Wandering salamanders, also known as "skydiving salamanders," have fascinated scientists for years with their ability to jump and glide effortlessly through the towering canopies of coastal redwood forests. 



Despite their small size, these amphibians navigate high-altitude branches with precision, sticking their landings and taking off with ease. 



Until recently, the mechanics behind their remarkable acrobatic movement remained a mystery. Now, a new study reveals a surprising answer: blood-powered toes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salamanders-that-control-blood-flow">Salamanders that control blood flow</h2>



Researchers at Washington State University discovered that wandering salamanders (Aneides vagrans) can rapidly control the blood flow in their toe tips.



This ability allows them to grip, detach, and move through their arboreal environment with remarkable efficiency. 



The study not only sheds light on an unknown aspect of salamander physiology but also has potential implications for technological advances in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-suckers-the-future-of-underwater-adhesives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adhesives</a>, prosthetics, and robotic limbs.



The research team found that salamanders can fill, trap, and drain blood within their toe tips. 



This process helps them fine-tune their attachment and detachment from surfaces, providing the grip necessary for climbing and the release required for efficient movement.



The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the function of the visible red “lakes” of blood in their translucent toes. These structures were long thought to aid in oxygenation, but no scientific evidence supported that claim.



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



The study suggests that controlling blood flow in the toes allows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-salamander-like-beast-gaiasia-jennyae-top-predator-before-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salamanders</a> to adjust pressure asymmetrically.



 This fine-tuned control helps them navigate the irregular surfaces of tree bark. Surprisingly, the blood influx before “toe-off” does not aid in attachment but rather helps the salamanders detach. 



By slightly inflating their toe tips, they reduce the surface area in contact with the bark, minimizing the energy required to let go. This efficiency is crucial when gliding between branches and ensuring safe landings.



“Gecko-inspired adhesives already allow surfaces to be reused without losing stickiness,” said Christian Brown, lead author of the study, and a postdoctoral researcher in integrative physiology and neuroscience at <a href="https://wsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>.



“Understanding salamander toes could lead to similar breakthroughs in attachment technologies.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-documentary-shoot">A documentary shoot</h2>



The origins of this study trace back to an unexpected moment during the filming of the documentary The Americas, which will air on February 23, 2025 on NBC and Peacock.



Brown was assisting on set as a salamander expert when he noticed something unusual through the production team’s high-powered camera lenses.



Just before a wandering salamander took a step, blood appeared to rush into its toe tips. Brown and camera assistant William Goldenberg observed this phenomenon multiple times. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/salamandar-wandering_Aneides-vagrans_hindfoot_suction_blood-flow_credit-WSU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/salamandar-wandering_Aneides-vagrans_hindfoot_suction_blood-flow_credit-WSU_1s.webp" alt="The hindfoot of a live wandering salamander (Aneides vagrans). In the background, blood can be seen filling a toe tip. Photo: William P. Goldenberg/WSU" class="wp-image-1958372"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hindfoot of a live wandering salamander (Aneides vagrans). In the background, blood can be seen filling a toe tip. Photo: William P. Goldenberg/WSU</figcaption></figure>



The repeated occurrence caught their attention. “We looked at each other like, ‘Did you see that?’” Brown related.



Although the documentary team moved on to other subjects, Brown’s curiosity lingered. After filming wrapped, he reached out to Goldenberg and proposed an experiment. 



Using high-resolution film equipment, they would investigate whether salamanders consistently displayed this blood-powered toe mechanism under controlled conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salamanders-regulating-their-blood-flow">Salamanders regulating their blood flow </h2>



The research team conducted detailed video trials and microscopic analysis at Washington State University’s <a href="https://fmic.wsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Franceschi Microscopy &amp; Imaging Center</a>. 



Their findings confirmed that wandering salamanders regulate blood flow to each individual toe tip, which allows them to modify grip strength as needed.



This discovery provides insight into how salamanders navigate the complex terrain of the redwood canopy. The ability to release their grip efficiently is particularly significant. 



“If you’re climbing a redwood and have 18 toes gripping bark, being able to detach efficiently without damaging your toe tips makes a huge difference,” Brown said. 



The research suggests that this mechanism plays a crucial role in the salamanders’ ability to thrive in the towering heights of their natural habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-beyond-one-species">Implications beyond one species</h2>



While this study focused on&nbsp;Aneides vagrans, the findings could have broader implications. Other salamander species, including aquatic ones, also have vascularized toe structures. 



These structures may serve different purposes depending on the environment, from regulating grip on wet surfaces to enhancing movement across diverse landscapes.



The discovery could also inspire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-pushing-the-u-s-toward-an-unpredictable-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">innovations</a> beyond biology. Scientists studying bioinspired design are particularly interested in nature’s solutions to movement and adhesion problems.



By understanding how salamanders control their grip with blood-powered toe tips, researchers may be able to develop new adhesives and prosthetics that mimic this ability.



Brown and his colleagues plan to expand their research to investigate how similar mechanisms function in other salamander species. 



“This could redefine our understanding of how salamanders move across diverse habitats,” Brown said. The findings could help explain how different species adapt to their environments and refine our knowledge of biomechanics in amphibians.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-salamander-movement">New perspective on salamander movement</h2>



The discovery of blood-powered toes in wandering salamanders challenges previous assumptions about their movement and grip strength. 



As scientists continue to study these remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-and-toads-face-new-risks-as-their-habitats-dry-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a>, they may uncover even more secrets hidden within their physiology. 



For now, the ability of wandering salamanders to control their grip with precision remains an intriguing discovery in animal biomechanics.



The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmor.70026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Morphology</a>. 



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'Skydiving' salamanders can fully control blood flow in their toes

Wandering salamanders, also known as "skydiving salamanders," have fascinated scientists for years with their ability to jump and glide effortlessly through the towering canopies of coastal redwood forests. Despite their small size, these amphibians navigate high-altitude branches with precision, sticking their landings and taking off with ease. Until recently, the mechanics behind their remarkable acrobatic movement remained a mystery. Now, a new study reveals a surprising answer: blood-powered toes. Salamanders that control blood flow Researchers at Washington State University discovered that wandering salamanders (Aneides vagrans) can rapidly control...

New research by scientists from South Africa and Brazil reveals that rival plants may compete for space on pollinators, with pollen grains vying for the chance to be carried to the next flower.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/732797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The American Naturalist</a>, suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-twist-in-the-evolution-of-plant-pollinator-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> have developed sophisticated mechanisms to manipulate pollen placement on pollinators, similar to how some animals manipulate sperm during reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-competitive-pollen-removal-nbsp">Plants and competitive pollen removal&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike animals, where mating involves direct contact, plants rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> such as birds and insects to transport pollen from one flower to another. In this context, plants need to find ways to ensure their pollen makes it to the pollinator and, eventually, to the next flower. 



According to the study’s lead author, professor Bruce Anderson of <a href="http://www.sun.ac.za/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stellenbosch University</a>, the strategy plants have developed can be compared to male-male competition in animals.



“Flowers visited by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> deposit their pollen on the hummingbird bills, but there is very little place for the pollen to be deposited,” Anderson explained. 



