse at an untouched fragment of our early neighborhood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-treasure">Surprising treasure</h2>



Hole never got the gold he expected, but he discovered something even more precious to science. His story is a reminder that unusual objects can turn out to be cosmic gifts hiding right under our feet.



Anybody with a backyard might have an interstellar souvenir tucked away in the dirt. In rare cases, that suspiciously heavy rock could be a time capsule from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-novae-star-explosion-may-be-origin-phosphorus-life/">origins of the Solar System</a>.



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He thought it was gold, but inside this 4.6 billion-year-old meteorite he found something even stranger

He was out prospecting for gold in 2015, when something...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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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...

Day and night, the battle ensued, and the wolves were the victors nearly every time. This relationship between the wolves and deer is known as &#8220;top-down control.&#8221;

Top-Down

Now, the deer were suddenly thrust back into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-predators-trapped-by-trying-to-adapt-to-climate-change/">predator </a>versus prey world, and even though there were far fewer wolves than deer, the wolves were fearsome hunters. They welcomed the challenge.