Male fruit flies buzzing around in a small, contained arena sounds like a pretty ordinary science experiment. Yet one group of researchers noticed something unusual about how some of them reacted to a spinning disk.



They observed that while many flies stayed away from the disk, a select few hopped onto it and stayed for surprising amounts of time. 



<a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/2253355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Wolf Huetteroth</a> from the <a href="https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leipzig</a> notes that these findings could open new questions about how body awareness develops in living creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-spin-with-purpose">Flies spin with purpose</h2>



Many people think of fruit flies as tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-fruit-flies-smell-well-as-humans-with-much-less-nose-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> flitting around fruit bowls. Yet a recent study suggests that they might show optional behavior patterns that fit the definition of play. This observation challenges old assumptions about insects.



“Using several carousels, we generated and analyzed a total of around seven years of film data,” says Dr. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tilman-Triphan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tilman Triphan</a>, the first author of the study. 



Researchers used several rotating platforms placed under a thin glass cover. Some flies dashed to the edge, but others returned to the carousel again and again.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-preferences">Individual preferences</h2>



A fraction of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-on-treadmills-video-shows-how-insects-walk-and-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a> sought the disk and rode it in repeated sessions. Those individuals spent extended periods on the spinner, while their peers avoided it altogether. The behavior looked deliberate, rather than forced or random.



One aspect was the difference in how these seekers got onto the spinning surface. 



“However, we were able to distinguish whether the flies had deliberately walked onto the carousel or jumped onto it in an uncoordinated way. This allowed us to show that unplanned visits to the carousel were rather atypical for the playing flies,” says co-author <a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/our-staff/f/clara-ferreira/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Clara H. Ferreira</a>, an assistant Professor at <a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northumbria University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-value-of-body-sense">Possible value of body sense</h2>



The repeated interaction with the moving disk seems to involve <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00048.2011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proprioceptive feedback</a>, which refers to the body’s sense of position and motion.



If some flies are actively seeking the extra sensation, it might be fulfilling a hidden benefit. This is reminiscent of how certain mammals, like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9861614/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rats</a>, engage in rough-and-tumble routines that refine their coordination.



Some insects ended up swapping mealtime for more spins on the carousel. That trade-off hints at a possible reward gained from the turning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-develop-waxy-coating-to-withstand-warmer-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motion</a>. 



The interesting part is that these insects showed no direct advantage other than what seems to be playful amusement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-spin-by-choice-not-force">Flies spin by choice, not force</h2>



Natural curiosity is often observed in higher animals, but insects rarely get credit for it. 



Here, the setting was calm, with continuous observation over days to capture genuine conduct. There were no artificial triggers that forced the flies onto the disk.



The team set up the environment to ensure no threat forced the flies to remain. If the spinning platform caused anxiety, they could easily walk away. 



Instead, some made a personal choice to return. This self-directed action adds weight to the suggestion of a real <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flies-are-more-vulnerable-to-climate-change-than-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">playful attitude</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-it-matter-for-humans">Why does it matter for humans?</h2>



“This could help us to find out how we humans also develop efficient self-awareness of our bodies,” says Huetteroth. 



The clue lies in how the spinning motion may sharpen the brain’s ability to map physical space. Because the flies appear to seek out extra movement, they might be training themselves to adapt and respond to unexpected motion.



Similar responses appear in many species that enjoy roller coasters or spinning rides. Researchers believe the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-brain-connects-unrelated-concepts-through-reasoning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain learns</a> from these experiences, reinforcing internal models of balance and orientation.



If a small insect displays a version of this, it might show that the drive to engage in such activity evolved long ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-spin-despite-easy-alternatives">Flies spin despite easy alternatives</h2>



The flies had easy access to food and water. They also had corners to rest without interruption. Despite these calmer options, some crawled over for a spin. 



That behavior did not enhance survival, which points toward a motivational factor besides hunger or fear.



Scientists have used <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5787388/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open-field tests</a> to measure caution or stress in animals. 



Usually, creatures stay near edges when anxious. The carousel-seeking flies, however, went to the center and stayed. This breaks usual fear-driven patterns.



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



So far, scientists have only glimpsed how fruit flies pick between exploration, feeding, and spinning. The genetic tools available in fruit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemicals-are-changing-insects-in-subtle-yet-deadly-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a> might shine more light on the neural wiring behind this playful bent. 



Perhaps targeted genetic studies will uncover exactly which circuits reward them for spinning.



In time, deeper understanding could reveal ways that controlled motion shapes a creature’s internal map. 



That concept might prove relevant to other animals, including humans learning how to handle complex movement or interactive environments.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00055-7?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982225000557%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Flies like to play and have fun like other animals, according to a fascinating new study

Male fruit flies buzzing around in a small, contained arena sounds like a pretty ordinary science experiment. Yet one group of researchers noticed something unusual about how some of them reacted to a spinning disk. They observed that while many flies stayed away from the disk, a select few hopped onto it and stayed for surprising amounts of time. Dr. Wolf Huetteroth from the University of Leipzig notes that these findings could open new questions about how body awareness develops in living creatures. Flies spin with purpose...

A new study led by Professor Bryan Fry at the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a> offers interesting insights into how lizards have adapted to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-blue-tongue-lizard-evolved-resistance-to-deadly-snake-venom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survive</a> snake venom attacks.



Lizards and snakes have been locked in a remarkable evolutionary battle for millennia. Venomous snakes wield a powerful weapon, but their reptilian cousins have developed fascinating ways to stay alive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizards-snakes-and-evolution">Lizards, snakes, and evolution</h2>



Australia serves as a dynamic arena for an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snake-evolution-legless-lizards-into-slithering-snakes-100-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary</a> face-off. On one side are the venomous snakes, including the lethal death adder, equipped with venom powerful enough to kill a human. 



On the other side, lizards, ranging from the imposing Komodo dragon to the smaller goannas, are locked in a survival struggle.



Professor Bryan Fry and his team, partnering with museums across Australia, dove deep into this epic conflict. Their research reveals a riveting arms race. 



They discovered how some lizards have cleverly evolved to resist the deadly neurotoxins of Australia's venomous snakes. 



“Australian snakes have developed potent venoms to counteract the lizards’ defenses, highlighting an intense predator-prey dynamic," said PhD candidate Uthpala Chandrasekara. "Once the lizards evolve, the snakes fire back with even more potent toxins. It's a biological arms race where the only constant is change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizard-s-defense-against-snake-venom">Lizard's defense against snake venom</h2>



"Evolution has equipped these giant lizards with the ability to combat venoms, but not all shield themselves in the same way," says Professor Fry. That's where it gets really interesting.



In the battle for survival, lizards have developed some fascinating defenses against venomous snakes. Their first line of defense? A unique form of chemical resistance. 



Many of these large, predatory lizards have evolved an immunity to the neurotoxins in snake venom. This venom is deadly, designed to paralyze prey by attacking the nervous system. 



But for these lizards, it's as if they've been granted a superpower. They can face off against venomous snakes without fearing the lethal effects of their bites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-komodo-dragon">Komodo dragon</h2>



But, not all lizards play the game of chemical warfare. Enter the heavyweights: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/all-about-the-mysterious-komodo-dragon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Komodo dragon</a> and the perentie, Australia's own giant lizard. 



These behemoths take a different approach to defense. According to Professor Bryan Fry, they rely on sheer physical strength. 



Their defense doesn't come from within but from their armor. Thick, bone-filled scales act as a natural shield against snake bites. And if a snake does get too close? 



These lizards use their massive teeth to quickly neutralize the threat, treating the snakes like "fettuccini" to be swiftly cut and dispatched. In this case, brute force trumps biochemical resistance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-small-size">Advantages of small size</h2>



Now, not all lizards are titans. What about the little ones? Smaller species, like tree monitors, have found a different path to survival. By taking to the trees, they escape the ground-dwelling predators armed with deadly venom.



This arboreal lifestyle led to an interesting shift: tree monitors gradually lost their chemical defenses against snake venom. High above the dangers of the forest floor, the need for this resistance dwindled.



But evolution is a winding road. Some of these small lizards eventually ventured back to the ground, becoming burrowers. This return exposed them to lurking dangers – the same venomous snakes their ancestors had escaped.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-lizards-and-snakes">History of lizards and snakes</h2>



The evolutionary relation between lizards and snakes is a riveting chapter in Earth's history, a testament to the intricate web of predator-prey relationships that shape the biosphere. 



This ongoing saga, rooted in the distant past, reflects the relentless adaptation, survival, and natural selection.



Millions of years ago, the ancestors of modern lizards and snakes diverged from a common lineage. This split set the stage for a journey marked by incredible diversity. 



