Every year, millions of birds migrate in search of warmer climates to escape the harsh winter. However, this seasonal journey does not necessarily help birds conserve energy as previously thought, according to a recent study from the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB). 



By implanting miniaturized loggers into wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-blackbirds-get-sick-it-takes-weeks-for-them-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blackbirds</a>, scientists were able to record detailed measurements of the birds' heart rates and body temperatures every 30 minutes, from fall until the following spring. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-overall-energy-advantage-nbsp">No overall energy advantage&nbsp;</h2>



The study offers an unprecedented look into the true energetic costs of both migrating and staying in place. The data also uncovered an unexpected energy-saving mechanism used by blackbirds before migration begins.



“We never expected to discover that birds gain no overall energy advantage by escaping cold winters,” said Nils Linek, a first author of the study and researcher at MPI-AB.&nbsp;



“It was a longstanding textbook assumption that animals spend less energy by migrating to warmer places, but our findings have shown that these savings don’t add up. Rather, the energetics of migration is far more complex and interesting than theory predicted.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-energy-expenditure-of-blackbirds-nbsp">Measuring energy expenditure of blackbirds&nbsp;</h2>



Migration is a spectacular example of how animals adapt to changing seasons, but the fundamental question of why animals migrate has long puzzled scientists.&nbsp;



Part of the challenge has been the difficulty of studying the physiology of free-living animals over extended periods.&nbsp;



In this study, researchers from MPI-AB and <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> made a significant breakthrough by using sensors that measured the energy expenditure of blackbirds over the course of a full year, including their migration. 



They then paired this physiological data with energy modeling to calculate the predicted energetic costs of regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-can-predict-hot-days-and-adjust-their-body-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body temperature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blackbirds-save-up-energy-for-their-journey">Blackbirds save up energy for their journey</h2>



The data showed that migrating blackbirds conserved substantial amounts of energy in preparation for migration by lowering their metabolism three weeks before departing. This adjustment may offset the energy costs of the migratory flights.&nbsp;



“They are essentially turning down their internal thermostat, allowing them to save energy for the journey ahead,” explained Linek.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicted-energy-surplus-nbsp">Predicted energy surplus&nbsp;</h2>



Yet, once the birds reached their warmer wintering areas, they did not seem to reduce their overall daily energy expenditure as expected.



“This was not what we anticipated,” said co-first author Scott Yanco, a scientist at the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change.&nbsp;



“The energy modeling we did in the study predicted that migration should definitely create an energy surplus because of the substantially reduced cost of keeping warm in milder climates.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-costs-in-overwintering-sites-nbsp">Hidden costs in overwintering sites&nbsp;</h2>



The mystery remains: where did this predicted energy surplus go? “We can only speculate at this point, but we suggest that there may be other physiological adaptations or hidden costs that migrant blackbirds face in their milder overwintering sites,” said Linek. 



“These might include factors such as the need to maintain vigilance in new environments, immune functions, or unknown stressors that offset the thermal advantage they should have experienced.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partially-migratory-blackbirds">“Partially migratory” blackbirds</h2>



The researchers conducted their study in southern Germany, where blackbird populations are “partially migratory.” This means that while some blackbirds migrate south to regions like Spain and France, others remain in Germany throughout the year.&nbsp;



To track both migrant and resident birds, the researchers implanted heart rate and body temperature loggers into 120 wild blackbirds. These devices recorded data continuously from September until May.&nbsp;



Additionally, the team used radio transmitters to monitor the departure and return of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Over one million data points were analyzed to compare the physiological differences between the two groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-blackbirds-in-remarkable-detail-nbsp">Tracking blackbirds in remarkable detail&nbsp;</h2>



“Using physiological data, we were able to see in remarkable detail how birds undertake and experience migration,” said co-author Tamara Volkmer, a doctoral student at MPI-AB.&nbsp;



“We could observe everything from the migratory flight itself to how they recovered afterward and what they did over the winter. By recording long-term, detailed energy measurements, we could glimpse the hidden costs of their impressive round trip.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-drivers-of-migration-nbsp">Evolutionary drivers of migration&nbsp;</h2>



The findings suggest that migration, despite its risks and challenges, does not result in energy savings in warmer climates. This raises new questions about the evolutionary drivers of migration.&nbsp;



“This could have implications for our understanding of migration and its underlying mechanisms across different bird species,” Linek explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study-nbsp">Broader implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The study also has broader implications for predicting how species will respond to future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate changes</a>.



Study senior author Jesko Partecke is a group leader at MPI-AB who has been studying blackbird migration for two decades.



“Understanding the physiological underpinnings of migration means that we can better forecast which species may adapt, which may alter their migratory patterns, and which may face greater risks as the world continues to warm,” said Partecke.&nbsp;



As climate change progresses, this research could prove essential in understanding how migratory species will cope with shifting environmental conditions, potentially altering migration strategies or even leading to the disappearance of certain migratory behaviors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02545-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>, 



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Blackbirds reveal the true energy costs of migrating

Every year, millions of birds migrate in search of warmer climates to escape the harsh winter. However, this seasonal journey does not necessarily help birds conserve energy as previously thought, according to a recent study from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB).  By implanting miniaturized loggers into wild blackbirds, scientists were able to record detailed measurements of the birds' heart rates and body temperatures every 30 minutes, from fall until the following spring.  No overall energy advantage&nbsp; The study offers an unprecedented look into the...

Madagascar is famous for its lush rainforests, playful lemurs, and hidden dangers. Scientists have long known that even the top predators on this island are facing threats to their survival. But what they've recently discovered goes beyond the usual story of habitat loss. It's a hidden clash between endangered species, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lemurs-provide-a-window-into-the-evolution-of-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lemurs</a> and fosas, with shocking implications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fosa-and-lemurs">Fosa and lemurs</h2>



While fosas might resemble a small cat or an oversized weasel, don't be fooled. They're actually unique members of a mongoose-like family of carnivores found only in Madagascar. 



These predators are built for success in Madagascar's forests. Their slender bodies and long tails make them experts at navigating the treetops.



Lemurs are the cornerstone of a fosa's diet. Unfortunately, this puts them in direct conflict with conservation efforts, as most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mouse-lemurs-of-madagascar-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lemur</a> species are endangered or critically endangered.



Fosas typically rely on their stealth and ambush tactics to catch prey. This means scientists have had to piece together their diet from clues like leftover bones and poop.



Witnessing fosa hunts in action is incredibly rare and valuable for researchers. It helps them understand how these predators behave and the true impact they have on vulnerable lemur populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-madagascar-habitats">Madagascar habitats</h2>



Madagascar's <a href="https://www.madagascarfaunaflora.org/betampona-natural-reserve.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Betampona Strict Nature Reserve</a> is meant to be a haven for wildlife, but it's surrounded by farmland. This creates a habitat 'island' where animals are cut off from other populations of their own kind.



For the lemurs, isolation means their gene pool shrinks over time. This can lead to health problems and makes the population less resilient to changes in their environment.



With less ability to escape or find new resources, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lemurs-first-arrive-madagascar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lemurs</a> in Betampona could become easy targets for the fosas, putting even more strain on their survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-tactics-of-lemur-from-fosas">Survival tactics of lemur from fosas</h2>



Lemurs use two main forms of survival:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fight-or-flight-or-freeze">Fight or flight (or freeze)</h3>



We usually think of prey animals running for the hills when threatened. But in Betampona's small reserve, running might not be the best option.



Staying still and vigilant might confuse the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domestic-animals-contributed-to-the-downfall-of-rare-species-in-madagascar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fosa</a>, making the lemur seem less like a meal. It could also help the lemur track the predator's movements in case it needs to make a quick escape.



This tactic highlights the difficult choices lemurs face in an isolated habitat. Without the ability to flee far, they must adapt their survival instincts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolation">Isolation</h3>



Betampona's lemurs can't easily leave and find mates from other groups. This leads to them breeding with close relatives, a process called inbreeding.



