The collision of cargo vessels with whales is one of the leading causes of death for these majestic marine creatures. Despite high-profile accidents and localized research efforts, a comprehensive global picture of the risks posed by shipping to whales has remained elusive - until now.&nbsp;



A study led by the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW), with contributions from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a> (UCSB) researchers, reveals that global shipping routes overlap with 92% of the migratory ranges of blue, fin, humpback, and sperm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-risk-assessment-nbsp">Global risk assessment&nbsp;</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adp1950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>, the study offers the first global map of ship-strike risks for these four large whale species.&nbsp;



“Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-new-approach-to-protecting-whales-from-ship-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ship-strike</a> studies are done at a regional scale, which is critically important but doesn’t provide the full picture worldwide,” said co-author Rachel Rhodes, a project scientist at UCSB’s Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory.&nbsp;



“By taking this broader perspective, we can identify the highest-risk areas globally and strategically direct research and conservation efforts where they’re needed most.”



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="7sxoUzIVbl-4050404-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-and-ships-a-deadly-intersection">Whales and ships: A deadly intersection</h2>



Cargo vessels, often the size of skyscrapers and over ten times the length of an adult blue whale, dominate the oceans. Any whale crossing their path faces almost certain death.&nbsp;



As shipping lanes increasingly intersect with whale migration routes, the likelihood of collisions grows.&nbsp;



According to Professor Briana Abrahms, this translates to ships traveling thousands of times the distance to the moon and back within these species’ ranges each and every year.&nbsp;



“And this problem is only projected to increase as global trade grows in the coming decades,” said Abrahms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-in-local-conservation-efforts">Success in local conservation efforts</h2>



While the outlook may seem grim, successful initiatives like <a href="https://whalesafe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale Safe</a> off the California coast demonstrate the potential for mitigating these risks.&nbsp;



Whale Safe is a collaborative effort between researchers, citizen scientists, and shipping companies to reduce collisions by slowing vessels in whale-rich waters.&nbsp;



Tracking whale presence and providing data on ship compliance with slow zones have helped lower collision rates since the program’s launch in 2019.



“Getting the vessels to slow down works,” said UCSB marine ecologist and co-author Douglas McCauley, whose lab developed Whale Safe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-adequate-protection-for-whales">Lack of adequate protection for whales</h2>



The Santa Barbara Channel, a vital migration corridor for blue, fin, and humpback whales, overlaps with major shipping hubs in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland.&nbsp;



Federal guidelines encourage ships to voluntarily reduce their speed from May to December to protect endangered whales.



Despite these localized successes, the study found that only 7% of the highest-risk areas globally have measures in place to protect whales from ship strikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-whale-ship-collision-hotspots">Mapping whale-ship collision hotspots</h2>



To estimate collision risks, the researchers first needed to map whale habitats on an unprecedented global scale.&nbsp;



This involved compiling data from government surveys, public sightings, tagging studies, and even historic whaling vessel logbooks to track where blue, fin, humpback, and sperm whales live, feed, and migrate.&nbsp;



The team combined this information with the routes of 176,000 cargo vessels tracked between 2017 and 2022 using data from ships’ automatic identification systems and algorithms developed by <a href="https://globalfishingwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Fishing Watch</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-high-risk-regions-nbsp">Identifying high-risk regions&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed several new high-risk regions, including areas off southern Africa; the coasts of Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador in South America; the Azores; and East Asia, particularly near China, Japan, and South Korea.&nbsp;



“These are vast areas of the ocean where whales may quietly be being killed,” Rhodes said. “This may be a silent contributor to why we aren’t seeing more optimistic recoveries for some at-risk whale populations.”



The research also reaffirmed known hotspots, such as the Pacific coast of North America (including California), Panama, the Arabian Sea, Sri Lanka, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean Sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-policy-changes">Urgent need for policy changes</h2>



The team discovered that mandatory measures to prevent whale-ship collisions are exceedingly rare, covering just 0.54% of blue whale hotspots, 0.27% of humpback hotspots, and none for fin or sperm whales.&nbsp;



Even marine protected areas often lack speed regulations for vessels, as they were initially established to address issues like overfishing and industrial pollution rather than shipping-related risks.



Encouragingly, 95% of the hotspots identified lie within nations’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs), meaning individual countries have the authority to implement protective measures.&nbsp;



“From the standpoint of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>, the fact that most high-risk areas lie within exclusive economic zones is actually encouraging,” said lead author Anna Nisi, a UW postdoctoral researcher.&nbsp;



“It means individual countries have the ability to protect the riskiest areas.”&nbsp;



Expanding protective measures to cover an additional 2.6% of the ocean’s surface would safeguard all the identified collision hotspots, the researchers estimate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-whales-from-ship-strikes-nbsp">Protecting whales from ship strikes&nbsp;</h2>



The experts hope their study will inspire local and regional research to refine hotspot maps, inform advocacy efforts, and address the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, which will alter whale and ship distributions as sea ice melts and ecosystems shift.



“Protecting whales from the impact of ship strikes is a huge global challenge,” said Jono Wilson, co-author and director of ocean science at <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>ù’s California Chapter.&nbsp;



“We’ve seen the benefits of slowing ships down at local scales through programs like ‘Blue Whales Blue Skies’ in California. Scaling up such programs will require a concerted effort by conservation organizations, governments, and shipping companies.”



Whales play a critical role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>, supporting biodiversity and contributing to ocean health. By identifying ship-collision hotspots and prioritizing these areas for conservation, this study offers a path forward to ensure their survival in an increasingly industrialized ocean.



Video Credit: Global Fishing Watch&nbsp;



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Ship routes overlap with 92% of whale habitats 

The collision of cargo vessels with whales is one of the leading causes of death for these majestic marine creatures. Despite high-profile accidents and localized research efforts, a comprehensive global picture of the risks posed by shipping to whales has remained elusive - until now.&nbsp; A study led by the University of Washington (UW), with contributions from University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) researchers, reveals that global shipping routes overlap with 92% of the migratory ranges of blue, fin, humpback, and sperm whales. Global risk assessment&nbsp; Published...

While insects like stink bugs and mosquitoes might not be liked by many people, they play an essential role in maintaining the balance of Earth's ecosystems. 



E.O. Wilson, a renowned biologist, once emphasized their importance by stating that if insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse. 



However, scientists have recently observed a decline in insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>, with numbers dropping by 2-3% annually, alongside shifts in their behavior. 



This decline has driven researchers to explore potential causes, including habitat loss, climate change, and the effects of chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-agrochemicals-on-insects">Effects of agrochemicals on insects</h2>



A study led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.embl.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Molecular Biology Laboratory</a> (EMBL) sought to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a>, herbicides, and other agrochemicals influence insect populations. 



Using more than 1,000 chemical compounds from EMBL’s unique chemical library, they systematically exposed fruit fly larvae to assess changes in their development, behavior, and survival throughout their life cycle.