Lizards, in their myriad forms, colonized habitats from forests to deserts. Snakes, losing their limbs, became masters of stealth and deadly precision. As these paths crossed, a dynamic predator-prey relationship ignited.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



The struggle between snakes and lizards isn't simply about survival – it's an engine of evolution. Venomous snakes wield potent toxins to subdue their prey, including lizards. 



In response, some lizards evolved sophisticated defenses like neurotoxin resistance, a testament to the power of natural selection in shaping biological arms races. This isn't a one-sided battle, but a constant back-and-forth, innovation met with counter-innovation.



This intricate interplay influences the broader ecosystem. Predator-prey dynamics are crucial for ecological balance, regulating populations and driving biodiversity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-never-dull">Nature's never dull</h2>



The biggest takeaway from this study? "This complex dance of adaptation has resulted in a Russian doll-like nesting of gains and losses over time and suggests that the evolutionary battle doesn't always head in one direction," said Chandrasekara . 



Just when you think you've got nature figured out, it throws a curveball. Lizards gain resistance, then lose it, then gain it back. It's proof that evolution is messy, unpredictable, and incredibly fascinating.



While there's still more to unravel in this ongoing snake-lizard duel, remember: the next time you see a lizard basking in the sun, it might be a tiny survivor packing far more secrets and evolutionary tricks than you could ever imagine.



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052628" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Molecular Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Some lizards have evolved to resist deadly snake venom

A new study led by Professor Bryan Fry at the...

Red,Ants,Army,Fighting,With,Queen,Black,Ant

Your work environment shapes your job, and guess what? It's the same for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a>. A new study discovers that ant queens aren't born destined to be egg-laying machines -- they actually change their behavior based on who's around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ant-queen-s-job-description">Ant queen's job description</h2>



The traditional view of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-build-higher-nests-when-there-are-no-visible-landmarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant colonies</a> has always painted a clear division of labor: the queen, as the reproductive engine, solely dedicates herself to egg-laying, while the worker ants buzz around performing all the other necessary tasks to maintain and expand the colony. 



This almost industrial efficiency, with roles seemingly assigned at the genetic level in some species, underscores the perceived rigidity of social insect societies. But what if this understanding is more of a generalization than a universal truth?



Dr. Romain Libbrecht and his research team from <a href="https://international.univ-tours.fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tours</a> have thrown a wrench into this neatly sorted mechanism. Their research suggests that the roles within ant colonies, particularly that of the queen, may not be as fixed as once thought. 



Through their detailed observations and experiments, they have shown that the queen's behavior and role can significantly change depending on the social environment of the colony.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-of-ant-queen-behavior">Shifting of ant queen behavior</h2>



The scientists studied the common black garden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-have-a-communications-system-that-closely-resembles-mental-telepathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant</a> (Lasius niger). Here's the wild part: When a new queen starts a colony, she's a Jill-of-all-trades. She takes care of the brood herself at first, ensuring those first precious workers hatch. 



But, once those workers arrive on the scene? She transforms. Suddenly, egg-laying becomes her sole focus, and the workers take over everything else.



If you take an established, egg-laying queen away from her workers, she switches back to all-purpose mode.



"With regard to the ant species we studied, it is social factors that control whether queens become specialized or not. Our findings challenge the widely accepted notion of social insect queens as inherently specialized egg-laying machines," Dr. Libbrecht said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-ant-queen-the-boss">Is ant queen the boss?</h2>



This discovery flips the script. We thought queens were in charge, giving orders to the workers. Now, it looks like workers might subtly control the queen's behavior, shaping the whole colony's division of labor.



Why would this system evolve? Scientists are still working that out. Maybe a queen that can help out when the colony is tiny has a better survival chance. 



Or, maybe a colony can respond better to food shortages or danger if the queen isn't always tied to egg-laying duties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



This isn't just about ant trivia. "If social environment shapes such a fundamental aspect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edible-ants-art-science-sustainable-food-source-ant-cuisine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant</a> colonies, what else might it influence?" Dr. Libbrecht wonders. It turns out, studying critters with seemingly simple lives can teach us profound lessons. 



Perhaps the way genes and environment interact is far more flexible than we ever thought. This has potential implications for all kinds of biological systems -- maybe even ourselves!



Dr. Libbrecht is fascinated by how critters adapt to their environment. He used to work at<a href="https://www.uni-mainz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz</a> and now digs into insect mysteries at the <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a> in France. He wants to know what makes insects change their behavior and even their bodies in response to the world around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparison-with-other-insects">Comparison with other insects</h2>



When we peer into the miniature societies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matabele-ants-produce-antibiotics-to-treat-wounded-nestmates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a>, bees, and wasps, we witness marvels of cooperation and efficiency. Each group displays a unique social system that shapes its survival and success. 



By exploring their differences, we gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating diversity of the natural world.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-adaptable-and-resilient">Ants: Adaptable and resilient </h3>



Ant colonies are renowned for their rigid division of labor. The queen presides as the sole egg-layer, while workers diligently forage, care for the young, and defend their home. 



Yet, as researchers like Dr. Romain Libbrecht reveal, even within this structure, there's room for flexibility. Ant queens may adapt their roles based on their colony's needs, adding a surprising layer to their complex society.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-masters-of-specialization">Bees: Masters of specialization </h3>



Unlike ants, honeybee societies exhibit extreme specialization. The queen's sole purpose is reproduction, while sterile female workers handle all other tasks. 



Male drones exist only to mate with a queen. These unyielding roles enable remarkable efficiency and productivity within the hive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasps-a-balance-of-structure-and-flexibility">Wasps: A balance of structure and flexibility </h3>



Wasp societies bridge the gap, with queens, workers, and males performing fairly distinct roles. However, a key difference lies in their adaptability. 



If a wasp queen dies, worker wasps may step into the reproductive role -- a flexibility rarely seen in bees or ants. This underscores the importance of adaptability within a social structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-principles-across-insect-species">Shared principles across insect species</h2>



Despite their differences, ants, bees, and wasps rely on some shared principles. Communication, via intricate methods like pheromones or dances, is vital to their coordination. 



Their division of labor, whether rigid or fluid, demonstrates how specialization promotes a thriving community.



Exploring these insect societies reveals incredible diversity, adaptability, and the undeniable benefits of cooperation. Ants teach us about resilience within a strict order, while bees exemplify unwavering specialization. Wasps showcase the value of flexibility in social roles. 



These insect empires offer potent lessons for understanding our own world, potentially inspiring better organizational structures and technology.



The study is published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14536" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Ecology</a>. -----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Ant queen behavior changes based on their social environment

Your work environment shapes your job, and guess what? It's...

Triceratops,Horridus,Group,,Herd,Of,Dinosaurs,Enjoying,The,Beach,(3d

Fans of Jurassic Park might remember the iconic scene where Dr. Alan Grant and the kids encounter a sick Triceratops -- a gentle, social giant of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jurassic-rocks-reveal-new-details-about-earths-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric world</a>. 



These herbivorous dinosaurs, with their massive three-horned heads and protective frills, have long captured our imaginations. 



But did these impressive creatures roam the earth alone, or did Triceratops have a complex social structure, as Spielberg seemed to suggest?



New research from the <a href="https://www.naturalis.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Naturalis Biodiversity Center</a> in the Netherlands provides tantalizing clues that these titans of the Cretaceous period might have been more than solitary wanderers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-behaviour-from-triceratops-fossils">Social behaviour from Triceratops fossils</h2>



The discovery begins with a team of paleontologists led by Jimmy de Rooij. Back in 2013, the team ventured to Wyoming with hopes of unearthing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-species-tyrannosaurus-mcraeensis-discovered-in-new-mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus</a>. Instead, they hit the paleontological jackpot -- stumbling across a treasure trove of Triceratops fossils.



What began as a routine expedition transformed into a decade-long project. Over 1200 bones and fragments emerged from the dig site, meticulously removed and analyzed. 



This wasn't just about finding cool fossils -- it was about reconstructing the lives (and deaths) of these magnificent creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triceratops-characteristics">Triceratops characteristics </h2>



The key discoveries that led de Rooij and his team to this herd hypothesis includes:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-and-steady-growth">Slow and steady growth</h3>



"The material is of very good quality. This enabled us to show that these triceratops grew really slowly, for instance," noted de Rooij. 



Similar to tree rings, the growth patterns trapped in the fossilized bones reveal that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triceratops-horns-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triceratops</a> likely didn't reach full size for many years. 



