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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-pangong-lake">Features of Pangong Lake </h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

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

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 the European Space Agency...

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 control measure to regulate the floodwaters of the Euphrates River.&nbsp;



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.&nbsp;



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 the Rüppell's fox, golden jackal, Indian grey mongoose, jungle cat, and the wildcat. 



<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 wildlife. 



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 the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba about 43 million light-years away from Earth. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy ESO 300-16, which is located 28.7 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus. 



The galaxy is part of the ESO (European Southern Observatory) catalog, which includes a vast collection of galaxies observed in the southern hemisphere.



ESO 300-16 is notable for its chaotic structure, lacking the well-defined <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hubble-captures-a-collection-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral arms</a> or elliptical shape seen in many other galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ghostly-assemblage-of-stars">Ghostly assemblage of stars</h2>



According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, ESO 300-16 is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud.&nbsp;



"A rogue’s gallery of distant galaxies and foreground stars complete this astronomical portrait, which was captured by the Advanced Camera for Surveys," said ESA.



"This observation is one of a series which aims to get to know our galactic neighbors; around three quarters of the known galaxies suspected to lie within 10 megaparsecs of Earth have been observed by Hubble in enough detail to resolve their brightest stars and establish the distances to these galaxies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irregular-galaxy-structure">Irregular galaxy structure </h2>



ESO 300-16 lies at a relatively close distance to Earth compared to many other extragalactic objects, making it an interesting target for studies on galaxy formation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>. 



The galaxy's irregular structure suggests that it may have undergone past interactions with other galaxies or is in a stage of dynamic evolution.



One of the most striking features of ESO 300-16 is its wispy, diffuse appearance, with scattered patches of bright star-forming regions embedded within a fainter background. This indicates ongoing star formation, which is a common characteristic of irregular galaxies. 



Unlike large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral galaxies</a>, where star formation is often concentrated in well-organized arms, ESO 300-16's active regions are more randomly distributed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raw-material-for-star-formation">Raw material for star formation</h2>



Due to its irregular nature, the galaxy does not have a well-defined nucleus. Instead, it appears as a loose collection of stars, gas, and dust, which astronomers can study to understand the processes shaping such galaxies. 



Irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 are often rich in gas and dust, providing the raw material for new stars to form. 



Observations in different wavelengths, such as infrared and ultraviolet, can help reveal the presence of young, hot stars and cooler dust clouds that might be sites of future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-evolution-of-galaxies">Studying the evolution of galaxies </h2>



Hubble observations of ESO 300-16 provide insight into the structure and stellar populations of the galaxy, helping astronomers piece together its history and evolutionary path. 



The study of galaxies like ESO 300-16 contributes to our broader understanding of how galaxies form and evolve, especially those that do not fit into the traditional classifications of spirals and ellipticals.



Because irregular galaxies are often shaped by gravitational interactions or past mergers, ESO 300-16 may have had a turbulent past. 



It could have once been part of a larger system before being disrupted, or it might have formed in an environment where gravitational influences from nearby galaxies prevented it from developing a more regular shape. 



Studying its motion and the distribution of its stars can provide clues about any past interactions it may have experienced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-the-early-universe">A glimpse into the early universe </h2>



ESO 300-16 also provides a glimpse into what some galaxies in the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-is-expanding-faster-than-science-can-explain-hubble-tension-physics-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> might have looked like. 



Many early galaxies were irregular in shape before evolving into more structured forms over time. As a result, studying nearby irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 can offer valuable analogs for understanding galaxy formation in the distant past.



Although ESO 300-16 is not one of the most famous galaxies, it remains an important object for astronomers studying irregular galaxies, star formation, and the role of interactions in shaping galactic structures. 



Image Credit: ESA



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Ghostly galaxy in the constellation Eridanus

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features dust plumes streaming over West Texas, after a storm system developed in the Central Plains of the United States. 



The low-pressure storm system produced a destructive series of severe weather events across the country.



“A powerful mid-latitude cyclone delivered a potpourri of weather hazards as it worked its way across the United States in March 2025,” said NASA.



“Beginning on March 3, the low-pressure system fanned wildfires and blinding dust storms in the Southwest, spawned severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the Southeast, fueled blizzards in the Great Plains and Midwest, and dropped heavy rain in the Northeast.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-dust-storms">Massive dust storms</h2>



In New Mexico and Texas, the storm generated massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-and-dust-storms-have-become-unpredictable-and-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>, known as "haboobs," characterized by walls of dust stretching miles wide and thousands of feet high. These dust storms led to near-zero visibility, causing hazardous driving conditions and road closures.&nbsp;



The National Weather Service issued dust storm warnings, advising residents to stay indoors and drivers to pull over safely until conditions improved



NASA elaborated on the details captured in the image. “Clouds of dust appear to originate from arid landscapes in northern Mexico and West Texas, a region that spans the Chihuahuan Desert, cattle ranches and cotton farms, and gas and oil fields.”



