Artificial,Insemination,,In,Vitro,Fertilization,Ivf,Of,Human,Egg,Cell

In a breakthrough achievement, a team of researchers has successfully engineered a bi-paternal mouse - a mouse with two dads - that survived until adulthood.&nbsp;



The experts targeted specific imprinting genes to overcome key barriers that previously prevented unisexual reproduction in mammals.



More specifically, by modifying a set of genes involved in reproduction, the experts successfully bypassed developmental roadblocks that had historically halted bi-paternal embryo growth before birth.



The research team was led by Wei Li, a professor of genetic engineering at the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> (CAS) in Beijing.



“This work will help to address a number of limitations in stem cell and regenerative medicine research,” noted Professor Li.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-barriers-to-unisexual-reproduction">Genetic barriers to unisexual reproduction</h2>



Scientists have attempted to create bi-paternal mice before, but previous efforts failed at early developmental stages. 



The biggest challenge was associated with imprinting genes, which regulate gene expression and play a crucial role in mammalian reproduction.



“The unique characteristics of imprinting genes have led scientists to believe that they are a fundamental barrier to unisexual reproduction in mammals,” explained Qi Zhou of CAS, a corresponding author of the study.&nbsp;



“Even when constructing bi-maternal or bi-paternal embryos artificially, they fail to develop properly and stall at some point during development due to these genes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-mammal-with-two-dads">Creating a mammal with two dads</h2>



Earlier approaches involved generating oocytes (egg cells) from male pluripotent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-first-live-birth-of-a-chimeric-monkey-created-with-stem-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stem cells</a> using ovarian organoids. These artificially derived oocytes were then fertilized with sperm from another male.&nbsp;



However, when homologous chromosomes - which separate during meiosis to form sperm and egg cells - came from the same sex, imprinting abnormalities emerged. This led to severe developmental defects.



To overcome this, the researchers targeted 20 key imprinting genes using various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-inspire-a-safer-method-of-editing-human-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene-editing</a> techniques, including frameshift mutations, gene deletions, and regulatory region modifications.



This genetic modification not only enabled the successful creation of bi-paternal mice, but also improved stem cell pluripotency, making them more stable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-unisexual-reproduction-nbsp">Breakthrough in unisexual reproduction&nbsp;</h2>



By precisely modifying imprinting genes, the team enhanced embryonic stem cell viability, allowing the bi-paternal mice to survive until birth - a feat that had never been achieved at this scale.



“These findings provide strong evidence that imprinting abnormalities are the main barrier to mammalian unisexual reproduction,” said study co-author Guan-Zheng Luo of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou.&nbsp;



“This approach can significantly improve the developmental outcomes of embryonic stem cells and cloned animals, paving a promising path for the advancement of regenerative medicine.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-challenges-remain">Many challenges remain</h2>



Despite this success, the study acknowledges several significant challenges. The birth rate was low, with only 11.8% of viable embryos developing to term.&nbsp;



Health and lifespan concerns were evident, as many surviving mice exhibited growth abnormalities and shortened lifespans.&nbsp;



Additionally, the bi-paternal mice that reached adulthood were sterile and unable to reproduce. However, they showed increased cloning efficiency, suggesting some unique biological properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-rates-of-bi-parental-embryos">Survival rates of bi-parental embryos</h2>



The researchers aim to further refine imprinting gene modifications to improve the survival rates of mice with two dads.



“Further modifications to the imprinting genes could potentially facilitate the generation of healthy bi-paternal mice capable of producing viable gametes and lead to new therapeutic strategies for imprinting-related diseases,” said study co-author Zhi-Kun Li of CAS.



Additionally, the team plans to expand these experiments to larger mammals, including monkeys, to investigate whether this genetic engineering approach could be applied beyond rodents.&nbsp;



However, this transition presents a significant challenge, as imprinting gene combinations differ between species.



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



If scientists one day manage to safely and ethically adapt <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this kind of technology</a> for human use, it could completely reshape how society views family. 



The traditional definitions of parenthood might expand to include a broader range of family structures, reflecting a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be a family.



Of course, this possibility comes with a host of ethical and legal challenges. Society would need to have serious conversations about the long-term safety and health of children born through these methods.



In addition, laws would have to be written and revised around parental rights and consent for genetically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-grow-models-of-human-embryos-in-the-lab-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engineered embryos</a>.



Beyond the legalities, this breakthrough would likely spark a cultural shift. It could challenge long-held beliefs about reproduction and gender roles, leading us to reexamine our values around what constitutes a family.



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



The study raises critical ethical and scientific questions about the future of unisexual reproduction in mammals.&nbsp;



While these results demonstrate the possibility of bi-paternal reproduction, applying similar technologies to human reproduction remains highly restricted.



The International Society for Stem Cell Research (<a href="https://www.isscr.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISSCR</a>) explicitly prohibits heritable genome editing for reproductive purposes, as well as the use of human stem cell-derived gametes for reproduction, citing safety concerns and ethical implications.



As the field of stem cell engineering and reproductive genetics advances, this research marks a major milestone in understanding genetic imprinting, developmental biology, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-brittle-star-tissue-could-transform-regenerative-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regenerative medicine</a>.&nbsp;



However, many hurdles - both biological and ethical - remain before such breakthroughs could have practical applications beyond the laboratory.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.isscr.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Stem Cell</a>.



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Mouse with two dads survives to adulthood,  major implications for same-sex human couples

In a breakthrough achievement, a team of researchers has successfully engineered a bi-paternal mouse - a mouse with two dads - that survived until adulthood.&nbsp; The experts targeted specific imprinting genes to overcome key barriers that previously prevented unisexual reproduction in mammals. More specifically, by modifying a set of genes involved in reproduction, the experts successfully bypassed developmental roadblocks that had historically halted bi-paternal embryo growth before birth. The research team was led by Wei Li, a professor of genetic engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences...

The pursuit of fairness has long intrigued philosophers and scientists alike. Do humans hold a unique sense of fairness, or do animals share this trait? 



For years, researchers have debated whether behaviors like jealousy are exclusive to humans or are prevalent among animals as well. A new study from the UC Berkeley sheds new light on this age-old question.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-animal-fairness">Rethinking animal fairness</h2>



Using data from 23 studies, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis involving over 60,000 observations across 18 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> species.



This effort, described as the “largest empirical investigation of non-human inequity aversion to date,” examined the concept of fairness as perceived by animals.



“We can’t make the claim that animals experience jealousy based on this data,” said Oded Ritov, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in UC Berkeley’s <a href="https://psychology.berkeley.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Psychology</a>. 



“If there is an effect, it’s very weak and might show up in very specific settings. But it’s nothing like what we see in humans in terms of our deep-seated sense of fairness.”



The findings&nbsp;challenge widely held assumptions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-animal-rights-day-2024-honoring-animals-with-justice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal behavior</a>. According to Ritov, the evidence suggests that what might appear as inequity aversion in animals could instead stem from unmet expectations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-fairness-key-to-complex-societies">Human fairness: Key to complex societies</h2>



Humanity’s deep-rooted sense of fairness has played a vital role in building shelters, sharing resources, and developing complex societies. 



This trait, known as “inequity aversion,” refers to our dislike of unequal resource distribution. Psychologists argue that this inclination influences how we judge fairness in everyday scenarios.



For example, consider siblings squabbling over toys. When one receives a seemingly better toy, the other might protest - not just out of envy, but because the distribution feels unfair. This intrinsic reaction is a hallmark of human fairness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-debate-over-animal-fairness">The debate over animal fairness</h2>



The debate over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-characters-boost-social-and-emotional-skills-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> fairness gained traction after primatologist Frans de Waal’s landmark study. In a now-famous video, capuchin monkeys reacted strongly when given unequal rewards. 