This extended growing period hints at social structures where adults potentially cared for and protected younger members.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-swamp-of-doom">The swamp of doom</h3>



The fossils were clustered within a thin layer of rock with no other species present. It's possible that these unlucky Triceratops became bogged down in a swamp -- a tragic but revealing mass death that preserved their remains together.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeth-and-tales-of-travel">Teeth and tales of travel</h3>



"Research into the physical and chemical properties of the hundreds of triceratops teeth tells of a migratory existence - one that was the same for all five of the dinos," de Rooij explained. 



Like tiny time capsules, the chemical makeup of their teeth suggests that the entire group roamed together, seeking out food or perhaps seasonally moving to better grounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-behavior-of-triceratops">Social behavior of Triceratops</h2>



While not conclusive proof, the evidence strongly suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-triceratops-relative-two-feet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triceratops</a> formed groups for various reasons. Maybe strength in numbers provided protection from predators. 



Perhaps they banded together for long migrations, relying on collective knowledge of routes and resources. Some experts even speculate that there might have been complex social structures within the herd.



"And that of course leads to all kinds of new questions. How complex was this social behavior, exactly?" de Rooij wondered. It's an exciting new chapter in our understanding of dinosaur behavior. 



Did they share parenting duties? Engage in play-fighting like young elephants? Did they have leaders to guide them? The possibilities are thrilling and inspire a whole new range of research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-landmark-discovery">A landmark discovery</h2>



The impact of this research is undeniable. Prof. Anne Schulp, de Rooij's supervisor, declares: "Naturalis, the national natural history museum of the Netherlands, now has the biggest triceratops find in the world, and <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> has the first Dr Triceratops in the Netherlands."



But the story doesn't end in the lab. This October, the Naturalis Museum will unveil an exhibition showcasing the Triceratops herd in all its glory. 



The exhibit aims to recreate their lives and ill-fated end, giving visitors a glimpse into the social world of these ancient giants before they embark on a world tour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-social-characteristics-of-triceratops">Beyond social characteristics of Triceratops</h2>



As discussed above, Triceratops is a name that stirs images of ancient forests and the thunderous roar of dinosaurs. They have fascinated scientists and enthusiasts alike for over a century. 



This magnificent creature, whose name means "three-horned face," roamed the Earth around 68 to 66 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period. 



Its most striking features were its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-john-had-a-skull-injury-from-fighting-another-triceratops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large skull</a>, adorned with two impressive horns above the eyes and a smaller one on the nose, and its massive neck frill.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-discovery">First discovery</h3>



First discovered in the late 19th century, Triceratops quickly became a subject of intrigue and study. Paleontologists have unearthed numerous fossils, primarily in North America, where this dinosaur once thrived. Over the years, these discoveries have shed light on the life and habits of Triceratops.



Interestingly, Triceratops was a herbivore. It used its beaked mouth to clip off leaves and plants. Its teeth, arranged in groups called batteries, were perfectly adapted for shredding tough plant material. 



Scientists believe this diet played a crucial role in its large size, with some adults reaching over 9 meters in length and weighing up to 12 tons.



Moreover, the structure of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triceratops-horns-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horns</a> and frill suggests they were not just for show. They likely served multiple purposes, including defense against predators like the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex. 



Additionally, these features may have been used in mating rituals or to establish dominance within their herds, indicating a complex social structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-triceratops-as-a-social-creature">Implications of Triceratops as a social creature</h2>



This research adds a fascinating wrinkle to the way we view the prehistoric world. Finally, the continuous discovery and study of Triceratops fossils are not just about piecing together the past. 



They inspire questions and curiosity about life on Earth, its diversity, and evolution. Each bone, each fragment tells a story of a world long gone but still deeply connected to our own. 



Our understanding of dinosaurs is constantly evolving, and discoveries like this hint at far more intricate behaviors and relationships than we once imagined. 



Who knows, those classic images of dinosaurs we grew up with might someday feature entire herds thundering across the landscape.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Triceratops dinosaurs seem to have developed complex social structures

Fans of Jurassic Park might remember the iconic scene where...

A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> has uncovered a fascinating aspect of bird communication. The study reveals that the Japanese <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-tits-are-nesting-earlier-due-to-climate-change/">tit</a> (Parus minor) utilizes wing gestures to communicate a polite "after you" to its mate.&nbsp;



This discovery challenges the prevailing assumption that complex gestural communication, akin to the symbolic gestures observed in humans and great apes, was beyond the capacity of birds. 



The findings mark a significant advancement in our understanding of non-verbal communication mechanisms in the animal kingdom, particularly among birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gestures-and-communication-nbsp">Gestures and communication&nbsp;</h2>



Human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-gestures-we-see-can-change-what-we-hear/">communication</a> heavily relies on gestures, such as giving a thumbs up, waving goodbye, or pointing to convey messages without the use of words. This mode of communication was once thought to be exclusively human until observations of great apes like chimpanzees and bonobos demonstrated their ability to use body movements to express themselves nonverbally.&nbsp;



Further studies extended this understanding to other animals, including ravens and fish, which exhibited simple gestural behaviors like pointing to indicate objects or interests.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbolic-gesturing-in-a-non-human-species-nbsp">Symbolic gesturing in a non-human species&nbsp;</h2>



However, the concept of symbolic gesturing, which implies a higher level of cognitive processing - such as a human showing an open hand to signal "after you" - had not been definitively observed in non-human species until now.



“In our latest discovery, we revealed that the Japanese tit uses gestures to communicate with their mate,” said study lead author Toshitaka Suzuki, an assistant professor of animal communication at the University of Tokyo.&nbsp;



“For over 17 years, I have been engaged in the study of these fascinating birds. They not only use specific calls to convey particular meanings, but also combine different calls into phrases using syntactic rules. These diverse vocalizations led me to initiate this research into their potential use of physical gestures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-form-of-gestural-communication">Unique form of gestural communication</h2>



Observations conducted during the breeding season provided valuable insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-is-not-the-only-thing-changing-the-behavior-of-birds/">behavior</a> of Japanese tits. These birds, which form mating pairs and construct their nests within tree cavities, displayed a unique form of gestural communication.&nbsp;



The researchers focused on 16 parent birds across eight pairs, closely monitoring their interactions during nest visits. Notably, when arriving at the nest with food, the birds would often perch nearby, and one would flutter its wings toward the other, signaling for its mate to enter the nest first.&nbsp;



This wing-fluttering gesture, primarily exhibited by females, effectively determined the order of nest entry, mirroring the human ‘after you’ gesture.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f5lSezLM83-3513477-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinctive-wing-gestures">Distinctive wing gestures </h2>



“We were surprised to find that the results were much clearer than we had expected. We observed that Japanese tits flutter their wings exclusively in the presence of their mate, and upon witnessing this behavior, the mate almost always entered the nest box first,” Suzuki said.&nbsp;



The researchers concluded that this behavior satisfies the criteria for a symbolic gesture, as it is aimed at the mate rather than the nest box, distinguishing it from deictic gestures that indicate the location of an object of interest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-evolution-of-gestures">Understanding the evolution of gestures</h2>



Suzuki also touched on the broader implications of their findings for understanding the evolution of gestures, drawing parallels between the freed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-wing-shape-is-driven-by-environment-and-behavior/">wings</a> of perching birds and the mobility of human hands due to upright posture and bipedalism.&nbsp;



"There is a hypothesis that walking on two legs allowed humans to maintain an upright posture, freeing up their hands for greater mobility, which in turn contributed to the evolution of gestures. Similarly, when birds perch on branches, their wings become free, which we think may facilitate the development of gestural communication," he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-and-cognition-across-species">Communication and cognition across species</h2>



As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of avian communication, their work not only sheds light on the rich tapestry of animal languages but also offers key insights into the origins and evolution of language itself.&nbsp;



This research underscores the importance of expanding our perspective on communication and cognition across species, bridging the gap between human and animal non-verbal interactions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>. A video of the ‘after you’ gesture in Japanese tits can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DtO8hXBmzM">here</a>.



Video Credit: Suzuki and Sugita, 2024/ Current Biology



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Wild bird uses wing gestures to politely say, 'after you'

A team of researchers led by the University of Tokyo...

Did you know that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collective-sensing-electric-fish-can-see-through-others-eyes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> have lessons to teach us about group dynamics? It turns out even physicists are getting in on the action, studying the schooling patterns of these underwater creatures. 



A recent study found something quite remarkable – it might only take three fish to shift from individual movement to a full-fledged school.



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



Schooling is a fascinating and complex behavior observed in various species of fish, where individuals move together in a coordinated manner, forming what is commonly referred to as a "school." 



This collective behavior is not merely a random aggregation of fish but a highly organized and dynamic formation that provides numerous benefits to the individuals within the school. Some of schooling characteristics include:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coordination-and-synchronization-in-fish-school">Coordination and synchronization in fish school</h3>



One of the hallmarks of schooling is the high degree of synchronized movement exhibited by its members. Fish within a school change direction and speed almost simultaneously. 