Inbreeding weakens the population. Babies might be born with health problems or not survive at all. This makes it even harder for the species to bounce back from threats like fosa attacks.



A small, unhealthy lemur population is an easier target for predators. This puts even more pressure on their numbers, potentially pushing the species closer to extinction within the reserve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lemur-fosa-conservation">Lemur fosa conservation</h2>



"It's not that the fosa is the bad guy. It's also in need of conservation," says Giovanna Bonadonna, a researcher involved in the study. This is where things get tricky. It's a reminder of a key conservation concept: ecosystems.



Humans changing the landscape, even with the best intentions of creating protected spaces, can have unintended consequences. Every species is connected in a delicate web.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done">What can be done?</h2>



Madagascar's wildlife is so unique and so threatened that it requires a team effort stretching far beyond the island itself.



Organizations like <a href="https://stlzoo.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Saint Louis Zoo</a>, <a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Missouri Botanical Garden</a>, and the <a href="https://livingearthcollaborative.wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Living Earth Collaborative</a> bring different strengths to the table:



<ul>
<li>Zoos: Expertise in animal care, breeding programs, and educating the public.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Botanical Gardens: Knowledge of plants, which are the foundation of any ecosystem.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Collaborative Networks: Combine resources and coordinate large-scale conservation projects.</li>
</ul>



These organizations share a common goal: preserving Madagascar's incredible biodiversity for future generations.



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



This study about lemurs and fosas isn't just about those two species. It reveals how every creature, plant, and even the landscape itself are connected in a delicate web. True conservation means protecting habitats. That way, entire ecosystems can stay healthy and in balance.



We might picture an endangered animal, but this study forces us to look wider. A thriving ecosystem protects even the predators, because they play a vital role too.



The study is published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.11248" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Endangered lemurs are now prey for equally endangered 'fosas'

Madagascar is famous for its lush rainforests, playful lemurs, and...

We all know how trees and other greenery help keep our planet healthy. They pull carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, out of the air and store it. But what about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-ecosystem-store-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>? Does a grazing cow or a hungry hippo actually affect how much carbon cycles our planet?



Scientists have recently created a new model that proves animals are key players in the global carbon cycle – and it's about time we paid attention.



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



The carbon cycle describes how carbon moves around the Earth. It includes the following:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-capture-carbon">Plants capture carbon</h3>



Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it during photosynthesis to create the energy they need to survive. This process stores carbon within the plants' tissues.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-consume-carbon">Animals consume carbon</h3>



Animals eat plants, taking in the carbon stored within plant material. Some of this carbon becomes part of the animal's body. The remaining carbon is released back into the environment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-is-released">Carbon is released</h3>



Animals release carbon through several processes:



<ul>
<li>Exhalation: Animals breathe out carbon dioxide as a byproduct of respiration.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Waste: Animal waste products contain carbon, which decomposers break down.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Decomposition: When animals die, their bodies decompose thanks to microbes. This process releases carbon into the soil or the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cycle-repeats">The cycle repeats</h3>



Carbon released back into the atmosphere or soil becomes available for other organisms. Plants can then take it up again, beginning the carbon cycle anew.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-include-animals-in-carbon-models">Why include animals in carbon models?</h2>



For many years, scientists primarily focused on plants and microbes when developing models to predict how carbon cycles through ecosystems. This approach assumed that these two groups were the main players in carbon storage and release.



However, recent research has revealed a significant flaw in this approach. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-animals-have-an-unexpected-role-in-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animals</a>, it turns out, play a surprisingly critical role in the carbon cycle. 



By excluding them from models, scientists were overlooking a major factor influencing how much carbon is stored and released within ecosystems.



"Future modeling of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dynamics</a>, important for understanding climate change and designing nature-based carbon sequestration projects, should take animals into consideration as well," the researchers explained. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-animals-help-in-carbon-cycle">How animals help in carbon cycle</h2>



Animals impact the carbon cycle in tons of ways, both directly and indirectly:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-cycling">Nutrient cycling</h3>



Animal waste acts as a natural fertilizer. It contains essential nutrients that enrich the soil, promoting plant growth. Healthier and more abundant plants can absorb increased amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stimulating-plant-growth">Stimulating plant growth</h3>



Herbivores consume plant matter, but their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-animals-play-a-key-role-in-stabilizing-soil-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grazing</a> also stimulates plant regrowth. This forces plants to work harder to rebuild their tissues, leading to increased photosynthesis and greater carbon dioxide uptake.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-disturbance">Ecosystem disturbance</h3>



Animals physically interact with their environment by trampling vegetation, digging, and wallowing. These actions disturb the soil, which can accelerate plant growth cycles and increase the rate at which dead organic matter decomposes. While decomposition releases some carbon, the overall effect boosts carbon storage due to the increase in plant growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-inclusion-in-carbon-cycle-models">Animal inclusion in carbon cycle models</h2>



The team led by Matteo Rizzuto from <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> conducted a crucial experiment, comparing a standard carbon cycle model with a modified one that factored in both herbivores and predators. The results were eye-opening.



On average, when the models included animals, ecosystems demonstrated a twofold increase in carbon sequestration. 



This means that ecosystems with animals were twice as effective at removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere compared to those models that didn't account for animals.



Interestingly, the highest carbon storage occurred in models with only herbivores present. When predators were introduced, the amount of stored carbon decreased. 



However, it's important to note that this level was still significantly higher than in models with no animals at all. 



This underscores the intricate relationships within ecosystems and how different animal groups influence carbon cycling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-animals-in-carbon-cycle-models">Significance of animals in carbon cycle models</h2>



By understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-poop-stores-1-65-billion-tons-of-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> kingdom's role in the carbon cycle, scientists can refine existing climate models. These enhanced models give us a more precise prediction of how much carbon the Earth's ecosystems can naturally store.



This knowledge is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat climate change. It tells us where to focus conservation efforts to maximize the planet's natural ability to fight rising carbon dioxide levels.



The research confirms that maintaining healthy animal populations helps store carbon in ecosystems. This knowledge paves the way for innovative conservation strategies that act as natural carbon sinks.



Protecting animal habitats and supporting balanced ecosystems isn't just about biodiversity. It can also serve as a powerful tool in mitigating climate change, working alongside strategies like reforestation.



This research shows that from worms to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildebeest-suffer-genetically-from-blocked-migration-routes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildebeests</a>, every creature has its role. Taking care of wildlife is vital for the health of our planet. 



The study is published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JG008026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences</a>.



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Including animals in carbon cycle models boosts ecosystem health

We all know how trees and other greenery help keep...

Ever watched a fly zoom past or a bee hover delicately over a flower, and wondered how they manage it? Unlike birds and other flying animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-insects-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> don't have direct muscle control in their wings. 



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Institute of Technology</a> have delved deep into this question, revealing the complex mechanics behind insect flight, a capability that has profoundly influenced the evolution of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-secret-s-in-the-hinge">The secret's in the hinge</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-flying-insects-fight-the-wind-to-reach-food-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insect</a> wings are attached to the body by a hinge that is far more complex than any simple joint. This specialized hinge facilitates subtle rotations, precise tilting, and intricate motions, granting the insect incredible agility during flight. 



Internal muscles control the hinge, acting in a concerted way to manipulate the wings. Each muscle receives direct commands from the insect's brain, resulting in coordinated and precise alterations in wing movement that dictate the insect's flight path.