The research revealed that 57% of the tested chemicals significantly altered fruit fly larvae behavior, even when the doses were not lethal. At higher exposure levels, the long-term survival of the flies was further compromised.&nbsp;



“We found that when we exposed larvae to very low doses of chemicals, the exposure caused widespread changes in physiological processes that are at the heart of how they develop and behave,” said lead author Lautaro Gandara, a postdoctoral fellow at EMBL.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-chemicals-and-insects-nbsp">Rising temperatures, chemicals, and insects&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also examined the effects of rising temperatures on these changes, simulating global warming trends.



To assess the influence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-size-shaped-by-predators-and-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a>, the team gradually increased the growing environment's temperature, starting at 25°C (77°F) and raising it to 29°C (84.2°F). At this higher temperature, they observed a more pronounced impact on the larvae. 



“Further, we mixed some of the most commonly detected airborne chemicals, at ecologically relevant doses, again exposing fruit flies from when they first hatched. We then saw a much stronger effect,” said senior author Justin Crocker, a biologist at EMBL.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurological-and-physiological-disruptions-nbsp">Neurological and physiological disruptions&nbsp;</h2>



These effects included a 60% reduction in egg-laying rates and the emergence of altered behaviors like “hunching.”



Hunching, where larvae curl their bodies excessively, can indicate stress or toxicity and may point to underlying neurological or physiological disruptions.&nbsp;



“On the surface, hunching may seem inconsequential, but even small changes in behavior can impact fitness if they adversely affect feeding, mating, and migration,” Crocker explained.&nbsp;



While the connection between hunching and reduced egg-laying remains unclear, it is likely that larvae preoccupied with such behaviors would struggle to thrive in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-impact-on-insect-behavior-nbsp">Chemical impact on insect behavior&nbsp;</h2>



The study involved collaboration with several scientists, including Jean-Baptiste Masson and François Laurent from the <a href="https://www.pasteur.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pasteur Institute</a>, who provided AI-based tools to analyze behavioral changes. 



Additional partners included <a href="https://www.heidelberg-university-hospital.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heidelberg University Hospital</a> and <a href="https://www.gwu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Washington University</a>, where the experiments were expanded to mosquitoes and Painted Lady butterflies. 



These efforts helped confirm that similar patterns emerged across different insect species, reinforcing the study’s conclusions.



“Insects - even those that can seem like pests - are critical to the planet. They pollinate the plants we eat and they’re an important part of the food web,” Gandara noted.&nbsp;



The research sheds light on how even low doses of chemicals can have significant impacts on insect behavior and survival. This deeper understanding provides a clearer picture of the challenges insects face and the factors contributing to their decline.



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



The study’s findings have significant implications for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a> and balance. 



As insect populations dwindle, genetic diversity decreases, making it harder for species to adapt to environmental changes. This threatens not only food webs but also the resilience of ecosystems against future challenges.



“The positive aspect to this work is that we have new knowledge about which chemicals can cause certain molecular changes and associated behavioral and developmental changes,” Crocker said.&nbsp;



This knowledge could inform regulatory practices and industrial approaches that better protect both human health and the environment.&nbsp;



By understanding the subtle but crucial ways chemicals affect insects, scientists can help create a more balanced approach to pesticide use, aiming for practices that support the health of these vital creatures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.ado0251" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Chemicals are changing insects in subtle yet deadly ways

While insects like stink bugs and mosquitoes might not be...

When you think of devoted helpers in the bird kingdom, it's the females who are likely to nab the attention. It seems female birds are hard-wired to nurture and provide, not just for their own brood but also for their family groups. 



However, males take a different flight path - their focus often lies elsewhere; they are the seekers and explorers, busy scouting for opportunities to expand and create new homes, according to a new study on birds and their families.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-dynamics-of-birds">Family dynamics of birds</h2>



Did you know that the white-browed sparrow weavers, a species of bird residing in the arid Kalahari desert, live in family groups where only a dominant pair breeds? 



The offspring, more so the female ones, help feed the young nestlings. This extraordinary family dynamic led scientists at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> to investigate why one sex would invest more in family care than the other.



“Female sparrow-weaver helpers contribute more to cooperative nestling care than males and also stay for longer in their family groups than males,” said Dr Pablo Capilla-Lasheras, who led the study during his PhD at Exeter and now works at the Swiss Ornithological Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-behavior-and-family-care">Bird behavior and family care </h2>



The scientists wanted to get to the bottom of why such discrepancies in cooperation arose across the animal kingdom. The prevailing hypothesis was simple - the sex that lives longer within its family group cooperates more since they benefit more from mutual aid over time. 



For instance, the sex residing the longest in the family group might receive more assistance from the family members they have cared for previously. The sex that departs sooner may not get the same support.



However, after extensive research spanning over a decade, which included monitoring the birds' cooperative behaviors and tracking their movements, the team learned that this might not be the case.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-birds-abandon-families">Male birds abandon families</h2>



“Our findings point instead to an alternative explanation that has attracted much less attention,” said Dr. Andrew Young, who leads the Kalahari sparrow-weaver project.



“Instead, males appear to help less because they spend more time prospecting for opportunities to live and breed elsewhere, and these efforts trade-off against their investments in cooperation at home.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-through-trade-offs">Evolving through trade-offs</h2>



According to the findings, the team proposes this "dispersal trade-off hypothesis" might be a more universal explanation for the evolution of sex differences in cooperation across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-need-a-male-hormone-for-sexual-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal societies</a>.



This contradicts the more widely acknowledged view that the longer you stay, the more you'll benefit from having helped out.



It seems that the fundamental challenge that all organisms face is a simple one – there is never enough time or energy to do everything well at once. However, overcoming these trade-offs is what propels evolution forward.



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



The insights from this study offer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">valuable implications for conservationists</a> aiming to protect social bird species. Understanding the innate behaviors that drive males and females differently can aid in crafting strategies to maintain and support sustainable populations. 



For example, if certain male birds are particularly prone to dispersal, creating corridors or safe passes to facilitate their movement may prevent habitat fragmentation and ensure genetic diversity in families. 



Concurrently, supporting the female role in nurturing and resource distribution within the group could enhance the survival odds for new generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-of-bird-families">Behavior of bird families</h2>



The findings of this research open avenues for broader applications beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-are-moving-north-and-breeding-earlier-in-a-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian world</a>, offering a foundational perspective on how sex-specific roles could influence social structures in diverse animal societies. 



The dispersal trade-off hypothesis can prompt new investigations into species where familial cooperation and individual dispersion play pivotal roles in survival and reproduction.



By analyzing these patterns, biologists can better comprehend the balance between cooperation and independence required for thriving animal communities, with potential lessons applicable to human social dynamics as well. 



Insight into these mechanisms of cooperation and dispersal can provide profound understanding into the strategies animals employ in the natural world, guiding future studies on evolutionary biology and ecology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-acts-in-birds">Balancing acts in birds</h2>



As we fly to the end of our discussion, we see that in the bird world, as in ours, there are fascinating balances between family duties, ambition, and opportunity. 



Female birds lean towards nurturing their family, while males are driven to explore and seek out new breeding opportunities. In the end, it is a balancing act that keeps life diverse and species evolving.



It makes us wonder, are these differences merely the result of bird instincts, or could they be part of a broader spectrum of survival strategies shared across the animal kingdom?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002859" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



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Female birds commit to caring for young; males abandon family life

When you think of devoted helpers in the bird kingdom,...