“Flowers have evolved a catapult mechanism where pollen is shot at the bill of the hummingbird. The force of the ballistic grains dislodges previously deposited grains from rival plants, allowing the flower to place its own grains onto a cleaner bill, thus increasing its chances of reproductive success.”



This finding supports the idea of competitive pollen removal, where flowers actively remove rival pollen from pollinators before securing a spot for their own pollen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-pollen-placement-in-action">Explosive pollen placement in action</h2>



To demonstrate this mechanism, the researchers conducted experiments with Hypenea macrantha, a red flower native to Brazil. Using slow-motion video footage, they captured the flower’s explosive pollen placement mechanism in action.&nbsp;



The flower essentially “catapults” its pollen onto the bill of a hummingbird, dislodging the pollen of competing plants in the process.



This mechanism, known as explosive pollen placement, is not new in the plant kingdom, but this study marks the first time researchers have provided empirical evidence of its effectiveness.&nbsp;



By labeling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-alters-cloud-formation-and-changes-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen</a> with quantum dots and counting how much was displaced by the explosion, the team was able to confirm the success of the mechanism.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="ZwJf9SY4md-3926185-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-floral-competition">A new perspective on floral competition</h2>



Traditionally, floral explosion has been viewed as a strategy to help plants efficiently place their pollen on pollinators or to startle pollinators into flying to other plants, thereby dispersing the pollen over greater distances.&nbsp;



However, this new research shows that explosive pollen placement may serve an additional function: removing rival pollen to improve a plant’s reproductive success.



“Our data suggest, however, that this mechanism may actually displace pollen from previous flowers, enhancing male reproductive success by increasing competition for space on the pollinators’ bodies,” said co-author Vinícius Brito, a botanist at the <a href="https://ufu.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Uberlândia</a> in Brazil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-reproduction-and-pollen-rivalry">Plant reproduction and pollen rivalry</h2>



The research highlights a previously unrecognized form of competition between plants. In contrast to animals, where males may use physical structures to remove rival sperm from females, plants must manipulate the placement of their pollen on pollinators before it reaches the next flower. 



As Anderson explained, “until recently, no one has ever thought of looking for these kinds of structures in plants.”



This form of competition occurs on the pollinator’s body. When a pollinator, such as a hummingbird, arrives at a flower, it may already be covered in pollen from previously visited plants.&nbsp;



This makes it challenging for the new flower to place its pollen, as space is limited. Even if the flower does manage to place its pollen, it must then compete with rival pollen grains for access to the ovules of the next flower.



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



This discovery offers new insights into how plants may compete with one another for reproductive success in ways that were previously unimagined. Anderson and his colleagues suggest that plants may evolve strategies akin to those in animals, where physical adaptations aid in removing rival sperm.



As the researchers continue to explore this phenomenon, their findings could reshape our understanding of how plants have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolved</a> complex mechanisms to increase their chances of reproductive success. 



By manipulating pollen on the bodies of pollinators, flowers may be competing in a hidden but highly effective battle for space and, ultimately, for the continuation of their species.



In conclusion, this study adds a fascinating new dimension to our understanding of plant reproduction and competition. As Brito points out, these discoveries highlight the importance of further research into how plants interact with their environment, pollinators, and even each other in their quest for survival.



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Pollen wars: Plants compete for space on pollinators

New research by scientists from South Africa and Brazil reveals...

A new study has revealed an intriguing phenomenon that could be contributing to the increasing consumption of plastic waste by whales. 



It all starts within the mysterious depths of the ocean where sunlight does not venture. This is where the likes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-have-the-sperm-whales-gulf-gone-gulf-jumbo-squid-scientists-think-they-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm whales</a> and goose-beaked whales forage for food, relying on their intricate soundwave-based navigation system to find their next meal.



But there seems to be a hitch - a torn plastic party balloon can sound remarkably similar to a delicious squid in these lightless depths.



A recent study has found a potential reason why whales might mistake plastic for prey – they sound the same underwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acoustic-signatures-in-the-deep-sea">Acoustic signatures in the deep sea</h2>



What exactly are these acoustic signatures? Well, when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale</a> sends out clicks and buzzes from a vocal cord-like structure near their blowholes, the sounds bounce off objects in the water. 



The sounds that return carry information about the size, shape, and nature of those objects. This is how the whales "see" and interpret their surroundings. And to their acoustic perception, their favorite squid sounds eerily similar to a plastic bag.



"There are hundreds of types of plastic, and the various material properties including polymer (chemical) composition, additives, shape, size, age/weathering, and degree of fouling likely play a role in the frequency-specific responses observed," noted the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-pollution-and-whales">Plastic pollution and whales </h2>



Now, it's crucial to mention that the whales' sound-based navigation system is not a new kid on the evolutionary block. This sophisticated system has been helping whales find food in the pitch-dark ocean depths for the past 25 million years.



However, plastic pollution is a relatively new challenge faced by whales, and according to Merrill's findings, it's messing with their ultrasonic grocery shopping.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-debris-around-whales">Plastic debris around whales</h2>



Merrill and his team collected typical plastic trash items like shopping bags, ropes, bottles, and balloons from beaches in Beaufort and Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.



These items were then suspended underwater and subjected to sonar transponder tests on Duke Marine Lab's ship, the R/V Shearwater. 



The team performed acoustic testing on these items at three varying sonar frequencies that span the range of 'clicks' emitted by different species of deep-diving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>.



The sounds of real squid (albeit deceased ones) and pieces of squid beak were also recorded for comparison.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-mistake-plastic-for-prey">Whales mistake plastic for prey</h2>



The results were as alarming as they were surprising. The plastic debris almost always sounded like food, especially plastic films and fragments, which are among the most commonly found items in the stomachs of deceased whales.



Merrill suggests that we could consider re-engineering some plastics to not have an acoustic signature. But he also warns of potential risks. 



For instance, if fishing net and fishing line became "acoustically invisible," that could lead to increased entanglements where whales wouldn't be able to identify and avoid these threats.



For this pioneering study, Merrill collaborated with scientists from neighboring marine labs operated by NOAA, NC State University, and UNC – Chapel Hill.



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



The findings from Merrill's study have profound implications for marine conservation strategies aimed at protecting whales. 



Traditional approaches have largely focused on reducing the amount of plastic that enters the oceans - a task vital to the health of marine ecosystems.



However, understanding that plastic can acoustically resemble prey to whales suggests that addressing the challenge could require innovative solutions within the manufacturing sector as well. 



This could involve developing materials that emit distinct acoustic signatures detectable by marine life without posing any risk of ingestion. 



Such multidisciplinary cooperation between conservationists and material scientists could pave the way for groundbreaking strategies to safeguard these majestic creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-plastic-crisis">Addressing the plastic crisis</h2>



In light of these revelations, there is an urgent need to collectively address the plastic pollution crisis. Reducing our reliance on harmful plastics and advancing research into safer alternatives is paramount.



Moreover, stringent regulations on plastic manufacturing could play a crucial role in mitigating this crisis. By innovating responsibly and enforcing global standards, we can not only protect marine biodiversity but also ensure a healthier planet. 



While technological innovations and alternatives to plastic are critical in addressing this issue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-rarest-whale-found-on-new-zealand-beach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>, perhaps the more immediate and straightforward action we can all take is responsible disposal of our waste.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X24010464?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Pollution Bulletin</a>.



