A new report reveals that more than one-third of all U.S. bird species stand in high or moderate conservation danger. Additionally, there are 112 “tipping point” species that have seen half or more of their populations vanish in the past 50 years.



The tipping point groups identified in the report include 42 red-alert species such as Allen’s Hummingbird, Tricolored Blackbird, and Saltmarsh Sparrow. These species are facing a high risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-bird-species-face-extinction-risks-in-the-neotropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> unless swift interventions are made.



“Birds tell us that we have a full-on emergency across all habitats,” said Marshall Johnson, chief conservation officer at the <a href="https://www.audubon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Audubon Society</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-state-of-the-birds-report-nbsp">State of the Birds report&nbsp;</h2>



The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report was unveiled at the 90th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;



Compiled by a coalition of top science and conservation organizations, the report documents sustained widespread losses in American bird populations across mainland and marine habitats, highlighting 229 species requiring urgent conservation measures.&nbsp;



The findings follow on from the influential 2019 study that found the loss of three billion birds in North America over five decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-america-s-birds">Significance of America's birds</h2>



In defending birds, the report emphasizes not just the ecological arguments but also the financial rewards for local economies. 



Nearly 100 million Americans take part in bird-related activities, from casual backyard birding to dedicated expeditions. 



The total economic output connected to bird watching activities is $279 billion, while birding related activities support 1.4 million jobs, the experts argued, referencing the latest <a href="https://www.fws.gov/program/national-survey-fishing-hunting-and-wildlife-associated-recreation-fhwar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation</a> data.



The study emphasizes that birds are also central to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> benefits. By citing existing research, the authors explain that daily or weekly encounters with birds and nature help relieve stress and diminish symptoms of anxiety and depression - an added incentive to strengthen conservation programs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-trends-in-bird-habitats">Disturbing trends in bird habitats</h2>



In analyzing bird populations across America, the authors warn that nearly every type of ecosystem is witnessing declines. Even ducks, which had been a bright spot in past reports, are trending downward in more recent tallies.



“The rapid declines in birds signal the intensifying stressors that wildlife and people alike are experiencing around the world because of habitat loss, environmental degradation, and extreme weather events,” noted Amanda Rodewald, faculty director of the <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a>’s Center for Avian Population Studies.&nbsp;



“When we see declines like those outlined in the report, we need to remember that if conditions are not healthy for birds, they’re unlikely to be healthy for us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cause-for-both-alarm-and-hope">Cause for both alarm and hope</h2>



“There is no doubt that the 2025 State of the Birds report is cause for alarm, but it is also cause for hope. Public interest in birds and the economic benefits from birding are at unprecedented levels, as is the information available about the status of each and every one of our bird species,” said Jeff Walters, conservation committee co-chair at the <a href="https://americanornithology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Ornithological Society</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bird-populations_united-states_rapid-decline_graph_credit-Cornell_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bird-populations_united-states_rapid-decline_graph_credit-Cornell_1s.webp" alt="Long-term population trends for America's birds. Credit: State of the Birds long-term population trends, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology." class="wp-image-1962322"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Long-term population trends for America's birds. Credit: State of the Birds long-term population trends, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.</figcaption></figure>



Strategies for reversing these declines emerge throughout the document. The authors highlight conservation success stories and methods that have proven effective for waterfowl, waterbirds, and other avian groups, indicating that more robust action could yield results on a larger scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-conservation-approaches">Effective conservation approaches</h2>



“Many bird populations are struggling. But a proven blueprint for success is science-based planning and collaborative investment in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-and-evolution-shape-the-unique-sounds-of-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> conservation,” said Steve Adair, Ducks Unlimited chief scientist.



Beyond this, practical measures - like private lands programs, ranching partnerships, forest renewal projects, coastal restoration efforts, and seabird translocation - have all shown promise in reviving bird populations under stress.&nbsp;



Adair cited the strong cooperation among hunters, landowners, agencies, and corporations as having historically benefited waterfowl numbers, at least where suitable weather conditions apply.