“Exceptional drought has gripped West Texas for the past several months, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The lack of rain has parched vegetation and dried the land surface, making the region particularly susceptible to erosion and dust storms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-storms-are-intensifying-in-the-u-s">Dust storms are intensifying in the U.S.</h2>



Santiago Gassó, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that dust storms are typical in this region at this time of year. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing longer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a> in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, so we can expect more of this type of (larger) event.”



NASA noted that fierce winds and thick plumes of blowing dust led to traffic accidents, flight disruptions, school closures, power outages, and red and orange skies throughout the state and region.&nbsp;



“One particularly severe dust storm on March 3 sharply reduced visibility and contributed to a 21-car accident near Roswell, New Mexico.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blizzards-tornadoes-and-fire-weather">Blizzards, tornadoes, and fire weather</h2>



The storm also produced blizzard conditions in parts of the Rockies and the Plains, with heavy snowfall and strong winds making travel difficult and increasing the risk of power outages.&nbsp;



Major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee were expected to experience record low-pressure readings due to the storm's intensity.



In addition to dust storms and blizzards, the system brought severe weather to the Southern United States, including threats of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-tornado-outbreak-100-storms-touched-down-in-a-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tornadoes</a>, large hail, and strong winds.&nbsp;



North Texas, particularly the Dallas-Fort Worth area, faced significant impacts, with over 400,000 people experiencing power outages. An EF1 tornado struck Irving, Texas, leading to evacuations from damaged apartment complexes.



The storm's strong winds and low humidity levels also heightened fire risks in regions like Central Texas and Alabama. Red Flag Warnings were issued due to the increased potential for rapid and intense wildfires.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-panhandle-hook-storms-in-the-u-s">Panhandle hook storms in the U.S.</h2>



A panhandle hook is a type of low-pressure storm system that originates in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle regions and then moves northeast across the central United States.&nbsp;



These systems are named for their characteristic "hook-shaped" track, as they often travel from the southern Plains into the Midwest and Great Lakes region.



The storms typically begin as low-pressure systems in the semi-arid regions of Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico, where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets cold, dry air from the Rockies and the northern Plains.



As the system strengthens, it moves northeastward, often following a curved path that resembles a "hook" when mapped. This movement is influenced by the jet stream, which steers the storm across the central U.S.



Panhandle hook <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-fueled-unexpected-and-deadly-storms-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a> are particularly dangerous because they develop quickly and can intensify rapidly. They often occur in late winter and early spring, when temperature contrasts are strongest.



The image was captured on March 4, 2025 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Monster storm spawns severe weather across the U.S. 

Creating wolf-dog or coy-dog hybrids is risky because it’s difficult to determine exactly which traits from both breeds are going to be more dominant. The puppies could look like wolves and have the personality of a dog, or vice versa. That’s why owning a high-content wolfdog is illegal in some states. But there are other issues that arise with these dogs, too. These issues often lead to abandonment when the owner realizes exactly what they’ve gotten into…

A Dangerous Gamble

The farthest-flung human-made objects will be able to take their mission even farther, thanks to a series of power-saving decisions. On February 25, engineers turned off the cosmic ray subsystem experiment on Voyager 1, and on March 24, they will deactivate Voyager 2’s low-energy charged particle instrument.&nbsp;



Three science instruments will remain active on each spacecraft, enabling the twin probes to keep transmitting data from interstellar space despite an ever-declining power supply.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-challenges-in-deep-space">Energy challenges in deep space</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-1-resumes-sending-data-to-earth-from-interstellar-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 1</a> and Voyager 2, launched in 1977, rely on a radioisotope thermoelectric generator that converts the heat from decaying plutonium into electricity. Each spacecraft loses about 4 watts of power every year.&nbsp;



The project team, led by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>), has been gradually switching off instruments and systems to manage this dwindling energy, which is critical to the continued operation of the probes’ most important science instruments.



“The Voyagers have been deep space rock stars since launch, and we want to keep it that way as long as possible. But electrical power is running low,” said Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at JPL.



“If we don’t turn off an instrument on each Voyager now, they would probably have only a few more months of power before we would need to declare end of mission.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-voyager-s-instrument-load">Reducing Voyager’s instrument load</h2>



Each spacecraft originally carried ten instruments, many of which were designed to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-our-trip-to-jupiter-taking-so-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a>, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune during flybys in the 1980s.&nbsp;



Over the decades, after the planetary portion of the mission concluded, several instruments were deactivated, leaving the ones needed to investigate the heliosphere - the bubble of charged particles and magnetic fields generated by the Sun - and interstellar space, where both Voyagers are now traveling.&nbsp;



Voyager 1 crossed into interstellar space in 2012, followed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 2</a> in 2018, making them the only spacecraft to operate in that unknown realm.