Have you ever wondered why animals engage in group hunting only to divide the spoils later? Turns out, there's more to it than just the thrill of the chase.



A research team from the Cluster of Excellence Science of Intelligence (SCIoI) embarked on an aquatic adventure to answer this question.



In collaboration with experts at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), the team dived into the ocean off the coast of Mexico to observe the striped marlin's hunting strategies in nature's wildest theater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-catch">What's the catch?</h2>



Interestingly enough, it all boils down to the speed of the prey. The faster the prey school flees, the higher the capture rate.



Why? Because as the school scurries away at a high pace, individual fish are more likely to break away from the pack. And these lonesome <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-discovery-large-sharks-are-hunting-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> are nothing less than easy pickings for the non-attacking marlins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantage-of-group-hunting">Advantage of group hunting</h2>



On dry land, there is evidence showing that predators have a higher success rate when they chase groups of prey - targeting the slower, weaker animals that fall behind. The question was whether this strategy applies to the open ocean.



“Little is known on this topic for predators that hunt in groups in the open sea, as it is difficult to record the attack and capture rates of several predators together with the positions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators and prey</a>,” explained&nbsp;Professor Jens Krause, a behavioral ecologist and co-first author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-speed-in-group-hunting">Need for speed in group hunting</h2>



Meet the striped marlin (Kajikia audax), one of the ocean's most epic hunters. These behemoths, armed with spear-like mouth appendages, are renowned for their cooperative hunting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orcas-have-hunting-and-eating-habits-that-we-never-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategy</a> to round up schools of small fish.



Using intricate underwater and aerial photography, the research team took to the seas, observing the marlins' movements while hunting approximately 30 kilometers off the coast of northern Mexico.



The experts collected data on the attack and capture rates during different states of the prey school's movements.



The researchers found that chasing schools of prey at high speed resulted in a greater number of isolated targets for the marlins. The likelihood of a fish breaking away from the school was directly associated with the speed of the school.



An increase of just 0.1 meters per second in the school's speed boosted the probability of isolation by a whopping 18 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-group-cohesion-among-prey">Group cohesion among prey</h2>



Understanding the dynamics of group cohesion among prey is crucial to comprehending the hunting success of predators like the striped marlin. 



In schools of fish, cohesion serves as a defense mechanism, decreasing the likelihood of any individual being singled out. This collective movement disrupts predator-promoting strategies, creating a bewildering spectacle of flashes and turns. 



However, as marlins capitalized on disorder within the ranks, it raises intriguing questions about the nexus of cooperation and competition within both predator and prey communities. 



The marlin's ability to exploit breaks in cohesion demonstrates nature's intricate checks and balances, where equilibrium often dictates survival and success.



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



The work led by <a href="https://www.scienceofintelligence.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SCIoI</a>, <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HU Berlin</a>, and <a href="https://www.igb-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IGB</a> delivers vital implications for understanding marine ecosystems and the role of apex predators like the striped marlin. 



By highlighting the importance of water dynamics and prey behavior in shaping predator-prey interactions, this research sheds light on the delicate balance of aquatic food webs. 



The findings emphasize the interconnectedness within marine ecosystems and highlight the potential impacts of environmental changes on predator efficacy and prey vulnerability. 



As climate change alters ocean temperatures and currents, continued exploration of these dynamics is essential to predict and mitigate future ecological shifts, ensuring the health and resilience of marine biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantage-of-rapid-group-hunting">Advantage of rapid group hunting </h2>



The marlins' group hunting strategy doesn't necessarily mean every marlin has to actively chase the school. Fish that become isolated from the school are quickly snapped up by nearby marlins. 



According to Korbinian Pacher, a behavioral biologist and co-first author of the study, the research clearly shows the advantage of rapid group hunting for predatory fish.



“The rapid movement of the swarm of prey makes it easier to isolate and catch individual fish. This significantly increases the hunting success of the group of marlins,” noted Pacher. 



Dr Matthew J. Hansen, who led the study, said that another interesting aspect of group hunting at high speed is that in this form of hunting, prey also falls to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> that are not actively attacking the prey school.



"This effect probably favors group hunting in striped marlins and may be a principle that applies to many large predatory fish in the open sea that join together to hunt schooling fish," concluded Dr. Hansen. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.14638" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Ecology</a>.



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Striped marlin demonstrate the advantages of group hunting

Have you ever wondered why animals engage in group hunting...

Enigmas of life are often hidden in unexpected places, and the python offers a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of human physiology. Surprisingly, we can find answers to human intestinal regeneration by studying the remarkable pythons.



Let's unravel the intriguing connection between the regenerative abilities of boas, pythons, and the human digestive system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intestinal-regeneration-humans-and-pythons">Intestinal regeneration, humans, and pythons</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-chemicals-from-food-production-pass-into-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human body</a> is a marvel of nature, constantly replenishing itself. A prime example of this is the lining of our intestines. Our bodies regularly repair and replace it to keep up with our dietary needs. 



This turnover of cells is driven by stem cells that originate in the tiny pits scattered throughout our intestine known as intestinal crypts.



However, the same mechanism doesn't apply to all creatures. A case in point is infrequently feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/move-over-burmese-pythons-these-snakes-are-the-true-eating-champions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snakes</a> like boas and pythons. These creatures don't have intestinal crypts but display a considerable degree of intestinal regeneration.



Without a meal for weeks, their intestines shrink and become practically non-functional. Within 48 hours of feeding, though, their intestines radically regenerate, more than doubling in mass and reforming the cells and structures necessary for food digestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regeneration-ability-of-pythons">Regeneration ability of pythons</h2>



A team of scientists from <a href="https://www.uta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Arlington</a>, <a href="https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UT Southwestern Medical Center</a>, and <a href="https://www.ua.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the University of Alabama</a> embarked on an intriguing journey to uncover how these massive snakes accomplish this feat. 



They focused on understanding the intestinal regeneration process in pythons hoping that this would provide valuable insights into human gastrointestinal diseases like diabetes, celiac disease, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-with-pet-dogs-have-a-lower-risk-of-crohns-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crohn's disease</a>, and cancer.



The researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate. The key discovery was that pythons use conserved pathways similar to those found in humans but trigger them uniquely.



The study further revealed that the signaling pathways directing python regeneration bear significant resemblance to the ones seen in humans after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-best4-cells">Shedding light on BEST4+ cells</h2>



The researchers also highlighted the significance of a particular intestinal cell type called BEST4+ cells.



These cells, present in both pythons and humans but absent in commonly studied mammals like mice, are powerful orchestrators of the initial phases of regeneration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zooming-out-to-the-bigger-picture">Zooming out to the bigger picture</h2>



The findings unearthed in this study have profound implications for understanding intestinal physiology across varied species, including humans. 



They offer a fresh perspective on the intersections between intestinal regeneration and the body's metabolic adjustments in response to changes like nutrient availability and stress. 



These insights may ultimately lead to novel therapeutic approaches for treating intestinal or metabolic diseases.