This coordination often occurs in the absence of a designated leader, suggesting that individuals rely on visual cues and potentially hydrodynamic signals (water movement) from their neighbors to maintain alignment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polarization">Polarization</h3>



Fish in a school exhibit a tendency to orient their bodies in the same direction. This polarization is crucial for maintaining group cohesion and facilitating efficient collective movement, particularly when the group needs to make rapid turns or adjustments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-density">Density</h3>



Schools of fish are characterized by relatively high density, with individuals maintaining a specific distance from each other. 



While not packed to the point of immobility, this closeness is a crucial factor in optimizing the school's ability to confuse predators and potentially improve foraging success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-magic-number-three">The magic number: Three</h2>



A team of scientists from Germany and the UK decided to investigate the minimum "cast of characters" required for schooling behavior. They focused on zebrafish, a popular species both in research labs and home aquariums. 



Using specialized 3D cameras, the researchers tracked and analyzed the movements of different-sized fish groups. Some of the interesting findings of the study include:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-fish-just-a-dynamic-duo-nbsp">Two fish: Just a dynamic duo&nbsp;</h3>



When only two zebrafish are together, they tend to adopt a simple yet effective leader-follower pattern. This allows them to navigate their surroundings and stay connected with one another. 



While this dynamic serves practical purposes like basic social interaction and potentially keeping an extra eye out for danger, it lacks the intricate coordination and collective behavior that defines a true school.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-fish-the-schooling-spark-nbsp">Three fish: The schooling spark&nbsp;</h3>



Adding a third <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-evolution-takes-place-in-decades-not-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> to the mix creates a dramatic change, marking the beginning of true schooling behavior. This trio displays a strong preference for swimming side-by-side, a pattern also seen in much larger schools. This shift away from the leader-follower model is significant. 



It suggests a collective decision-making process and a level of coordination that simply doesn't exist with just a pair of fish. The presence of a third individual seems to unlock a more complex set of social interactions, laying the foundation for the impressive synchronized movements we associate with schooling.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture-nbsp">The bigger picture&nbsp;</h3>



What's particularly fascinating is how this behavior scales up. Even within a large group of 50 fish, the researchers observed a consistent pattern: subgroups of three maintaining their side-by-side swimming preference. 



This suggests that the fundamental principles of schooling - formation, coordination, and cohesion - are established at the most basic level, within those small groups of three. These simple rules then scale up remarkably, allowing for the mesmerizing displays of coordinated movement we see in massive schools of fish.



"Practically, three fish form a school, but two are not enough," said Dr. Alexandra Zampetaki from the <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/en/phy/iap" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Applied Physics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rule-of-three-a-universal-pattern">The "rule of three" – A universal pattern?</h2>



The magic number three isn't just a fishy fluke. This pattern pops up in surprising places throughout science and the natural world:



<ul>
<li>Primary colors:&nbsp;Red, yellow, and blue – the foundational building blocks of every other color we see.</li>



<li>Spatial dimensions:&nbsp;Our world has three dimensions – length, width, and height.</li>



<li>Fundamental particles:&nbsp;Protons and neutrons, the core of atoms, are made up of trios of even smaller particles called quarks.</li>
</ul>



Could this suggest some underlying principle in how groups and complex systems organize themselves?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-fish-school">Beyond fish school</h2>



The researchers believe their findings could have implications far beyond the aquarium:



"These include schools of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-that-fish-can-recognize-themselves-in-a-mirror/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> such as goldfish or sardines, as well as flocks of birds such as starling murmurations and swarms of insects such as dancing mosquitos," said Professor Dr. C. Patrick Royall, the study's corresponding author.



There's even the potential for human applications! Imagine a crowd of people dispersing at a concert. Could analyzing the behavior of groups of three help us predict and manage crowd flow in potentially dangerous situations?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-physics-and-fish-school-connect">How physics and fish school connect</h2>



This groundbreaking research emerges from a fascinating intersection of physics and biology. Scientists are using the principles of many-body physics to explore animal groups. This field usually studies how inanimate particles behave together. Now, it's providing new insights into how animals form schools.



Many-body physics investigates systems made up of a multitude of interacting particles. The complexity comes from how those interactions give rise to behaviors that you couldn't predict by studying individual particles alone. The researchers applied this same lens to animal groups, seeking the underlying rules that shape how creatures move.



Additionally, Dr. Alexandra Zampetaki, bridging the gap between physics and biology, created sophisticated computer simulations of zebrafish movement. These weren't just animations – they were models designed to capture the core principles behind how fish swim and interact. 



By tweaking these models to align with real-world data, the team could test theories about why fish group the way they do.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-school-dynamics">Fish school dynamics</h2>



The simulations mirrored the experimental findings: "three constitute a school." This is crucial. It strengthens confidence in the original findings, and it proves the power of computer models in biology. Simulations allow scientists to play out scenarios that would be difficult, or even impossible, to test solely in a real-world lab.



The research celebrates the value of crossing traditional boundaries in science. Blending the rigor of physics with the fascinating complexity of biology opens doors to understanding group dynamics across species – maybe even including us humans. 



The study hints at a set of universal principles at play, whether we're talking about particles or people, suggesting there's a shared logic in how complex systems organize and behave.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-things-to-think-about">Things to think about</h2>



This research opens up a world of fascinating questions:



<ul>
<li>Do different fish species have varying thresholds for "schooling" behavior?</li>



<li>Could these findings shed light on how other animals, like herds of antelope or flocks of migrating birds, coordinate their movements?</li>



<li>Might this new understanding of groups help us build better models for things like traffic flow and the spread of information, especially in the age of social media?</li>
</ul>



The next time you're mesmerized by a school of fish, remember – there's more going on than meets the eye. Scientists are unraveling the secrets of their synchronized swimming, and who knows where their discoveries might lead.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46426-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Can three fish make a school? Study offers surprising insights

Did you know that fish have lessons to teach us...

Whales are the oceans' own social butterflies. Their clicks, whistles, and haunting songs fill the deep. But imagine trying to follow a conversation in a room where everyone is talking at once, and you don't even speak the language. 



That's been the challenge for scientists studying whale communication. Now, thanks to ingenious research, we are finally getting a fascinating peek inside of whale communication



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humpback-whales">Humpback whales</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whale-reproduction-is-linked-to-krill-abundance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humpback whales</a>, the acrobatic giants of the ocean, are essential to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. These whales, celebrated for their breathtaking breaches and haunting songs, travel the globe, contributing to the well-being of our oceans. 



By understanding their crucial ecological roles, we gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting these incredible animals. As apex predators, humpback whales regulate populations of krill and small fish, preventing these species from overgrazing on plankton, the vital foundation of the marine food chain. 



Additionally, whale movement and nutrient-rich waste promote phytoplankton growth, which is key to supporting marine food webs and absorbing massive amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. 



Humpback whales also showcase intelligence and influence fish behavior with their cooperative "bubble net feeding" techniques. Beyond their ecological roles, humpback whales support complex marine ecosystems, and the study of these whales expands our knowledge of the oceans. Furthermore, whale watching provides sustainable, non-lethal economic benefits to coastal communities. 



However, humpback whales are vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, noise pollution, and the long-term effects of climate change. Proactive solutions include regulations to reduce human impacts, the creation of protected areas to safeguard critical habitats, and continued research, such as acoustic tagging, to inform the most effective conservation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suction-cup-tags">Suction cup tags</h2>



For years, whale researchers relied on techniques like dropping giant microphones into the ocean. It revealed a vast soundscape, but left an important question unanswered: Which whale is singing which part of this underwater opera?



Then, about twenty years ago, biologists invented suction cup tags. These gadgets stick right onto a whale, recording its movements and any sounds it makes. 



Recently, a team of biologists at <a href="https://www.syracuse.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Syracuse University</a>, led by Professor Susan Parks, has taken this technology to the next level. The goal was to understand not just what whales say, but how their communication networks function. This new knowledge could be key to protecting these awe-inspiring giants. 



Their secret weapon? Tagging lots of whales in the same pod at the same time. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acoustic-tagging-and-whale-communication">Acoustic tagging and whale communication</h2>



"By simultaneously tagging all whales in a group, we were able to compare how loudly calls were recorded across tags to infer who was calling," explained study co-author Julia Zeh. "This, in turn, lets us look at individual and group-level communication in ways that we couldn't before."



The trick lies in the volume. Imagine each whale's tag is like its own personal megaphone. If Whale A hollers, its own megaphone picks up the loudest blast, while the sounds fade a little bit on Whale B and Whale C's megaphones. 