"The fly wing hinge is perhaps the most mysterious and underappreciated structure in the history of life," explained Professor Michael Dickinson. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flying-is-an-insects-superpower">Flying is an insects superpower</h2>



Flight offers substantial benefits that have contributed significantly to the ecological success of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-feast-on-migrating-insects-in-the-pyrenees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>. Here's how aerial movement impacts their lives:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-foraging">Enhanced foraging</h3>



Taking to the skies vastly expands an insect's foraging range. They can quickly locate food sources that would be difficult or tedious to reach on foot, increasing their chances of finding a meal and boosting energy intake.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-dating-pool">Expanding the dating pool</h3>



The ability to fly makes it significantly easier for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-silent-language-decoding-the-chemical-signals-of-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> to locate potential mates. Individuals can cover vast distances and increase the odds of encountering a suitable partner, contributing to successful reproduction and species continuation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-predator-avoidance">Improved predator avoidance</h3>



Flight provides insects with a swift escape route. They can rapidly gain altitude or outmaneuver predators, increasing their chances of survival and ultimately, reproductive success.



Unlike birds, bats, and pterosaurs, who evolved flight through the modification of their forelimbs, insects took a radically different approach. Their wings are not modified limbs, but unique outgrowths of their body wall. 



This unique evolutionary trajectory and specialized wing system is one crucial reason behind the incredible diversification and dominance of insects around the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-behind-insect-flight">Complexity behind insect flight</h2>



Scientists at Caltech are exploring the intricacies of insect flight, focusing on the remarkable aerial capabilities of the fruit fly. Their research reveals the complexity and precision of these small creatures’ flight mechanisms.



"We didn't want to just predict the wing motion; we wanted to know the role of the individual muscles," said study first author Johan Melis. "We wanted to tie together the biomechanics of the wing hinge to the neural circuits that control it."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-behind-insect-flight">Mechanisms behind insect flight </h2>



In the wing hinge of a fly, a specific set of 12 muscles directly controls the movement of the wings. Each of these muscles receives signals directly from the fly's brain, guiding their precise and quick actions necessary for flight. 



To understand the significance of this, compare it to a hummingbird, which is also renowned for its agile flight. Despite its small size, a hummingbird relies on thousands of neurons to coordinate the complex movements needed for its flight maneuvers. 



Essentially, while both creatures are masters of flight, the fly achieves similar levels of control and agility with far fewer neural resources, indicating a highly efficient and specialized flight control system within these tiny insects.



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



To better visualize these processes, the researchers engineered fruit flies with wing muscles that emit a glow when active. This genetic modification allowed clearer observation of muscle activity during flight.



The team used high-speed cameras and microscopes to gather extensive data, recording over 80,000 wingbeats from their test subjects. This highlights the dynamic and rapid nature of insect flight.



Finally, to manage and interpret this vast amount of information, machine learning algorithms were utilized. These tools analyze the data and generate detailed maps that show how the fly's muscles work together seamlessly to control flight, often making adjustments faster than the blink of an eye.



This exploration not only increases our understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-insects-seem-to-be-attracted-to-light-has-long-been-a-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> fly but also enhances our appreciation for the complex biological systems that govern seemingly simple actions like flight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wing-movements-facilitated-by-the-insect-s-hinge">Wing movements facilitated by the insect's hinge</h2>



The ultimate objective of this research extends beyond simply understanding the intricate wing movements facilitated by the insect's hinge. Scientists strive to unravel how these complex wing motions are orchestrated by the insect's brain. 



The wing hinge, despite its remarkable design, is merely a tool – it's the brain that issues the commands and directs aerial maneuvers.



As some of the first creatures to take to the air, insects hold invaluable insights into the evolution of early flight control systems. Their brains contain the neural circuits that allowed for this remarkable adaptation, blueprints that offer a glimpse into the origins of flight.



Moreover, an insect's brain seamlessly coordinates flight and their numerous walking legs. This showcases an incredible ability to control vastly different movement systems, requiring sophisticated neural networks and information processing within their compact brains.



The connection between the physical structures that enable flight – like the hinge and muscles – and the neural commands that control them is fundamental to understanding the amazing aerial abilities of insects.



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



The Caltech team hopes to create intricate models that fully combine the muscle control, the mechanics of the hinge, the way air flows around the wings, and the fly's inner command center. 



By studying other insects like mosquitos and bees, they could reveal how different wing structures and brain systems give insects their unique flying styles.



"We want to understand the circuitry between the biomechanics and the neurobiology. Very few times in evolution has an animal had one very successful form of locomotion - walking - and simply added another one - flying. This means that the brains of insects must have all the circuitry to regulate to completely different means of moving," said Dickinson.



Understanding the incredible engineering that underpins insect flight is about more than just satisfying our curiosity. This research might ultimately lead to better flying robots – such as tiny drones with the adaptability of a housefly. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07293-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Insect flight is powered by an extraordinary structure

Ever watched a fly zoom past or a bee hover...

The North Pacific Ocean serves as a vast, natural laboratory for understanding the complex ecology of salmon, a crucial species both ecologically and economically. Recent research from the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a> has greatly enhanced our understanding of salmon migration behavior at sea.



This study integrates decades of international research on salmon, offering new insights into their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-migrating-towards-poles-escape-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> patterns and temperature preferences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supermap-for-salmon-migration">Supermap for salmon migration</h2>



Since the 1950s, various countries and agencies have conducted high seas salmon surveys. However, never before have these individual studies been amalgamated into a single, comprehensive database.



This large-scale integration allows for an unprecedented overview of the marine stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-hatchery-salmon-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon life</a> cycles. 



"This is a portion of the salmon life cycle that arguably gets overlooked, at least in terms of the grand investment in salmon research," said Curry Cunningham, an assistant professor at UAF's College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. 



Professor Cunningham also shared his personal connection to the subject. "As someone who always wondered where all these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-commercial-fish-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> went when they left Bristol Bay, seeing that pattern come to life was so satisfying."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-hotspots-and-migration">Salmon hotspots and migration</h2>



The compiled data includes over 44,000 gear hauls across the North Pacific, capturing more than 14 million salmon. This ocean-based data contrasts sharply with the more commonly studied river habitats, providing a broader perspective on salmon ecology.



Through detailed mapping, the researchers have pinpointed key areas where different salmon species congregate.



Notably, the maps reveal a gathering hotspot for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-chinook-salmon-almost-extinct-due-to-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinook salmon</a> in the Bering Sea. They also track the migration routes of maturing sockeye from the North Pacific and Gulf of Alaska towards the Alaska Peninsula, navigating through passes into the Bering Sea throughout the spring and summer months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-tolerance-and-migration">Temperature tolerance and migration</h2>



"It’s not as if all these salmon are going to some party in the middle of the Pacific. This gives us a broad look at where they go," explained Joe Langan, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral fellow at UAF during the project.



This comprehensive mapping of salmon not only clarifies migration paths but also sheds light on the varying temperature tolerances among species. 



For instance, sockeye and chum salmon thrive in temperatures just a few degrees above freezing, whereas coho and steelhead avoid the coldest waters. Chinook and pink salmon occupy the middle range of these temperature extremes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-salmon-in-a-warming-world">Future of salmon in a warming world</h2>



These findings hold particular significance in the current context of climate change, highlighting the critical role of temperature tolerances in shaping how different salmon species might adapt to increasingly warming waters. 



As global temperatures rise, aquatic ecosystems experience significant shifts, which in turn affect the habitat ranges and migration patterns of marine species. Salmon, with their varied migration and temperature preferences, serve as a prime example of how climatic changes can drive evolutionary and migratory adaptations.



Understanding the specific temperature ranges that different salmon species can tolerate provides essential insights into predicting their responses to environmental changes. 



For instance, species thriving in cooler waters may face challenges as these areas warm, potentially pushing them to seek colder, deeper, or more northern waters, altering their traditional migration routes and times. 



Conversely, species with higher temperature tolerances might expand their range, encountering new competitors and predators, which could impact their survival and reproduction.



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



The research involved meticulous examination of historical data, some of which dated back to the 1950s. This required the retrieval of long-forgotten reports from various sources. Additionally, it involved their standardization and integration into a coherent dataset.