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



In the end, the question remains, can studying snakes boost our comprehension of human health? According to the scientists, the answer is a resounding "yes."



By expanding our knowledge about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-humans-have-shockingly-different-digestive-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive functions</a> in different creatures, we gain a broader understanding of the evolutionary design of these vital body functions. 



This knowledge will shape our perception of the human body with the ultimate aim of enhancing the treatment and prevention of many common human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive disorders</a>.



The world within us is intricate and incredibly dynamic. As we explore into it, aided by unexpected allies like pythons, we continue to unravel intriguing stories that could illuminate the path to healthier lives for millions around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-python-regeneration">Harnessing python regeneration </h2>



The potential for translating python intestinal regeneration into human medical treatments is an exciting frontier. 



By understanding how pythons regenerate their intestines so rapidly and efficiently, researchers believe this knowledge can be applied to develop new therapies for gastrointestinal disorders.



The unique pathways activated during python regeneration may hold the key to stimulating similar processes in humans, allowing for faster recovery from injuries or surgeries.



Furthermore, the discovery of BEST4+ cells, which play a critical role in both python and human regeneration, opens the door to targeted therapies that could harness these cells’ natural regenerative powers. 



By exploring these biological parallels, scientists hope to one day engineer treatments that can mimic the extraordinary healing abilities found in the animal kingdom, ultimately improving human health.



-----



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Python gut regeneration offers clues for treating human diseases

Enigmas of life are often hidden in unexpected places, and...

Coral reefs are the ocean's vibrant underwater cities, and they face a growing crisis. These ecosystems support countless marine species and over a billion human lives. 



Overfishing, irresponsible tourism, coastal construction, nutrient runoff, and climate change are all threats to coral reefs.



However, hope is not lost. In a recent study, scientists used the sounds of healthy reefs to coax new coral species into existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-sounds-and-coral-restoration">Reef sounds and coral restoration</h2>



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> discovered the sounds of a flourishing reef inspire a new generation of coral life. Their research focused on golfball <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-superhighway-connects-remote-coral-reefs-seychelles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral larvae</a>, tiny organisms that signal the birth of new corals.



The sounds of the reef draw the larvae and they choose to settle and grow in these areas.



“Acoustic enrichment is continuing to show promise as a technique to enhance coral settlement rates,” said Nadège Aoki, a doctoral candidate at the institution.



This technique worked on two coral species and indicates potential as a broad-based tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restored-coral-reefs-can-bounce-back-in-just-four-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef restoration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-language-of-corals">Decoding the language of corals</h2>



The underwater journey of a coral larvae is fascinating. Searching for the perfect place to mature into adulthood, the tiny organisms drift through the ocean. They use cues from chemicals, light, and sound to choose their new home.



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-coral-reefs-crackle-with-the-sounds-of-busy-inhabitants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy coral reef</a> is a symphony of purrs and grunts from fish, along with the persistent crackle of snapping shrimp. It is music to a coral larva's ears.



On the other hand, a sick, silent reef signals the organisms to keep searching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-draw-of-healthy-reef-sounds">The draw of healthy reef sounds </h2>



In an experiment in the summer of 2022, Aoki and her team collected golfball coral larvae from the U.S. Virgin Islands.



The scientists divided the larvae and placed them in two quiet, sandy bays. One bay had a solar-powered speaker playing the sounds of a nearby healthy reef. 



After 24 hours, about 30 percent of the larvae exposed to the sounds settled and began to grow. After 48 hours, the settlement rates were around 73 to 85 percent.



Despite the experiment's small scale, a similar tank-based experiment echoed the results. 



Golfball coral larvae showed significantly higher settlement rates when exposed to healthy reef sounds during their first 36 hours. After this window, the settling rate remained the same regardless of the sound cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crunch-time-for-coral-settlement">Crunch time for coral settlement</h2>



Senior author and marine biologist Aran Mooney explained the time-sensitivity of this process. “Acoustic enrichment worked for 36 hours or so. After that, they seem desperate to settle, and healthy cues become less important.”



Golfball corals have a short window of opportunity in their larval stage. Without the resources to float around for weeks, they settle within 8 to 36 hours of being released into the water.



Early on, sound cues play a crucial role. As time runs out, they settle anywhere.



“We’re getting at some of the nuances of coral biology,” Aoki said. “There’s a huge range of reproductive strategies that corals use, and different species have different larval periods. We’re opening up this broad range of questions about how responsiveness to sound will vary between species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-for-coral-reef-restoration">A symphony for coral reef restoration</h2>



The researchers also noted corals responded to auditory cues in tanks where sound reflections, aerators, and water filters make acoustics less ideal. This discovery simplified the process of getting corals to reproduce and settle in land-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-nurseries-need-protection-equal-to-that-of-established-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nurseries</a>.



There is no single solution suitable for all coral species worldwide. Aoki and her team believe acoustic enrichment combined with an understanding of local ecology and coral biology can be an effective tool for restoration.



“Finding a second species settling in response to sound shows that this isn’t just a one-off, and maybe we can really scale this up,” Mooney said. 



“But we can’t just throw a speaker over the side of a boat and think it’s going to work. We have to know the system and it has to be integrated with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-coral-adaptations-challenge-conservation-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> and restoration efforts.”



In the quest to protect and restore the ocean’s coral reefs, the solution might lie not in our hands, but in our ears as the tiny organisms listen to the symphony of life produced by reefs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jel/article/4/10/107701/3317630/Replayed-reef-sounds-induce-settlement-of-Favia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JASA Express Letters</a>.



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Healthy reef sounds inspire coral larvae growth

Coral reefs are the ocean's vibrant underwater cities, and they...

We've known for a long time that military sonar, widely used for submarine detection and naval operations, can have devastating effects on dolphin populations. Now, however, researchers are learning that sonar is more harmful to dolphins than previously believed.



Scientists from UC Santa Cruz and their collaborators have achieved something monumental -- they've managed to directly measure the behavioral responses of these dolphins and unraveled some surprising findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sonar-sound-surprise">Sonar sound surprise</h2>



In a recent study, the international team sampled dozens of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-dolphin-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin groups</a>. They simulated and activated operational military sonars in controlled conditions, and then keenly observed how these dolphins reacted. 



“We see clear evidence of acoustic responses -- fine-scale changes in movement including directed, sustained, strong avoidance, and changes in group configurations,” said lead author Brandon Southall, a <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a> research associate and senior scientist at Southall Environmental Associates (<a href="https://sea-inc.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEA</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphins-reaction-to-sonars">Dolphins reaction to sonars</h2>



To observe these fast and playful creatures, the scientists had to employ advanced methods and technologies. They utilized aerial drone imagery, underwater listening devices, and even shore-based visual observatories.



John Durban, a co-author of the study and a senior scientist at SEA, explained how they further developed drone photogrammetry.



"In this study, we have been able to further develop this technique to geolocate dolphins with centimeter-level precision, enabling changes in behavior to be quantified in an objective way," noted Durban.



This combination of methodologies created a comprehensive picture of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-dolphins-who-play-with-others-become-successful-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>, renowned for their sociability, respond to sonic disturbances.