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Plastic trash sounds just like food to deep-diving whales

A new study has revealed an intriguing phenomenon that could...

The global invasion of microplastics is an unfortunate reality that we are facing. These microscopic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic contaminants</a> have become an unwelcomed guest, trespassing into the bodies of numerous creatures worldwide.



Food ingestion is the most common way that microplastics enter the bodies of both humans and wildlife.



For us humans, and even rodents, researchers have established a disturbing connection between these invasive particles and adverse health impacts. The culprits? Oxidative stress and inflammation, to name a couple.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-breathe-or-not-to-breathe">To breathe or not to breathe?</h2>



While ingesting contaminated food isn't exactly "fine dining," another potential exposure method lurks in the shadows - inhalation. Although notorious among humans, this path has been quite neglected in wildlife research. 



But now, experts have discovered that bottlenose dolphins are exhaling microplastic particles, indicating that inhalation may be a relevant route of exposure for wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-dolphin-breath">Microplastics in dolphin breath</h2>



Our quest for knowledge leads us to two places - Sarasota Bay, Florida, and Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Here, Miranda Dziobak of the <a href="https://charleston.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Charleston</a> and her team have been busy gathering samples.



Their subjects? Five bottlenose dolphins from Sarasota and six of their kin in Barataria. And the object of interest? Air, or more specifically, the air they exhale.



Here's an unexpected shocker. The analysis revealed every single one of these 11 dolphins was "breathing plastic." The team discovered suspected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic particles</a> in the exhaled air of each dolphin.



The microplastics came in the forms of both fibers and fragments and included several plastic polymers: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, and poly(methyl methacrylate), also known as PMMA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluating-microplastics-exposure-in-dolphins">Evaluating microplastics exposure in dolphins</h2>



To ensure the study's credibility, the researchers also sampled the surrounding air. This step reinforced the stark reality that microplastics were not just passersby in the ambient air but residents in the dolphins' exhaled breath. 



The findings fuel the suspicion that inhalation, like ingestion, is another high-priority exposure route for dolphins. However, everyone loves a good mystery, and the researchers emphasize that these results are preliminary. 



The scientific community must roll up its collective sleeves and dive deeper into evaluating the degree of various microplastic inhalations among bottlenose dolphins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-implications">Long-term implications </h2>



Also, what are the longer-term implications of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-process-converts-microplastics-into-valuable-graphene-wonder-material/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposure</a>? Lung damage? It's time to find out. 



“We know that microplastics are floating around in the air, so we suspected that we would find microplastics in breath samples," noted the researchers.



"We are concerned by what we are seeing because dolphins have a large lung capacity and take really deep breaths, so we are worried about what these plastics could be doing to their lungs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-dolphin-health">Microplastics and dolphin health</h2>



Going forward, the experts aim to scrutinize the comprehensive impact of microplastics on marine mammal health.



This pursuit involves deploying more sophisticated analytical techniques to pinpoint not only the presence but also the concentrations of various microplastic polymers specific to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-microplastics-are-here-to-stay-so-what-can-we-do-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different environmental contexts</a>. 



The need for collaborative ventures among marine biologists, ecologists, and material scientists grows urgent, as these efforts could unveil critical insights into mitigating the risks plastic particles pose to the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



The experts noted that further research is also needed to understand health implications following inhaled microplastic exposure, especially among vulnerable populations experiencing adverse pulmonary impacts.



"A systematic assessment of particle exhalation in Sarasota Bay dolphins is planned to examine life history influences on exposure and associations with health impacts in the well-studied Sarasota Bay dolphin community."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-the-public">Engaging the public</h2>



Addressing microplastics exposure among marine creatures like dolphins transcends the realm of scientific inquiry - it calls for widespread public awareness and action.



Leveraging educational campaigns can play a pivotal role in informing communities, policy makers, and industries about the pervasive nature and adverse effects of microplastics. 



Such efforts should advocate for reduced plastic consumption, enhanced waste management practices, and the development of biodegradable alternatives. 



Empowering individuals and institutions to make environmentally responsible choices is vital, as these collective actions could substantially reduce the microplastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">load in our oceans</a>, ultimately fostering a healthier environment for dolphins and other marine inhabitants.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0309377" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Microplastics found in dolphin breath

The global invasion of microplastics is an unfortunate reality that...

Nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) are increasingly contaminating both urban and rural landscapes, bringing bees and other beneficial insects into contact with them.&nbsp;



If insects ingest these plastic particles from food or the air, it can damage their organs and alter their behavior, hindering their ability to perform essential ecosystem services like pollination and pest control.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-still-possible-to-save-the-ocean-from-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plastic pollution</a> thus poses considerable risks to biodiversity, agricultural production, and global food security, according to a new review study conducted by an international team including researchers from the <a href="https://uni-freiburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Freiburg</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-particles-in-agricultural-environments">Plastic particles in agricultural environments</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastic</a> particles, measuring between one micrometer and five millimeters, and even smaller nanoplastics are making their way onto farmland.



While the harmful effects of NMP in water and on individual species are well documented, there has been a lack of systematic reviews on how these particles affect agricultural ecosystems.&nbsp;



To address this gap, the authors summarized 21 previously published studies. They focused on how pollinator insects and other beneficial insects come into contact with NMP and the consequences of ingestion for the insects, dependent ecosystems, and agricultural production.



The researchers identified different sources through which NMP end up on agricultural land, including plastic films, fertilizers, polluted water, and atmospheric depositions.&nbsp;



These plastic particles accumulate in the soil, and important pollinators and pest control insects ingest them from the air and food or use them to build nests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-plastic-on-bees-nbsp">Impacts of plastic on bees&nbsp;</h2>



The study established that bees' ingestion of plastic leads to damage to their digestive systems, weakening of their immune systems, and changes in their behavior. This makes bees more susceptible to diseases, possibly causing them to pollinate plants less effectively.&nbsp;



Study co-author Alexandra-Maria Klein is a professor of nature conservation and landscape ecology at the University of Freiburg.&nbsp;



“We find microplastic in the gut of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-wiping-out-bees-and-other-wild-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and see how wild bees use plastic to build nests. We therefore urgently need to investigate what interaction this has with other stressors, such as climate change, for the bees and their pollination services,” said Professor Klein. 



A decline in pollination services negatively affects crop yields, and plastic pollution could further aggravate existing uncertainties in the global food supply, the researchers warn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exacerbation-of-environmental-stressors">Exacerbation of environmental stressors</h2>



In addition, NMP exacerbate threats posed by other environmental stressors such as pesticides, chemical pollution, fungi, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-pandemic-looms-as-pathogens-move-from-wild-plants-to-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogens</a>. 



Some areas become “hotspots” where plastic particles interact with harmful viruses. As a result of such interactions, NMP could have serious effects on pollinators and thus on the stability of the food system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-urgently-needed-nbsp">Further research is urgently needed&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers emphasized the limitations of their review. For example, they noted that only limited data is available on important pollinators and beneficial insects like bumblebees and ladybirds.&nbsp;



Moreover, the current data does not allow for a differentiated account of the effects of different sizes and amounts of nano- and microplastic particles.