“Decades of strategic and aggressive wetland habitat conservation from hunters, landowners, state and federal agencies, and corporations has boosted numerous waterfowl and waterbird species when weather conditions are favorable. We’ve shown it works. And we must do more,” Adair said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-america-s-bird-life">Protecting America's bird life</h2>



At the same time, the report makes clear that bird conservation has ripple effects for human communities and broader ecosystems.



“Fortunately, many of the actions that are good for birds are good for us. When we protect the habitats that birds rely upon, we also protect the ecosystem services that sustain us,” Rodewald said.



In other words, robust protections for wetlands, coasts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/every-bird-song-can-help-scientists-make-smarter-forest-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>, and other key habitats not only safeguard bird life, but also maintain carbon storage, preserve water quality, and buffer cities and towns against natural disasters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-toward-effective-solutions">Looking toward effective solutions</h2>



Michael J. Parr, President of <a href="https://abcbirds.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Bird Conservancy</a>, praised ongoing research but emphasized that more support is crucial:



“We have clear evidence that conservation works in halting declines,” said Parr. “What we now need more than ever are programs and funding that match the scale of the greatest challenges birds face today. The science is solid on how to reverse the damage done, but to succeed, these issues need to be taken seriously.”



Marshall Johnson of the National Audubon Society reinforced this need for prompt and inclusive measures. 



“Birds unite us across the hemisphere and across the political spectrum - there should be no hesitation as we move to protect them today and in the future,” he said.



Ultimately, the 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report highlights a stark warning but also underscores the possibility for saving countless bird species if deliberate policies and robust support meet the urgency of the crisis.&nbsp;



Humans stand to benefit economically and culturally from an environment where bird populations thrive, reminding all stakeholders of the vital connections between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife conservation</a> and broader social well-being.



The report can be found <a href="https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Saving America's birds: Scientists declare a 'full-on emergency' in the US

A new report reveals that more than one-third of all U.S. bird species stand in high or moderate conservation danger. Additionally, there are 112 “tipping point” species that have seen half or more of their populations vanish in the past 50 years. The tipping point groups identified in the report include 42 red-alert species such as Allen’s Hummingbird, Tricolored Blackbird, and Saltmarsh Sparrow. These species are facing a high risk of extinction unless swift interventions are made. “Birds tell us that we have a full-on emergency across...

Reef fish are vital in maintaining the resilience of coral reefs. A new study from the University of Oxford sheds light on the essential role of reef fish and the factors affecting their abundance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-connectivity-and-fish-abundance">Ocean connectivity and fish abundance</h2>



The Oxford team has discovered that oceanographic connectivity is a significant determinant of fish abundance across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).



Oceanographic connectivity is the invisible thread that weaves the movement and exchange of water between different parts of the ocean.



According to the researchers, the distribution and abundance of herbivorous reef fish groups, in particular, are strongly impacted by this ocean connectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbivorous-reef-fish-are-strongly-impacted">Herbivorous reef fish are strongly impacted</h2>



"It was striking that herbivorous fish - which are critical to reef resilience - were particularly strongly impacted by ocean connectivity," said Laura Warmuth, from the Department of Biology, <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



"Efficient conservation area prioritisation should include connectivity for decision making regarding marine protected area management across country borders." 



Warmuth noted that this is particularly relevant in the human-pressured WIO region, where annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> is predicted on most coral reefs by mid-century, even under optimistic climate change scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-ocean-temperatures">Rising ocean temperatures </h2>



Ocean connectivity is not the only factor that influences reef fish distribution and abundance. The research also emphasizes the impact of fluctuating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperature</a> and levels of chlorophyll.



The protection of reefs in the Western Indian Ocean is of particular importance given the heavy dependence of rapidly growing local communities on these reefs amidst the looming threat of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-fish-diversity-and-resilience">Reef fish diversity and resilience</h2>



In this intricate ecological tapestry, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-use-edna-to-measure-reef-fish-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish diversity</a> is key in sustaining the resilience of reefs. Different fish species, owing to their varied feeding patterns, provide vital services to reefs. 