Monkeys receiving cucumber slices appeared content until they noticed others receiving grapes. One monkey, upon receiving a piece of cucumber while another enjoyed a grape, flung the cucumber away in protest.



This behavior was widely interpreted as evidence of inequity aversion. De Waal and others suggested that animals, like humans, dislike unfair treatment. Similar behaviors have been reported in corvids, dogs, and even mice. However, Ritov’s analysis offers a different perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expectations-and-disappointment">Expectations and disappointment </h2>



Ritov’s study highlights potential issues in prior research, including small sample sizes and a replication crisis that undermines broader scientific conclusions. 



“We thought it’d be a valuable contribution to try to pull together as much data as we can on this question and see what kind of pattern emerges with the larger dataset,” Ritov explained.



The emerging pattern suggests that animals’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-and-possibly-even-insects-have-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reactions</a> may not reflect jealousy or fairness concerns at all. Instead, these behaviors might stem from unmet expectations.



For instance, in follow-up studies, monkeys reacted with similar outrage when grapes were placed in an empty cage, where no other monkey was present. This finding indicates that the animals’ behavior was less about comparison and more about their own unfulfilled anticipation.



“We think that the rejections are a form of social protest,” Ritov said. “But what animals are protesting isn’t receiving less than someone else. Rather, it seems like they’re protesting the human not treating them as well as they could.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-animals-a-shared-frustration">Humans and animals: A shared frustration?</h2>



While the study stops short of equating animal behaviors with human fairness, it does point to a shared frustration with unmet expectations. 



This insight deepens our understanding of animal cognition and its differences from human behavior.



Animals may not resent inequity per se, but they do respond strongly to perceived mistreatment - a reaction that, while distinct, resonates with human experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-humans-unique">What makes humans unique</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-way-you-send-emojis-shows-your-attachment-style/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human</a> inequity aversion stands out for its complexity and depth. Unlike animals, humans possess the cognitive ability to weigh fairness against social, cultural, and ethical norms. 



These layers of reasoning underpin our ability to build and maintain societies where fairness plays a crucial role. Ritov’s work highlights how these traits differentiate us from other species, even as we continue to seek parallels in the animal kingdom.



The study’s findings remind us of the importance of questioning assumptions and interpreting behaviors with care. 



Understanding what truly makes us human requires peeling back the layers of evolution and culture - and sometimes re-evaluating what we thought we knew about our closest animal counterparts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1452" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Animals care more about unmet expectations than fairness

The pursuit of fairness has long intrigued philosophers and scientists...

Mosasaurs are extinct marine reptiles that hold a remarkable place in the history of vertebrate paleontology. Their discovery in 1766 near Maastricht, Netherlands, laid the foundation for studying fossilized backboned animals.



Palaeontologist Michael Polcyn, a leading expert on mosasaurs, has presented the most comprehensive research to date on their early evolution and ecology. On December 16, Polcyn will receive his PhD from Utrecht University for his extensive studies into these fascinating marine reptiles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-mosasaurs">Evolution of mosasaurs</h2>



"Mosasaurs are a textbook example of macroevolution, the emergence of new and distinct groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-emerged-as-major-source-of-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, above the level of species," Polcyn explained.



"Although they have been studied for centuries, new discoveries, novel research approaches, and the application of technology, are still teaching us about their relationships and behaviors, some of which continues to surprise us."



"For example, through the use of detailed comparative anatomy aided by micro-CT scanning technology, we have gained a much better understanding of what group of lizards mosasaurs likely evolved from."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-look-at-ancient-mysteries">A new look at ancient mysteries</h2>



Polcyn used state-of-the-art imaging technologies, such as micro-CT scans, to study the braincase structures of mosasaurs.



These tools not only clarified the evolutionary relationships of mosasaurs but also resolved debates around problematic fossil taxa. This approach provided a better understanding of their origins and evolutionary adaptations.



"This study not only addressed the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jormungandr-24-foot-lizard-is-a-new-link-in-mosasaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of the group, but also explored small- and large-scale aspects of their feeding biology," said Polcyn.



A notable highlight of his work involves a specimen found in Angola, which contained the remains of three other mosasaurs in its stomach, including one from the same species.



This extraordinary discovery represented the first known instance of cannibalism in mosasaurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosasaurs-adapting-to-life-in-the-sea">Mosasaurs adapting to life in the sea</h2>



Mosasaurs evolved from a group of lizards that ventured into the oceans around 100 million years ago. Over 34 million years, they adapted to a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pseudosuchians-ancient-crocodile-like-reptile-discovered-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine environments</a>, occupying diverse ecological niches. 



Alongside many other species, mosasaurs were wiped out 66 million years ago during the mass extinction caused by a meteorite impact.



Despite extensive fossil records from their later evolutionary stages, little is known about the early history of mosasaurs. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-discoveries-and-historical-specimens">New discoveries and historical specimens </h2>



"A relatively large number of fossils are known from the second half of the evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-dragons-reveal-new-clues-about-the-mysteries-of-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history</a> of mosasaurs, allowing a good understanding of the relationships among those species, which have been classified into four major groups," Polcyn noted. 



"Much less is known about their early evolutionary history, and how those major groups are related to one another, their origins, and the origin of mosasaurs as a whole."



To address these gaps, the team from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> leveraged advanced imaging techniques to analyze both new discoveries and historical specimens. 



The findings resolved a long-standing scientific debate. Polcyn concluded that mosasaurs are more closely related to monitor lizards than to snakes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosasaurs-feeding-behavior-and-cannibalism">Mosasaurs' feeding behavior and cannibalism </h2>



The feeding habits of mosasaurs were also a focal point of Polcyn’s research. The Angola specimen containing three mosasaurs highlights a unique aspect of their predatory behavior. 



"Whether that mosasaur was a scavenger or actively hunted its prey cannot be said with certainty; however, we do have the first documented example of cannibalism in mosasaurs," Polcyn explained. His findings also reveal how mosasaurs processed prey and the relationship between predator and prey sizes.



Polcyn’s dissertation includes a comprehensive study of mosasaur feeding behavior over a period spanning 92 to 66 million years. 



By analyzing a vast global dataset, he uncovered patterns of foraging area segregation and feeding diversity. These insights illuminate how mosasaurs divided resources and evolved their dietary strategies.



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



Michael Polcyn’s research not only enhances our understanding of mosasaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-triassic-fossil-gondwanax-paraisensis-may-rewrite-history-of-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> but also highlights the value of integrating advanced technology with paleontological studies. 



His findings continue to reshape our understanding of these ancient marine predators, offering a deeper glimpse into their complex lives and ecological roles.



As new discoveries emerge, the legacy of mosasaurs serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of paleontology. Their story reminds us how ancient ecosystems still hold untapped secrets waiting to be uncovered.



Image Credit: Andrey Atuchin



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Mosasaurs had fierce survival strategies including cannibalism

Mosasaurs are extinct marine reptiles that hold a remarkable place...

Common murres, resembling flying penguins, thrive in coastal ecosystems, where they dive into the ocean for fish and nest in large colonies along cliffs. Despite their robust appearance, these seabirds face immense threats from warming ocean conditions.



A new study, led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sheds light on the devastating effects of marine heat waves on common murres in Alaska.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-counting-murre-carcasses">Counting murre carcasses</h2>



The University of Washington's Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (<a href="https://coasst.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COASST</a>), a citizen science initiative, played a vital role in uncovering the crisis. 