The researchers emphasized that further studies are urgently needed to better understand the growing problem of plastic pollution and find solutions to it.&nbsp;



“It is already clear today, however, that there is a pressing need for political control of plastic pollution,” said Professor Klein.



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



“In addition to acknowledging plastic pollution as a key concern for biodiversity and associated services, we advocate for research on how diversified agricultural landscapes mediate the tradeoff between pollinator and pest control benefits and accumulation effects at 'NMP hotspots' to ensure long-term maintenance of crop yields and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a>,” wrote the study the authors.



The experts noted that future research should target the development and refinement of methods that can be applied in laboratory, semi-field, and field studies to address global food security implications.&nbsp;



“Additional funding should be allocated specifically to understand NMP effects across scales on biodiversity-associated ecosystem services such as pollination and biological pest control in pursuit of the Global Biodiversity Framework’s roadmap for biodiversity conservation and a food-secure future,” concluded the researchers.



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Bees are the latest victims of plastic pollution 

Nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) are increasingly contaminating both urban...

Bonobos, a species of endangered great apes that are among our closest relatives, might be more vulnerable to extinction than previously thought.&nbsp;



This is the conclusion of a genetic study co-led by scientists from the University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/">UCL</a>), the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/">University of Vienna</a>, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-separate-bonobo-populations-nbsp">Three separate bonobo populations&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers discovered that three groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/">bonobos</a> have been living separately in different regions of Central Africa for tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;



Using genetic tests, the researchers confirmed previous evidence suggesting that these groups originate from central, western, and far-western regions of the bonobo range.&nbsp;



By quantifying the differences between these groups, the research team found that they can be as distinct from one another as the most closely related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-mean-chimpanzees-fare-better-in-life-than-nice-ones/">chimpanzee</a> subspecies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonobos-our-endangered-relatives">Bonobos: Our endangered relatives</h2>



Bonobos, commonly seen as the peace-loving primate, are, together with chimpanzees, the closest living relatives to humans, with our genomes differing from theirs by only one percent.&nbsp;



Despite this close relationship, bonobos are endangered, with about 20,000 individuals alive in the wild.&nbsp;



They are also the most understudied great apes, as they live exclusively in the Congo Basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where social unrest has constrained research activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-social-behaviors-of-bonobos-nbsp">Unique social behaviors of bonobos&nbsp;</h2>



“Bonobos are a fascinating species, very closely related to humans, with unique patterns of social behavior,” said co-first author Sojung Han, a scientist at the University of Vienna.&nbsp;



“They live in tight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-animals-interact-within-social-groups/">social groups</a> which, despite some conflicts, are markedly peaceful and egalitarian. Interestingly, males stay in their birth social group while females migrate across groups, but females still form close alliances and can have higher dominance than males.”



The research team analyzed the genomic data of 30 bonobos born in the wild but now living in captivity. They sequenced the exomes (the protein-coding part of the genome) of 20 individuals residing in an African sanctuary and analyzed the full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/">genomes</a> of 10 other bonobos.&nbsp;



While the exact regions of origin within the Congo Basin for each bonobo were not always certain, the researchers cross-referenced their dataset with previously published mitochondrial DNA data collected from 136 wild bonobos to create a comprehensive picture of genetic diversity across the species' range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-bonobos-populations-nbsp">Endangered bonobos populations&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers estimated that the central group diverged from the other two groups approximately 145,000 years ago, with the two western groups diverging around 60,000 years ago, showing little mixing between the groups since then.&nbsp;



“Bonobos may be even more vulnerable than previously thought, as their population actually consists of at least three smaller populations, some of which may historically have been amongst the smallest across similar primates,” said study senior author Aida Andrés, an expert in genetics at UCL.&nbsp;



“In order to survive, every species needs sufficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-trees-protect-their-genetic-diversity-for-millions-of-years/">genetic diversity</a> to adapt to a changing environment, and for bonobos, losing one of these three groups would be a devastating loss to the total genetic diversity of the species.”



According to Andrés, it is vital that all three groups of bonobos are conserved in order to protect this fascinating and charismatic species.



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



The researchers advocate that the genetic differences between bonobo groups should be further studied and considered in conservation strategies.&nbsp;



This includes habitat preservation, translocations, or potential reintroductions, especially if individuals are adapted to specific environments.



“Unlike modern humans, who are spread all over the world, bonobos are limited to the Congo basin, but our work shows that there are indeed genetic differences between groups,” said Han.&nbsp;



:This is exciting, and it will be very interesting to study, in the future, if there are any differential adaptations among these groups.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomes-of-endangered-bonobos">Genomes of endangered bonobos </h2>



According to study co-author Cesare de Filippo from the Max Planck Institute, this work demonstrates how studying the genomes of endangered species can help better understand their populations and eventually aid conservation efforts.&nbsp;



“Even the genomes of captive individuals can help us, sometimes, understand their wild populations. Our findings show the vulnerability of bonobos as an endangered species, and stress the need to protect their environment to ensure their conservation,” said de Filippo.



This groundbreaking genetic study highlights the critical need to preserve all three distinct bonobo populations to maintain the species' genetic diversity and adaptability.&nbsp;



As one of humanity's closest relatives, understanding and protecting bonobos not only aids in their conservation but also enriches our knowledge of primate evolution and social behavior.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.09.043">Current Biology</a>.



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Bonobos are more endangered than we previously understood 

Bonobos, a species of endangered great apes that are among...

More than half of North American bat species teeter on the brink of extinction. This shocking reality was revealed in the North American Bat Conservation Alliance's (NABCA) 2023 report.



A companion study, co-authored by Bat Conservation International (BCI) scientists, involved more than 100 experts from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.



With such international cooperation, the research provides the most exhaustive assessment of our bat species, crafting a baseline to track future trends and initiate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-bat-appreciation-day-the-crucial-role-of-bats-in-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation actions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-bat-extinction-trend">Alarming bat extinction trend</h2>



“It’s nothing short of alarming that over half of North America’s bat species are at serious risk of collapse and need urgent conservation action,” said Dr. Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist at BCI. 



“One of the clearest outcomes of this research is that many threats can only be addressed through international collaboration, since <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disappearance-of-bats-linked-to-a-rise-in-infant-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> and the threats they face do not recognize political borders.”



According to Dr. Jeremy Coleman of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of the Bats study&nbsp;highlights the variety and severity of the threats that North American bats face on the landscape today.



“The results further emphasize the importance of robust collaborative international partnerships like the White-nose Syndrome Response Team and the North American Bat Conservation Alliance for managing complex wildlife conservation challenges," said Dr. Coleman. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction-threats-to-bats">Extinction threats to bats</h2>



The experts pointed out major impacts on the threatened bat species. These impacts range from climate change to wind energy production and diseases.



“This one-of-a-kind, multi-expert assessment is a novel and robust approach to optimizing conservation efforts across North America," said Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellín from the Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. 



"The results of the State of the Bats initiative addresses a specific need expressed by the federal governments of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Mexico looks forward to using these results to inform its own conservation efforts and improve its endangered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-can-ramp-up-their-heart-rate-to-900-beats-per-minute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> lists.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-matter-of-immediate-concern">A matter of immediate concern</h2>



The study shows that over half of North American bat species face a moderate to very high risk of extinction in the next 15 years. The research also highlights that the populations of 90% of North American bat species have dwindled over the past 15 years.