“While these behavioral changes occur and persist on variable time scales, they are surprising in that they collectively demonstrate responses at sound levels that are orders of magnitude lower than predicted in current regulatory impact assessments. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-smile-at-each-other-when-they-are-feeling-playful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These animals</a> are clearly much more sensitive to noise exposure than we thought," Southall explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-sonar-on-dolphins">Impacts of sonar on dolphins</h2>



These social dolphins, often seen in groups that could range into the hundreds or even thousands, regularly come across potent military sonar systems. 



Worryingly, these systems are known to disturb, harm, and even kill other species. The study proposes that millions of animals might be impacted annually, despite past assessments predicting otherwise.



The findings of this study have profound implications for marine conservation efforts, particularly regarding human-induced noise pollution. 



With the revelation that dolphins are more susceptible to sonar disturbances than previously assumed, there is an urgent call for reevaluating current naval practices. 



This knowledge urges policymakers and environmentalists to integrate more stringent regulations on sonar usage, ensuring the preservation of marine life integrity. 



By aligning scientific insights with conservation policy, there is a potential to mitigate some of the anthropogenic impacts on these intelligent creatures.



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



The research team emphasizes the need for continued investigations into the long-term impacts of noise exposure on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pebanista-yacuruna-giant-dolphin-species-discovered-peru-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> and their ecosystems. 



Future studies could expand to include a broader range of species and environmental scenarios, ultimately enriching our understanding of marine acoustic ecology. 



The deployment of novel technologies, as demonstrated in this study, provides a promising pathway for comprehensive, non-invasive monitoring of marine life.



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



This study focuses on dolphins, but its findings are important for all marine life. 



Military sonar and other human-made noises impact many species, messing with their behaviors, habitats, and ways of communicating. 



By showing how vulnerable dolphins are to these disturbances, it highlights the urgent need for better protection of our oceans.



We must take a holistic approach to ocean conservation, recognizing the complex relationships within marine ecosystems and working to reduce human stressors. 



Protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean biodiversity</a> is vital not just for marine species, but for the health of our planet, too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-concerns-on-sonars-and-dolphins">Increased concerns on sonars and dolphins</h2>



In recent times, the rising number of mass strandings of cetaceans coinciding with the operation of naval sonar systems has flagged concern regarding the potential threats posed by noise exposure. 



“Understanding how these animals respond to these types of acoustic signals is important for mitigating the impacts that this type of disturbance can have on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/dolphin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-these-magical-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social animals</a> that rely on acoustics for communication, feeding, and other critical facets of their lives,” said study co-author Caroline Casey, a researcher at UC Santa Cruz.



By advancing research in this field, scientists aim to promote deeper insights into interspecies interactions and ecological resilience, paving the way towards more informed and effective environmental stewardship.



So, the next time you think about dolphins, remember the other side of their story -- the one that we humans play a part in. What can we do to ensure their environment remains safe? Let's mull over that for a bit. After all, isn't awareness the first step towards change?



-----



The team also included Ari Friedlaender, a professor of ocean sciences at UC Santa Cruz, and a number of collaborators from institutions in the United States and the Netherlands.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science.</a>



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Military sonar does a lot more damage to dolphins than previously disclosed

We've known for a long time that military sonar, widely...

Why does the rooster crow while the hen remains silent? This intriguing question led scientist Arnold Adolph Berthold, in the mid-19th century, to castrate a rooster. The result was telling: the rooster's morning crow ceased.&nbsp;



While Berthold did not know the exact substance responsible, we now understand that the sex hormone testosterone plays a key role in such male-specific behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testosterone-and-the-androgen-receptor">Testosterone and the androgen receptor</h2>



Although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-with-low-testosterone-have-a-higher-risk-of-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testosterone</a> is present in females and has important functions, it is classically referred to as the “male hormone.” It significantly contributes to sexual development, appearance, and aggressive behavior in males. 



To exert its function, testosterone binds to the so-called androgen receptor. This binding activates the receptor and triggers the production of certain proteins within the cell.&nbsp;



However, testosterone can also be metabolized into estrogen - the “female hormone” - which binds to a different receptor. This complexity raises the question: when we talk about testosterone and its effects, what is the role of the androgen signaling pathway?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormone-signaling-in-birds">Hormone signaling in birds</h2>



A team of scientists led by Benjamin Schusser (<a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a>) and Manfred Gahr (<a href="https://www.bi.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence</a>) delved deeper into this question using birds as a model. 



The researchers noted that, unlike mammals, avian cells possess cell autonomous sex identity, allowing somatic cells to develop sexual traits independent of hormonal influence due to the absence of sex chromosome dosage compensation.&nbsp;



“This unique characteristic has significant implications, potentially leading to the manifestation of sexual traits differing from gonadal sex expectations,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



The experts pointed out that male chickens with experimentally reversed gonads develop complete sexual ornaments typical of roosters, challenging the notion that these traits are driven by testicular hormones.&nbsp;



“Our study aims to unravel the intricate interplay between hormonal and cell autonomous mechanisms in avian sexual development by investigating the role of androgen signaling through androgen receptor knockout in chickens.”



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



Using the CRISPR-Cas method, the researchers created genetically modified chickens lacking the androgen receptor. This allowed them to study, for the first time, the effects of androgen signaling on the development, appearance, and behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicken-domestication-humans-timeline-silk-road-evidence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chickens</a>.



Chickens were particularly well-suited for this study. They are intelligent and social animals exhibiting gender-specific behaviors, such as roosters crowing in the morning. This made them ideal subjects to observe the consequences of disrupting the androgen signaling pathway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-outcomes-in-modified-chickens">Surprising outcomes in modified chickens</h2>



As expected, examinations of the young roosters showed they were infertile. Additionally, some typical external sexual characteristics were underdeveloped, including the comb, wattle, and earlaps.&nbsp;



Interestingly, other traits remained unaffected by the genetic modification: the tail feathers and the spurs were comparable to normal roosters.



“We were surprised to find that the male traits were only partially lost. The outer appearance of roosters is therefore not solely determined by the androgen signaling pathway,” explained Mekhla Rudra, a co-lead author of the study.



Young hens without the androgen receptor showed a very similar pattern. They were also infertile, and their typical head ornaments were much smaller than normal.&nbsp;



Consequently, young roosters and hens were almost indistinguishable in appearance - quite unlike chickens that carry the androgen receptor.



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



Surprisingly, although adult females continued to produce testosterone, without the androgen receptors they never laid eggs nor ovulated, showing that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-the-reptile-or-the-egg-come-first-scientists-have-changed-their-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">egg</a> formation and laying are androgen-dependent.



The results demonstrate that testosterone plays an important role in both sexes. It is therefore too simplistic to describe it as a pure male hormone. The way the hormone works is complex and not yet fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interplay-in-sexual-development">Complex interplay in sexual development</h2>



The study provides general insights into the sexual development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polygamous-birds-carry-fewer-harmful-genetic-mutations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, revealing a complex interplay of hormone-dependent and hormone-independent mechanisms. 



By understanding these processes, scientists can better comprehend how hormones influence development and behavior across different species.