Coastal residents trained by COASST documented alarming numbers of murre carcasses on beaches. In 2020, COASST and other observers reported a mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-makes-it-harder-for-seabirds-to-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mortality event</a>, identifying over 62,000 murre carcasses along the West Coast and Alaska. 



In some areas, carcass counts exceeded normal levels by more than 1,000 times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-heat-waves-on-common-murres">Impact of heat waves on common murres</h2>



The 2020 study, while highlighting the severity of the event, did not determine the total loss following the 2014-2016 marine heat wave known as "the blob." 



The new study fills that gap. By analyzing data from 13 murre colonies surveyed between 2008 and 2022, researchers estimate that 4 million common murres - half of Alaska’s population - died.



In the Gulf of Alaska, colony sizes declined by 50%, while colonies in the eastern Bering Sea saw a staggering 75% decline. The rate of recovery currently remains unknown.



“This study shows clear and surprisingly long-lasting impacts of a marine heat wave on a top marine predator species,” said Julia Parrish, a UW professor of aquatic and fishery sciences and co-author of the study. 



“Importantly, the effect of the heat wave wasn’t via thermal stress on the birds, but rather shifts in the food web leaving murres suddenly and fatally without enough <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-have-highly-sensitive-beaks-to-locate-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-blob-and-its-aftermath">"Warm blob" and its aftermath</h2>



The "warm blob," a patch of unusually warm water spanning from California to Alaska, disrupted ecosystems during its peak from late 2014 through 2016. 



It caused decreased ocean productivity, which led to food shortages for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-sharks-are-abandoning-their-homes-due-to-ocean-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine predators</a>, including seabirds. Analysis of murre carcasses confirmed starvation as the primary cause of death during the mass die-off.



Before the heat wave, Alaska housed about 8 million common murres, roughly a quarter of the global population. The murre population in Alaska has since halved in size.



Unlike previous, smaller die-offs, where murres rebounded, they do not appear to be recovering after this event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-intensifies-marine-heat">Climate change intensifies marine heat</h2>



The “warm blob” represents one of the most extreme marine heat waves recorded, but similar events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. 



A 2023 study, led by many of the same authors, revealed that even a 1°C increase in sea surface temperature over six months triggers seabird mass mortality events.



"Whether the warming comes from a heat wave, El Niño, Arctic sea ice loss or other forces, the message is clear: warmer water means massive ecosystem change and widespread impacts on seabirds," Parrish stated.



“The frequency and intensity of marine bird mortality events is ticking up in lockstep with ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emperor-penguins-are-struggling-to-survive-as-sea-ice-vanishes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troubling-lack-of-recovery">Troubling lack of recovery</h2>



The persistence of Alaska’s murre population decline highlights a critical challenge. 



The 2023 study suggested seabird populations typically need at least three years to recover from a marine heat wave. However, seven years after “the blob,” Alaska’s murres show no signs of bouncing back.



"We may now be at a tipping point of ecosystem rearrangement where recovery back to pre-die-off abundance is not possible," Parrish warned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-common-murres-from-heat-waves">Saving common murres from heat waves</h2>



This study highlights the devastating and lasting impacts of marine heat waves on common murres and other marine species. 



With ocean warming intensifying under climate change, the frequency of such events will likely increase. Understanding these changes can inform conservation efforts and mitigate future impacts on vulnerable species.



Furthermore, coordinated global efforts are essential to address climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-africa-will-bomb-invasive-mice-eating-seabirds-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguard marine ecosystems</a> for future generations.



Co-authors of the study include Brie Drummond and Jared Laufenberg from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, John Piatt from the World Puffin Congress, and Martin Renner of Tern Again Consulting.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq4330" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Millions of Alaska's seabirds starved to death after intense heat wave

Common murres, resembling flying penguins, thrive in coastal ecosystems, where...

The plains in southwestern Africa are dry, quiet, and tense. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-swamp-creature-found-in-namibia-was-an-ambush-predator/">Namibia</a>, a severe drought is making everything uncertain. The situation is so serious that the government has announced that more than 700 wild animals will be killed to provide meat for communities facing desperate times.&nbsp;



The drought is the worst in a century, and officials see no other choice. They say this step might relieve pressure on local resources at a time when close to half the country’s population is struggling with extreme food shortages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empty-stomachs-dry-lands">Empty stomachs, dry lands</h2>



Namibia’s varied landscapes and wildlife have long drawn admiration, but now these lands cannot offer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/">enough water</a> or nourishment. 



People have watched crops wither and pastures turn to dust. They are facing a level of food insecurity that has rattled daily life. 



The government is under immense pressure to act. It has chosen a path that many find disturbing: sacrificing wildlife to keep citizens alive. 



<a href="https://dlmp.uw.edu/faculty/davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jennifer Davis</a>, a wildlife ecologist with Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, has spent years studying these environments and says the current landscape is unrecognizable from what it was just a few years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuts-that-hurt-everyone">Cuts that hurt everyone</h2>



<a href="https://www.meft.gov.na/files/files/Culling%20of%20Wild-animals%20as%20a%20Result%20of%20Drought.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in Namibia</a> says that among the more than 700 animals to be slaughtered are 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 60 buffalo, 50 impala, 100 blue wildebeest, and 300 zebras.&nbsp;



Officials indicate these animals will be taken from national parks and communal lands where their numbers have grown beyond what the parched surroundings can sustain.&nbsp;



The government believes that by supplying meat to hungry families, it might ease tension, reduce competition for scarce water, and lower the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-can-predict-which-animals-are-at-risk-of-extinction/">risk of animals</a> encroaching into villages. Officials claim that this action will help stabilize the region, at least for now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-seasons-and-tough-choices">Dry seasons and tough choices</h2>



The drought in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-swamp-creature-found-in-namibia-was-an-ambush-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Namibia</a> is no passing inconvenience. It is linked to patterns influenced by El Niño and the larger climate crisis. 



The rainfall has been almost nonexistent, and the heat is relentless. Farmlands have not simply struggled; they have failed to produce what was expected. 



Across Namibia, the fields are empty. The global climate conversation often focuses on long-term impacts, but here the consequences are immediate.&nbsp;



Those with empty stomachs are pushing the government to do something drastic. Officials say their move might be the only way to prevent an even worse humanitarian disaster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emergency-measures-under-pressure">Emergency measures under pressure</h2>



In May 2024, the government declared a state of emergency. Officials say that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/">wildlife</a> cannot survive if they are competing for resources that barely exist. They see cutting down these populations as a means to help both animals and humans.&nbsp;



Some say that if fewer large mammals roam the countryside, there will be less pressure on rivers and watering holes. 