Skip McKinnell, a retired expert from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and a veteran of early high seas surveys, described the process as "more of a search and rescue mission rather than convincing anyone to provide their data."



The collective efforts of these researchers have transformed the once scattered and isolated studies into a robust resource that enhances our understanding of salmon migration and overall ecology on a global scale.



Moreover, this research documents the fascinating life cycle of these important fish. It equips scientists and policymakers with the knowledge necessary to better protect them in a rapidly changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/faf.12825" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish and Fisheries</a>.



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Salmon migration routes discovered using historical data

The North Pacific Ocean serves as a vast, natural laboratory...

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a bumblebee fell into a puddle on a rainy day? You might picture them valiantly swimming to the edge…but the truth might surprise you. Scientists from <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Guelph</a> have published a remarkable study suggesting that some bumblebee queens might have the ability to survive underwater for several days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bumblebees-and-their-essential-roles">Bumblebees and their essential roles</h2>



Before we explore their surprising underwater talents, let's take a moment to appreciate bumblebees for who they truly are: vital members of our ecosystem. Unlike honeybees that live in large colonies, bumblebees tend to live in smaller groups, often with just a single queen bee and a handful of workers. 



Additionally, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-have-an-incredible-sense-of-smell-to-find-their-way-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> are incredibly busy and efficient pollinators. As they flit from flower to flower, bumblebees aren't simply collecting nectar for a sweet treat. Their fuzzy bodies pick up pollen grains from one flower, and when they visit another flower, some of those pollen grains rub off, fertilizing the plant and allowing it to reproduce. 



This process, called pollination, is essential for the health and diversity of plant life. In fact, around a third of the food we eat relies on pollinators like bumblebees to bring their magic touch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-faced-by-bumblebees">Challenges faced by bumblebees </h2>



Unfortunately, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/queen-bumblebees-are-emerging-too-early-from-hibernation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> are facing some serious challenges. The widespread use of pesticides harms these important insects, and the loss of natural habitats due to development reduces the places where they can build their nests and find food. 



Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, including flooding. This disrupts the nesting and hibernation areas of many insects that live in the soil, including bumblebees. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accidental-survival-of-bumblebees-underwater">Accidental survival of bumblebees underwater</h2>



The researchers in this study were initially interested in how pesticides in the soil affected hibernating bumblebees. However, their work took an unexpected turn, leading to this astonishing discovery.



Dr. Sabrina Rondeau, who led the study, accidentally left hibernating bumblebee queens exposed to water in her lab. She expected a disastrous outcome but was amazed to find most of the bees survived. 



This surprising observation led to a more in-depth experiment to see just how long bumblebees might live underwater. "I've been studying bumblebees for a very long time. I've talked about it to a lot of people and no one knew that this was a possibility," said Dr Rondeau.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-bumblebee-endurance-underwater">Testing bumblebee endurance underwater</h2>



In their study, scientists investigated the survival capabilities of 143 queen bumblebees by subjecting them to different lengths of submersion underwater. The durations ranged from just a few hours to an entire week. 



This experiment aimed to test how well these bees could withstand extended periods in water, a situation they might encounter more frequently due to climate change-induced flooding.



The results of the experiment were quite remarkable. Over 80% of the queen bumblebees that were submerged for a week did not merely survive the ordeal; they also remained vigorous and healthy for a considerable period afterward. 



Specifically, these bees continued to show normal activity and survival rates up to eight weeks after they were returned to dry conditions. This finding highlights an unexpected resilience among the queen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/european-bumblebees-face-extinction-as-their-habitats-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a>, suggesting that they possess a robust ability to adapt to extreme environmental challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-bumblebee-s-underwater-survival">Significance of bumblebee's underwater survival</h2>



"This is incredibly encouraging news for the future of these crucial pollinators," said Dr. Rondeau. Still, the study brings up intriguing questions for future research. 



Could this trait help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-bumble-bees-are-vanishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> cope with the effects of climate change? Do other bumblebee species share this underwater resilience? And how exactly do bumblebees do this?



Bumblebees play an essential role in our ecosystems, acting as pollinators for a variety of plants, including many crops humans rely on for food. Their health and survival are closely tied to our own agricultural and ecological success. 



Thus, their ability to withstand environmental stressors not only highlights their resilience but also underscores the importance of taking action to ensure their continued survival.



This fascinating discovery reminds us of the incredible ways animals adapt to their environment, something we might need to keep in mind as the climate shifts. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-our-buzzing-allies">Supporting our buzzing allies</h2>



The recent discovery of queen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/queen-bumblebees-resting-hibernation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a>' ability to survive underwater highlights the remarkable adaptability of animals in the face of environmental changes. Their survival is directly linked to our ecosystems and agricultural success. Here's how we can support them:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planting-for-pollinators">Planting for pollinators</h3>



One of the simplest yet most effective ways to aid bees is by cultivating bee-friendly habitats. Planting wildflowers and native plants in our gardens provides bees with the necessary nutrients they derive from nectar and pollen. Such environments not only support their nutritional needs but also offer safe havens against environmental stresses.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-pesticide-impact">Reducing pesticide impact</h3>



Pesticides pose a significant threat to bees and other pollinators. These chemicals, often used in agricultural and residential settings, can be lethal to bee populations. By adopting natural pest control methods and advocating for policies that restrict pesticide use, we can help mitigate these risks. 



romoting organic farming techniques and encouraging local communities to reduce pesticide use can significantly enhance the safety of bee habitats. These efforts help create healthier environments for these essential pollinators.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-more-about-bees">Learning more about bees</h3>



Increasing public awareness about the importance of bees and the challenges they face is crucial for their protection. Education can lead to better protective measures and policies. Community initiatives like gardening projects, local pesticide bans, and educational programs can drive significant change. 



Learning more about bees and sharing this knowledge helps cultivate a community committed to supporting and sustaining these essential pollinators.



The discovery of bumblebees' underwater survival ability is more than just a scientific curiosity; it serves as a call to action. By taking steps to protect these vital creatures, we can ensure their survival and the health of our global ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0609" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



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Can bumblebees hold their breath and survive underwater?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a bumblebee...

The discovery of a second massive jawbone, over two meters in length, on a beach in Somerset, UK, has recently piqued the interest of paleontologists. This fossil, along with the first one found, has been identified as belonging to a previously <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ichthyotitan-severnensis_couple-swimming_credit-gabrielugueto_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unknown species of giant ichthyosaur</a> named Ichthyotitan severnensis - a marine reptile from prehistoric times. 



Researchers estimate that this creature would have spanned more than 25 meters in length, akin to the size of a blue whale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-marine-reptile-ichthyotitan-severnensis">Discovery of the marine reptile Ichthyotitan severnensis</h2>



This significant find was made by Justin and Ruby Reynolds, a father and daughter duo from Braunton, Devon. During a fossil hunting trip in May 2020 at Blue Anchor, Somerset, 11-year-old Ruby stumbled upon the first fragment of this colossal jawbone.&nbsp;



Realizing the importance of their find, they contacted Dr. Dean Lomax, a leading ichthyosaur expert and a paleontologist at the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> as well as a research fellow at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol.</a> Lomax. 



They then reached out to Paul de la Salle, a seasoned fossil collector who had discovered the first giant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-lizards-were-thriving-during-the-age-of-dinosaurs/">jawbone</a> in 2016 along the same coastline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-multimillion-year-old-jigsaw-puzzle">A multimillion-year-old jigsaw puzzle</h2>



“I was amazed by the find,” Lomax said. “In 2018, my team (including Paul de la Salle) studied and described Paul’s giant jawbone and we had hoped that one day another would come to light. This new specimen is more complete, better preserved, and shows that we now have two of these giant bones - called a surangular - that have a unique shape and structure. I became very excited, to say the least.”