Engineers decided in October to turn off Voyager 2’s plasma science instrument, which measures plasma flow but had collected limited recent data due to its orientation. 



Voyager 1’s version of this instrument had been switched off years ago for performance reasons. 



Now, the team has also shut down Voyager 1’s cosmic ray subsystem experiment, which consisted of three telescopes that studied energetic particles from the Sun and the wider galaxy. 



The data from that experiment was essential for pinpointing Voyager 1’s crossing from the heliosphere into interstellar space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-instruments-going-offline">Key instruments going offline</h2>



Next, the team will shut down the low-energy charged particle instrument on Voyager 2, which examines ions, electrons, and cosmic rays. 



The instrument includes two subsystems: a low-energy particle telescope for broad energy measurements, and a low-energy magnetospheric particle analyzer for specialized studies.&nbsp;



Both components rely on a rotating platform powered by a stepper motor that draws 15.7 watts every 192 seconds. 



That motor was tested to last through the spacecraft’s Saturn encounter in 1980, but by the time the instrument is powered off, it will have performed more than 8.5 million steps.



“The Voyager spacecraft have far surpassed their original mission to study the outer planets,” said Patrick Koehn, Voyager program scientist at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> Headquarters in Washington. 



“Every bit of additional data we have gathered since then is not only valuable bonus science for heliophysics, but also a testament to the exemplary engineering that has gone into the Voyagers - starting nearly 50 years ago and continuing to this day.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustaining-deep-space-exploration">Sustaining deep space exploration</h2>



Mission engineers have chosen to deactivate as few scientific instruments as possible because the probes deliver unique observations from the edge of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>. 



By carefully rationing power, they expect both Voyagers to keep collecting data for at least another year before more instruments must be switched off. 



Voyager 1 will continue operating its magnetometer and plasma wave subsystem, while its low-energy charged particle instrument will remain on through 2025 and then be switched off. 



Voyager 2 will keep running its magnetic field and plasma wave instruments, with its cosmic ray subsystem slated for shutdown in 2026.



Implementing this new power management approach should allow each spacecraft to keep at least one instrument functioning into the 2030s. 



However, the team acknowledges that the Voyagers, which have traveled for 47 years, could face unanticipated problems that shorten that timeline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-trailblazing-voyager-mission">The trailblazing Voyager mission</h2>



Voyager 1 is currently more than 15 billion miles (25 billion kilometers) from Earth, and Voyager 2 is over 13 billion miles (21 billion kilometers) away. 



Communicating with them is a slow process, taking about 23 hours for a signal to reach Voyager 1 and more than 19 hours to reach Voyager 2.



“Every minute of every day, the Voyagers explore a region where no spacecraft has gone before,” said Linda Spilker, Voyager project scientist at JPL.&nbsp;



“That also means every day could be our last. But that day could also bring another interstellar revelation. So, we’re pulling out all the stops, doing what we can to make sure Voyagers 1 and 2 continue their trailblazing for the maximum time possible,” she concluded.



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NASA pulls another life-saving maneuver for Voyager from 15 billion miles away

The farthest-flung human-made objects will be able to take their...

A total lunar eclipse is set to transform the moon into a deep red as it passes through Earth's shadow. The eclipse will unfold late Thursday night into early Friday morning, and will be visible across the Western Hemisphere. 



The last total lunar eclipse occurred on November 8, 2022, marking the first to align with Election Day in the United States. Once again, the moon will slip behind Earth, illuminated in red by scattered sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-the-moon-turn-red">Why does the moon turn red?</h2>



During the event, the moon and the sun will stand on opposite sides of Earth, perfectly aligned. When this happens, our planet blocks sunlight that would normally reach the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tonights-worm-moon-coincides-with-a-subtle-lunar-eclipse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>.



Instead of going dark, the moon glows red because Earth's atmosphere bends and filters the sunlight, scattering shorter wavelengths and letting only deep reds and oranges pass through. This phenomenon has earned the name “blood moon.”



According to NASA, between four and seven lunar and solar eclipses take place each year. Most of them are partial, and only part of the moon is shadowed. But a total lunar eclipse, when the moon disappears into Earth’s shadow entirely, is far less common.



The last time the world witnessed one, it could be seen in Asia, Australia, and across the Pacific. This time, the best seats belong to North and South America, though a faint glimpse may still be possible in parts of Europe and Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-watch-the-eclipse">How to watch the eclipse</h2>



No need for telescopes or protective glasses - this is one of the few <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvest-moon-2024-will-feature-a-partial-lunar-eclipse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial events</a> that requires nothing but your eyes and a clear sky.