This makes conservation action a matter of immediate concern for all three countries. Furthermore, about a quarter of North American bat species have transnational ranges, enhancing the need for international collaboration on conservation planning.



Climate change emerges as the top threat to North American bats. White-nose syndrome is a major threat too, with twelve species known to be susceptible.



“We tend to focus on the wildlife we know are at the greatest risk,” said Dr. Amanda Adams, Director of Research Coordination at <a href="https://www.batcon.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bat Conservation International</a>.



“But when we work to address the bigger picture, such as through habitat restoration projects, we end up helping more than just those species that are the most imperiled.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward">Moving forward</h2>



Ultimately, this research will guide conservation priorities to support the recovery of bat species in North America.



The study also highlights how international unity can address common threats, and marks areas of concern for biodiversity.



“International cooperation is essential to ensure effective conservation of bats in North America," said Charles Francis, manager of the Wildlife Monitoring Assessment for Canadian Wildlife Service.



"This collaborative study to evaluate the status of each species provides critical information to identify the species most in need of conservation measures."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-bats-from-extinction">Saving bats from extinction</h2>



Looking to the future, strategic steps must be taken to ensure the sustainable recovery of bat populations across North America. 



It is imperative to continue building and strengthening international alliances that prioritize data sharing, joint research endeavors, and synchronized conservation strategies. 



Research into innovative solutions, such as the integration of renewable energy technologies with wildlife conservation practices, holds promise for mitigating some of the adverse impacts associated with wind energy production. 



Also, promoting a societal shift toward greater environmental stewardship and awareness can create a supportive landscape for the myriad of species, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-type-of-parallel-evolution-found-in-island-bats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a>, that underscore the health and functionality of our ecosystems. 



The commitment to protecting these vital creatures from extinction will yield far-reaching benefits for both biodiversity and humanity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nyas.15225" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences</a>.



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53% of North American bats face extinction risk in 15 years

More than half of North American bat species teeter on...

A new study has explored the intriguing world of mice, including how they navigate social hierarchies and conflicts. 



The goal of the researchers, led by Joshua Neunuebel at the University of Delaware, was to understand how mice handle aggressive behavior from their peers.



And the best part is that they used machine learning to track mouse behavior. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-and-machine-learning">Mice and machine learning</h2>



If you're wondering how machine learning fits into this picture, let us walk you through it. Studying social interactions objectively can become quite a pickle. 



Enter machine learning -- our virtual Sherlock Holmes solving the mystery of mouse interactions.



The researchers watched the behavior of two male and two female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-africa-will-bomb-invasive-mice-eating-seabirds-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a> over five hours. And guess what they discovered? 



In almost each group observed, one alpha-male was significantly more aggressive towards the second male.



Hold on, you might say, mice have social hierarchies too? Indeed, much like many other animals, mice have their social pecking order. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-hierarchies-among-mice">Social hierarchies among mice</h2>



Now the real question is, how did the male mice handle this aggression? 



The answer lies in the fantastic findings of our researchers, who analyzed over 3,000 altercations between the male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eco-friendly-pest-control-this-simple-cinnamon-trick-keeps-mice-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a> using their machine learning model.



The study found that oftentimes, the male mouse who faced aggression would scamper off to a female mouse to deescalate the situation. 



This move could be seen as a 'bait-and-switch' tactic, where the alpha-male would follow the other male, only to end up interacting with the female mouse.



While some tactics might offer a momentary respite from aggression, they often led to a full-blown fight later on. 



However, the 'bait-and-switch' approach usually resulted in a much peaceful scenario -- the mice usually ended up farther apart, with the alpha-male interacting with the female mouse.



Now, while this may seem like an excellent way for the victims to defuse a heated situation, there's a catch -- it might cost them their quality time with the female mice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-predictions">Complex predictions</h2>



The utilization of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-dim-witted-pigeons-have-their-own-version-of-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> in this study transcends simple observation, going into complex calculations and predictions about mouse behavior.



By <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-and-machine-learning-enhance-airplane-performance-and-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applying algorithms</a> to parse through the data collected from over 3,000 encounters, researchers could identify patterns and predict potential future interactions.



The machine learning model proved instrumental in differentiating between mere skirmishes and those interactions that had the potential to escalate into more serious conflicts. 



As such, this study not only increases our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mice-make-it-a-priority-to-find-the-best-escape-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mouse behavior</a> but also showcases the power of machine learning in behavioral science research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-behavior-correlation">Human behavior correlation</h2>



The implications of this study extend beyond the world of mice, offering insights that could be applied to the study of social hierarchies and conflict resolution in other species, including humans. 



By understanding the methods and strategies employed by mice to manage aggressive behavior, researchers can draw parallels to human social interactions. 



This deepens our understanding of nature's primal strategies for conflict resolution and fosters a more comprehensive view of both animal and human sociology. 



As we continue to integrate technology such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-can-more-accurately-predict-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> into social behavior studies, the potential for discoveries expands, offering promising new pathways for exploring the intricacies of social dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-considerations">Ethical considerations</h2>



As with any innovation, the application of machine learning in this study necessitates careful consideration of ethical principles. 



The deployment of automated behavioral tracking systems poses questions about the treatment and observation of animal subjects. 



Ensuring the welfare of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticated-house-mouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a> during experiments is paramount, and researchers are required to adhere strictly to ethical guidelines that prioritize humane treatment.



The use of technology must not compromise the well-being of experimental subjects, and methodologies should be designed to minimize distress and ensure that all interactions are as natural as possible. 



Moreover, transparency in methodology and findings is essential to foster trust and accountability within the scientific community and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-science-and-mice-social-life">Behavioral science and mice social life</h2>



The integration of machine learning in behavioral studies represents just the beginning of a transformative era in scientific research. 



Moving forward, the continuous advancement of algorithms and computational power promises to deepen our insight into complex social behaviors across a wide range of species. 



As data collection methods become more sophisticated, researchers can analyze interactions on a scale and with a precision that was previously unattainable. 



This trajectory not only enriches our comprehension of animal ecology but may also inspire novel approaches to addressing social challenges in human populations.



By bridging technology and ethology, the potential for important discoveries remains vast, charting a promising course for future research endeavors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-study-the-social-lives-of-mice">Why study the social lives of mice?</h2>



This study from the <a href="https://www.udel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delaware</a> not only illuminates the behavior of mice but also demonstrates how machine learning can be harnessed to study animal behavior. 



It opens up avenues for potential research into how other socially hierarchical species manage aggression.



Remember, as our researchers highlight, "Using artificial intelligence, we found that male mice turn to nearby females to distract aggressors and de-escalate conflicts. 



After an aggressive encounter, the aggressed male briefly engages with a female before quickly escaping, as the aggressor's focus shifts to her."



So, the next time you're in a tense situation, remember the mice -- a little distraction might just be the key!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002496" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



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Male mice turn to the ladies to avoid fights and keep social peace

A new study has explored the intriguing world of mice,...