“These findings highlight the significance of androgen receptor mechanisms in fertility and sex-specific traits in chickens, challenging the concept of a default sex in birds and emphasizing the dominance of androgen signaling in avian sexual development,” the authors concluded.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52989-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Female birds need a ‘male hormone’ for sexual development 

Why does the rooster crow while the hen remains silent?...

North Atlantic right whales are at the crossroads of endangerment and proactive resolutions. The latest estimates from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium point to a population that is teetering on the brink of extinction.



The data for the year 2023 reveals an alarming number of only approximately 372 of these gentle giants. This is a slight increase from the previous year's figure of 356, but it's clear that the situation is still dire.



These whales face numerous threats, primarily from vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. In 2024 alone, at least four North Atlantic right whales were killed.



This urgent situation demands immediate action from global authorities like the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Transport Canada. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-voice-for-the-whales">A voice for the whales</h2>



The troubled plight of North Atlantic right whales triggered hard-hitting reactions from <a href="https://oceana.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceana</a>, a leading ocean advocacy group.



“While an increase in population is hopeful, the North Atlantic right whales washing up dead on our shores speak for themselves - we must stop killing them," said Gib Brogan, campaign director at Oceana in the United States.



"Five of this year’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-north-atlantic-right-whales-have-fewer-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calves</a> were killed or are missing and presumed dead, including the first calf of the season who was struck by a boat and died a slow, painful, and preventable death."



Brogan noted that NOAA’s proposed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ships-are-disregarding-efforts-to-protect-north-atlantic-right-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vessel speed rule</a> to update slow zones for ships would have protected these whales when they were at their most vulnerable, but this plan is gathering dust&nbsp;after more than 800 days. 



"President Biden must approve and implement the updated vessel speed rule soon, before we see moms and calves on our shores this calving season instead of in our waters."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-halting-two-major-threats-to-whales">Halting two major threats to whales</h2>



Kim Elmslie, campaign director at Oceana Canada, emphasized the need for action. "Today’s news that the North Atlantic right population has increased slightly is positive, but the threats of vessel strikes and entanglement remain present." 



Elmslie noted that right whales have faced a devastating year, with nine deaths and five entanglements. She said that more must and can be done to stop the two major threats to right whale’s survival - vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear. 



"To ensure whales and fisheries can coexist in Canada, the government must implement ropeless fishing gear in high-risk areas. Additionally, all vessel slowdowns must be mandatory and be applied throughout the range where right whales are found to reduce ship strikes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-once-thriving-but-now-struggling">Once thriving, but now struggling </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-atlantic-right-whales-critically-endangered-relocated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Atlantic right whales</a> were once a frequent sight off the shores. Moving at a leisurely pace, they were easy targets for aggressive whalers. Their population spiraled sharply downwards from 21,000 to less than 100 individuals by the 1920s.



Whaling was banned for this species in 1935. By 2010, they showed a promising rebound to about 483 individuals. But their numbers have been dwindling since, placing them back on the endangered list.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-dangers-faced-by-whales">Deadly dangers faced by whales</h2>



Ship strikes are a significant threat, given that these whales swim slowly, close to the surface, and their dark color makes them difficult to spot. This, along with the inability to maneuver quickly, leads to fatal encounters with boats.



The tragic saga continues with many of the whales getting entangled in fishing gear, causing severe physical damage and hindering their mobility, reproduction, and feeding abilities. 



A shocking 85% of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/right-whale-populations-reach-new-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a> has experienced entanglement at least once, making it critical that changes are made in fishing practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overwhelming-public-support">Overwhelming public support</h2>



A recent national poll conducted in 2024 by nonpartisan polling company Ipsos captured the sentiment of the American public. 



The results depicted a unified voice, stating that 86% of American voters believe it is vital to protect North Atlantic right whales from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-face-a-number-of-threats-and-most-are-human-related/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-caused threats</a>.



Overall, 83% of respondents agreed that human activities, specifically those involving shipping, boating, and vertical-line fishing, should be adapted to ensure they do not harm these marine creatures.



This public opinion shines a light on the path forward. We must bring about significant policy changes and implement proactive measures to save these incredible creatures from the brink of extinction. 



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Can we stop the extinction of North Atlantic right whales?

North Atlantic right whales are at the crossroads of endangerment...

Life, as we know it, relies on the balance of energy and essential nutrients. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), found in insects and arachnids, play a critical role in this equilibrium. 



These organisms are particularly crucial to birds, hedgehogs, and lizards, although the advantages hinge heavily on the kind of insects and spiders consumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-with-fatty-acids">Insects with fatty acids</h2>



You may be surprised to learn that aquatic insects like dragonflies or caddisflies are richer in omega-3 long-chain PUFA than their land-based counterparts.



Why? The base of the food chain in aquatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> is algae that are rich in omega-3 LC-PUFA.



Fatty acids pile up in food chains. Take mayflies, for instance, which consume the algae and are subsequently eaten by fish. The mayfly tends to contain more fatty acids than the algae it feeds on; however, the fish that preys on mayflies often has even more. 



There are a plethora of studies on this topic, as well as those exploring how plant or algal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> impacts the biomass in ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-insects-and-fatty-acids">Biodiversity, insects, and fatty acids</h2>



Cornelia Twining is the leader of the Food Web Ecophysiology group at the aquatic research institute Eawag and a professor at ETH Zurich.



"Unfortunately, knowledge about how insect and arachnid biodiversity might influence the availability of fatty acids in a food web is rather scant," said Twining. She, alongside her colleagues, is working hard to bridge this knowledge gap.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-and-nutrient-availability">Land use and nutrient availability </h2>



Based on data including over half a million observations of approximately 7,600 insect and spider species across Switzerland, the research spanned 400 aquatic ecosystems and 300 terrestrial ecosystems.



These ecosystems varied in terms of land usage, ranging from natural habitats such as meadows and forests to city-center sites and agricultural areas.



“We were interested in how land use shapes energy and nutrient availability and whether there are key differences between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,” said Ryan Shipley, researcher at the<a href="https://www.wsl.ch/en/about-wsl/locations/slf-davos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> WSL institute for snow and avalanche research SLF</a> and lead author on the study.



“Land use change ranks among the most urgent global challenges, making it essential to understand how human activities impact fundamental ecosystem functions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fatty-acid-content-in-insects">Fatty acid content in insects</h2>



The data analysis showed that in the studied communities, a decrease in insect and spider biodiversity resulted in a decline in biomass and key fatty acids content. 



"In terrestrial communities, we also see significant differences depending on land use," said Twining. Even when biodiversity is the same, insect and spider communities in a city park typically provide fewer omega-3 LC-PUFA than those in a forested area.



"This is partly due to the different species composition of these populations, and partly because the biomass is smaller in urban areas: there are also fewer predators like spiders or large beetles, which accumulate LC-PUFA in terrestrial systems," explained Twining.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-and-aquatic-ecosystems">Land use and aquatic ecosystems</h2>



What came as a surprise to scientists was that the land use effect is much less pronounced in aquatic communities. 