Now, even though we're still hearing a chorus of whale songs, we can start to understand which whale is taking a solo, and who's harmonizing in the background.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-whale-communication">Decoding whale communication</h2>



The Syracuse team analyzed nearly 50 hours of recordings - a massive task of figuring out which whale said what. While we still don't have a whale-to-English dictionary, scientists believe these calls might be about coordinating feeding, keeping the group together, or even just casual whale gossip.



"This information can give us insight into how whales coordinate behaviors, how their calls relate to what they're doing, what types of calls they use, and what information they might exchange in group communication," said Zeh.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-whale-communication-for-conservation">Understanding whale communication for conservation</h2>



Of course, it's not just about satisfying our curiosity. Once we can pinpoint which whale is vocalizing, scientists can start analyzing differences between individuals. Do youngsters have a special "baby talk"? Do females and males have distinct calls?



This knowledge has massive implications for whale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-whale-shark-day-protecting-the-gentle-giants-of-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>. It helps get more accurate population counts and track the health of individual whales.



"Having information from tag data about call rates and timing can improve count estimates," said Zeh. "For example, having 10 calls doesn't necessarily mean there are 10 whales, but potentially two whales calling back and forth, or one whale producing sequential calls."



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



By developing an accurate "caller ID" for humpback whales, scientists have set the stage to potentially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conversation-with-humpback-whale-gives-seti-team-ideas-on-how-to-talk-to-aliens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decipher</a> their intricate language.



The breakthrough research ignites a thrilling new era in marine biology. The ability to link whale vocalizations to specific actions opens the door to building a comprehensive whale language dictionary. 



This extraordinary tool would fundamentally change how we understand these magnificent animals and bolster conservation efforts. By deciphering their communication, we could create targeted strategies to reduce threats and ensure the health of whale populations for generations to come.



This remarkable progress reflects the relentless pursuit of scientific exploration. From simple surface observations to deploying cutting-edge technology that tracks whales' movements and sounds, we continue to shed light on these enigmatic creatures. It's a testament to the tireless dedication of scientists driven by a deep sense of wonder and unwavering commitment to preserving the natural world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231608" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Acoustic tagging helps decode whale communication

Whales are the oceans' own social butterflies. Their clicks, whistles,...

A team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> has traced the origins of the Bengal cat's eye-catching coat to domestic cat genes selectively bred for their exotic appearance. It was previously assumed that the markings of the Bengal cat were linked to the wild genes of the Asian leopard cat.



The research suggests that the marbled and spotted patterns, as well as the iridescent sheen of Bengal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exotic-cats-have-surprising-voice-recognition-ability/">cats</a>, which make them resemble small jungle cats, are in fact the result of aggressive selection for certain domestic cat genes after initial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/european-wildcats-avoided-breeding-with-domestic-cats-for-2000-years/">breeding</a> with wild cats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinctive-appearance-of-the-bengal-cat-nbsp">Distinctive appearance of the Bengal cat&nbsp;</h2>



“Most of the DNA changes that underlie the unique appearance of the Bengal cat breed have always been present in domestic cats,” said study senior author Gregory Barsh, an emeritus professor of genetics, shedding light on the true genetic source of the Bengal cat's distinctive look. “It was really the power of breeding that brought them out.”



With contributions from Bengal cat breeders, the study involved a detailed genetic analysis of nearly 1,000 Bengal cats over a period of 15 years. The findings not only illuminate the specific origins of the Bengal cat’s coat but also contribute to a broader understanding of how genetics encode appearance and how various genes interact to produce an array of colors, patterns, and physical traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-visually-striking-breed-of-cats">A visually striking breed of cats</h2>



The initial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/german-shepherd-health-breeding/">breeding</a> of wild Asian leopard cats with domestic cats, conducted by biologist Jean Mills from the 1960s through the 1980s, aimed to create a visually striking new breed.&nbsp;



Through successive generations, breeders selectively enhanced cats with desired physical attributes and temperaments, leading to the official recognition of the Bengal cat as a distinct breed by the <a href="https://www.tica.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Cat Association</a> in 1986.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-opportunity-to-explore-genetic-variation">Unique opportunity to explore genetic variation</h2>



While the experts’ previously identified genes responsible for coat color variations in tabby cats and unique markings in Abyssinian cats, research on Bengal cats represents a unique opportunity to explore genetic variation and its influence on form, color, and pattern.&nbsp;



“The big-picture question is how genetic variation leads to variation in appearance,” Barsh said.



“This is a question that has all kinds of implications for different species, but we think that cats offer an especially tractable way to study it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-widespread-assumptions">Challenging widespread assumptions</h2>



Surprisingly, the team's genetic analysis of 947 Bengal cat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/">genomes</a> revealed that the breed's exotic appearance did not directly inherit any specific parts of the Asian leopard cat genomes.&nbsp;



This finding challenged the widespread assumption among breeders and owners that the Bengal cat's distinctive looks were derived from leopard cats. Instead, the study demonstrated that these aesthetic traits resulted from variations in genes already present in domestic cats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-glitter-effect-in-some-bengal-cats">The glitter effect in some Bengal cats </h2>



Furthermore, the scientists delved into the genetic basis of the "glitter" effect seen in about 60% of all Bengal cats, characterized by their exceptionally soft, gold-iridescent fur. This trait was linked to a mutation in the Fgfr2 gene, originating not from leopard cats but from domestic ones, and is nearly specific to Bengal cats.&nbsp;



This particular mutation uniquely reduces, rather than eliminates, the activity of the protein encoded by Fgfr2, offering insights into how gene variations can subtly influence appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charcoal-bengal-cats-nbsp">Charcoal Bengal cats&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, the team investigated the genetics behind "charcoal" Bengals, a subset with darker coloring, uncovering a leopard cat gene related to the charcoal color. However, this gene only led to the charcoal appearance when combined with domestic cat genomes, an instance of genomic incompatibility illustrating the complex interplay between genes of distantly related species within hybrid animals.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybridization-reduces-vulnerability-to-climate-change/">Hybridization</a> between different species can happen naturally and is responsible for the small amount of Neanderthal DNA found in many human genomes. But the wild leopard cat and the domestic cat are more different from each other than humans are from chimpanzees, and it’s remarkable to see how DNA from these distantly related species can exist and work together in a popular companion animal,” Barsh explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-refined-breeding-strategies-nbsp">More refined breeding strategies&nbsp;</h2>



These findings enrich breeders' understanding, enabling more refined breeding strategies for new colors and patterns, while highlighting the potency of artificial selection.&nbsp;



“Breeders are extremely interested in our data,” said lead author Christopher Kaelin, a professor of genetics at Stanford. “They not only want to contribute their cats’ DNA but they also want to be involved and help analyze data and hear about our results. It’s been a great collaboration and a true example of citizen science.”



This study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.075">Current Biology</a>, offers both valuable information for cat lovers and for scientists interested in processes such as hybridization and selection.&nbsp;



“Human DNA of European or Asian ancestry contains a small fraction of Neanderthal DNA that was caused by hybridization between the two species after humans migrated out of Africa. In some ways, Bengal cats are similar, except the distance between the two hybridizing species is much greater and the time since hybridization is much less,” Barsh concluded.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Bengal cats' wild appearance is surprisingly tied to domestic cats

A team of scientists led by Stanford University has traced...

Io,Moth,Male

The alarming rate at which insects are disappearing from our environment, especially urban areas, has become a critical concern. This catastrophic phenomenon is unfolding so swiftly it outpaces scientific study.



This urgency is underscored by the complexity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-insects-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect life cycles</a>, including stages such as eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, raising questions about whether all stages are declining at the same pace. Until recently, a comprehensive investigation into this matter was scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-insect-population-decline-in-urban-areas">Studying insect population decline in urban areas</h2>



An alarming study has shed new light on this issue, focusing on the monitoring of both adult and larval stages of moths in an urban, subtropical setting over a year. 



This research marks a significant step forward, being the first to analyze multiple life stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> to understand the depth of their declines comprehensively. 



Additionally, it's among the few studies that probe insect population dynamics in lower latitudes, areas which are increasingly bearing the brunt of urban expansion and extreme temperatures.



Michael Belitz, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a> during the investigation, highlighted the criticality of subtropical and tropical environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-heat-islands-and-insect-decline">Urban heat islands and insect decline</h2>



These regions not only harbor the highest insect abundance and diversity but are also experiencing the fastest rates of urbanization globally. 



Belitz pointed out, "The urban heat island effect in these areas may be especially detrimental to insects," emphasizing the adverse impact of urbanization on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-thrive-in-restored-habitats-near-solar-energy-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect populations</a>.