For instance, some fish species feed on algae that are in competition with corals, therefore maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.



The research team formulated a metric of proportional oceanographic connectivity to simplify complex oceanographic models. With this, they could integrate this element into ecological models. 



Interestingly, the experts found that medium connectivity levels were often associated with higher fish abundances, not the high levels.



High connectivity may aid larvae dispersal but can also result in unintended consequences - stronger wave exposure or increased dispersal of pollutants or invasive species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-environmental-factors">Human activities and environmental factors</h2>



“It is really imperative that decision-makers responsible for marine planning understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean patterns</a> and environmental factors affect reef fish across the food chain," said study co-author Professor Mike Bonsall.



"Our work emphasizes how crucial this link is between ocean currents and fish ecology for understanding the broader impact of environmental change and fishing regulations on sensitive coral reef fish systems.”



Going forward, the researchers will look more closely at the impacts of human activities, as well as how human population density and market distance impact reef fish abundance and biomass in the WIO.



The experts also aim to investigate how environmental and oceanographic factors are predicted to alter under different climate change scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-fish-and-coastal-communities">Reef fish and coastal communities</h2>



Reef fish not only play a crucial ecological role in maintaining the balance of coral reefs, but they are also a vital resource for coastal communities.



In many regions across the Western Indian Ocean, the local economy is deeply intertwined with fishing industries, which depend heavily on healthy fish populations.



However, as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-destroyed-14-percent-of-the-worlds-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and human activities such as overfishing continue to threaten reef ecosystems, the decline in fish populations could have devastating economic and social consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-conservation-strategies">Effective conservation strategies </h2>



By understanding the complex relationship between oceanographic connectivity, fish abundance, and environmental factors, researchers can guide more effective conservation strategies that protect both reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.



This highlights the urgent need for international collaboration in marine management, ensuring that local fisheries and marine protected areas are designed with connectivity in mind. 



Only by safeguarding reef fish populations can we hope to preserve the ecological and economic resilience of coastal regions for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsae125/7821003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICES Journal of Marine Science.</a>



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Reef fish populations are boosted by ocean connectivity

Reef fish are vital in maintaining the resilience of coral...

The dogs we love to cuddle, play fetch with and spoil rotten may be continuously evolving. Nestled comfortably in our modern living rooms, dogs are no longer mere hunting aids or guards of our homes but cherished companions that are integral to our lives.



This change has not only transformed their nature but is also fueling a new wave of dog domestication, a novel concept shedding light on the complex dynamics of dog-human relationships.



A few decades ago, dogs were purpose-oriented animals charged with hunting, herding livestock, and offering protection. Today, the dynamics have shifted as their primary role has morphed into companionship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-living-and-dog-evolution">Modern living and dog evolution</h2>



Our fast-paced, contemporary lifestyle is largely sedentary, trading large, open spaces for urbanized environments. 



This shift in human lifestyle has extended to our pets, changing their nature and behavior. This societal evolution and our enduring desire for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-honoring-mans-best-friend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">friendly, tranquil pets</a> is driving what experts are calling a dramatic third wave of dog domestication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-relationships-with-dogs">Evolving relationships with dogs</h2>



This shift mirrors an uprising in oxytocin levels within dogs. Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," is a key player in social bonding. This hormone is credited for dogs' innate desire to interact with their human counterparts.



A research team from Sweden's <a href="https://liu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linköping University</a>, led by canine experts Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, delved deeply into understanding how our modern lifestyle has affected dogs' genetic traits.



Hare, an evolutionary-anthropology professor at Duke University, and Woods, manager of the Duke Canine Cognition Center's Puppy Kindergarten program, provide new insight into the evolving man-dog relationship.