The eclipse will begin at&nbsp;2:26 a.m. Eastern on Friday, March 14, 2025, reaching its most dramatic moment around&nbsp;3 a.m.&nbsp;when the moon takes on its fiery glow. The entire event will last roughly an hour, giving skywatchers plenty of time to take in the view.



“As long as the sky is clear, you should be able to see it,” said Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at <a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a>.



For those in Africa and Europe, the moon’s setting may cut the experience short. While some may still catch part of the eclipse, visibility won’t be as clear as it will be across the Americas.



“This is really an eclipse for North and South America,” said astronomy expert Michael Faison from <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-will-next-lunar-eclipse-happen">When will next lunar eclipse happen?</h2>



The next total lunar eclipse visible in the U.S. will not occur until&nbsp;March 2026. 



Until then, skywatchers may catch&nbsp;partial lunar eclipses, but a full&nbsp;blood moon&nbsp;won’t return for another two years. These events are rare, making each occurrence special.



For those who enjoy astronomical predictions, the next Election Day lunar eclipse is an extremely distant event. It won’t happen until November 8, 2394 - a staggering 372 years from now. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-eclipses-in-history">Lunar eclipses in history</h2>



Eclipses have stirred awe and fear for thousands of years. Before telescopes, ancient people crafted stories to explain the moon’s sudden disappearance and blood-red glow.



“They were looking at the night sky and they had a much brighter vision than we do today,” said historian Zoe Ortiz with the <a href="https://www.unt.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Texas</a>.



Aristotle’s observations of lunar eclipses helped confirm that Earth is round. He noted that Earth’s shadow, whenever it passed over the moon, was always curved. Centuries before space exploration, this simple observation provided undeniable proof of our planet’s shape.



For ancient Mesopotamians, a red moon was not just an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-skies-full-eclipses-transits-exoplanets-know-where-to-look/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomical event</a> - it was a warning. They believed it signaled danger for the king. To protect their ruler, they would place a temporary substitute on the throne, allowing any misfortune to fall upon the stand-in instead.



“If there’s ever a movie plot,” said Ortiz, “that’s the one.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-timeless-spectacle">A timeless spectacle</h2>



Even in an age of space probes and lunar missions, a blood moon remains a sight to behold. 



Unlike solar eclipses, which are visible only from narrow paths on Earth, a total lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere the moon is above the horizon.



The upcoming eclipse will transform the sky, giving stargazers a chance to witness something both scientifically explained and deeply mystical. 



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Total lunar eclipse will paint the moon blood red tomorrow

A total lunar eclipse is set to transform the moon...

Earth's climate is changing fast, and scientists are racing to understand how plants will respond. As temperatures rise and carbon dioxide levels increase, plants face new challenges and opportunities.



Some may grow larger, while others might struggle to maintain their natural processes. Understanding these shifts is essential for predicting future agricultural yields and ecosystem stability.



Researchers at the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory (<a href="https://prl.natsci.msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PRL</a>) Sharkey lab are studying how plant metabolism reacts to high light and high CO2 (HLHC) conditions.



The findings reveal that plants photosynthesize more in these conditions, which can result in larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-stop-absorbing-carbon-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> and higher crop yields. However, this process comes with a cost - plants also lose carbon, a key component for making food.



These results, published in Scientific Reports, highlight the complexity of plant responses to environmental changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-plant-metabolism">The future of plant metabolism </h2>



Scientists predict two major environmental shifts will affect plant metabolism. First, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels will continue rising. 



Second, global brightening will alter light conditions, as more solar radiation reaches the Earth's surface than in previous decades.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-climate-solutions-mixed-forests-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifts</a> will impact how plants grow and process carbon. Understanding these effects is crucial for future agricultural and ecological planning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-photosynthesis-rates">Increasing photosynthesis rates</h2>



“Our work demonstrates that it’s very important to study photosynthesis and the carbon metabolism in plants,” said Yuan Xu, postdoctoral researcher in the <a href="https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/labs/sharkey-lab/sharkey-lab.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sharkey lab</a> and first author of the study. 



“Especially when we think about conditions for the future based on predictions. If you want to do bioengineering in the future, to make a plant that can better adapt to these future conditions, you need to focus on these areas.”



The experts found that in future conditions, photosynthesis rates increase, but light respiration rates remain unchanged. This means plants can produce more sucrose and starch, which are vital for their survival and growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-store-carbon">How plants store carbon</h2>



“Most carbon fixed in photosynthesis becomes either starch [to use later] – like putting money in your bank account – or sucrose (table sugar) to use now – like buying an ice cream cone,” said Thomas D. Sharkey, University Distinguished Professor in the PRL. 



“The most surprising observation was that extra carbon at high light and high carbon dioxide went much more to starch (76% increase) rather than sucrose (41% increase). This may help plants become more resilient because they will have extra carbon for growth or defense.”