Cities, regardless of their geographical location, exacerbate the heat problem. In contrast to natural or rural settings, where a significant portion of sunlight is reflected back into space, urban materials like asphalt and concrete absorb and convert more light into heat. 



This phenomenon creates "heat islands" within cities, areas with temperatures up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than their surroundings, posing a substantial threat to local wildlife, especially in warmer regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illuminating-the-plight-of-moths">Illuminating the plight of moths</h2>



Robert Guralnick, co-author and curator of biodiversity informatics at the Florida Museum of Natural History, remarked on the broader implications of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-silent-language-decoding-the-chemical-signals-of-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> declines. "There's no doubt that insect declines are a real phenomenon." 



He further noted the challenge in pinpointing where these declines are most acute, whether in tropical or temperate regions, emphasizing the need for detailed research across various environments.



The team's innovative approach involved collecting moths from several locations across Alachua County, Florida, with different levels of urban development. 



Capturing adult moths proved straightforward, using light sources as lures. However, locating caterpillars was more challenging due to their habitat in the tree canopy and their indifference to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-insects-seem-to-be-attracted-to-light-has-long-been-a-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial light</a>. 



Despite these obstacles, the importance of including caterpillars in the study was clear, as Belitz noted, "Caterpillars are an important food source for breeding birds."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-matters-the-fate-of-macro-and-micro-moths">Size matters: The fate of macro and micro moths</h2>



To estimate caterpillar abundance, the team utilized an inventive method involving the collection of larval excrement. 



By placing funnels with attached jars beneath trees and weighing the collected pellets weekly, they could infer caterpillar population sizes.



After a year of diligent work, over 35,000 moths were collected and categorized as either macro- or micro-moths. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/luna-moth-tails-have-only-one-purpose-evading-bats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macro moths</a>, such as luna and io moths, are known for their large wings and ability to travel long distances. 



Micro moths, defined in this study as those 10 millimeters or less in length, encompass a vast array of species with cloak-like wings, displaying a bewildering diversity of beiges and browns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-both-large-and-small-moths-share-a-similar-fate">Both large and small moths share a similar fate</h2>



Both large and small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ermine-moths-effortlessly-produce-ultrasonic-warning-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moths</a> face declines, but not in the ways previously thought. Larger moths, once believed to be better at navigating urban challenges due to their ability to travel greater distances, are actually at a disadvantage. 



The research found that larger moths fared worse in urban areas compared to their smaller counterparts, contradicting earlier findings from a study in Belgium. 



According to lead researcher Michael Belitz, the discrepancy likely stems from the difference in climate between temperate Europe and subtropical Florida, with larger moths in warmer climates expending more energy to cool down. 



This observation extends to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-insects-distinguish-between-sugars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>, suggesting a broader pattern where urbanization favors smaller body sizes due to reduced metabolic stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-may-be-the-key-to-urban-insect-survival">Diet may be the key to urban insect survival</h2>



The diet of moths also plays a crucial role in their urban survival. Moths that feed on a variety of plants are more adaptable to city life than those with specialized diets, which quickly decline with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-moths-develop-smaller-wings-survive-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban development</a>. This adaptability underscores the importance of dietary diversity for survival in changing environments.



Despite focusing on protected areas, the study observed significant declines in moth populations, indicating that even these spaces are not immune to the impacts of urbanization. 



Robert Guralnick, a co-researcher, pointed out the misconception that city parks, which appear natural, actually host significantly altered communities compared to undisturbed wildlife areas. 



“You might think that you’re looking at a natural environment when you walk into a city park, because it looks intact,” Guralnick said. “The truth is, what you see is a completely different community than those that exist in places like wildlife management areas.”



The findings are particularly alarming considering they come from Alachua County, a region in Florida less urbanized than many others, hinting at the widespread nature of biodiversity loss.



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



The situation, however, is not beyond hope. Belitz emphasizes the potential for urban and suburban areas to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterfly-genome-has-barely-changed-after-250-million-years-of-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moth populations</a> through conscious efforts to enhance their habitats. 



Planting native vegetation can attract and sustain a variety of pollinators, including moths, thereby increasing biodiversity. 



Additionally, reducing light pollution, which disorients and endangers moths and other nocturnal insects, presents a simple yet effective way to support these vital members of the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-moths-and-humans-coexisting-in-urban-areas">Insects, moths and humans coexisting in urban areas</h2>



In summary, this study unveils the stark reality of declining insect populations, especially moths, in urban environments, revealing how the relentless march of urbanization and the ensuing heat islands pose significant threats to insect biodiversity. 



By meticulously examining both the adult and larval stages of moths, the research offers unprecedented insights into the challenges these creatures face, from the subtropical climates of Florida to the urban heat traps of cities worldwide. 



Yet, amidst the alarming findings lies a beacon of hope: the potential for positive human intervention. Through simple actions such as cultivating native plants and minimizing light pollution, we can forge a path towards mitigating the impact of urbanization on moths and other vital insect species, ensuring their survival and the preservation of our planet's intricate web of life.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17241" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Insects are disappearing from urban areas at a disturbingly rapid rate

The alarming rate at which insects are disappearing from our...

In alarming news for the world's coral reefs, a microscopic parasite responsible for recent catastrophic die-offs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchin-larvae-cannot-survive-in-water-polluted-with-plastic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea urchins</a> in the Caribbean has now appeared in the Sea of Oman on the opposite side of the world. 



Recently, University of South Florida (<a href="https://www.usf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USF</a>) researchers have made this concerning discovery. Sea urchins are crucial to reef health as they consume algae, keeping it from smothering precious corals. This newly discovered global spread of a sea urchin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-responsible-for-sea-urchin-die-offs-identified/">disease</a> is a significant threat to reef systems that are already fragile due to multiple stressors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-urchin-significance">Sea urchin significance</h2>



Picture a coral reef with its vibrant colors and diverse life. Though beautiful, there's constant competition happening out of sight. Fast-growing algae, if left unchecked, could smother corals, stealing their sunlight and nutrients. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-sea-urchin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea urchins</a> are an important line of defense. They munch on algae, ensuring that corals have the space and resources needed to thrive. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ciliate-parasite-harming-sea-urchins">Ciliate parasite harming sea urchins</h2>



The latest threat to sea urchins is surprisingly tiny: a single-celled pathogen called a ciliate. These microscopic parasites cause a devastating disease that wipes out entire sea urchin populations. "We're tracking, almost in real time, the transglobal spread of a devastating marine disease," said Professor Mya Breitbart.



Unfortunately, this ciliate is becoming an all-too-familiar foe. In 2022, it devastated populations of long-spined sea urchins in the Caribbean. Now, chillingly, it has surfaced over 7,000 miles away in the Sea of Oman, demonstrating its alarming ability to spread across vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasite-s-deadly-journey-to-sea-urchins">Parasite's deadly journey to sea urchins</h2>



The USF researchers were contacted by colleagues in Oman observing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-responsible-for-sea-urchin-die-offs-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass die-off</a> of a different species of sea urchin in the Sea of Oman. Samples were sent, and the unthinkable was confirmed – the very same killer ciliate was at work. The disease had somehow leaped from the Caribbean to the other side of the world.



This discovery sparked a series of urgent studies. "Not only were we able to determine that the ciliate was present in the samples from Oman, but we were able to purchase live specimens through the aquarium trade and demonstrate that they die when exposed to the ciliate," explained Isabella Ritchie, a USF graduate student.



Even more shocking was that some of the urchins purchased for the study were already infected with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-identify-the-parasite-causing-mass-mortality-in-sea-urchins/">parasite</a> when they arrived at the lab. It's a troubling indicator of how aquarium trade practices, if not carefully monitored, could potentially contribute to the spread of such diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-emergency">A global emergency</h2>



Questions still swirl around how exactly the parasite traveled halfway across the world to harm sea urchins. Scientists are investigating possibilities— international shipping, contaminated dive gear, or the aquarium trade are all suspects. One thing is certain: the species of sea urchin currently under attack is widespread, inhabiting reefs from the Mediterranean to Japan. 



Given how quickly the disease decimated Caribbean populations, scientists worry that a Pacific Ocean outbreak could be next.



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



This story isn't over. It's a wake-up call highlighting the fragile interconnectedness of our oceans and the threats posed by diseases hitchhiking across the globe. 