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



The study involved a detailed observation of 60 golden retrievers attempting to open a treat jar. The dogs were subjected to this task twice - once after receiving oxytocin nasal spray and once after receiving a neutral saline nasal spray.



The findings suggested that dogs with a specific genetic variant of the oxytocin receptor responded stronger to the oxytocin spray. This genetic variant made them more likely to seek help from their owners.



The experiment reaffirmed that oxytocin levels influence a dog's social skills and its ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-and-human-brains-sync-up-during-eye-contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communicate with humans</a>. 



The research emphasizes that dogs' social skills are partially genetic. Their sensitivity to oxytocin and social behavior stem from their genes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-evolving-dogs">Changes in evolving dogs</h2>



The concept of a third wave of domestication is further backed by the behavioral differences noticed in service dogs. These dogs are a far cry from the active hunters or alert guard dogs. They are trained professionals, suited to their owners' 21st-century lives due to their uniquely friendly dispositions.



Dogs previously held roles as working animals – hunting, herding, and guarding. Unlike their modern counterparts, they were conditioned to be active and alert.



However, the recent rise in urbanization and the shift to indoor living has sparked a stark contrast in canine behavior, rendering some historical traits maladaptive.



"Unlike most pet dogs, service dogs are attracted to&nbsp;strangers, even as puppies," noted the researchers. "And increasing friendliness seems to have changed these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-learn-better-with-praise-and-petting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>’ biology, just as it did thousands of years ago."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestication-of-evolving-dogs">Domestication of evolving dogs</h2>



The journey of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interacting-with-dogs-can-ease-physical-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine domestication</a> is traced back between 40,000 and 14,000 years, starting with the first wave when humans were foragers. 



Stray wolves adapted to human settlements for a predictable food source, gradually replacing fear and aggression with fascination and attraction to humans.



The second wave of domestication began post the industrial revolution. With an increase in disposable income, the bourgeoise bred dogs for specific physical traits, reflective of their status. 



This era gave birth to most of the 200 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-third-wave-of-dog-domestication">Third wave of dog domestication</h2>



The key difference of the third wave of domestication is its main focus - tailoring dogs' personalities to our modern world. 



"For the happiness of dogs and their owners, humans need to breed and train more dogs like service animals, embarking on a new wave of dog domestication to help them fit into the new world we have created," noted the researchers.



To meet the needs of this evolving paradigm, breeding and training dogs akin to service animals will become increasingly important. 



It's not just about wagging tails, but forging a path that ensures we have dogs suited to the new world we have created, bringing happiness to both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-slower-helps-dogs-understand-what-humans-are-saying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs and their human caretakers</a>.



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Dogs are evolving to fit the modern lives of humans

The dogs we love to cuddle, play fetch with and...

Scientists have recently argued that a lack of access to salmon is the main driver of population decline of southern resident killer whales - also known as orcas - in the Pacific. However, a new study has found that such assumptions may in fact be wrong.



To reach these conclusions, Burak Saygili and Andrew Trites, two marine mammal scientists from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>, have consulted with sport anglers and whale-watching crews to better understand the orcas' access to chinook salmon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-decline-in-killer-whales">Mysterious decline in killer whales</h2>



Previous studies have shown that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-resident-killer-whales-endangered-by-inbreeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">southern resident killer whales</a> of the Pacific are declining, with both adult and offspring numbers dropping dramatically.



“Two populations of fish-eating killer whales (Orcinus orca) frequent the coastal waters of British Columbia where they preferentially consume Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). One of these populations, northern resident killer whales, ranges from southern British Columbia to Southeast Alaska - and has tripled to over 300 individuals since monitoring began in the early 1970s,” wrote the researchers.&nbsp;



“In contrast, the southern resident killer whale population, which inhabits the waters between southern British Columbia and California, has not experienced any sustained growth during this time. They have fluctuated between 66 and 98 individuals, and numbered 74 as of December 2023.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killer-whales-struggling-in-the-pacific">Killer whales struggling in the Pacific</h2>



During the warmer months, southern resident killer whales swim north, and, as winter arrives, they head south again. However, they are currently struggling to survive.