Fueled by this initial success, Justin, Ruby, Paul, Lomax, and several family members returned to the site to search for more pieces. Their efforts were fruitful, eventually piecing together more fragments that fit perfectly together, like a multimillion-year-old jigsaw puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-species-of-giant-marine-reptile-nbsp">New species of giant marine reptile&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis revealed that these jawbones belonged to a new species of giant ichthyosaur, which they named Ichthyotitan severnensis or "giant fish lizard of the Severn." 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/">fossils</a>, dating back approximately 202 million years to the end of the Triassic Period, represent some of the last members of the Shastasauridae family before they disappeared due to a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-event-shows-how-life-responds-to-extreme-changes/">mass extinction </a>event.



This discovery also aligns with findings of other large ichthyosaurs, such as Shonisaurus sikanniensis from Canada and Himalayasaurus tibetensis from China, although the new species appears around 13 million years after these relatives.



Dr. Lomax invited Ruby and Justin to join his research team in studying and naming this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-150-year-old-bones-identified-as-ichthyosaur-jaws/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric creature</a>. Ruby, now recognized as a young scientist, said that “it was so cool to discover part of this gigantic ichthyosaur. I am very proud to have played a part in a scientific discovery like this.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-limits-of-vertebrates-nbsp">Biological limits of vertebrates&nbsp;</h2>



Further investigations into the bones by Marcello Perillo, a master’s student from the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university">University of Bonn</a>, confirmed the ichthyosaur origin and revealed that the creature was still growing at the time of its death.&nbsp;



“We could confirm the unique set of histological characters typical of giant ichthyosaur lower jaws: the anomalous periosteal growth of these bones hints at yet to be understood bone developmental strategies, now lost in the deep time, that likely allowed late Triassic ichthyosaurs to reach the known biological limits of vertebrates in terms of size,” Perillo explained.



“To think that my discovery in 2016 would spark so much interest in these enormous creatures fills me with joy. When I found the first jawbone, I knew it was something special. To have a second that confirms our findings is incredible. I am overjoyed,” de la Salle said.



“This research has been ongoing for almost eight years. It is quite remarkable to think that gigantic, blue whale-sized ichthyosaurs were swimming in the oceans around what was the UK during the Triassic Period. These jawbones provide tantalizing evidence that perhaps one day a complete skull or skeleton of one of these giants might be found. You never know,” Lomax concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0300289" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a> and the jawbone will soon go on display at the <a href="https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bristol Museum and Art Gallery</a>.



Image Credit: Sergey Krasovskiy.



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Largest known marine reptile discovered is a giant ichthyosaur

The discovery of a second massive jawbone, over two meters...

Ever misplaced your keys or forgotten where you parked? Imagine if you had the remarkable memory of a mountain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chickadees-are-genetically-inclined-to-have-a-remarkable-memory/">chickadee</a>. Despite their small size, with brains just larger than a pea, these nimble birds masterfully remember the locations of tens of thousands of food caches.&nbsp;



Mountain chickadees hide seeds in tree bark, under dead leaves, and within pine cones throughout mountainous terrains. Their ability to recall these locations during the harsh winter months is crucial for their survival amid the cold and snow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-memory-of-mountain-chickadees-nbsp">Remarkable memory of mountain chickadees&nbsp;</h2>



A research study led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado, Boulder</a> and the <a href="https://www.unr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nevada, Reno</a> has identified nearly a hundred genes that are linked to the birds’ spatial memory, which is their ability to pinpoint and recall the locations of these hidden caches. 



Furthermore, the experts suggest that there might be a trade-off between having robust <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-memory-starts-at-age-2-study-finds/">long-term memory</a> and the ability to quickly forget old memories to make room for new ones. This discovery has the potential to deepen our understanding of how spatial memory evolves not just in animals, but also in humans.



“Chickadees are impressive birds,” said senior author Scott Taylor, the director of CU Boulder’s Mountain Research Station and an associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.&nbsp;



“They can remember tens of thousands of locations where they cached food across an entire winter and a new set of those the next winter. Their spatial memory is much more developed than many other birds that don't have to have this strategy to survive cold winters.”



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



To assess how these birds manage such a feat, Taylor’s colleagues at the University of Nevada, Reno, led by biologist professor Vladimir Pravosudov, put together a creative test. They set up multiple feeder arrays in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, each consisting of eight bird feeders filled with seeds.&nbsp;



Each feeder was equipped with a gate that had a radio frequency reader capable of detecting a tag placed on the chickadees. The setup required the mountain chickadees to remember which feeders they could access as each gate was programmed to open only for certain birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spatial-learning-among-mountain-chickadees-nbsp">Spatial learning among mountain chickadees&nbsp;</h2>



Pravosudov’s team observed and recorded the number of times each bird visited the incorrect feeders before finding the right one. The underlying theory was that mountain chickadees with superior spatial memory capabilities would show a lower rate of errors.



Additionally, using blood samples, the scientists sequenced the genomes of 162 tagged chickadees, creating the largest dataset ever for exploring the genetic basis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ravens-develop-sophisticated-cognitive-skills-by-the-age-of-four-months/">cognitive abilities</a> in chickadees.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics-of-spatial-memory-in-birds">Genetics of spatial memory in birds</h2>



By correlating the birds’ genetic information with their performance in the feeder test, the team identified 97 genes associated with the chickadees’ spatial learning and memory. Birds with specific genetic variants at these genes demonstrated fewer incorrect attempts before successfully locating their designated feeders.



According to co-author Sara Padula, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, a large proportion of these variants are linked to neuron formation in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a fundamental role in learning and memory. “Understanding the genetic basis of this trait will allow us to understand how the trait evolves,” said Taylor.



Moreover, he pointed out that the common ancestor of all North American chickadees cached food. However, among the seven species of chickadees found today, two do not.&nbsp;



“They live in a milder environment where food is generally available year-round. Now that we know the gene regions that underlie spatial memory, we can look at what variation looks like in these species that have lost caching,” said Taylor.



“This study substantially advanced our understanding of the genetics of spatial memory in birds and behavioral genetics more broadly,” added co-author Georgy Semenov, a research associate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-long-term-memory-may-have-a-disadvantage">Good long-term memory may have a disadvantage</h2>



The research also highlighted a potential downside to having an excellent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/songbirds-rely-on-an-autism-gene-for-memorization/">memory</a>. After a few days of the initial task, Pravosudov’s team reassigned new feeders to the birds. Surprisingly, mountain chickadees that excelled in the initial tests struggled with adapting to the new feeders. They found it challenging to discard old memories and form new ones.



“In a more variable environment, what our collaborators found suggests that chickadees with good long-term memory may have a disadvantage. For example, if there is an unexpected snowstorm, these birds may keep trying to visit caches that have been buried in the snow, rather than forgetting them and looking for other caches,” Padula said.



As climate conditions continue to change, birds that can adapt quickly by forming new memories might have a better chance of survival. “Because of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-climate-change-happening-too-fast-for-birds-to-keep-up/">climate change</a>, we might expect these selective pressures that have been shaping chickadee’s special memory for thousands of years to shift significantly,” Taylor concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.058" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Mountain chickadees have an extraordinary memory

Ever misplaced your keys or forgotten where you parked? Imagine...

Honey bees - those buzzing dynamos that pollinate our food - are in trouble. Despite decades of study, scientists couldn't quite crack the code of why bee colonies are <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Honey%20bees&amp;start=0">collapsing</a>. A new study is shedding light on this mystery by revealing multiple stressors that honey bees encounter on a typical day in the field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-network-of-honey-bee-stressors">Complex network of honey bee stressors</h2>



New research from <a href="https://www.yorku.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York University</a> indicates that honey bees are not afflicted by a lone stressor, but rather an interconnected web of threats.



"Our study is the first to apply systems level or network analyses to honey bee stressors at a massive scale. I think this represents a paradigm shift in the field because we have been so focussed on finding the one big thing, the smoking gun," said Professor Amro Zayed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relentless-barrage-of-stressors">Relentless barrage of stressors</h2>



The study broadened its scope to expose the vast network of stressors confronting honey bees. Consider their work environment: fields bursting with apples, canola, blueberries, and other crops. 