The dedicated scientists at USF and their partners are relentlessly working to learn more about this disease and, hopefully, find ways to protect our prickly reef guardians.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-you-can-do">What you can do</h2>



News about microscopic parasites harming our oceans and the sea urchins that safeguard coral reefs can feel overwhelming. But you're not powerless. Here's how you can take action and be part of the solution:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-travel-with-care">Travel with care</h3>



If you love diving or snorkeling, protect the reefs you explore. Cleaning and disinfecting your gear between dives is a small step with a big impact, stopping the spread of diseases that endanger precious underwater worlds.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-ethical-aquarium-choices">Make ethical aquarium choices</h3>



Support aquariums and suppliers that prioritize healthy, sustainable practices. By choosing responsibly sourced fish and corals, you fuel an industry that values ocean conservation and helps prevent disease outbreaks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-your-voice">The power of your voice </h3>



Talk to friends and family about the importance of coral reefs and the sea urchins that protect them. Share the threats they face and the small actions that make a difference. Your passion can inspire others, creating a wave of change for our oceans.



These actions might seem small, but they aren't. Together, they build a movement for ocean protection. The sea urchins' struggles remind us that every creature, big and small, is crucial for the ocean's health. We all have the potential to be champions for the oceans.



The study is published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ismejo/wrae024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The ISME Journal</a>. 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Deadly sea urchin parasite has emerged on opposite sides of the globe

In alarming news for the world's coral reefs, a microscopic...

He,Queen,Bee,Surrounded,By,Bees:,That,Support,And,Feed

Honeybees live in a world we can barely imagine. Inside their pitch-black <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-gentle-tap-on-the-hive-reveals-honeybee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hives</a>, these incredible insects rely on a secret language of movement to tell each other where all the best flowers are. Scientists long ago figured out the basics of this "waggle dance," but there was one mystery buzzing around unanswered...how do the other bees understand it in the dark?



New research at the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a> has cracked the code. It turns out bees have clever little "feelers" (their antennae) and brainpower that unlocks the mysteries hidden within the dance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honey-bees-and-their-waggle-dance">Honey bees and their waggle dance</h2>



Honeybees are vital for our ecosystem. As pollinators, they play a vital role in ensuring we have the food to sustain ourselves. Their work pollinating fruits, vegetables, and nuts isn't just about having a colorful salad, it's about the very foundation of our food security.



That's why understanding how honeybees communicate is so critical. The recent discovery represents a major step in our ability to support these essential creatures. By understanding their communication, we can learn how to protect them better.



Sadly, honeybee populations face alarming threats: pesticides that disorient their navigation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-carrying-nectar-avoid-overheating-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> that masks the scents of flowers, and shrinking habitats that reduce the variety of plants they need to thrive. Each of these puts our food supply in jeopardy. Decoding the waggle dance brings us closer to identifying the impact of these threats and creating solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-of-waggle-dancing">The science of waggle dancing</h2>



Picture this: a scout bee returns from a successful foraging mission, bursting with sugary nectar. It can't exactly shout, "Hey everyone, awesome wildflowers this way!" Instead, it performs a little dance on the honeycomb. 



The angle of the bee's body during the dance points directly towards the flowers, and the length of its little "waggle" run in the middle signals how far its buddies will have to fly.



It may look simple, but for other bees to follow these directions in the pitch-black hive, it requires some serious decoding skills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-antennae-in-waggle-dance">Role of antennae in waggle dance</h2>



Scientists at the University of Edinburgh decided to crack this code, but they faced a problem: how do you see inside a beehive? The answer turned out to be high-tech.



Infrared cameras became their eyes in the darkness. These specialized tools allowed them to film bees in high-resolution, even when humans couldn't see a thing. 



The focus was the waggle dance – where a bee returning from a successful foraging trip shares the location of yummy flowers with the rest of the hive. The science world has known about the dance for a long time, but how other bees decode it in the pitch-black was a puzzle.



What the infrared footage revealed was revolutionary. It turns out, the other bees in the hive aren't just watching the dance – they're feeling it. They constantly tap the dancing bee with their antennae, subtly adjusting the angle of those antennae as the dancer moves. It's like they're using their antennae to draw an invisible map based on the dancer's movements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-insect-giant-calculations">Tiny insect, giant calculations</h2>



To actually follow the dance instructions, bees don't just use their touchy-feely antennae. They combine that information with their internal sense of gravity. Imagine having a compass built right into your head – that's what's happening inside these tiny insects!



Their brains, smaller than a grain of rice, perform complex calculations to figure out the exact distance and direction to that sweet patch of flowers. "This is particularly exciting because it unveils a remarkably elegant neural mechanism employed by bees to decipher complex information with minimal resources," said PhD student Anna Hadjitofi, who was part of the research team.



Professor Barbara Webb added: "Understanding how the small brains of insects carry out such sophisticated calculations can help us design more compact and energy-efficient computers." Think about the possibilities – the world of insects could inspire the next generation of super-smart, energy-saving technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-all-the-buzz">Why all the buzz?</h2>



This discovery is more than just a fascinating peek into the insect world. Honeybees are in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-honey-bee-colony-collapse-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decline</a>, and that decline has massive ripple effects for our food security and the overall balance of nature. The better we understand how bees find food and share vital information, the more tools we'll have to support them and ensure their colonies thrive for years to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-waggle-dance">Beyond waggle dance</h2>



Honeybees are fascinating creatures with a complex social structure. Their communication goes far beyond the well-known waggle dance that tells hive mates where the best flowers are. Let's dive into their other communication methods:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-round-dance">Round dance</h3>



When a bee finds food nearby (within about 50 meters), it does the round dance. This involves moving in short loops, switching between clockwise and counterclockwise. It tells other bees there's food close by, but doesn't give precise directions like the waggle dance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tremble-dance">Tremble dance</h3>



Imagine a forager bee returning to the hive loaded with nectar, but there's a backlog. It might perform the tremble dance. This signals other foragers to slow down their collection and encourages more receiver bees to help unload the nectar.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-begging-signal">Begging signal </h3>



This is also known as the "begging signal." A bee delivers a short, sharp vibration to another bee. This can mean danger, bad weather, a depleted food source, or even overcrowding of foragers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pheromones">Pheromones</h3>



The queen bee releases pheromones, which are special scents that carry messages. These scents regulate behavior and development throughout the hive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-buzzing">More buzzing</h3>



Bees use their wings to create buzzing noises for different reasons. Guard bees might buzz to warn off intruders. Piping sounds, another vibrational tone, help coordinate hive activities, especially during swarming periods.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antennae-talk">Antennae talk</h3>



More than helping read the waggle dance, antennae are a general tool for communication. Bees touch antennae to exchange information about health, status, or needs within the hive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-language">Body language</h3>



Bees even use their bodies to send messages. Aggressive postures might ward off intruders, while submissive postures can help integrate a bee into a new colony.



Each of these methods plays a vital role in the hive. This combination of dance, sound, scent, and touch helps honeybees run one of the most efficient and well-organized communities in the animal kingdom.



So, the next time you see a honeybee buzzing by, remember – it's carrying a secret language within its tiny body, a language of dance, touch, and remarkable intelligence.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.045" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

How bees interpret their "waggle dance" language in the dark

Honeybees live in a world we can barely imagine. Inside...

Honey bees are synonymous with sweetness and buzzing energy. They're also the backbone of our food system, pollinating everything from almonds to zucchini. But recent research reveals a sting in the tail: climate change is making life tougher for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-honey-bee-colony-collapse-in-the-u-s/">honey bees</a>. 



Longer, warmer falls could push colonies to the brink, raising the risk of springtime collapse. Is there a solution? Believe it or not, cold storage might be the answer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honey-bees-and-changing-climate">Honey bees and changing climate</h2>



Honey bees are temperature-driven creatures. When the mercury tops 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they're off and flying. Their winter survival strategy is brilliantly simple: huddle as a colony in the hive, living off their honey stores. This cozy cluster keeps the hive warm and protects the all-important queen bee.



Come spring, older worker bees resume their foraging flights. Sadly, this is when they naturally start to die off. For the hive to thrive, there must be enough younger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> hatching out to take their place. 



Too many older bees dying before enough replacements emerge, and the whole colony can collapse.



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



Here's where climate change throws a wrench in the works. Think about those longer, warmer fall seasons we're seeing. What does that mean for our bees? Here's what scientists at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=Washington+State+University&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> discovered:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-workaholic-trap">The workaholic trap</h3>



Honey bees possess an admirable work ethic. Their instinct to gather pollen and nectar ensures they'll fly whenever the weather allows, typically above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This dedication serves them well in traditional seasons, ensuring ample food stores and pollination of plants. However, climate change is altering those traditional weather patterns.



With warmer, longer fall seasons, bees keep flying when they'd normally start preparing for winter. This extra activity, unfortunately, takes a toll. Instead of conserving energy, they're shortening their lifespans. In essence, more flying time directly translates to fewer days for each worker bee.