An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar's rainforests, notable for their otherworldly, high-pitched whistling calls that resemble sound effects from the sci-fi series Star Trek.&nbsp;



Inspired by this uncanny resemblance, the scientists have named the new species after seven of the series' most iconic captains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whistling-tree-frog-species">Whistling tree frog species </h2>



Contrary to the common belief that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a> croak, these newly identified species from the tree frog genus Boophis communicate using bird-like whistling sounds. Found throughout Madagascar's rainforests, these frogs use these unique calls to interact with one another.



These whistling sounds reminded the research team, led by professor Miguel Vences of the <a href="https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technische Universität Braunschweig</a> in Germany, of Star Trek, where similar whistle-like sound effects are frequently used. 



“That’s why we named the frogs after Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, Archer, Burnham, and Pike - seven of the most iconic captains from the sci-fi series,” Vences said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-frogs-and-star-trek-sound-effects">Tree frogs and Star Trek sound effects </h2>



Study senior author Mark D. Scherz, an assistant professor at the Natural History Museum of Denmark at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, elaborated on the Star Trek connection.



“Not only do these frogs sound like sound-effects from Star Trek, but it seems also fitting that to find them, you often have to do quite a bit of trekking!”&nbsp;



“A few species are found in places accessible to tourists, but to find several of these species, we had to undertake major expeditions to remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dwarf-hippos-of-madagascar-were-forest-dwellers-not-grazers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> fragments and mountain peaks. There’s a real sense of scientific discovery and exploration here, which we think is in the spirit of Star Trek,” said Professor Scherz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-frogs-in-a-noisy-environment">Tree frogs in a noisy environment</h2>



The frogs' unusual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-altering-the-calls-and-voices-of-frogs-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calls</a>, known as “advertisement calls,” serve as a form of self-promotion that may convey information about a male's suitability as a mate to females. 



Living along fast-flowing streams in Madagascar's mountainous regions - a loud backdrop - the frogs likely evolved their high-pitched whistles to be heard over the ambient noise.



For fans of Star Trek, some of the frog calls might evoke sounds from the “boatswain whistle” or the “tricorder.” To others, they might resemble the calls of birds or insects. Jörn Köhler, Senior Curator of Vertebrate Zoology at the <a href="https://www.hlmd.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt</a> in Germany, played a key role in analyzing the frogs' calls. 



“If the frogs just croaked like our familiar European frogs, they might not be audible over the sound of rushing water from the rivers they live near. Their high-pitched trills and whistles stand out against all that noise,” said Köhler.



“The appearance of the frogs has led to them being confused with similar species until now, but each species makes a distinctive series of these high-pitched whistles that has allowed us to tell them apart from each other, and from other frogs.”&nbsp;The calls corresponded with the genetic analyses performed by the team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-madagascar-a-haven-for-biodiversity">Madagascar: A haven for biodiversity </h2>



Madagascar is renowned for its immense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vanilla-cultivation-can-boost-biodiversity-in-madagascar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, and ongoing research in its rainforests continues to uncover hidden species, making it a true paradise for frogs. The island, roughly the size of France, is home to about 9% of all the world’s frog species.



“We’ve only scratched the surface of what Madagascar’s rainforests have to offer,” said co-author Andolalao Rakotoarison of the Université d’Itasy in Madagascar.&nbsp;



“Every time we go into the forest, we find new species, and just in terms of frogs, there are still several hundred species we haven’t yet described.” In the last ten years alone, she and her team have described around 100 new species from the island.



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



The researchers hope that this new knowledge will strengthen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> in Madagascar’s rainforests. 



The species often live in close geographic proximity but at different altitudes and in varied microhabitats. This separation makes them particularly vulnerable to climate change and environmental disturbances.



Thus, the research team urges greater awareness around the conservation of Madagascar’s biodiversity to ensure that these unique species and their habitats are preserved for the future. They also hope to continue exploring, to seek out new species in forests where no scientist has gone before.



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Seven new tree frogs named after Star Trek captains

An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species...

Our climate is changing, temperatures are rising, and research reveals that it's affecting two-thirds (66%) of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Earth's tropical forests. 



Sounds worrying, right? These KBAs are critical spots on our globe that harbor and nurture various species along with their habitats.



This profound study analyzed three decades of temperature conditions tucked beneath the forest canopies in these world-wide tropical KBAs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-kba-temperature">Shift in KBA temperature</h2>



The results might raise your eyebrows. A whopping 66% of these tropical KBAs have started flirting with new temperature regimes. 



That means over 40% of the temperature measurements now fall outside the range previously recorded there.



Meanwhile, the remaining 34% of these locations still enjoy their old temperature regimes. These places could turn into crucial hideaways for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, the researchers conjecture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-in-tropical-forests">Biodiversity in tropical forests</h2>



The research, published right on the heels of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (<a href="https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP16</a>) in Colombia, sheds some light on this critical matter.



“Beneath the canopy of tropical forests, a wealth of biodiversity exists in a very stable climate,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Brittany_Trew" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Brittany Trew</a>, from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/esi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment and Sustainability Institute</a>&nbsp;on Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.



“As such, species there are at particularly high risk from new annual temperature regimes because they have evolved under a narrow range of conditions. They may only be able to tolerate a small margin of warming above what they’re used to.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-action-in-kbas">Call to action in KBAs</h2>



Dr. Alexander Lees, a biodiversity expert at <a href="https://www.mmu.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Metropolitan University</a>, took a firm stand. 



"The amount of political and economic capital dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity is woefully inadequate," Dr. Lees explained.



"Our findings show that the painful process of conservation triage -- selecting new protected areas -- must therefore consider the impact of ongoing climate changes on those sites in prioritization assessments," he continued.



The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is one step towards acknowledging this problem. It proposes to conserve at least 30% of the global land area by 2030, with a special emphasis on our precious KBAs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loopholes-in-protection">Loopholes in protection</h2>



Here's another nugget of truth -- KBAs do not automatically receive formal protection. That decision rests with the national governments in those respective locations.



This research uncovers that, among the 34% of tropical forest KBAs not yet facing new temperature regimes, over half currently fall short of protection. 



Dr. Trew presses on the need for 'climate-smart' policies to safeguard these valuable refuges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-outlook">Global outlook</h2>



To capture the ground reality on tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, researchers made use of temperature measurements, satellite data, and a microclimate model. 



The change is more apparent in some regions than others. It's pretty high in Africa and Latin America, with 72% and 59% of KBAs entering new temperature regimes. Asia and Oceania have shown a lower shift, with only 49% of KBAs experiencing the transition. 



A minor percentage of KBAs in Latin America and a few in Asia and Oceania have almost fully embraced the new temperature regimes.



In Latin America, these crucial areas sprawl across Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama, with the tropical Andes feeling the heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-communities-and-kba-protection">Local communities and KBA protection</h2>



Local communities play an instrumental role in the stewardship of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). 



These communities, often residing in or near tropical forests, possess invaluable traditional knowledge and practices that can contribute to effective biodiversity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>.



Their involvement in conservation initiatives ensures that protective measures are culturally relevant and sustainable. 



Collaborations between local communities, scientists, and policymakers can foster a more inclusive approach to safeguarding KBAs, empowering those who are most affected by environmental changes to participate actively in decision-making processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-biodiversity-conservation">Tropical biodiversity conservation</h2>



Innovative solutions are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by emerging temperature regimes and ensuring the protection of biodiversity. 