These bees encounter a relentless barrage of stressors, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-cannot-fly-straight-after-ingesting-pesticides/">pesticides</a>, viruses, parasites, and unpredictable environmental changes. 



The result of this exposure is a complex and harmful entanglement, where any single stressor has the potential to intensify the impact of others.



The researchers uncovered a startling reality: honey bees grapple with an average of 23 stressors simultaneously. 



This translates into a staggering 307 potential interactions, all with the capacity to undermine their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-virus-has-evolved-to-become-less-deadly-in-a-u-s-forest/">health</a>. Furthermore, certain stressors emerge as particularly influential, further compounding the damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influencer-stressors-for-honey-bees">Influencer stressors for honey bees</h2>



The researchers call them "influencer stressors." Just like social media influencers, certain viruses and pesticides are the ringleaders, making other stressors even nastier.



"Understanding which stressors co-occur and are likely to interact is profoundly important to unraveling how they are impacting the health and mortality of honey bee colonies," noted study lead author Sarah French.



"There have been a lot of studies about major pesticides, but in this research, we also saw a lot of minor pesticides that we don’t usually think about or study. We also found a lot of viruses that beekeepers don’t typically test for or manage. Seeing the influencer stressors interact with all these other stressors, whether it be mites, other pesticides or viruses, was not only interesting, but surprising."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-identifying-honey-bee-stressors">Significance of identifying honey bee stressors</h2>



Honey bees play an indispensable role in our food production and economy, making their protection a significant concern. 



These small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybee-pollination-produces-plant-offspring-vastly-inferior-to-plants-pollinated-by-other-species/">pollinators</a> are vital for the fertilization of many crop species, contributing to the diversity and availability of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. 



Without honey bees, many of the foods we take for granted could become scarce and more expensive. The economic impact is profound; honey bees add billions of dollars to global economies through their pollination services. In the U.S. alone, they contribute over $15 billion to the value of crop production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colony-collapse-disorder">Colony collapse disorder</h2>



The urgency to understand and protect honey bees from their stressors is underscored by the troubling rates at which colonies are declining. 



This decline, often referred to as Colony Collapse Disorder, is marked by the mysterious and sudden disappearance of worker bees from a colony, leaving behind a queen, food, and a few nurse bees to care for the remaining immature bees. 



Despite extensive research, the precise causes of these die-offs remain elusive, complicating efforts to devise effective interventions.



The situation is dire; some regions report winter losses of up to 60 percent of their bee colonies. These losses are not just numbers; they represent a significant threat to biodiversity, food security, and agricultural economies. 



The causes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-lifespans-are-mysteriously-declining/">bee decline</a> are believed to be multifaceted, involving a combination of environmental stressors such as pesticides, habitat loss, climate change, nutrition deficit, parasites, and pathogens like the Varroa mite and viral diseases. 



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



Each of these stressors alone is a threat, but in combination, they can lead to devastating effects on honey bee populations.



Understanding the complex interactions between these stressors and developing strategies to mitigate them is crucial. It also maintains the health of natural ecosystems by supporting the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants. 



Therefore, protecting honey bees is not merely an act of environmental stewardship—it is a critical necessity for sustaining our natural resources and agriculture.



Hope isn't lost. The study is part of a larger project called BEECSI, which uses 'omics' tools to help beekeepers assess bee health. The more we understand about these complex webs of stressors, the better we can protect these vital pollinators.



So, the next time you munch an apple or admire a field of wildflowers, remember the incredible hard workers behind them, and the fascinating (if somewhat stressful!) world they navigate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)00379-8">Current Biology</a>.



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Honey bees face a multitude of complex stressors in the field

Honey bees - those buzzing dynamos that pollinate our food...

Spirobranchus,Giganteus,,Christmas,Tree,Worms,Extended,On,Caribbean,Coral,Reef

Individual behaviors and rhythms in even the simplest marine creatures, like the polychaete worm Platynereis dumerilii, have been captivatingly showcased in a recent study. 



Published in the journal PLOS Biology, this research was carried out by an international team from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (<a href="https://www.awi.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AWI</a>), and various universities.



The findings offer profound implications for our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circadian-rhythms-persist-during-bear-hibernation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological rhythms</a> and their applications in both medicine and ecology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-platynereis-dumerilii">Platynereis dumerilii</h2>



Platynereis dumerilii, often referred to as a ragworm or clam worm, is a species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Platynereis-dumerilii-worms_Alfred-Wegener-Institute_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine polychaete worm</a> found in temperate and tropical coastal waters worldwide. 



This worm is particularly interesting to scientists because of its well-defined life cycle and relatively simple nervous system, making it an excellent model organism for biological studies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics">Key characteristics</h3>



<ul>
<li>Size and Appearance: Platynereis dumerilii is typically a few centimeters long, with a segmented body and a pair of distinctive, paddle-like parapodia on most segments, which aid in swimming.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Habitat: These worms thrive in shallow marine environments, often burying themselves in sediments or hiding in crevices during the day and becoming more active at night.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Reproduction: They have a fascinating reproductive behavior known as "swarming," where mature individuals synchronously release eggs and sperm into the water column, often influenced by the lunar cycle.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-importance">Scientific importance</h3>



Platynereis dumerilii is widely used in research related to developmental biology, neurobiology, and evolutionary biology. 



Studies on this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-teenage-worms-angsty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worms</a> help scientists understand basic biological processes such as circadian and lunar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-moonlight-affects-the-circadian-clocks-of-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhythms</a>, which are applicable to other species, including humans. 



This research can have implications for medicine, particularly in understanding body clocks and their effects on health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-platynereis-dumerilii-biological-timing">Platynereis dumerilii biological timing</h2>



Kristin Tessmar-Raible, a biologist at AWI, explains the importance of timing in biology. She states, "Biological timing is crucial across multiple levels, from the ecological interactions between species to cellular biochemical processes."



This study primarily focused on understanding how these worms' internal clocks help them adapt daily. It examined their responses to changing conditions such as temperature, light, and food availability.



The implications are vast, as Sören Häfker, the study's lead author, points out. This is especially true as marine organisms face challenges from human-induced changes such as global warming and light pollution.



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



During the experiments, researchers observed distinct patterns in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-alters-the-behavior-of-worms-and-perhaps-humans-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worms' activity</a>. Some were consistently active at the same time each night, while others showed sporadic activity, akin to "couch potatoes," with many variations in between. 



What was particularly striking was the consistency of these patterns over time, suggesting ingrained biological rhythms. 



"We were very surprised to see how reproducible the individual behavioral rhythms were," Tessmar-Raible remarks. "This shows us that even worms have tiny, rhythmic personalities, so to speak."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-rhythms-of-platynereis-dumerilii">Genetic rhythms of Platynereis dumerilii</h2>



The study went further to compare the genetic activity in the heads of both rhythmic and arrhythmic worms. Results showed that all worms maintained a robust internal clock, regardless of their activity pattern.



This finding suggests a diverse range of survival strategies among the worms. These strategies potentially offer evolutionary advantages in their fluctuating coastal environments.



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



This diversity not only speaks to the resilience of Platynereis dumerilii but also has broader implications for how we understand the adaptability of all species to environmental changes. 



It suggests that individual variability might be a key factor in the survival of species under the pressures of climate change and other anthropogenic impacts.



Furthermore, the study's findings resonate beyond marine biology into human medicine. The concept of individual biological rhythms plays a significant role in chronomedicine, which considers patients' natural rhythms in treatment plans. 



Tessmar-Raible elaborates, "That's why such findings are also exciting for fields like chronomedicine," indicating that the variability seen in worms could mirror the human condition, impacting how treatments are tailored for different individuals.