It might also prevent elephants from wandering into human settlements, where damage and danger are inevitable. The government admits that these problems are piling up, and there seems to be no simple remedy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-an-unsettling-pattern">Following an unsettling pattern</h2>



Namibia is not the only country in the region to consider such actions. Botswana allowed elephant hunting in 2019, claiming it would control population growth and reduce conflicts with farmers.&nbsp;



Zimbabwe has also relied on regulated hunting to generate funds for conservation and to minimize animal-human tensions. Critics call these steps a short-term fix that could have long-term consequences.&nbsp;



Supporters insist that these are the only practical responses to a crisis that no one seems able to stop. People continue to argue about the ethics, while governments juggle immediate needs against future consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-for-the-people-at-the-expense-of-animals">Meat for the people at the expense of animals</h2>



Namibia has a history of using game meat for large community gatherings. This time, the effort is more direct. The government says that since the measure began, more than 150 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-17-million-animals-perished-in-brazilian-wildfires/">animals have been killed</a>, providing approximately 56,875 kilograms of meat to rural areas that need it most.&nbsp;



Officials say this immediate supply of food may bring some relief to people who have seen very little on their plates. The numbers speak to an attempt to offset the losses that ordinary households endure. Yet no one pretends it is a perfect solution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weighing-survival-against-survival">Weighing survival against survival</h2>



Those who watch Namibia from afar often see wide-open landscapes, healthy wildlife, and proud communities. These images do not reflect the stress that the current drought has caused.&nbsp;



Wildlife experts and environmental advocates are worried that removing large numbers of animals will leave a mark on the country’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-megafauna-play-a-key-role-in-maintaining-ecological-balance/">ecology</a>. Others say that when people are hungry, what else can be done?&nbsp;



The tension between protecting wildlife and feeding people has become a harsh reality. No one is celebrating this choice. The idea of killing some animals to help others survive is unsettling but, in these conditions, nothing is simple.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-uncertain-future-for-these-animals">An uncertain future for these animals</h2>



The drought still holds Namibia in its grip, and many wonder how long it will last. Critics fear that these killings are a short-sighted fix.&nbsp;



Supporters believe it might be one of the few ways to handle a terrible situation. The rest of the world watches, curious or horrified, as Namibia tries to find balance in an unforgiving environment.&nbsp;



Officials insist that this step might bring a measure of relief. Still, the question lingers: what happens if the rains do not return soon, and what will this mean for both people and the wildlife that has defined these landscapes for so long?



Details of the animals to be killed are reported in this <a href="https://www.meft.gov.na/files/files/Culling%20of%20Wild-animals%20as%20a%20Result%20of%20Drought.pdf">release</a> from the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.



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Nation will slaughter 700 elephants, hippos, zebras and other animals due to drought

The plains in southwestern Africa are dry, quiet, and tense....

One of nature's most well-kept secrets is the ocean's hadal zone, a realm of darkness that harbors an unexpected predator in its most extreme depths.



This zone includes the deepest part of the ocean. It's marked by total darkness and crushing pressures - a place where you would not expect to find life.



Yet astonishingly, the hadal zone is home to a myriad of unique creatures that hold clues to understanding life's evolution in some of Earth's harshest habitats.



Now, we are shining the spotlight on a new addition to this intriguing underwater neighborhood - a predatory crustacean identified as Dulcibella camanchaca.



This creature is the first predatory amphipod to be discovered in these extreme environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fast-swimming-predator-in-the-deep-ocean">A fast-swimming predator in the deep ocean</h2>



The experts behind this discovery are scientists from the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/who-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> and the<a href="https://www.imo-chile.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía</a> at the Universidad de Concepción in Chile.



"Dulcibella camanchaca is a fast-swimming predator that we named after 'darkness' in the languages of the peoples from the Andes region, to signify the deep, dark ocean from where it predates," explained study co-lead author Dr. Johanna Weston.



Spanning almost 4 centimeters, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-deep-sea-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-bahamas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustacean</a> deploys specialized raptorial appendages to catch and feed on smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-crustaceans-prey-on-jellyfish-to-survive-the-polar-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphipod</a> species lurking in the food-scarce territory of the Atacama Trench.



The trench, a deep scar in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, reaches staggering depths of more than 8,000 meters (26,200 feet) off the northern Chilean coast and has long piqued scientific interest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-life-in-a-harsh-environment">Unique life in a harsh environment</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shocking-deepest-parts-of-the-ocean-polluted-with-pcb-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atacama Trench</a>, which lies far beneath the nutrient-rich surface waters and is geographically distant from other hadal environments, supports a distinctive community of native species. This new crustacean is just one of many unique species that cope with life at great depths.



"Most excitingly, the DNA and morphology data pointed to this species being a new genus too, emphasizing the Atacama Trench as an endemic hotspot," said Dr. Weston.



The fascinating discovery of Dulcibella camanchaca was part of the 2023 Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System Expedition aboard the R/V Abate Molina.



The team collected four Dulcibella camanchaca individuals at an impressive depth of 7,902 meters (26,000 feet) using a lander vehicle - an untethered platform that transports scientific equipment, including baited traps, to and from the ocean floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-and-integrative-approach">A collaborative and integrative approach</h2>



Upon returning to the ship, the captured amphipods were preserved in freezing conditions before undergoing comprehensive morphological and genetic analyses at the Universidad de Concepción.



Dr. Carolina González, co-lead author of the study who tackled the sample collection and DNA analysis, noted that the team's collaborative effort and integrative approach confirmed that Dulcibella camanchaca was indeed a new species.



"The new species highlights ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-time-machine-reveals-a-century-of-biological-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> discoveries in the Atacama Trench. This finding underlines the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration, particularly in Chile's front yard. More discoveries are expected as we continue to study the Atacama Trench," said Dr. González.



With each new stride in exploration technology, we can look forward to uncovering more species - each hinting at the unique evolutionary pressures and adaptions in the deep ocean.



The findings will open up new avenues to comprehend these deep-ocean ecosystems better and protect them from emerging threats like pollution and climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predators-of-the-deep-ocean-nbsp">Predators of the deep ocean&nbsp;</h2>



Dulcibella camanchaca is just one example of the unique predators that thrive in the hadal zone, but it raises broader questions about how life adapts to such extreme environments.



Predators in these depths, like Dulcibella, rely on highly specialized features to hunt and survive. For instance, their enhanced sensory systems allow them to detect subtle movements in complete darkness, while their powerful appendages make quick work of capturing prey in a world where every meal counts.



These adaptations not only highlight the resilience of the deep-sea organisms, but also provide critical insights into evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-rule-of-biology-instability-key-to-evolution-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biology</a>.



Understanding how these deep-sea predators function can shed light on the survival strategies of life forms in Earth's most inhospitable habitats, offering clues about how organisms might adapt to extreme conditions on other planets or moons. 



As researchers continue to explore the Atacama Trench and other ecosystems in the deep ocean, they are likely to uncover more fascinating predators that will expand our knowledge of the intricate food webs operating miles beneath the surface.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14772000.2024.2416430" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Systematics and Biodiversity</a>.



Image Credit: Johanna Weston, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution



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New predator found in one of the deepest parts of the ocean

One of nature's most well-kept secrets is the ocean's hadal...

Have you ever wondered about the first creatures to fly? Long before birds fluttered their wings and took their maiden flight, it was pterosaurs - the distant cousins of birds - that ruled the sky.



Approximately 230 million years ago, these vertebrates took an evolutionary leap, developing wings and mastering the art of flapping flight in a world still dominated by land-dwelling creatures.



A recent study has revealed new details about these flying marvels of the past. 



The research was led by Professor Oliver Rauhut and Alexandra Fernandes from the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology (SNSB).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-advancements-in-pterosaur-flight">Evolutionary advancements in pterosaur flight</h2>



Over millions of years, pterosaurs refined their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fossil-fills-crucial-gap-in-pterosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight mechanics</a>. Early forms had shorter wings and long tails, limiting their aerodynamics. 



The pterodactyloids, a later subgroup, showcased slender, elongated wings and shortened tails. 



These evolutionary advancements marked the transition to highly efficient fliers -- including Quetzalcoatlus, the largest flying animal ever discovered, with a wingspan exceeding 12 meters.