Technological advancements, such as remote sensing and machine learning models, can enhance our ability to monitor and predict changes within KBAs with increased precision. 



Moreover, global networks and partnerships can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources needed to implement adaptive management practices. 



By embracing both cutting-edge technologies and integrative conservation approaches, we can develop robust strategies that balance ecological preservation with the needs of society, driving forward a sustainable future for tropical forests and their irreplaceable ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-kbas-in-tropical-forests">The future of KBAs in tropical forests</h2>



Now that we know the temperature beneath our tropical canopies is undergoing a significant upheaval, the question remains: What do we do about it? 



This study is more than just a collection of statistics - it's a stepping stone towards proactive conservation efforts and climate-smart policies. 



The shift in temperature regimes may be invisible to our eyes but has a profound impact on our KBAs and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> they house. The ball is now in our court!



The study is a timely reminder for us to align our actions with the needs of our planet. As we forge ahead, the hope is to strike a balance between human progress and the wellbeing of our natural world. 



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This research was spearheaded by leading brains from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, <a href="https://www.mmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Metropolitan</a>, and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.13050" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Letters</a>.



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Climate change is altering the temperature in 66% of tropical forests

Our climate is changing, temperatures are rising, and research reveals...

Global Cat Day, celebrated each year on October 16, is dedicated to raising awareness about the welfare of cats around the world.&nbsp;



The campaign was initially founded as National Feral Cat Day in 2001 by <a href="https://globalcatday.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alley Cat Allies</a>, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the humane treatment of cats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-are-community-nbsp">Cats are community&nbsp;</h2>



According to Alley Cat Allies, cats are community members and every community should have policies and programs to protect them.



“Global Cat Day is a day to embrace the global truth that Cats Are Community,” said the organization.



“This powerful statement is recognition that cats have lived alongside us for thousands of years, have a rightful place in our communities, and are beings with inherent value who deserve to be protected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humane-management-of-cat-populations-nbsp">Humane management of cat populations&nbsp;</h2>



Global Cat Day emphasizes the importance of humane methods for managing cat populations, particularly through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.&nbsp;



These programs involve trapping stray and feral cats, having them neutered or spayed, and then returning them to their original location.&nbsp;



Trap-Neuter-Return programs help control the feral cat population without resorting to euthanasia. They improve the quality of life for both cats and communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-global-cat-day">Significance of Global Cat Day</h2>



Global Cat Day also promotes the adoption of cats from shelters, responsible pet ownership, and the protection of cats from harm and neglect. It is an opportunity to take action to improve the lives of cats worldwide.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adopting-a-shelter-pet">Adopting a shelter pet</h3>



Adopting a cat from a shelter is a rewarding experience that can be life-changing for you and your new pet.&nbsp;



There are a variety of cats at the shelter, each with their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-better-at-expressing-emotions-than-cats-except-for-anger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personality</a> and background. Some are shy, while others are more curious and eager to meet new people.&nbsp;



Whether it's a playful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kittens-who-socialize-with-humans-are-less-fearful-aggressive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kitten</a> or a calm, older cat, you should choose the best companion to fit your lifestyle.&nbsp;



Rescuing a cat can be incredibly fulfilling, especially knowing that you have given them a second chance at a happy life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responsible-ownership-nbsp">Responsible ownership&nbsp;</h3>



Responsible cat ownership involves providing a safe and healthy environment for your cat while considering the impact they may have on your household, neighborhood, and the broader environment.&nbsp;



Beyond providing your cat with basic needs, such as food, water, and regular veterinary care, it is important to provide mental and physical stimulation to keep your pet happy and healthy.&nbsp;



It is also important to make sure your home is safe and that your cat has comfortable spaces to rest and explore.



Another aspect of responsible ownership involves minimizing the impact cats may have on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/free-ranging-cats-are-one-of-the-most-problematic-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, particularly birds and small animals, by keeping them indoors or supervising their time outdoors.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-cats-from-harm-nbsp">Protecting cats from harm&nbsp;</h3>



For indoor cats, remove hazards like toxic plants, harmful chemicals, or objects they could ingest or injure themselves on.&nbsp;



For cats with outdoor access, it is important to limit their exposure to dangers such as traffic, predators, or other animals.&nbsp;



Unlike their wild ancestors, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-most-beloved-cats-are-more-likely-to-be-destructive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domesticated cats</a> lack the skills or resources to protect themselves from dangers in urban or suburban environments.



To advocate against abuse, you should report suspected cases of neglect to local authorities or animal welfare organizations.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-awareness-about-cat-welfare-nbsp">Raising awareness about cat welfare&nbsp;</h2>



When cats are cared for properly, they are healthier, happier, and less likely to suffer from preventable diseases, malnutrition, or injuries.



Beyond individual animals, cat welfare plays a role in managing the overall population.&nbsp;



Without proper care, particularly spaying and neutering, stray and feral cat populations can grow rapidly, leading to challenges like overpopulation, the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feline-coronavirus-is-passed-between-domestic-and-wild-cats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a>, and environmental impacts.



By prioritizing cat welfare, communities can address these issues humanely and sustainably, promoting balance in the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-global-cat-day-nbsp">Celebrating Global Cat Day&nbsp;</h2>



According to Charlene Pedrolie, president and chief operating officer of Alley Cat Allies, today is about embracing the global truth that Cats Are Community.



“Cats Are Community is a powerful recognition that every neighborhood, city, and country worldwide must have humane, non-lethal policies and programs that treat all cats as community members," said Pedrolie.



"Evidence-based Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), the only humane and effective approach to community cats outdoors, must be central to these policies. That is the thought leadership and change Global Cat Day is all about.”



People worldwide are encouraged to discover more ways to get involved at <a href="http://www.globalcatday.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GlobalCatDay.org</a>.



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Global Cat Day: Creating life-saving change for cats 

Global Cat Day, celebrated each year on October 16, is...

In the midst of vigorous debate regarding the health of monarch butterflies, new research from the University of Georgia sheds light on a critical issue: while breeding populations remain stable, wintering populations are declining.&nbsp;



Published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2410410121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, the study suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-shift-to-winter-breeding-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monarch butterflies</a> are experiencing significant losses during their fall migration south to Mexico.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-roost-sizes-along-migration-route">Declining roost sizes along migration route</h2>



Migrating monarchs rely on roosts - clusters on trees or shrubs where they rest overnight - as they journey southward.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed 17 years of data from over 2,600 citizen scientist observations of these roosts along the migration path. They discovered that roost sizes have declined by up to 80%, with the most substantial losses occurring further south along the route.



“The monarchs are increasingly failing to reach their winter destinations,” said Andy Davis, lead author of the study and an assistant research scientist in <a href="https://www.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a>’s Odum School of Ecology. “Either they're losing their ability to migrate or they're losing their will to migrate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarchs-going-extinct-in-winter-nbsp">Monarchs going extinct in winter&nbsp;</h2>



Contrary to what some might expect, the study largely ruled out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> or food supply shortages along the migration route as primary causes. 