Larger plants and increased crop yields could result from this higher rate of photosynthesis. However, a challenge remains: plants also lose carbon during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">process</a>, reducing the total available food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-future-plants">Resilience of future plants</h2>



During photosynthesis, plants release CO2 through a process called respiration in light (RL). 



The researchers found that RL remains constant under both current and future conditions. Despite increased photosynthesis, the rate at which plants release CO2 through RL does not change.



This suggests that while plants may grow larger, they still lose a steady amount of carbon. Understanding this balance is essential for improving plant resilience in changing environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-plant-carbon-loss">Measuring plant carbon loss</h2>



To analyze RL under HLHC conditions, researchers used a unique approach. Traditional methods like the Laisk or Kok techniques only work in low light <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-carbon-sinks-are-being-pushed-to-their-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>.



“That’s why this study is unique,” Xu explained. “We used a new approach to measure the RL in the high light condition that cannot be measured using the old method.”



Xu applied a technique known as isotopically nonstationary metabolic flux analysis (INST-MFA). This method, commonly used in bacteria and fungi studies, has rarely been applied to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant research</a>.



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



The Sharkey lab plans to continue exploring respiration in light using advanced research techniques. Their goal is to deepen the understanding of how plants take in and release carbon dioxide.



“We know from this study that many things are changed [under future conditions] including photosynthesis, photorespiration and respiration in the light,” Xu said. “This gave a hint for future work.”



The research was funded by the Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences, Office of Basic Energy Sciences at the U.S. Department of Energy. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-88574-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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How future climate conditions will transform plant growth

Earth's climate is changing fast, and scientists are racing to...

Genetically predicted height can be linked to the development of certain health conditions, according to new research. The findings suggest that increased height may raise or lower the odds of certain ailments, emphasizing the importance of early check-ups.



The study was led by Dr. Areti Papadopoulou, a postdoctoral research associate at the <a href="https://www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit</a>, and Dr. Eirini Marouli, an associate professor in computational biology at Queen Mary University of London.



The experts emphasize that these findings can benefit many people from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">varied backgrounds</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-links-between-height-and-disease">Notable links between height and disease</h2>



The scientists examined data from six populations of different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-life-expectancy-faces-a-triple-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestries</a>, and analyzed the DNA factors that govern how tall a person might grow.



This approach, known as a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34982132/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenome-wide association study</a> (a method that scans a broad set of health outcomes), uncovered a variety of conditions that were linked to a single genetic trait.



The researchers discovered 254 notable links between height and disease. One of the strongest connections was with <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atrial fibrillation</a>. This particular condition, which disrupts normal heart rhythms, appeared more frequently among taller individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-a-closer-look-at-circulatory-risk">Taking a closer look at circulatory risk</h2>



Height was strongly related to blood vessel and heart <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issues</a>, with taller people experiencing more problems involving veins and certain arterial conditions.



By one measure, taller people also seemed to have a lower chance of developing <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21656-hyperlipidemia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hyperlipidemia</a> (high fats in the blood) but a higher likelihood of facing specific heart <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmias" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arrhythmias</a>.



Some conditions connected to taller stature were only spotted in one sex or ancestry group. For instance, there was a connection between increased height and lower risk of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470284/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hyperpotassemia</a> (high potassium levels), but the link was only found in males. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspectives-on-disease-risk">New perspectives on disease risk </h2>



“Our study explored disease-related outcomes in up to 840,000 individuals of European, African, East Asian and Hispanic population groups with genetically predicted height,” explained Dr. Papadopoulou, the first author of the study.



“We report associations with a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorders</a>, involving mental disorders and the endocrine system, that have not been previously associated with genetically predicted height.”



According to Dr. Marouli, the study reveals significant links between genetically predicted height and various health conditions, providing new perspectives on disease risk. 



"By analyzing genetic data across diverse ancestries and incorporating sex-specific analyses, we have identified associations that could improve early diagnosis and patient care,” said Dr. Marouli.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-daily-life">What this means for daily life</h2>



Simple measures, like blood pressure readings, might be interpreted more carefully for taller adults, given that some <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCGEN.121.003612" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> points to different cardiac risks by height.



For example, the experts noted that taller men appear less likely to experience high blood pressure but are more prone to heart rhythm disorders.



Screening for conditions such as certain cancers has also been debated in past <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29159" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> of taller women, especially regarding breast health. The exact reasons for the potential link remain unclear, but the genetic factors that lead to a bigger frame may sometimes coincide with an increased risk for various types of tumors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-risks-across-diverse-groups">Managing risks across diverse groups</h2>



The researchers emphasize that improving health monitoring based on genetically predicted height should not focus on one ancestry alone.