Strangely, they seem to be the only marine mammal species in their ecosystem facing such problems. Other species such as harbor seals, porpoises, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-is-killing-thousands-of-seals-and-sea-lions-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea lions</a>, and different types of whales are all thriving. 



Some experts suggested that the most likely problem is a lack of access to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-unpredictable-effects-on-salmon-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a>, the orcas' main source of food. However, fishermen also looking for salmon have reported no problems capturing them and have also seen southern resident whales doing the same. 



Moreover, whale-watching crews told the scientists that they often see the endangered orcas swimming among large groups of salmon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-intense-sea-traffic-nbsp">The role of intense sea traffic&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, this indicates that the orcas are having trouble catching them. And that, they suggest, could be caused by the noise made by boats, particularly since the region where they live has far more sea traffic than areas farther north where northern resident orcas are thriving.



“Studies of southern resident killer whales carrying suction cupped sound and movement tags have found the probability of killer whales capturing prey increases as salmon abundance increases, but is negatively affected by the movements and noise of nearby vessel,” the authors explained.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-fail-to-respond-to-vessel-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vessel noise</a> can mask communication between pod members and interfere with foraging and navigation - while the physical presence of vessels can reduce the foraging effort of resident killer whales.” 



According to the researchers, killer whales are more likely to encounter greater numbers of vessels in the Salish Sea than in the North Island Waters, which could mean that salmon are less accessible to southern residents than to northern residents despite there being a higher abundance of Chinook.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-salmon-availability">Seasonal salmon availability</h2>



Another cause could be that the southern resident orcas have trouble eating at different times of the year. For instance, while they may find enough salmon during summers, the situation may be completely different in the spring. This could explain why one calf was found to have starved to death this spring.



“Contrary to expectations, we found that the areal densities of prey (large salmon) available to killer whales were higher in the southern habitat. Our findings suggest that southern resident killer whales are no more food limited during late summer than northern resident killer whales,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“This implies that the difference in growth rates of the two populations is either due to other factors (e.g., inbreeding, disturbance, contaminants, competition) or that southern resident killer whales are experiencing a food shortage beyond the Salish Sea during winter or spring.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311388" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Why are killer whales struggling to survive in the Pacific?

Scientists have recently argued that a lack of access to...

In a recent study, researchers have revealed some intriguing insights into feline cognition and language comprehension. The study shows that cats may be capable of associating certain human words with images.



So, how did this revelation come about? The scientists set up an experiment with the help of 31 adult house cats. The aim of this particular activity was to assess whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mourn-the-loss-of-other-pets-similar-to-human-grief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a> could connect a spoken word to an image on a screen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-connecting-to-words">Cats connecting to words</h2>



Each cat was exposed to a simple word and image association test, inspired by similar tests designed to unravel word comprehension in human infants.



During the test, the cats were treated to short animations accompanied by nonsense words. 



Each cat viewed two animations, one associated with the word "keraru" and the other with "parumo." The cycle of videos followed a repetitive pattern until our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-use-nearly-300-facial-expressions-to-communicate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cat</a> participants decided to peel their eyes away from the spectacle.



After an appropriate break, the cats were once again presented with the same animations. But this time, the associated words were reversed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-observing-words-on-a-screen">Cats observing words on a screen</h2>



While the cats were watching the videos, the researchers were busy observing the cats and their reactions. The scientists found that the cats stared for longer at the screen when they heard the reversed words compared to the original pairing.



Some feline participants even showed signs of pupil dilation, a classic sign of confusion and intensified focus. 



These reactions suggested that the cats were trying to make sense of this change, in essence confirming that they had associated the initial words with the corresponding images.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-cats-understand-human-words">Do cats understand human words?</h2>



This fascinating research was conducted under the guidance of the <a href="https://www.azabu-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Azabu University</a>'s diligent animal scientist team.