Study co-author William Snyder is a professor of entomology in UGA's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.&nbsp;



“How do you say that the monarch butterfly is going extinct in the winter while they're perfectly healthy in the summer?” said Snyder. “This paper fills in that gap by saying the problem is the fall migration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarch-health-during-fall-migration">Monarch health during fall migration</h2>



Using data from <a href="https://journeynorth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journey North</a>, an organization that tracks wildlife migration patterns through citizen sightings, the researchers provided the most detailed picture to date of the monarchs' fall migration health in eastern North America. 



The experts found that the timing of migration has not changed, and the route has become greener and warmer over time - conditions that should favor larger roost populations. Despite this, there is a consistent and dramatic decline in roost sizes independent of climate and landscape factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-factors-contributing-to-migration-losses">Potential factors contributing to migration losses</h2>



The researchers point to two main culprits behind the decline in migration success. The first is the increasing prevalence of a debilitating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-monarch-butterflies-are-killed-by-parasites-yearly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasite</a>, which has surged tenfold since the early 2000s. 



This rise corresponds with increased plantings of nonnative tropical milkweeds - the only plants on which monarchs can lay their eggs and their caterpillars can feed.&nbsp;



Nonnative milkweeds may facilitate the buildup of infectious parasite spores on their leaves, leading to higher infection rates. Infected monarchs often cannot fly well and have shorter lifespans, contributing to the decrease in migrating butterflies.



The second possible factor is the release of captive-reared butterflies by well-intentioned individuals aiming to help the species.&nbsp;



“All of the evidence we have shows that when monarchs are reared in a captive environment, either indoors or outdoors, they're not as good at migrating,” Davis explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-monarch-migration-nbsp">Supporting monarch migration&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers advise adopting a “less is more” approach when it comes to assisting monarch butterflies. While actions like planting nonnative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milkweed-gardens-are-needed-to-save-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milkweeds</a> or raising monarchs in captivity are meant to help, they may actually hinder the butterflies' ability to migrate long distances. 



Planting native flowering plants along the migration path can provide nectar sources for traveling butterflies without causing harm.



“One of the best things people can do to ensure that the monarchs are as robust and healthy as possible is basically just leave the caterpillars alone in your backyard,” Davis suggested.&nbsp;



“Resist the temptation to bring them inside and protect them because it seems like Mother Nature does a better job at creating really healthy, robust migrators than we do.”



According to the researchers, conservation efforts that support fall migration success are most needed, such as providing high quality nectar plants along the migration route or limiting the planting of nonnative milkweeds that enhance monarch parasite loads.&nbsp;



“Overall, it appears the fall migration of monarch butterflies is under imminent threat, even if the species’ overall survival is not,” the authors concluded.



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Why are monarch butterflies vanishing in the winter?

In the midst of vigorous debate regarding the health of...

Let's dig into the past, where around two decades ago, a giant fossil skull of an extinct elephant was discovered in the pristine terrains of the northern Indian Kashmir Valley. 



This remarkable finding would soon send shockwaves through scientific communities. It would not just tell us more about this extinct elephant, but would also shine a light on a dimly lit chapter in elephant evolutionary history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-elephant-skull">Discovering the elephant skull</h2>



Dr. Ghulam Bhat from the <a href="https://www.jammuuniversity.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jammu</a> led a team of experts in excavating the elephant skull. It was found lying in unison with 87 stone tools, possibly used by prehistoric humans, providing an eerie testimony to human-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megafauna-extinction-dwarf-elephants-and-hippos-cyprus-directly-linked-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant</a> interactions of the bygone era.



Recently, scientists from around the globe embarked on a quest to unravel the secrets locked in the Kashmir skull. 



The team included experts from the Florida Museum of Natural History, the British Museum, the University of York, and the Natural History Museum. 



Dr. Steven Zhang, a paleontologist in the Department of Geosciences and Geography at the University of Helsinki, also participated in the study.



"From the general shape of the skull, it's quite apparent that the elephant belonged to Palaeoloxodon, or straight-tusked elephants, among the largest land mammals that ever lived," said Dr. Zhang. "Full-grown adults easily stood around 4m tall at the shoulder and weighed 9-10 tons."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-of-elephant-evolution">Tree of elephant evolution </h2>



However, the skull's lack of a thickened, forward-projecting crest, a feature typical of other Palaeoloxodon skulls found in India, left the scientists intrigued.



In recent times, the extent of this crest's development among different Palaeoloxodon species and their relative position on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-elephants-got-their-incredible-iconic-trunks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant evolution</a> tree has sparked controversy. 



However, some findings hint at the crest becoming more pronounced with developmental and sexual maturity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-majestic-elephant-skull">Majestic elephant skull</h2>



"From the size, the wisdom teeth and a few other telltale features of the skull, it is evident that the animal was a majestic bull elephant in the prime of its life, but the lack of a well-developed skull crest, particularly in comparison with other mature male skulls from Europe and from India, tells us we have a different species on our hands here," noted Dr. Zhang.



The research team, unperturbed by the lack of the prominent skull crest, turned their attention to an obscure skull discovered in Turkmenistan during the 1950s, which was thought to represent a distinct species, Palaeoloxodon turkmenicus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-species-with-a-broad-distribution">Distinct species with a broad distribution </h2>



"What's always been puzzling about the Turkmen skull is that, besides the lack of a prominent crest at the skull roof, its other features are highly similar to the already well-known European species, P. antiquus," said Dr. Zhang. 



"And this led a number of experts to suggest that the Turkmen specimen is simply an aberrant individual of the European species."



However, when the Kashmir skull was uncovered, the theory of a distinct species with a broad distribution became more plausible.



"But with the Kashmir skull added to the mix, it becomes clear now that the two specimens can be theorized to represent a distinct species that we previously knew very little about, with a broad distribution from Central Asia to the northern Indian Subcontinent," noted Dr. Advait Jukar, the study's lead author who is currently based at the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-the-elephant-skull">Dating the elephant skull</h2>



Using advanced techniques to measure protein decomposition in the tooth enamel of the Kashmir Palaeoloxodon skull, the experts dated the skull to the Middle Pleistocene period, around 300,000–400,000 years ago.



An analysis of the stone tools found alongside the elephant remains further bolstered their conclusion. This age estimate matched that of the Turkmen skull, further strengthening the theory that these two skulls represent a unique species distinct from the other Eurasian Palaeoloxodon.



Deeper investigations revealed that Palaeoloxodon first evolved in Africa about a million years ago, presenting a narrow, convex forehead and slight underdevelopment of the skull crest. 



The later Palaeoloxodon, best known from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gigoutella-mauretanica-best-preserved-trilobite-fossils-ever-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> discovered in Europe and India, sported a very wide, flattened forehead often associated with a thick crest that jutted forward from the roof of the skull.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-link-in-elephant-evolution">Missing link in elephant evolution </h2>



The researchers concluded that with a wide, flat forehead and only a faint trace of a skull crest, the P. turkmenicus species might represent a missing link in our understanding of how these enormous prehistoric megaherbivores evolved.



So, there you have it - a thrilling saga of scientific sleuthing and discovery. The story of the mysterious extinct elephant skull unfolds, promising to unlock further secrets and deepen our understanding of the epic journey of elephant evolution.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02724634.2024.2396821" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology</a>. 



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Elephant skull found in India adds a piece to the evolutionary puzzle

Let's dig into the past, where around two decades ago,...

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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

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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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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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



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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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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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

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