The rise of pterodactyloids occurred during the Jurassic period. Fossil records suggest they first appeared around 160 million years ago. 



However, most Jurassic pterosaur fossils originate from the Northern Hemisphere. This leaves a significant gap in understanding the evolution of pterosaurs in the southern continents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-back-the-timeline-of-evolution">Pushing back the timeline of evolution</h2>



The <a href="https://bspg.snsb.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SNSB</a> researchers have uncovered a remarkable piece of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-pterosaur-flight-soaring-vs-flapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaur puzzle</a>. Their team introduced&nbsp;Melkamter pateko, a new pterosaur species from the late Early Jurassic (approximately 178 million years ago).



Discovered in Chubut province, Argentina, this find predates the next-oldest known relative by 15 million years, pushing the timeline of advanced pterosaur evolution further back than previously thought.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pterosaur_Melkamter-pateko_credit-Pedro-Andrade_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pterosaur_Melkamter-pateko_credit-Pedro-Andrade_1s.webp" alt="Reconstruction of Melkamter pateko, a new species of pterosaur from the late Early Jurassic (some 178 million years ago) of Chubut province, Argentina. Credit: Pedro Andrade" class="wp-image-1953320"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reconstruction of Melkamter pateko, a new species of pterosaur from the late Early Jurassic (some 178 million years ago) of Chubut province, Argentina. Credit: Pedro Andrade</figcaption></figure>



What makes&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;unique is its inland habitat. Unlike most Jurassic pterosaurs, which thrived near marine environments,&nbsp;Melkamter&nbsp;lived far from the sea. 



The diet of this creature likely consisted of insects, while its marine counterparts fed on fish. This inland adaptation suggests pterodactyloids may have originated in such environments rather than along coastal regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-pterosaur-evolution">Insights into pterosaur evolution</h2>



The discovery of&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;sheds light on the potential role of ecological specialization in pterosaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-mastered-land-before-dominating-the-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>. 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
"It is possible that an early specialization in highly mobile prey such as flying insects contributed to the evolutionary success of the pterodactyloids," noted Fernandes.



"This find highlights not only how little we still know about the pterosaurs of the Southern Hemisphere, but also the potential that the southern continents have to improve our understanding of pterosaur evolution."
</blockquote>



This research highlights the untapped potential of the Southern Hemisphere in unraveling pterosaur evolution. The inland adaptation of&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;challenges existing theories and broadens the understanding of these prehistoric fliers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-untapped-fossil-potential">Untapped fossil potential</h2>



The study emphasizes the need for further exploration of the Southern Hemisphere. With few pterosaur fossils discovered in this region, each new find like&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;reveals vital clues about their evolutionary journey.



The research highlights a potentially significant, yet largely unexplored, chapter in the history of pterosaurs.



Ultimately, the discovery of&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;in Argentina not only rewrites the timeline of pterosaur evolution but also shifts the narrative on their habitat and feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaur-new-species-named-abfab-had-wings-wide-as-car/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preferences</a>.



By uncovering new species and exploring less-studied regions, researchers continue to unveil the diverse adaptations and evolutionary triumphs of these ancient fliers. The skies of the Jurassic era hold many more secrets, waiting to be revealed by dedicated paleontologists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-diversity-of-pterosaurs">Remarkable diversity of pterosaurs</h2>



Pterosaurs were an incredibly diverse group of reptiles, with sizes ranging from sparrow-like creatures to giants with wingspans exceeding modern airplanes. 



Their fossil record reveals a variety of adaptations, including crests on their heads and specialized teeth, tailored for different diets and ecological niches. Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-had-good-parenting-skills-but-only-the-larger-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> developed elaborate display structures, likely used in mating rituals or social interactions. 



Pterosaurs also displayed impressive bone structures, with a combination of lightweight and strong materials, allowing efficient flight. Their footprints, preserved in fossilized trackways, provide valuable insights into their behavior, showing evidence of quadrupedal movement when on the ground. 



Despite their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous, pterosaurs remain a key focus for paleontologists, shedding light on the evolution of flight in vertebrates.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Pterosaurs took flight millions of years before birds, according to new discovery

Have you ever wondered about the first creatures to fly?...

Just like humans, birds also host a blend of microorganisms - both friendly and harmful - that make up their microbiome. This "little world" within living organisms plays a vital role in overall health, and it seems that the diversity of microbes is a key factor in the way the microbiome affects each individual.



If you want to fuel your immune system and absorb nutrients more efficiently, you need a rainbow of different microbes in your gut. Conversely, low diversity could leave you susceptible to illnesses.



This relationship between microbiome diversity and health has intrigued researchers for years.



To understand this link better, scientists from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science embarked on a five-year study.



The researchers examined how songbird gut microbiomes relate to traits that indicate health and breeding success. While laboratory studies have explored gut microbiome connections in captive animals, knowledge about these relationships in wild animals - particularly birds - remains limited.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-health-is-tied-to-microbiome">Bird health is tied to microbiome</h2>



The researchers focused on the Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), a common backyard bird known for its vivid red plumage, red beak, and black mask. This study provides the first-ever description of how a wild bird’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-gut-microbiome-is-shaped-by-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a> relates to its ornamentation and body condition.



The results revealed that a cardinal’s gut microbiome diversity can be predicted by its body condition and the quality of its red plumage and beak.



"Our findings confirm the hypothesis that a wild bird’s health is tied to its microbiome, and that the ‘sexiness’ of a male’s ornaments can signal his health," said Rindy Anderson, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor in FAU’s <a href="https://biology.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Biological Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiomes-and-carotenoid-pigments">Microbiomes and carotenoid pigments</h2>



The Northern cardinal’s sexually selected carotenoid pigments provided a unique opportunity for this study. 



Carotenoid-based coloration reflects individual quality, making the cardinal’s vibrant red coloration a perfect subject for exploring connections between traits and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a>.



"This study has important applications for conservation biology and contributes to a better understanding of ways to improve animal health in settings such as wildlife hospitals, zoos and aquaria, and captive breeding programs for endangered species," said Morgan Slevin, first author and a Ph.D. candidate in FAU’s Department of Biological Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-northern-cardinals">Observing Northern cardinals</h2>



To investigate these relationships, the researchers sampled the cloacal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/balancing-gut-microbes-could-protect-us-from-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiomes</a> of wild cardinals.



The team measured the birds’ body condition index, assessed the coloration of their sexual ornaments (beak and plumage), and collected blood to estimate their glucocorticoid response to stress.



This approach helped the researchers to describe the baseline relationships between various aspects of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in free-living songbirds.



"Overall, cardinal ornament redness and saturation positively correlate with individual quality," said Slevin. "Thus, deeper red coloration indicates greater carotenoid pigmentation. We were able to show that a cardinal’s coloration related to its microbiome diversity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiome-structures-of-birds">Microbiome structures of birds</h2>



The study revealed several important connections: Both alpha and beta <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-affect-how-we-handle-everyday-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial diversity</a> were related to individual variation in body condition and sexual ornaments.



Beak saturation related to beta diversity, suggesting birds with similar beak coloration profiles had more similar microbiome structures.



Furthermore, the team found that glucocorticoid concentrations did not correlate with microbiome diversity or ornamentation quality.



"While we anticipated that birds with the most saturated beaks would be the highest quality individuals, and that the highest quality individuals would have the most diverse microbiomes, our results suggest that maintaining a diverse microbiome might instead come at a cost to beak saturation," said Slevin.



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



These findings highlight the intricate relationships between gut microbiomes, physical traits, and overall health in wild songbirds. They add to a growing body of research linking avian host fitness to internal bacterial community characteristics.