This relentless work cycle, fueled by unseasonable warmth, jeopardizes the entire colony. Worker <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-honey-bee-disease-is-accelerating-across-the-uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>, the females who tirelessly collect resources, are the backbone of the hive. 



When they die off prematurely, the colony suffers. This climate-driven "workaholic trap" could have serious consequences for bee populations as a whole.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-springtime-crash">Springtime crash</h3>



The impact of this extra fall activity becomes devastatingly clear in the spring. Bee colonies that spend the winter outdoors, especially in areas with significant climate change, may emerge severely weakened. Researchers in the Pacific Northwest, a vital region for beekeeping, have looked closely at how changing conditions might affect bees.



They've built models predicting how colonies might fare out to 2050, and the results are alarming. Simulations show many colonies could see their adult bee populations drop below the critical 5,000 to 9,000 bees needed to function properly. 



This includes warming the hive, caring for the young, and the vital task of foraging for food. A colony without enough workers simply cannot sustain itself, dramatically increasing the likelihood of collapse.



This has earned the worrying name "Springtime Crash," and its effects could be far-reaching for both nature and our food supply. Bees are essential pollinators, and their decline poses risks to crops and biodiversity. This research highlights the urgency of finding solutions. 



"This is a case where a small amount of warming, even in the near future, will make a big impact on honey bees."&nbsp;explained Kirti Rajagopalan, climate researcher at WSU. The risk is immediate. As climate change progresses, the threat to honey bee colonies will only intensify.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-cold-storage-save-bees-from-climate-change">Could cold storage save bees from climate change?</h2>



What if putting bees on ice, literally, could save them? It seems counterintuitive, but storing bee colonies in controlled cold storage during the fall might offer a lifeline to these vital pollinators.



<ul>
<li>Placing hives in cold storage forces the bees to cluster earlier, extending the lifespan of those tireless worker bees.</li>



<li>By the end of the century, simulations showed colonies with fall-to-spring cold storage could boast 15,000+ bees, compared to a dismal 5,000 or less if left outside all winter.</li>
</ul>



Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman, an expert at the <a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a>, stated: "Our simulations are showing that even if there is no nutritional stress, no pathogens, no pesticides – just the conditions in fall and winter are enough to compromise the age structure of a colony."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-win-win">The win-win</h2>



Commercial beekeepers are increasingly using cold storage. It helps with logistics (think moving those millions of hives to California for almond pollination) and supports overall bee health. 



As Brandon Hopkins, an entomologist at WSU, explained: "A lot of beekeepers are already practicing this management technique of storing bees indoors because it has a lot of immediate potential to help in a number of ways. These findings demonstrate that there are additional benefits to this practice for the survival of colonies in a changing climate."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-aware-bee-supportive">Bee aware, bee supportive</h2>



This research highlights how climate change disrupts ecosystems in unexpected ways. Let's remember our little pollinators next time we enjoy the fruits of their labors. Here's how you can help:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-a-bee-friendly-garden">Plant a bee-friendly garden</h3>



Creating a bee-friendly garden is a wonderful way to give back to honey bees and our other buzzing pollinating friends. The idea is as simple as it is powerful: focus on native plants. These are the flowers that local bees and insects have evolved alongside for countless generations. 



They're a perfect match, providing the exact type of nectar and pollen needed for these creatures to thrive. Planting a variety that bloom at different times of year is like setting out a delicious buffet for them – a constant source of nourishment.



Think strategically when choosing plants for your bee haven. You want a mix that ensures something's always in bloom. Early spring flowers are vital for those hungry bees waking up from winter, summer blooms keep colonies healthy and strong, and later flowers help them prepare for the colder months ahead. 



This colorful, continuous spread of food not only supports bees, but it will attract a dazzling array of pollinators, creating a vibrant, buzzing ecosystem right in your own backyard.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skip-the-pesticides">Skip the pesticides</h3>



Pesticides meant for garden pests often end up harming bees and other pollinators. Many common garden pesticides are highly toxic to bees, harming their ability to find food, fly back to their hives, and even reproduce. 



Worse yet, these chemicals can linger on the very plants they're meant to protect, poisoning the pollen and nectar that bees work so tirelessly to collect. This contamination poisons not just individual bees, but the entire colony.



The damage caused by pesticides is far-reaching and insidious. Without pollinators, the production of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts is impossible. Reduced yields and less variety are the immediate consequences, but it also contributes to biodiversity loss, weakening the entire food chain. 



By choosing natural pest control methods, gardeners have the power to safeguard these essential pollinators, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem for everyone.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55327-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Honey bee colonies are collapsing as climate change progresses

Honey bees are synonymous with sweetness and buzzing energy. They're...

A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL) has recently found that humans transmit viruses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-cats-play-a-role-in-spreading-covid-19/">domestic</a> and wild animals more frequently than they contract them from these animals. This major analysis of viral genomes offers new insights into the dynamics of disease transmission across species.



Through an exhaustive examination of all publicly available viral genome sequences, the experts aimed to trace the cross-species transmission - or host jumps - of viruses.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-humans-at-the-receiving-end-of-viruses">Are humans at the receiving end of viruses?</h2>



The team sought to challenge the prevailing view that humans are primarily at the receiving end of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reverse-zoonoses-humans-are-getting-their-pets-sick/">zoonotic</a> diseases, which are infections that jump from animals to humans. These diseases have been responsible for outbreaks such as Ebola, flu, and COVID-19.



The research team developed and applied methodological tools to analyze the nearly 12 million viral genomes that have been published on public databases to date, outlining the scale of their investigation into the evolutionary paths and mutations of viruses as they adapt to new hosts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bidirectional-exchange-of-pathogens">Bidirectional exchange of pathogens</h2>



Contrary to the common perception of humans as mere recipients of animal viruses, the study's findings suggest a more bidirectional exchange of pathogens.&nbsp;



“We should consider humans just as one node in a vast network of hosts endlessly exchanging pathogens, rather than a sink for zoonotic bugs,” said co-author Francois Balloux, a professor at the UCL Genetics Institute.



“By surveying and monitoring transmission of viruses between animals and humans, in either direction, we can better understand viral evolution and hopefully be more prepared for future outbreaks and epidemics of novel illnesses, while also aiding conservation efforts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-me-viruses-emerge-in-humans-and-animals">How do me viruses emerge in humans and animals?</h2>



Study lead author Cedric Tan, a PhD student at the UCL Genetics Institute and <a href="https://www.crick.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Francis Crick Institute</a>, pointed out the broader implications of their findings, especially concerning conservation and food security. 



“When animals catch viruses from humans, this can not only harm the animal and potentially pose a conservation threat to the species, but it may also cause new problems for humans by impacting food security if large numbers of livestock need to be culled to prevent an epidemic, as has been happening over recent years with the H5N1 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-is-killing-thousands-of-seals-and-sea-lions-globally/">bird flu</a> strain.”



“Additionally, if a virus carried by humans infects a new animal species, the virus might continue to thrive even if eradicated among humans, or even evolve new adaptations before it winds up infecting humans again. Understanding how and why viruses evolve to jump into different hosts across the wider tree of life may help us figure out how new viral diseases emerge in humans and animals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-with-a-wider-range-of-animal-hosts-nbsp">Viruses with a wider range of animal hosts&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, viruses with a wider range of animal hosts showed a lesser need for such adaptations, suggesting inherent capabilities in some viruses to infect diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigs-and-humans-are-sharing-antibiotic-resistance-genes/">hosts</a> without extensive genetic changes.



While cell entry is generally considered as the first step for a virus to infect a host, the scientists discovered that many of the adaptations associated with host jumps were not found in the viral proteins which enable them to attach to and enter host cells. This finding suggests that viral host adaptation is a complex process in need of further research to be fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-our-understanding-of-host-jumps-nbsp">Enhancing our understanding of host jumps&nbsp;</h2>



“Our research was made possible only by the countless research teams that have openly shared their data via public databases. The key challenge, moving forward, is to integrate the knowledge and tools from diverse disciplines including genomics, epidemiology, and ecology to enhance our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-jump-related-species/">host jumps</a>,” said co-author Lucy van Dorp, a researcher in microbial and population genetics at UCL.



Thus, the study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02353-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>, not only sheds light on the underestimated role of humans in transmitting viruses to other species but also underscores the importance of a holistic approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-new-rna-viruses-identified-in-ocean-waters/">monitoring</a> and managing disease outbreaks, reinforcing the need for a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Health</a> perspective that recognizes the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Humans transmit more viruses to animals than we catch from them

A team of researchers from the University College London (UCL)...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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 city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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 rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

News coming your way