The best strategies come from studies that include everyone, ensuring that recommendations will apply to people from diverse backgrounds and help them <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-one-third-of-asthma-cases-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manage risks</a>.



Health leaders also recognize the importance of routine checkups, such as monitoring blood pressure, which is crucial for spotting early <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertension</a>. With height now becoming a bigger part of the conversation, providers might refine their advice to match each person's unique background and build.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-link-between-height-and-health">The link between height and health</h2>



There is still much to learn about the interplay between height and overall health. By studying the genetic codes of people in different parts of the world, scientists hope to reveal fresh insights that lead to more targeted guidance.



Large-scale projects will likely expand on these findings. Future research may clarify why taller individuals face certain conditions at higher rates, while shorter individuals may struggle with others. 



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41525-025-00464-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Genomic Medicine</a>.



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Tall or short? Your height could predict future health risks

Genetically predicted height can be linked to the development of...

The end-Permian mass extinction, 252 million years ago, was devastating to life on Earth. Massive volcanic eruptions unleashed 100,000 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, triggering a severe climate crisis.



This led to extreme global warming, deoxygenated oceans, and widespread extinction. However, many plants survived, leaving fossil records that help scientists understand a dramatic 10-degree rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>.



“While fossilized spores and pollen of plants from the Early Triassic do not provide strong evidence for a sudden and catastrophic biodiversity loss, both marine and terrestrial animals experienced the most severe mass extinction in Earth’s history,” explained Dr. Maura Brunetti of the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>. 



“Life on Earth had to adjust to repeated changes in climate and the carbon cycle for several million years after the Permian-Triassic Boundary.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconstructing-the-ancient-climate">Reconstructing the ancient climate</h2>



The scientists studied five geological stages on either side of the Permian-Triassic Boundary. These included the Permian Wuchiapingian and Changhsingian, the early Triassic Induan and Olenekian, and the middle Triassic Anisian.



Using maps of Earth’s ancient geography and plant fossil data, the researchers identified six major biomes and estimated local climates based on fossil distributions.



The identified biomes ranged from tropical, humid regions to seasonal temperate and desert areas. 



Cold climates featured desert in the tropics and tundra at higher latitudes, while warm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/public-concern-over-species-extinctions-fades-quickly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climates</a> had temperate vegetation near the poles and deserts near the equator. Increased carbon dioxide levels led to warmer and wetter conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-ecosystem-shifts-after-extinction">Climate and ecosystem shifts after extinction</h2>



Using statistical models, the scientists compared plant fossil records with simulated biomes under different climate conditions. Their findings revealed dramatic shifts in ecosystems at the Permian-Triassic Boundary.



Before the extinction, the Permian had a colder climate. The early Triassic Induan period showed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-forests-rose-again-after-the-planets-most-extreme-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unstable conditions</a> that scientists could not clearly classify. 



This uncertainty may be due to sampling biases, poor fossil preservation, or short-term climate variations. More fossil data is needed for clarity.



Later Triassic periods saw significantly warmer conditions. The Olenekian and Anisian stabilized at temperatures 10 degrees higher than the Permian.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-hotter-future">A hotter future</h2>



“This transition from the colder climatic state to the hotter state is marked by an increase of approximately 10⁰C in the mean global surface air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-heliconia-species-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> and an intensification of the water cycle,” said Dr. Brunetti.



“Tropical everwet and summerwet biomes emerged in the tropics, replacing predominantly desertic landscapes. Meanwhile, the warm-cool temperate biome shifted towards polar regions, leading to the complete disappearance of tundra ecosystems.”



Dr. Brunetti noted that the shift in vegetation cover can be linked to tipping mechanisms between climatic steady states, providing a potential framework for understanding the transition between Permian and Triassic.



“This framework can be used to understand tipping behavior in the climate system in response to the present-day CO2 increase. If this increase continues at the same rate, we will reach the level of emissions that caused the Permian-Triassic mass extinction in around 2,700 years — a much faster timescale than the Permian-Triassic Boundary emissions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainties-and-future-research">Uncertainties and future research</h2>



More data and refined models are necessary for clearer conclusions. “The comparison between simulated biomes and the dataset is influenced by uncertainties, arising from paleogeographic reconstructions and the classification of fossil assemblages into biomes,” said Dr. Brunetti.



“Furthermore, our climate modeling setup relies on offline coupling between models — the vegetation model uses the final outputs of the climatic model for biome reconstruction. This could be enhanced using a dynamic vegetation model.”



The Permian-Triassic extinction reshaped life on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>. Studying its causes and consequences may provide valuable insights into the ongoing climate crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-lessons-from-past-extinctions">Climate lessons from past extinctions</h2>



The Permian-Triassic extinction reshaped the planet, erasing entire ecosystems and paving the way for new ones. 



By studying how life responded to these changes, scientists can better predict how today’s ecosystems will react to rising temperatures and shifting climate patterns.