"Ultimately, our study and those that follow should move us closer to answering the overall question of whether a bird’s gut microbiome can predict individual quality," said Anderson.



The research not only deepens our understanding of microbiome diversity in wild birds but also provides insights that could inform conservation efforts and animal health management. 



By continuing to explore these connections, scientists aim to unlock more secrets about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiomes</a> influence the health and survival of living organisms.



In the end, understanding these microbial relationships may hold the key to promoting healthier ecosystems and wildlife populations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/oik.10905?saml_referrer=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oikos</a>.



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Birds reveal a link between gut microbiome and fitness

Just like humans, birds also host a blend of microorganisms...

A recent study has revealed that hedgehogs living in the same semi-rural area show remarkable variation in their hibernation timing and patterns.&nbsp;



Some individuals begin hibernating up to three months later than others - a flexibility that researchers believe could help them adapt to climate change and urbanization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hibernation-habits-of-wild-hedgehogs-nbsp">Hibernation habits of wild hedgehogs&nbsp;</h2>



The study, carried out by researchers at <a href="https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool John Moores University</a>, tracked the hibernation behaviors of wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hedgehogs-face-extinction-as-their-habitats-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hedgehogs</a> on an unused golf course in the Wirral.&nbsp;



Using radio trackers to monitor their locations and skin temperatures, alongside nighttime observations with torches, the researchers uncovered unexpected diversity in hibernation habits.



“It was a surprise to see wild hedgehogs living in the same environment have so much variation in their hibernation pattern,” said Katie Crawford, a PhD student at John Moores University who will present the research at the <a href="https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/events/bes-annual-meeting-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Ecological Society (BES) Annual Meeting</a> in Liverpool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wide-variability-in-hibernation-timing">Wide variability in hibernation timing</h2>



All five hedgehogs in the study entered hibernation, but with significant differences in timing. 



The first hedgehog began hibernating in mid-September, when temperatures were as high as 19°C, while another didn’t hibernate until mid-December, despite temperatures dropping to -6°C.&nbsp;



The hibernation periods also varied, with differences of up to 47 days in when they ended.



“When hedgehogs hibernate, they go through cycles of torpor in which they decrease their metabolic rate and body temperature. Torpor bouts, typically lasting a few days to weeks, are interspersed with bursts of arousal for a few hours up to a couple of days,” Crawford explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hibernation-strategies-of-hedgehogs">Hibernation strategies of hedgehogs</h2>



The study revealed that some hedgehogs used shorter torpor phases followed by extended periods of activity, possibly for foraging, particularly at the start and end of their hibernation periods. This adaptability could prove advantageous in the face of unpredictable environmental changes.



“Hibernators are at significant risk from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> because they're very reliant on ambient temperatures. When temperatures are higher, they can't save as much energy because they're not reducing their body temperature as low,” Crawford said.&nbsp;



Since hibernating hedgehogs rely on stored fat for survival, this could present challenges.&nbsp;



However, their flexible hibernation strategies may allow them to secure additional food, which could be a valuable adaptation as winters in the UK grow milder and more unpredictable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hedgehog-conservation-status-and-challenges">Hedgehog conservation status and challenges</h2>



European hedgehogs are now listed as near-threatened on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List</a>. In the UK, rural populations are declining due to threats such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-ai-system-detects-animals-on-roads-to-prevent-accidents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road collisions</a>, while urban populations remain stable or are increasing in some areas.



The study, conducted from Spring 2023 to Spring 2024, recorded around 26 hedgehogs on the golf course during the summer, indicating a high local population.&nbsp;



“At the start of the experiment, we would go out to the golf course at night with big torches to find hedgehogs,” Crawford said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-insights-into-hedgehog-behavior-nbsp">Valuable insights into hedgehog behavior&nbsp;</h2>



With the assistance of her supervisor, Dr. Julia Nowack, the team tagged five individuals with radio trackers and monitored them daily throughout their hibernation period.



Although the sample size was small due to the intensive nature of the research, the findings provide valuable insights into hedgehog behavior.&nbsp;



The researchers are now expanding their study to include 11 hedgehogs across different habitats in Merseyside to determine if urban hedgehogs show even greater variability.&nbsp;



“We’re already seeing a lot of flexibility in the hibernation patterns of this year’s cohort,” Crawford added.



This ongoing work underscores the resilience of hedgehogs and their potential to adapt to environmental changes.&nbsp;



By understanding their hibernation patterns in greater detail, researchers hope to contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> and shed light on how these animals can survive in a rapidly changing world.&nbsp;



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



Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals known for their unique defense mechanism of rolling into a tight ball, which protects their vulnerable underbellies with a coat of sharp spines. 



Found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, they thrive in diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, and even suburban gardens. These nocturnal creatures are primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and small invertebrates - though they are opportunistic eaters and will consume fruits and vegetables when available. 



Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but compensate with excellent hearing and a keen sense of smell, which they use to forage for food.



In many cultures, hedgehogs are symbols of good luck and have become popular pets due to their endearing behavior and manageable size. Despite this, they require specific care - including warm, quiet environments and specialized diets - to thrive in captivity.



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Hedgehogs have flexible hibernation habits that help them survive

A recent study has revealed that hedgehogs living in the...

An ominous forecast awaits bighorn sheep in the the Sierra Nevada mountains. There are likely to be more frequent avalanches as the world continues to warm.



Even though a decline in snow cover is anticipated as the climate changes, avalanches could occur more often, particularly at high elevations, which spells trouble for the bighorn sheep that inhabit these areas. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-bighorn-sheep-and-their-history">Endangered bighorn sheep and their history</h2>



The Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) are true survivors, built to handle some of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-2024s-record-heat-unveiling-earths-climate-danger-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toughest conditions</a> in North America. 



They are smaller and leaner than their relatives, making it easier for them to scale the steep, rocky slopes of the Sierra Nevada at heights of 10,000 to 14,000 feet (3,000 to 4,200 meters). Their tan coats help them blend perfectly into the rugged landscape, keeping them safe from predators like mountain lions.



John Muir, in his 1894 book The Mountains of California, described the "perfect strength and beauty" of these wild bighorn sheep - agile creatures that effortlessly jump from one crag to another.



They have managed to survive threats from diseases and overgrazing by domestic sheep introduced into the Sierra Nevada. But today, these animals are endangered. 



Now, a new menace looms in the form of avalanches, coupled with predation by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-lions-cleverly-change-their-habits-to-avoid-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain lions</a>. These threats have caused the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep population to fall by half since 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avalanches-and-bighorn-sheep">Avalanches and bighorn sheep</h2>



Ned Bair, a researcher from the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>, and his team have run simulations, analyzing the present (1990-2020) and future (2050-2080) climate. 



The researchers aim to determine how avalanches might continue to affect bighorn sheep.



"There's certainly going to be less snow in the future, and it's going to impact the sheep, which are very fragile as is," said Bair. "In dry winters, they don't have enough forage. And in the big winters, they die of starvation and avalanches."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bighorn-sheep-a-struggle-for-survival">Bighorn sheep: A struggle for survival</h2>



While bighorn sheep also inhabit other western mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada subgroup is genetically unique. The approximately 350 sheep that remain of this species live at high elevations, feeding on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. 



"They like to live in very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenging environments</a>, hence the avalanche problem," Bair explained.



Snow is critical for bighorn sheep as it provides them with water. However, it can pose threats, too. 



Record-breaking precipitation during the winter of 2022-2023 in California led to approximately 18 meters (60 feet) of snow blanketing the Sierra Nevada.