The study builds upon earlier research that suggested cats could discern when humans called their names, and even recognize photos of familiar people.



This new insight, however, stretches our understanding of feline comprehension capabilities. Believe it or not, it seems that our cats might be catching onto much of what we say to them.



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



What does this mean for you and your cat? Well, it certainly adds <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-cat-people-really-more-crazy-than-dog-lovers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depth to your bond</a>. The fact that our furry pals may associate words with objects in their surroundings has profound implications.



It could enhance the way we interact with our pets, paving the way for further research in pet communication and ultimately fostering stronger human-pet relationships.



But, it's not just about having more meaningful heart-to-hearts with your feline friend. This discovery could also help to advance our understanding of animal cognition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possibilities-and-practical-applications">Possibilities and practical applications</h2>



The newfound insights into feline cognition open up intriguing possibilities for practical applications. 



For pet owners, this research provides a foundation for developing more engaging and effective methods of communication with their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/would-you-trust-a-robot-to-look-after-your-cat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feline companions</a>. 



By leveraging the understanding that cats can associate words with objects, training programs could be designed to facilitate better cooperation during routine activities such as feeding, grooming, and even medical treatment.



Additionally, this knowledge could aid in creating more enriching environments for cats in shelters, enhancing their well-being while awaiting adoption. 



As we explore deeper into this field, the potential applications for both domestic and professional settings become increasingly vast, inviting a future where human-animal interaction is more harmonious and rewarding.



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



While cats have been the focal point of this study, the implications extend beyond our feline friends. This research paves the way for similar investigations in other domestic animals, potentially reshaping how we perceive and communicate with a variety of species. 



If dogs, birds, or even ferrets demonstrate similar associative capabilities, we could witness a paradigm shift in our approach to animal training and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-have-a-better-quality-of-life-if-you-play-with-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">care</a>.



Such findings would not only revolutionize pet ownership for millions but would also enrich our understanding of animal behavior and intelligence.



While more exploration into this area of research is required, one thing is for sure: cats are not just passive observers in our homes. They may be connected to us in deeper ways than we ever imagined.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-74006-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Cats can associate human words with images

In a recent study, researchers have revealed some intriguing insights...

Deep in the tropics where sunlight filters through the leafy canopy above, the brain of an extraordinary butterfly is puzzling scientists. It's the Heliconius butterfly, a species that not only indulges in nectar but has a refined taste for pollen too.



This peculiar feeding habit has sparked a series of fascinating studies. The findings were recently published in the journal Current Biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butterfly-with-a-sharp-brain">Butterfly with a sharp brain</h2>



Who would think a butterfly, a creature so tiny and seemingly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-butterfly-and-hummingbird-day-celebrating-the-beauty-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delicate</a>, would possess cognitive abilities that support complex spatial learning and memory retention?



We're talking about a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflys-rapid-expansion-led-to-lower-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterfly</a> not much bigger than a human thumb, yet capable of remembering where its food sources are and adeptly navigating its way to them.



This ability, researchers believe, is intricately tied to the Heliconius butterfly's unusually developed brain structure known as the mushroom bodies. This brain structure is responsible for learning and memory.



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



Study lead author Dr. Max Farnworth is a senior research associate in the <a href="http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological Sciences</a> at the University of Bristol.



"There is huge interest in how bigger brains may support enhanced cognition, behavioral precision or flexibility. But during brain expansion, it's often difficult to disentangle effects of increases in overall size from changes in internal structure," explained Dr. Farnworth. 



To unravel this complex twist, the research team meticulously examined the changes that unfolded in this butterfly's neural circuits.



These circuits, much like those found in an electrical system, are composed of cells - the Kenyon cells - that connect in distinct patterns to create a functioning network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosaic-brain-evolution">Mosaic brain evolution</h2>



The investigation has revealed an unusual growth pattern in these Kenyon cells. Unlike uniform growth in line with the brain's expansion, these cells have grown at different rates, creating a mosaic of sizes within the brain structure.