On land, the differences are more stark if predators like spiders, which accumulate high amounts of essential fatty acids, vanish from the ecosystem, the impact is substantial. "Yet, this does not imply that the diversity of aquatic insects is not equally important," Twining stresses.



Aquatic organisms are crucial sources of fatty acids for terrestrial food webs. In urban areas, where loss of insects and spiders is high due to increased human land use pressure, aquatic insects become an even more important source of essential fatty acids for birds, bats, or lizards. 



But these important "superfoods" are often tainted with pollutants in streams, rivers, and lakes.



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



“Our study shows how important it is to protect biodiversity, especially in agricultural and urban areas, and to improve water quality in order to preserve food webs for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-know-far-less-about-four-footed-animals-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> functioning," said Twining.



The research contributes to the Blue-Green Biodiversity Research Initiative - an Eawag-WSL collaboration focusing on biodiversity at the interface of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.



Funded by the ETH Board, the initiative reminds us why biodiversity is so crucial to the interconnectedness of our natural world.



So, next time you swat away a persistent fly or squash a crawling spider, remember, they're an essential link in the food chain, providing valuable nutrients for a multitude of creatures, including ourselves. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp6198" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Insects provide essential fatty acids to other animals

Life, as we know it, relies on the balance of...

The noses of many mammals, including dogs, ferrets, and cows, display intricate networks of grooves forming polygonal patterns.&nbsp;



Researchers at the University of Geneva have now uncovered how these patterns develop during embryonic growth using advanced 3D imaging and computer simulations.



The study reveals that the differential growth rates between skin tissue layers result in dome-shaped structures that are mechanically supported by underlying blood vessels.&nbsp;



This newly described morphogenetic process could provide insights into the formation of other biological structures that are influenced by blood vessels. The findings have been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.09.055" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-natural-patterns">Exploring natural patterns</h2>



The living world is filled with a wide variety of fascinating shapes and patterns. Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oldest-organisms-ever-discovered-show-dazzling-diversity-and-complexity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms</a> are instantly recognizable by their unique designs, such as the stripes on zebras or the spots on cheetahs. 



Even pine cones display characteristic spiral arrangements. These patterns are shaped by different morphogenetic processes, which govern the development of forms during an organism's early stages.



There are two main types of morphogenesis. One involves self-organizing chemical reactions, as described by Alan Turing's reaction-diffusion model, where interacting chemical substances can create consistent patterns like animal stripes or spots.&nbsp;



Another type is influenced by mechanical forces, such as differential growth rates. An example of this is the folding of the human brain's cortex, where the outer layer grows faster than the inner layers, resulting in convolutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-dog-nose-patterns">Formation of dog nose patterns</h2>



Michel Milinkovitch, a professor in the Department of Genetics and Evolution at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>, and his research team study the developmental mechanisms behind life's diversity. 



“Finding specific examples of beautiful patterns in living organisms is easy. All we have to do is look around us! Our latest study focuses on the noses of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-see-with-their-noses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, ferrets and cows, which exhibit a singular network of polygonal structures,” he explained.



In particular, the naked skin on the rhinarium - the nose area of many mammals - features a network of grooves that form polygons. These grooves help retain moisture on the nose, aiding in the collection of pheromones and scent molecules.&nbsp;



To better understand how these patterns develop, the Geneva team collaborated with scientists from the <a href="https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Paris-Saclay</a>, the <a href="https://www.vet-alfort.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfort National Veterinary School</a> (EnvA), and the Institute of Neurosciences in Alicante. They collected samples from dog, cow, and ferret embryos for their study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visualizing-dog-noses-in-3d">Visualizing dog noses in 3D</h2>



The researchers used “light sheet fluorescence microscopy” to observe these samples, allowing them to create three-dimensional images of biological structures. 



They found that the polygonal networks of folds in the outer skin layer, or epidermis, appear during embryonic development in all three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-mammals-live-depends-more-on-climate-than-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammal</a> species. 



These epidermal patterns aligned perfectly with a network of stiffer blood vessels in the deeper dermis layer. Additionally, they observed that the cells in the epidermis proliferate more quickly than those in the dermis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-vessels-as-structural-supports">Blood vessels as structural supports</h2>



The research team developed a mathematical model and performed computer simulations to understand this growth process.&nbsp;



The model accounted for the differing growth rates between the epidermis and dermis, their relative stiffness, and the presence of blood vessels in the dermis.&nbsp;



“Our numerical simulations show that the mechanical stress generated by excessive epidermal growth is concentrated at the positions of the underlying vessels, which form rigid support points,” explained study lead author Paule Dagenais, a postdoctoral fellow at UNIGE.



“The epidermal layers are then pushed outwards, forming domes - akin to arches rising against stiff pillars.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-mechanism-in-morphogenesis">New mechanism in morphogenesis</h2>



The findings indicate that in the formation of mammalian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-fruit-flies-smell-well-as-humans-with-much-less-nose-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nose</a> patterns, the positioning of polygonal structures in the epidermis is dictated by the layout of rigid blood vessels in the dermis. 



These vessels create local constraints as the epidermis grows, resulting in the formation of grooves and domes at specific sites.&nbsp;



“This is the first time that this mechanism, which we call 'mechanical positional information,' has been described to explain the formation of structures during embryonic development,” said Milinkovitch.&nbsp;



“But we are confident that it will help explain the formation of other biological structures associated to the presence of blood vessels.”



This discovery not only sheds light on the unique patterns seen in mammalian noses but also opens the door to understanding how similar processes might shape other biological forms during development.



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How did dog noses get their unique patterns?

The noses of many mammals, including dogs, ferrets, and cows,...

Rare elephant fossils found in India have illuminated a crucial activity that shaped the survival strategies of our human ancestors - animal butchery. 



Early butchery provides fascinating insights into the history of human evolution. In the late middle Pleistocene period, about 300,000 to 400,000 years ago, a group of ancient elephants died near a river in the Kashmir Valley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-elephant-remains">Discovery of the elephant remains</h2>



The sediment preserved the prehistoric elephant remains for future generations. The scene included 87 stone tools, shining a light on the habits of early humans.



The elephant remains were discovered in 2000 near Pampore, a small town in India. However, the scientists did not know the elephants' cause of death or any possible human involvement. The mysteries surrounding these fossils remained unsolved for two decades.



A research team led by the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a> has recently dug deeper into the history of the bones, unveiling findings that contribute significantly to our understanding of early human life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-butchery-and-elephant-bones">Early butchery and elephant bones</h2>



The researchers discovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-behavior-provides-new-insights-into-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant</a> bone flakes that hint at early humans striking the bones to extract rich, fatty marrow.



This finding represents the first evidence of animal butchery in India and provides insights into the diet and survival strategies of humanity's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestors</a>.



The rarity of the fossils amplifies their significance. They belonged to an extinct elephant genus, Palaeoloxodon, which weighed twice as much as today's African elephants.



Only one other set of bones from this species had been found, making these fossils invaluable due to their completeness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-were-the-hominins">Who were the hominins?</h2>



The term "hominin" refers to modern humans, extinct human species, and all immediate ancestors.