That winter, avalanches led to the deaths of at least 73 bighorn sheep, with just one avalanche accounting for 12 of those deaths, as noted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-snowfall-in-the-sierra-nevada">Future snowfall in the Sierra Nevada </h2>



The researchers conducted projections on future snowfall amounts in the Sierra Nevada under climate change, basing their simulations on precipitation data from past dry years (2013 and 2018) and a wet year (2019). 



As expected, snow cover is predicted to decrease generally in the Sierra Nevada in the future. This decline, however, will mostly occur at lower elevations, where snowfall may turn to rain. Higher elevations, where bighorn sheep dwell, will experience less change in snow cover.



As climate change amplifies the number and intensity of California's atmospheric rivers, these high elevations could even witness an increase in snow accumulation. This snow could trigger more frequent avalanches at high altitudes, resulting in increased bighorn sheep fatalities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-threats-to-the-wild-sheep">Increased threats to the wild sheep</h2>



It remains unclear how the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program will respond to the rise in avalanches caused by the harsh winters.



Additionally, recovering wolf and mountain lion populations could pose increased threats to the wild sheep. 



"It's a hard population to sustain," said Bair. "I think there are some real challenges with being assured of at least my children being able to see a bighorn sheep in the wild when they're my age."



The research will be presented by Bair at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (<a href="https://www.agu.org/annual-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU24</a>).



Bair presented these findings at <a href="https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu24/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1637990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU’s Annual Meeting</a>.



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Bighorn sheep face increasing avalanche dangers as the climate warms

An ominous forecast awaits bighorn sheep in the the Sierra...

Two researchers were walking near a small community in northeastern India on a warm afternoon, when they came across a creature that measured about 4 feet in length. They had no idea what they were looking at.



At first glance, it appeared to be just another dead snake. But a quick look at its oddly elongated snout had them scratching their heads, wondering what in the world it could be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-documenting-a-new-species">Documenting a new species</h2>



Sourabh Verma, a herpetologist working on reptile surveys, was one of the two scientists on that walk. He and fellow researcher, Soham Pattekar, decided to take the specimen for further examination. 



They knew something was different about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snake-evolution-legless-lizards-into-slithering-snakes-100-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this snake</a> because it didn’t match any of the species they were familiar with. There was a hint of mystery in this discovery, and they felt a need to dig deeper.



By the time the analysis began, a larger research group had formed under the umbrella of the <a href="https://www.ncbs.res.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Centre for Biological Sciences</a> in India. 



This collaboration eventually resulted in their findings appearing in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, where these experts presented details about something never before documented.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ahaetulla-longirostris">Ahaetulla longirostris</h2>



When the scientists took a closer look, they realized this snake stood out in several ways. They described it in their report as “considered ‘medium sized,’ reaching up to 4 feet in length.” 



They noted the head shape, which they described as “‘triangular’ heads tapering into ‘very long’ snouts, taking up roughly 18% of their head length.”



The research team chose to name this species Ahaetulla longirostris, which comes from the Latin words “longus” meaning “long,” and “rostrum” meaning “snout.”



They zeroed in on this distinctive feature because it clearly separated this animal from others in its group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-that-pop">Colors that pop</h2>



The researchers said the newly found snake had an orange belly, but what caught their eye even more were the colors on its back. 



“Some are ‘bright green,’ while others are orange-brown,” they reported. 



Variations like these found on Ahaetulla longirostris can sometimes help creatures blend in with their surroundings or signal something special about their environment. 



It’s not unusual for vine snakes to show a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dipsadine-snakes-have-skulls-that-evolve-to-fit-their-needs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">range of hues</a> but, in this case, the combination of a bizarre snout and a vibrant palette raised questions about how this species might behave, where it prefers to live, and how it evolved.



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



The snake was found in northeastern India, near the borders it shares with the countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.



As of now, the researchers know it exists in places like Bihar and Meghalaya. They suspect that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-coral-snakes-caught-in-rare-food-fight-over-caecilian/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snake species</a> might have a wider distribution, but proving that will take more field surveys.



The scientists’ report made it clear that Ahaetulla longirostris doesn’t limit itself to deep forest hideouts. 



According to their observations, it can thrive in “human-dominated” areas, including cities and villages. This suggests that it’s somewhat adaptable.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-biodiversity-woes">Local biodiversity woes</h2>



The broader region of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/bangladesh-and-northeast-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">northeastern India</a> is known for its rich wildlife. At the same time, scientists have often pointed out that amphibians and reptiles in these parts are under-documented. 



This lack of detailed information makes it tough to protect habitats and ensure that species remain viable.&nbsp;



If people don’t know what’s living in their surroundings, they can’t make informed decisions about conservation. 



Every new species identified can help shine a light on the health of ecosystems. It can also motivate further study, giving local and international researchers a reason to keep exploring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-they-figured-it-out">How they figured it out</h2>



The team relied on DNA testing to confirm their hunches. They matched genetic sequences with those of related species that are found several hundred miles away.



Then, they checked things like scale patterns, body texture, and the shape of the animal’s head. All of these clues helped confirm that this snake was something fresh and unknown.&nbsp;



One detail was notable: they had encountered the initial specimen as a lifeless body. Normally, discovering new species involves more active searching, careful tracking, and sometimes lucky encounters with living animals.



Stumbling across a deceased individual that leads to such a finding is less common. Yet, it serves as a reminder that any encounter can bring valuable data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-ahaetulla-longirostris">What's next for Ahaetulla longirostris?</h2>



Now that Ahaetulla longirostris is in the books, what’s next? Discovering a new species can spark interest far beyond academic circles. 



It can draw attention to wildlife protection, the importance of habitat maintenance, and the need for ethical, science-based policymaking. 



Perhaps this snake’s existence will prompt more local surveys. Maybe it will encourage budding scientists to pick up a field guide and see what’s waiting right outside their homes.



The full article is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2287884X24000955" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity</a>



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Mysterious, 'long-snouted' creature found dead in India is a new species

Two researchers were walking near a small community in northeastern...

Harbor seals in icy regions rely on icebergs shed by glaciers for critical life activities. These floating ice platforms serve as safe spaces for giving birth, caring for young, and molting. 



However, as climate change affects glaciers, the size, speed, and number of icebergs change - directly affecting the seals’ habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-harbor-seals-use-icebergs">How harbor seals use icebergs</h2>



Mother <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weddell-seals-have-a-surprising-survival-strategy/">seals</a>, for example, prefer stable, slower-moving icebergs during the pupping season to ensure safety for their newborns. 



In contrast, during the molting season, both mothers and the larger seal population tend to favor faster-moving icebergs near foraging grounds. 



This seasonal preference highlights the intricate balance between the seals’ needs and their changing environment.



"Our work provides a direct link between a glacier’s advance and seals' distribution and behavior," said Lynn Kaluzienski, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://uas.alaska.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Southeast</a> who led the study.



"Interdisciplinary studies like this one, coupled with long-term monitoring campaigns, will be important to understand how climate change will influence tidewater glacier fjord ecosystems in the future."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seals-and-icebergs-at-glacier-bay-national-park">Seals and icebergs at Glacier Bay National Park</h2>



The study was focused on harbor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-have-genetic-scars-from-intense-hunting/">seals</a> and icebergs in Johns Hopkins Inlet and Glacier, which is part of Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska.



Unlike many glaciers globally, Johns Hopkins Glacier is advancing rather than retreating. 