This phenomenon, aptly called mosaic brain evolution, paints a vivid picture of a brain's internal landscape that’s continually changing, with some areas growing while others stay the same.



"We predict that because we see these mosaic patterns of neural changes, these will relate to specific shifts in behavioral performance - in line with the range of learning experiments which show that Heliconius outperform their closest relatives in only very specific contexts, such as long-term visual memory and pattern learning," said Dr. Farnworth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-and-planning-skills">Memory and planning skills</h2>



To optimize their pollen diet, Heliconius butterflies have evolved a unique foraging pattern. Instead of fluttering aimlessly, they zip along fixed routes between floral resources, much like following a bus route. 



Yes - butterflies on a bus route. This unexpected behavior requires planning and memory, so it's no surprise that the brain circuits underpinning these skills are the hot topic of the study on Heliconius butterflies.



"Rather than having a random route of foraging, these butterflies apparently choose fixed routes between floral resources - akin to a bus route," said study co-author Dr. Stephen Montgomery. 



"The planning and memory processes needed for this behavior are fulfilled by the assemblies of neurons inside the mushroom bodies, hence why we're fascinated by the internal circuitry throughout."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-butterfly-brain">Implications of the butterfly brain</h2>



The story of the Heliconius butterfly adds intriguing depth to our understanding of evolution and cognitive development in small-brained species. 



Insights gained from these butterflies challenge traditional assumptions regarding the correlation between brain size and cognitive capabilities across species. 



Despite their small statures, the intricate brain structures of Heliconius showcase immense cognitive prowess, suggesting that evolutionary pressures have profoundly influenced their neural development to optimize for specific ecological challenges. 



This raises questions about the adaptive value of these cognitive traits and how they might vary among Heliconius species spread across diverse environments. 



Such comparative studies between different species or even colonies of Heliconius can shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms driving brain complexity and its connection to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-learn-about-butterflies-day-an-enchanting-world-awaits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptive behaviors</a>.



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



The discoveries surrounding the Heliconius butterfly's neurological and behavioral adaptations present an exciting avenue for future research endeavors. 



A key area of interest lies in the potential genetic underpinnings that contribute to the unique development of the butterfly's brain. Further genetic and molecular analyses could provide a comprehensive understanding of how specific genetic expressions are linked to the observed cognitive feats. 



Additionally, advances in neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques open new possibilities for tracing neural activity in real-time, offering a more dynamic understanding of cognitive processing during foraging activities. 



These future studies not only promise to unveil the mysteries behind the Heliconius butterfly's remarkable capabilities but also hold broader implications for the field of neurobiology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-investigation-of-the-butterfly-brain">Further investigation of the butterfly brain</h2>



With this study adding significantly to our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-create-silk-seatbelts-to-strap-in-for-metamorphosis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive innovation</a> in the neural circuits, the research team is set to delve further into the butterfly brain, exploring beyond the memory centers and mapping the brain at an even higher resolution.



"I was really fascinated by the fact that we see such high degrees of conservation in brain anatomy and evolution, but then very prominent but distinct changes," said Dr. Farnworth.



"This is a really fascinating and beautiful example of a layer of biodiversity we don't usually see, the diversity of brain and sensory systems, and the ways in which animals are processing and using the information provided by the environment around them," concluded Dr. Montgomery.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01337-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Extraordinary memory skills discovered in a small-brained butterfly

Deep in the tropics where sunlight filters through the leafy...

An incredible adventure under the volcanic ridges off South America has led to an amazing discovery. A variety of creatures, from tiny worms and snails to giant tubeworms and even more surprising life forms, are thriving in the dark waters of hydrothermal vents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-beneath-hydrothermal-vents">Life beneath hydrothermal vents</h2>



Hydrothermal vents, the source of these hot springs, have long been the subject of research and study. 



These underwater chimneys of heat and energy are hubs of activity, attracting a wide variety of fauna that thrives in their immediate vicinity.