Understanding the past is crucial for preparing for the future. If history is any indication, life on Earth will survive - but whether human civilization can adapt as effectively remains an open question.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2025.1520846/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>.



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Climate chaos: The mass extinction that reshaped life on Earth

The end-Permian mass extinction, 252 million years ago, was devastating...

Protecting wildlife while managing forests has always been a challenge. In California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, forest managers face difficult decisions as they try to prevent destructive wildfires without harming the birds and other species that call these forests home.



Traditional monitoring methods require significant time and effort, making it hard to collect enough data to guide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.



Now, scientists have introduced a breakthrough solution. Using thousands of microphones and advanced machine learning, researchers have developed a way to track forest birds over vast landscapes.



This innovative approach offers an unprecedented level of detail, providing valuable insights that help balance conservation with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dead-wood-removal-can-save-forests-from-future-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> management. 



A new study highlights how bioacoustic technology can revolutionize wildlife monitoring and support better decision-making for the future of these forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-bird-sounds">Capturing bird sounds </h2>



Researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics led this study, which analyzed more than 700,000 hours of bird sounds. 



The team deployed microphones at 1,600 sites, covering around six million acres of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-forests-rose-again-after-the-planets-most-extreme-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a>. The goal was to track ten important bird species, including owls and woodpeckers, which serve as indicators of forest health.



These species provide crucial information about changes in the environment. By listening to their calls across different locations, scientists can assess how forest conditions impact wildlife.



"The amount of coverage that gives us and the idea of what's happening with species at so many different locations allow for really powerful inference to be drawn from the network," said study lead author Kristin Brunk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-learning-and-wildlife-monitoring">Machine learning and wildlife monitoring</h2>



To analyze the massive amount of recorded data, scientists turned to BirdNET, a machine-learning algorithm designed to identify bird calls automatically. This system allows researchers to recognize different species and understand how their presence relates to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-climate-solutions-mixed-forests-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental conditions</a>.



The study examined how factors such as tree density and canopy cover influence bird populations. These are the same variables that forest managers consider when making conservation decisions. The ability to connect bird activity with habitat conditions provides an essential tool for guiding land management strategies.



By mapping where different birds live, researchers can help forest managers make more informed choices. This is especially important as they work to reduce wildfire risks through controlled burns and forest thinning. Without careful planning, these activities could unintentionally disrupt bird populations.



"We're able to understand bird populations in the context of the forest conditions that are going to be actively manipulated by the management community to hopefully restore some resilience to this system," said Connor Wood, lead researcher at the <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/ccb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cheaper-forest-bird-tracking">Cheaper forest bird tracking</h2>



Monitoring wildlife over such a large area would be nearly impossible using traditional methods. Conducting field surveys requires a significant investment of time and resources. In contrast, passive acoustic monitoring offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution.



"If you think about what the cost would have been to get that amount of information by having biologists collecting data across the landscape… the cost effectiveness can't really be matched," Brunk noted.



This system enables continuous, long-term monitoring without the need for large field teams. The data collected can also be used to track changes in bird populations over time, offering a deeper understanding of how forests evolve under different management strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-bird-monitoring">Forest bird monitoring </h2>



The success of this study goes beyond California’s Sierra Nevada. The researchers believe that bioacoustic monitoring can be applied to other regions facing similar conservation challenges. 



By adapting this technology, scientists and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> managers worldwide can gain better insights into wildlife populations and habitat conditions.



"It's sort of a blueprint for how passive acoustic monitoring can inform management," said Brunk.



This approach is particularly valuable in areas where human access is difficult. Remote forests, protected reserves, and even urban green spaces could benefit from passive monitoring. 



The ability to gather large amounts of data with minimal human disturbance makes this a promising tool for conservation efforts around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-forest-and-wildlife-protection">Future of forest and wildlife protection</h2>



The integration of cutting-edge technology with conservation practices represents a major step forward. Listening to the sounds of the forest can help scientists understand how bird populations respond to changes in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.



"By combining new technologies with practical management needs, we're creating tools that can help protect both forests and wildlife during a time of rapid environmental change," said Wood.



The research was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Oregon State University, University of California-Merced, and Chemnitz University of Technology. This partnership highlights the increasing role of technology in conservation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fee.2843" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</a>.



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Every bird song can help scientists make smarter forest decisions

Protecting wildlife while managing forests has always been a challenge....

Nature is always changing, sometimes in small but powerful ways. Genetic and brain changes can shape how species behave. A recent study by Nicholas VanKuren and Nathan Buerkle at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> reveals how a simple neural change can shift mating preferences in male butterflies. 