This anomaly is due, in part, to its terminal moraine - a natural barricade of crushed rock and sediment. This barrier shields the glacier from warmer ocean water, thus slowing its melt rate.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/harbor-seals_iceberg_resting_glacier-national-park_credit-NPS_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/harbor-seals_iceberg_resting_glacier-national-park_credit-NPS_1s.webp" alt="Seal resting on an iceberg in Johns Hopkins Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park. Credit: Jamie Womble/NPS" class="wp-image-1953189"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Seal resting on an iceberg in Johns Hopkins Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park. Credit: Jamie Womble/NPS</figcaption></figure>



However, the terminal moraine also limits the number of icebergs that the glacier sheds into the fjord. Fewer icebergs mean reduced habitat for seals, which fuels the need for research to understand how seals adapt to these changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-seals-and-icebergs">Observing seals and icebergs</h2>



Over the past few years, Kaluzienski and her team, in collaboration with the U.S. National Park Service, monitored the fjord using time-lapse cameras and aerial photographic surveys. They documented fine-scale variations in icebergs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seal-colony-lost-95-of-its-pups-to-bird-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals distribution</a>.



"Icebergs are found throughout the fjord in regions of fast flow, within eddies, and close to the glacier," Kaluzienski explained. 



"We wanted to understand which of these areas seals were using and how this habitat is changing in response to advances at the glacier front and reduction in iceberg numbers."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-freshwater-runoff">The role of freshwater runoff</h2>



When an iceberg calves from a glacier, its movement is influenced by wind, ocean currents, and freshwater runoff from the glacier’s base. 



This runoff, known as a plume, brings nutrient-rich freshwater to the surface, creating a hotspot for plankton and fish. These areas act as a moving buffet for seals, which use icebergs near the plume to forage.



Using remote sensing data, the researchers pinpointed the plume’s location and compared it to seal and iceberg distributions during the pupping season in June and the molting season in August. 



The findings revealed distinct preferences. During the pupping season, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-use-sonar-signals-to-dine-deep-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a> often rested on slower-moving icebergs, which traveled at speeds of less than 7-8 inches (0.2 meters) per second.



During the molting season, seals increasingly used faster-moving icebergs located in or near the nutrient-rich plumes.



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



The preference for slower-moving icebergs during the pupping season likely stems from their stability, which provides a safer platform for mother seals and their pups.



Conversely, stability becomes less critical during the molting season, when seals prioritize access to food. Icebergs near the plume offer better foraging opportunities, aligning with the seals’ needs during this period.



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



This study highlights the complex interplay between glacier behavior and wildlife adaptation. Changes in glacier size, speed, and iceberg distribution ripple through the ecosystem, influencing seal behavior and habitat use.



Understanding these dynamics is crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-is-killing-thousands-of-seals-and-sea-lions-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protecting harbor seals</a> and the broader tidewater glacier fjord ecosystems they inhabit. 



As Kaluzienski emphasized, long-term, interdisciplinary research will play a vital role in assessing the ongoing impact of climate change on these fragile environments.



Kaluzienski presented the findings at AGU’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The meeting, scheduled to take place from December 9-13, will host over 30,000 scientists to discuss cutting-edge Earth and space science research.



The <a href="https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu24/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1710238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> was presented at AGU’s 2024 Annual Meeting.



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Harbor seals rely on icebergs for daily life, but their environment is changing

Harbor seals in icy regions rely on icebergs shed by...

Every winter, a spectacle unfolds across North America. Millions of monarch butterflies, those radiant creatures with iconic wings, embark on a journey that stretches thousands of miles to their wintering grounds in the forests and mountains of central Mexico.



However, this annual migration faces growing challenges as monarch populations experience a troubling decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-to-protect-monarch-butterflies">Proposal to protect monarch butterflies</h2>



In response to this alarming trend, U.S. wildlife officials <a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2024-12/monarch-butterfly-proposed-endangered-species-act-protection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proposed</a> listing the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.



This status signifies that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creating-new-forests-to-assist-monarch-butterfly-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. 



The monarch butterfly, with its remarkable orange-and-black coloration, plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for various animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mounting-threats-to-survival">Mounting threats to survival</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-monarch-butterflies-vanishing-in-the-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monarch’s plight</a> stems from a combination of threats, including habitat loss due to illegal logging, exposure to insecticides, and the intensifying climate crisis. These factors have disrupted the species’ breeding and migratory patterns.



The butterfly’s eastern migratory population has declined by roughly 80%, while the western population has plunged by more than 95% since the 1980s, according to U.S. wildlife officials.



Without immediate intervention, experts warn the monarch could disappear from the continent by the end of the century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-climate-change">The role of climate change</h2>



In 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature categorized the migratory monarch butterfly as endangered, citing climate change and habitat loss as primary drivers. 



Between 2021 and 2022, the monarchs’ presence in their Mexican <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-shift-to-winter-breeding-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wintering grounds</a> decreased by 22%, according to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report.



Droughts, frost, and heat across the continent are killing milkweed - the monarchs’ food source - and destroying their habitat.



Eduardo Rendón-Salinas, head of the monarch butterfly program for WWF-Mexico, highlighted the devastating effects of the climate crisis.



"Pollinators are responsible for 75% of the production of the food for humans. To save these monarchs, humans must reduce the emissions of gasses warming the atmosphere. A lot of [monarchs] are dying. That is my call to action," said Rendón-Salinas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-plan-for-preserving-monarch-butterflies">A plan for preserving monarch butterflies</h2>



The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed plan aims to bolster conservation efforts by protecting nearly 4,400 acres in California as critical habitat for the western monarch population.



However, experts stress that government protections alone cannot stabilize and reverse population trends.



"Stabilizing and reversing population trends requires an all-hands approach that not only relies on government protections, but also collaboration among landowners, farmers, conservationists, and everyday citizens," said Clay Bolt, the World Wildlife Fund’s manager of pollinator conservation.



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



"Despite [the monarch’s] fragility, it is remarkably resilient, like many things in nature when we just give them a chance," said Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.



"Science shows that the monarch needs that chance, and this proposed listing invites and builds on unprecedented public participation in shaping monarch conservation efforts," she explained.



Williams emphasized that providing monarchs with sufficient milkweed and nectar plants, “even in small areas,” could significantly aid their recovery. "Working together, we can help make this extraordinary species a legacy for our children and generations to come," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-you-can-help">How you can help</h2>



Protecting the monarch butterfly calls for all of us to act together. You can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milkweed-gardens-are-needed-to-save-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help by planting milkweed</a> and nectar-rich flowers in your garden or community. 



Supporting conservation programs and pushing for sustainable practices can also make a difference.



Small changes, like reducing pesticide use, can have a big impact. By working across neighborhoods and nations, we can ensure the monarch butterfly continues its incredible journey for generations to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-monarch-butterflies">More about monarch butterflies</h2>



Monarch butterflies are not only famous for their striking appearance, but also for their unique life cycle.



The butterfly undergoes four life stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The entire process takes about a month. 



Remarkably, the monarch’s migration spans several generations, with one generation flying north in spring and subsequent generations continuing the journey until the final one travels back to Mexico in autumn.



Another fascinating aspect is their navigational ability. Monarchs use environmental cues like the position of the sun and Earth’s magnetic field to find their way, even though no single butterfly completes the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-with-more-white-spots-are-more-likely-to-survive-their-migration-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a>.



The protection proposal by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is reported <a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2024-12/monarch-butterfly-proposed-endangered-species-act-protection">here</a>. 



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Monarch butterflies may be added to the endangered species list

Every winter, a spectacle unfolds across North America. Millions of...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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