"The question is, who are these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-early-hominins-use-stone-tools-like-chimpanzees-do-today/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hominins</a>? What are they doing on the landscape and are they going after big game or not?” said Advait Jukar, a curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Florida Museum.



This question looms large in the paleontology world since the discovery of the Narmada human, the only fossil hominin found in the Indian subcontinent. The remains were discovered on the bank of the&nbsp;Narmada River in 1982.



Considering the Narmada human's intriguing mix of features from older and recent hominin species, early human dispersal in India piqued scientists' curiosity.



“Now we know for sure, at least in the Kashmir Valley, these hominins are eating elephants,” said Jukar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butchery-elephants-and-stone-tools">Butchery, elephants, and stone tools</h2>



Early humans used the basalt <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/400000-year-old-stone-tools-show-technological-adaptations-of-prehistoric-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> found at the Pampore site for marrow extraction.



Basalt is not native to the site's local area, which led the researchers to theorize that early humans brought raw materials in from elsewhere and then shaped them at the site.



The method of construction determined the age of the site and its tools, placing them between 300,000 and 400,000 years old.



Before this find, the first known instance of butchery in India was less than 10,000 years old. The study moves the timeline back considerably.



“It might just be that people haven’t looked closely enough or are sampling in the wrong place,” noted Jukar. “But up until now, there hasn’t been any direct evidence of humans feeding on large animals in India.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-story-of-palaeoloxodon">Story of Palaeoloxodon</h2>



The experts identified the complete specimen found in Pampore as the extinct elephant genus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-skull-found-in-india-adds-a-piece-to-the-evolutionary-puzzle/">Palaeoloxodon Turkmenicus</a>. This type of elephant fossil was discovered only once before.



In the back of the throat, researchers found intact hyoids, which are fragile bones attached to the tongue. Hyoid bones are distinctive between species and helped the experts identify the elephants.



Palaeoloxodon elephants originated in Africa about a million years ago before moving into Eurasia. Unlike living elephant species, Palaeoloxodon was known for its unusually large forehead.



P. turkmenicus showcased an intermediate stage in Palaeoloxodon evolution with an expanded forehead and no crest. This evidence highlighted early butchery practices linked to these elephants.



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



Jukar believes the findings could fill in the story of how the genus migrated and evolved. "You just need a lot more effort to go and find the sites, and you need to essentially survey and collect everything."



This discovery has peeled away a new layer in human history. As researchers continue to explore humans of the past, they begin to understand more about humanity and what it stands to become.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0277379124003950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quaternary Science Reviews</a>.



Image Credit: Chen Yu, University of Helsinki



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Extinct elephant fossils reveal early evidence of animal butchery

Rare elephant fossils found in India have illuminated a crucial...

The Neotropics is one of Earth's richest vessels of biodiversity. It contains a colorful and diverse array of bird species and is home to around 30% of all bird species worldwide. 



Despite the ecological complexity and biodiversity of the region, climate change poses a severe threat to bird diversity in the coming decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsettling-forecast-for-birds">Unsettling forecast for birds</h2>



Jeff Brawn, co-lead author of a recent study on birds of the Neotropics, is a professor emeritus in the <a href="https://nres.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences</a> at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.



“Compared to a more optimistic future precipitation scenario, we predict the ‘business-as-usual’ scenario will be potentially catastrophic for resident forest birds in the Neotropics,” said Brawn, noting that birds are just one part of a larger picture.



"We're just using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> as an illustration. We will likely see similar threats for mammals, reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, fungi, and plants. And the implications for agriculture are not insignificant either."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-scenarios-for-the-neotropics">Climate scenarios for the Neotropics </h2>



Brawn's team, including Professor David Luther from George Mason University (GMU) and Rong Fu from UCLA, predicted precipitation changes under two climate scenarios in the Neotropics by 2100.



The business-as-usual scenario, known as SSP-8.5, paints a grim future where greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. 



On the other hand, the SSP-2.6 scenario represents an optimistic view where aggressive climate action leads to the transition to a low-carbon economy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-ranges-and-climate-challenges">Bird ranges and climate challenges</h2>



The team investigated how bird ranges overlap with climate issues by mapping predicted changes in dry season lengths across the Neotropics and overlaying the distribution of 3,000 forest bird species.



"We were able to say where the dry season is going to get longer or shorter, and to what extent, and how many species currently living in those places will be affected," explained Luther.



The SSP-8.5 scenario is discouraging. It projects that dry seasons will be extended by at least 5% across three-quarters of Neotropical lowland forests, impacting 2,000 species of resident birds. 



By contrast, only 90 bird species face longer dry seasons in the SSP-2.6 scenario, where just 10% of lowland forests become drier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-dry-seasons-in-the-neotropics">Longer dry seasons in the Neotropics </h2>



Longer dry seasons due to climate change could have far-reaching implications for tropical ecosystems and bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species distributions</a>. 



"Think of a closed canopy rainforest. If it gets too dry, there's going to be a threshold where it'll open up and become a savannah,” Brawn said.



For Luther, the maps highlight areas of relative stability. "If we're going to plan future conservation efforts, we should put extra effort into those areas because they're less likely to dry out."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-deforestation">Climate change and deforestation</h2>



Despite the unsettling findings on the loss of bird diversity and ecosystems, the team believes the study paints a "rosy picture" as it doesn't account for the impact of deforestation from climate change. Therefore, the reality of the situation is even more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-species-are-shifting-their-habitats-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical</a>.



“If there's fewer trees, it's hotter and drier,” Brawn said. “Unfortunately, thousands of hectares of tropical forest disappear every year."



The researchers hope these alarming insights expedite policy action. However, climate policy is just one piece of a larger puzzle.



The good news? "These are all things we can solve, if we choose to. We can do the right thing," Luther said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-birds-in-the-neotropics">Saving birds in the Neotropics </h2>



The complex challenges facing the Neotropics demand a concerted and multi-disciplinary approach.



Researchers, conservationists, policymakers, and local communities must collaborate to implement sustainable solutions. Integrated strategies that combine scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge provide the most effective avenues for positive change.



Efforts to preserve biodiversity must consider the socioeconomic realities of the region, ensuring economically viable and culturally inclusive conservation initiatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-innovations">Technological innovations</h2>



Technological advancements play a role in addressing environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-birds-can-handle-climate-variability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate challenges</a>. Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies enable more precise monitoring of ecosystem changes and effective conservation planning.



Moreover, advancements in renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices offer opportunities to mitigate the impact of climate change.



Brawn and his colleagues advocate for harnessing these technologies. They argue adopting innovative tools empowers communities and helps safeguard the Neotropics biodiversity.



Humanity stands at the crossroads of a monumental decision. Will it transition towards a world of mitigated carbon emission and preserve the ecology of places like the Neotropics or continue on a path of unbridled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change, risking thousands of bird species?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17544" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Hundreds of bird species face extinction risks in the Neotropics

The Neotropics is one of Earth's richest vessels of biodiversity....

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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



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

[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.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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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.

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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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Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&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.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&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> Staff Writer 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&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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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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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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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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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.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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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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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&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.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



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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.

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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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.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;



Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.



"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.



"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."



Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency&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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...