The findings show that small brain and sensory changes can quickly alter behavior, helping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-country-without-butterflies-rapid-decline-in-u-s-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butterfly-survival-and-mate-selection">Butterfly survival and mate selection</h2>



Heliconius butterflies, known for their striking wing patterns and colors, use these visual signals as a defense against predators. Their bright hues serve as warnings, signaling toxicity or unpalatability. 



Since survival depends on these warning signals, males have evolved a strong preference for females with similar wing colors. Choosing mates with matching patterns ensures that future generations retain these critical survival traits.



Despite the clear evolutionary advantages of such preferences, little is known about the underlying genetic and neurological mechanisms. What makes a male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-learn-about-butterflies-day-an-enchanting-world-awaits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterfly</a> prefer a female with a particular wing color? 



Scientists aimed to uncover the sensory and genetic factors influencing these choices by studying two subspecies of Heliconius cydno, one with yellow patches on its wings and the other with white. 



The research has revealed the deep connections between vision, genetics, and behavior in shaping mate selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butterfly-mate-choice-and-genetics">Butterfly mate choice and genetics</h2>



To understand the genetic basis of mate preference, the researchers examined the genomes of the butterflies.



They identified four specific genomic regions linked to both wing color and mate selection. One of these, known as the "K locus," had already been associated with similar traits in other Heliconius <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-create-silk-seatbelts-to-strap-in-for-metamorphosis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a>. 



This finding suggests a common genetic mechanism influencing both physical traits and behavioral tendencies in these insects.



The team also explored gene expression patterns in different parts of the butterfly’s nervous system, including the retina, optic lobe, and brain.



The researchers found that seven genetic variants were not only located in regions associated with mate preference but were also expressed at different levels in yellow and white males. These variations likely play a direct role in determining which wing color a male butterfly finds attractive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butterfly-vision-affects-mate-choices">Butterfly vision affects mate choices</h2>



Beyond genetic factors, the researchers investigated how these butterflies process visual information. 



They focused on the activity of photoreceptors in the butterflies' eyes, which play a crucial role in distinguishing colors. Their experiments revealed a striking difference in how color perception influences mate preference.



Male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterfly-migration-habits-are-not-determined-by-their-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a> that preferred yellow-winged females had green-sensitive photoreceptors that strongly inhibited the activity of UV-sensitive photoreceptors. This inhibition was significantly weaker in males that did not show the same preference. 



This means that a relatively simple modification in the peripheral nervous system alters how butterflies perceive different wing colors, shaping their mate choices.



The findings suggest that mating preferences are not just about detecting certain colors but rather about how the brain processes sensory information. Males are not simply seeing a preferred color more clearly; their nervous systems are wired to find one wing color more attractive than another.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-implications-of-sensory-changes">Evolutionary implications of sensory changes</h2>



The ability to rapidly alter sensory processing could be a key driver of behavioral evolution in butterflies. 



Since inhibitory relationships between photoreceptors can evolve quickly, changes in mating preferences may emerge in relatively short periods. This flexibility allows populations to adapt to new environmental conditions and evolve distinct mating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflys-rapid-expansion-led-to-lower-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a>.



The study provides valuable insight into how such changes can drive species evolution. "Inhibitory relationships between photoreceptors are easily evolvable, which may allow rapid behavioral evolution," noted the researchers. 



By altering how butterflies perceive potential mates, these neural modifications can contribute to reproductive isolation, eventually leading to the formation of new species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mate-choice-mechanisms">Mate choice mechanisms</h2>



Understanding the genetic and neurological basis of mate preference in butterflies extends beyond this single species. 



Similar mechanisms may exist in other animals where visual cues play a central role in mating decisions. By identifying the genetic and neural pathways that shape attraction, scientists can gain deeper insights into the broader forces driving evolutionary change.



The study paints a comprehensive picture of how small genetic differences influence sensory processing, which in turn affects behavior. 



"Our work generated a striking picture of how a critical visual behavior - mate choice - is controlled, from variation in the connections between neurons in the eye down to genetic variation across the genome," concluded the researchers.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002989" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Butterfly mate preferences shift with slight brain changes

Nature is always changing, sometimes in small but powerful ways....

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Humans have always been attracted to the majestic and wild nature of wolves. That’s why wolf-dog hybrids are on the rise. Uneducated breeders and buyers hope to end up with a breed that is as aesthetically pleasing as a wolf, but as loyal and friendly as a dog. But many people aren’t aware of the repercussions — both for people and the wolfdogs.

Fascination With Wolves

“We had hoped they would be ambassadors. But sadly, like most wolves and high-content wolf dogs, once they reached maturity they became very shy and ‘retired’ at the ripe old age of two,” Michelle added. So now the wolves live in an enormous enclosure, where they can lead relatively safe lives away from the hunters that pose them such danger. But, despite trying to educate the public, the sanctuary keeps getting fuller.

Fascination With Wolves

News coming your way