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



This research not only broadens our understanding of marine life but also reinforces the significance of individual biological rhythms in both ecology and medicine. 



As we continue to explore the intricate dance of life's timings, from the smallest worm to human beings, embracing these natural variations could be crucial to future biomedical advances and conservation efforts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002572" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



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Even the simplest organisms, like worms, have unique personalities

Individual behaviors and rhythms in even the simplest marine creatures,...

A study led by <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/">Harvard University</a> has provided a fresh perspective on evolutionary processes, particularly in how species intermingle and evolve. The experts have found compelling evidence that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybridization-evolution-life/">hybridization</a> can lead to the formation of entirely new species, challenging traditional views of evolution as a neatly branching tree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-heliconius-butterflies-nbsp">Evolution of Heliconius butterflies&nbsp;</h2>



Revisiting a fascinating observation first made by naturalist Henry Walter Bates in 1861 and shared with Charles Darwin, the scientists examined the evolution of the Heliconius <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heliconius-butterflies-have-a-surprising-aptitude-for-learning-and-remembering/">butterflies</a> of the Amazon.&nbsp;



Bates famously described these butterflies as a peek into nature's workshop for creating new species. Now, the researchers provided direct evidence of this phenomenon by documenting the evolution of a new butterfly species through hybridization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybridization-and-new-species">Hybridization and new species</h2>



The study focused on Heliconius butterflies, shedding new light on how a hybridization event from 180,000 years ago between Heliconius melpomene and an ancestor of today’s Heliconius pardalinus gave rise to a third species, Heliconius elevatus.&nbsp;



This new species is not just a blend of its progenitors but has distinct ecological and physiological traits, such as unique preferences for caterpillar host plants and specific adult characteristics like male sex pheromones, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-wing-colors/">wing color</a> patterns, and mate selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybridization-and-evolution">Hybridization and evolution</h2>



“Historically hybridization was thought of as a bad thing that was not particularly important when it came to evolution,” said Neil Rosser, an associate in entomology at the <a href="https://mcz.harvard.edu/">Museum of Comparative Zoology</a> and a former postdoctoral fellow at Harvard. “But what genomic data have shown is that in fact hybridization among species is widespread.”



This discovery not only challenges the traditional concept that species are distinct, non-overlapping units, but also highlights the fluidity with which genetic material is exchanged in nature. “A lot of species are not intact units,” Rosser said. “They're quite leaky, and they’re exchanging genetic material.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-completely-new-lineages-nbsp">Evolution of completely new lineages&nbsp;</h2>



The research also raises important questions about how new species emerge from the intermingling of existing ones. “So the species that are evolving are constantly exchanging genes, and the consequence of this is that it can actually trigger the evolution of completely new lineages,” Rosser explained.



“Normally, species are thought to be reproductively isolated. They can’t produce hybrids that are reproductively fertile,” added co-author James Mallet, a professor of organismic and evolutionary biology at Harvard. Thus, although there is now evidence of hybridization between species, it was still difficult to confirm that this hybridization is, in some way, involved in speciation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluid-nature-of-species-boundaries-nbsp">Fluid nature of species boundaries&nbsp;</h2>



The implications of this study extend beyond academic circles. Understanding the fluid nature of species boundaries is crucial for conservation efforts, particularly in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-dictates-biodiversity-hotspots/">biodiversity hotspots</a> like the Amazon. It also has potential applications in studying disease vectors, such as mosquitoes that carry malaria, and their inter-species interactions.



This paradigm shift in understanding hybridization and evolution marks a significant advance, suggesting that the interplay of genetic material across species boundaries can play a pivotal role in the emergence of new species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-heliconius-butterflies-nbsp">More about Heliconius butterflies&nbsp;</h2>



Heliconius butterflies, also known as longwing butterflies, are a diverse and colorful group found primarily in tropical regions, particularly in Central and South America. They are notable for their striking patterns and vibrant colors, which serve as a form of defense through mimicry and warning signals. Heliconius butterflies exhibit a variety of interesting behaviors and adaptations:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mullerian-mimicry">Müllerian mimicry</h3>



Heliconius butterflies are famous for their participation in Müllerian mimicry, where multiple species share similar warning coloration to protect against predators, as the colors signal toxicity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-lifespan-of-heliconius-butterflies">Diet and lifespan of Heliconius butterflies </h3>



Unlike most butterflies that sip nectar, Heliconius butterflies also feed on pollen, which is rich in proteins and extends their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-autumns-reduce-the-life-expectancy-of-butterflies/">lifespan</a> significantly, often living several months rather than the usual weeks that most butterflies survive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-habitat">Reproduction and habitat</h3>



They have unique reproductive behaviors, including the use of pheromones and lekking (males display in groups). They often return to the same spot each night, showing high site fidelity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



While some species are abundant and widespread, others are endangered and face threats from habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-in-ecosystems">Role in ecosystems</h3>



Heliconius butterflies are important pollinators in their ecosystems, helping to maintain the health and diversity of tropical forests.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07263-w">Nature</a>.



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Butterflies show that new species can evolve from hybridization

A study led by Harvard University has provided a fresh...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-advice-leave-bats-alone-if-we-want-to-prevent-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bats</a> may be mysterious creatures of the night, but they're also amazing natural pest controllers with some impressive appetites. This is the conclusion of a new study focusing on bats living on the beautiful island of Madeira, Portugal. 



The study highlights just how awesome these flying mammals are, and the amazing benefits they quietly provide us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-secret-menu-of-island-bats">The secret menu of island bats</h2>



Scientists took a close look – a really close look – at what <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-diets-offer-clues-on-how-to-protect-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> on Madeira are eating. They wanted to understand the role these amazing creatures play on the island. To do this, they analyzed the DNA of one very specific bat "byproduct" – droppings.



The study examined the dietary habits of three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-feast-on-migrating-insects-in-the-pyrenees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bat</a> species inhabiting the island of Madeira: the Madeira Pipistrelle, the Madeira Lesser Noctule, and the Grey Long-eared Bat. 



Through detailed analysis, researchers discovered a remarkable variety in the bats' diets, revealing a broad spectrum of prey that includes several types of insects.



Each bat species showed a preference for different insect groups, enriching our understanding of their ecological roles. For instance, the Madeira Pipistrelle was found to primarily consume moths and flies, which are abundant at night. 



The Madeira Lesser Noctule, on the other hand, favored a diet rich in beetles and spiders, indicating its role in managing populations of these particular pests. 



The Grey Long-eared Bat displayed the most diverse diet, feeding on an assortment of insects from butterflies to moths, showcasing its adaptability to available food sources.



This diversity is significant as it underscores the bats' ability to target a wide range of agricultural and forestry pests, thereby naturally controlling these populations. 



The presence of such varied diets among the bats also highlights the complexity of their roles within the ecosystem, where they help maintain the balance of insect species and contribute to the overall health of their habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-and-pests">Bats and pests</h2>



The most significant finding? A whopping 40% of the insects the bats ate were agricultural or forest pests. These are bugs that seriously damage crops or trees, and that's where bats come in as farmers' silent partners.



For example, bananas are extremely important to the economy of Madeira. The banana moth poses a significant risk to this crop, directly impacting the livelihood of farmers on the island. Fortunately, bats are natural predators of the banana moth, helping to control populations of this destructive insect.



Bats don't just protect bananas; they target other serious agricultural pests as well. One such pest is the turnip moth, known for causing widespread damage to vegetables and cereal crops. Another problem insect consumed by bats is the golden twin-spot moth, which significantly damages crops grown in greenhouses.



In addition to controlling agricultural pests, bats even help protect human health. The study found they consume Psychoda albipennis. This insect is a parasite that can cause myiasis, a condition with unpleasant symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. 



By eating this and other pests, bats provide an essential service to both farmers and the broader community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-and-their-smart-detection">Bats and their smart detection</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bats-navigate-noisy-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bats</a> are incredibly difficult to study in the wild. Their echolocation abilities give them a type of sonar that allows them to expertly navigate their environment. This means they can easily detect and avoid obstacles like the nets researchers traditionally use to capture them for study.



However, the scientists studying bats in Madeira didn't give up. They carefully observed the bats' behavior and discovered a key moment of vulnerability: bats need to drink water. 



By focusing on water sources and waiting patiently, the researchers were able to safely and temporarily capture bats for their research. This dedication allowed them to obtain the important information they needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bat-friendly-farming-to-control-pests">Bat-friendly farming to control pests</h2>



Farming is crucial for providing food, but it can sometimes lead to habitat loss or conflict with wildlife. This study offers an exciting alternative approach. Its findings indicate that a mutually beneficial relationship can exist between farmers and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-secrets-how-bat-teeth-adapted-to-their-diverse-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a>.



By strategically placing bat boxes, farmers provide shelter for bats, attracting them to the area. This benefits bats by giving them safe places to roost. At the same time, farmers gain a powerful natural ally in pest control, as bats consume large quantities of insects that damage crops.



This study demonstrates that this concept is not just theoretical. Researchers actively installed bat boxes in protected areas near farms and observed positive results. Endangered Madeiran Pipistrelles were found using the boxes, showing that this strategy can promote bat populations while also benefiting the agricultural community.



"An increasing number of farmers are using bat boxes to attract insectivorous bats to their fields. During our study, we experimented by placing some in the protected area where we were working, and to our excitement, some of these are now inhabited by the vulnerable Madeiran Pipistrelles. This suggests that deploying simple artificial bat roosts might lead to win-win outcomes for both conservation and local farmers," explained study co-author <a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/ricardo-rocha">Associate Professor Ricardo Rocha</a> from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-perceptions">Changing Perceptions</h2>



Bats tend to get a bad reputation, often seen as spooky or creepy. However, studies like this illuminate their true nature. Turns out, while many of us are sleeping, bats are out there, doing their part to keep ecosystems (and farms) healthy. 



They're a hidden force for good, and maybe a source of inspiration for pest control solutions that work with nature rather than against it. This study gives us a glimpse into the world of Madeira's insect-munching bats, but the fact is, bats all over the planet provide similar services in their own ecosystems. 



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae033" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Mammalogy</a>.



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Bats assist farmers by consuming harmful pests

Bats may be mysterious creatures of the night, but they're...

The elegant white stork, known for its long legs and large wings, offers one of the most spectacular views of animal migration. These birds, which travel from Europe to Africa each autumn and return in the spring, form visible flocks that herald the change of seasons. 



A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/987894/animal-behavior" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> in Konstanz, Germany, has shed light on why these storks migrate in such groups: they seem to actively choose to fly together. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storks-prefer-routes-frequented-by-their-peers">Storks prefer routes frequented by their peers</h2>



By tracking 158 storks, the experts found the first concrete evidence of this social behavior during migration, revealing that storks prefer routes frequented by their peers, especially when they are young.



“It’s exciting to see the first clues that storks are actually choosing to fly with others,” said lead author Hester Brønnvik, a doctoral student at Max Planck. “But as they gain migration experience, they also gain the independence to ignore social influences.”



“We can all see that storks fly in flocks, but this observation alone never told us whether or not storks are choosing the routes they take in order to migrate with others,” she added. “It could be that storks are selecting their routes based on other criteria - like good winds or a particular destination - that happen to put them in the same place.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stork-motivation-for-migration-route-selection-nbsp">Stork motivation for migration route selection&nbsp;</h2>



To explore the storks' motivations for route selection, the team utilized a decade’s worth of precise GPS tracking data from storks in southern Germany. This data covered the full migratory journeys of these birds, from inexperienced juveniles to seasoned adults.&nbsp;



“We could see the complete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildebeest-suffer-genetically-from-blocked-migration-routes/">migrations</a> that these storks took every year for their entire lives, from a three-month-old juvenile on its first migration to a highly experienced nine-year old taking one of its last flights,” Brønnvik explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-dynamics-of-stork-migration-nbsp">Social dynamics of stork migration&nbsp;</h2>



To better understand the social dynamics characterizing the 158 storks during their migrations, the experts used data from an extended sample of 400 storks. This larger dataset helped them estimate the probable locations of flocks within the migration landscape. 



“This doesn’t tell us definitively whether storks flew with others,” Brønnvik said. “Rather, it gives us a probability, telling us whether a stork’s route would likely put it in the path of other storks.” 



With these estimates, the researchers then employed a statistical model to analyze the chosen migration paths of the storks compared to alternative routes that were also available but not taken. This approach allowed the team to infer the reasons behind the storks' route selections, shedding light on their migratory behavior. “The model basically asked them why they chose the route that they did,” Brønnvik explained.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-older-storks-are-more-willing-to-fly-solo">Older storks are more willing to fly solo</h2>



The analysis revealed that storks of all ages preferred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/storks-are-attracted-to-the-smell-of-freshly-mowed-grass/">routes</a> with higher concentrations of other storks, though older, more experienced birds showed a decreased preference for such routes, indicating a greater willingness to fly solo if the conditions were favorable.



According to senior author Andrea Flack, the leader of the Collective Migration group at Max Planck, younger storks might rely more on the flock for survival strategies, such as locating thermals - updrafts essential for flight - or finding food during stops.&nbsp;



“Following others could help you find these essential resources faster,” she said. However, as storks become more experienced, they rely less on this group information, potentially allowing them to better time their migrations for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-snowstorms-impact-breeding-success-of-petrels/">breeding</a> and other individual needs.



These findings&nbsp; provide insight into the decision-making processes of migrating storks while highlighting the significance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-use-collective-behavior-to-reduce-energy-costs/">collective behavior</a> in these decisions.&nbsp;



“Ultimately, we want to know how the decisions of migrating storks are affected by those around them. Our study provides the first clue of just how important the collective is to those decisions,” Flack concluded.



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



Storks are quite fascinating birds, known not only for their distinctive appearance but also for their interesting behaviors and roles in various cultures.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-patterns-nbsp">Migration patterns&nbsp;</h3>



Many stork species are migratory, with some species, like the white stork, known for their impressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dads-lead-young-birds-on-their-first-migration/">migratory journeys</a>. They travel thousands of miles between Europe and Africa, crossing the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbolism-and-folklore">Symbolism and folklore</h3>



Storks are famous in folklore, particularly in European cultures, where they are often associated with delivering babies. This myth possibly stems from their habit of nesting on rooftops and in chimneys, making them a close presence in human lives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-hunting">Diet and hunting</h3>



Storks have a varied diet that includes insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and even other birds. They are excellent hunters, using their long beaks to snatch up prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nesting-habits">Nesting habits</h3>



Storks are known for building large nests, which they often use for many years. Some nests have been continuously inhabited by successive stork generations for over a century. These nests can be massive, sometimes as large as a small car.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication">Communication</h3>



Unlike many birds, storks are mostly silent since they lack the typical vocal organs to produce songs. Instead, they communicate through bill-clattering, which involves rapidly snapping their bills to make a loud noise that can be heard over long distances.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longevity-and-fidelity">Longevity and fidelity</h3>



Storks can live for 20 to 30 years in the wild. They are also known for their strong pair bonds; many species of storks mate for life, returning to the same partner and nest each breeding season.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-success">Conservation success</h3>



The white stork, in particular, has been a conservation success story in many parts of Europe, where populations have rebounded thanks to efforts to preserve their habitats and reduce hunting.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-adaptations">Physical adaptations</h3>



Storks are equipped with long legs and necks, which help them wade through shallow waters while looking for food. Their legs have adaptations that allow them to shut off blood flow to prevent heat loss while standing in cold water.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.052" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Younger storks choose migration routes that are social hotspots

The elegant white stork, known for its long legs and...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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