It was largely thought that the only life forms that could survive beneath these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents-provide-clues-about-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vents</a> would be microbes and viruses. 



However, our understanding of these habitats took an about-turn when a curious underwater robot, in the summer of last year, disturbed volcanic slabs to reveal a surprisingly diverse ecosystem beneath.



“This was totally unexpected,” said study co-author Sabine Gollner with the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-ecosystem">Unseen ecosystem</h2>



Researchers propose that young creatures from the surface could be utilizing these vents for travel, eventually settling in the depths, creating a dynamic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-new-hydrothermal-vents-discovered-in-the-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interconnected ecosystem</a>. 



Future exploration will hopefully shed more light on whether similar colonies of animal life exist beneath other hydrothermal vents across the globe.



“This is an initial discovery that’s really promising,” said Jason Sylvan, a microbiologist at <a href="https://www.tamu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M University</a> who was not involved with the research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-clusters-around-hydrothermal-vents">Life clusters around hydrothermal vents</h2>



The expedition lasted 30 days and took place on the research vessel "Falkor (too)" from the Schmidt Ocean Institute. 



The team set out on an incredible adventure to explore an undersea volcano that’s part of the East Pacific Rise, just off the coast of Central America.



This volcanic ridge, a product of the meeting of tectonic plates on the Pacific seabed, is peppered with hydrothermal vents. 



A variety of unique sea life clusters around these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/knipovich-ridge-new-hydrothermal-field-arctic-intense-geological-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vents</a>, known to spew out elements essential for their survival at such extreme depths.



Many of these areas beneath the vents, however, have remained largely unexplored until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-under-rocks">Life under rocks</h2>



Using a remotely operated vehicle, SuBastian, the researchers were able to flip over portions of the seafloor, revealing caves connected to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-giant-riftia-tubeworms-survive-on-deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal vents</a>. 



These caves were teeming with life, including giant tube worms and other fascinating creatures. 



The discovery suggests a strong connection and interaction between the ecosystems of the seafloor and its underworld, allowing for the possibility of life thriving in unexpected places beneath the ocean floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underworld-of-the-seafloor">"Underworld" of the seafloor</h2>



Hydrothermal vents have been an area of interest for scientists for the past 50 years, with unique ecosystems developing around these heat sources.



It has been observed that shifting tectonic plates give rise to new hydrothermal vents over time, and certain foundational seafloor animals like tube worms have been known to colonize these new vents within a few years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-earth-s-lifeforms">New perspective on Earth's lifeforms</h2>



This discovery provides a new perspective on deep-sea hydrothermal vents and their endemic animal life. 



It suggests a symbiotic relationship between the vent animals above and below the surface, reliant on the vent fluid from beneath and oxygen in the seawater from above.



The discovery of life in this previously unknown sub-habitat suggests that the ocean depths and its floor may host many more organisms than documented earlier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-hydrothermal-life-studies">Next steps in hydrothermal life studies</h2>



Going forward, the team is keen on investigating the possibility of life beneath all deep-sea hydrothermal vents and exploring the extent of these underground caves.



However, extreme care must be taken when studying these delicate ecosystems. The researchers are conscious of minimizing disturbance, with the recent study only involving the lifting of six small squares of the seafloor, each measuring about 20 by 20 inches. 



There is concern that any major disruption, such as large-scale drilling or deep-sea mining, could potentially alter the course of the hydrothermal vents and disrupt the connected ecosystems, posing a threat to the life forms dwelling there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-life-under-hydrothermal-vents-is-important">Why life under hydrothermal vents is important</h2>



Hydrothermal vent ecosystems are fascinating and hold important lessons for both marine biology and the search for life beyond Earth. 



These vibrant communities thrive in extreme conditions that seem unwelcoming, pushing us to rethink what we know about where life can survive. 



One of the coolest aspects is how these habitats rely on chemosynthesis instead of photosynthesis, using chemical energy from minerals released by the vents. 



This unique survival strategy not only captivates marine ecologists but also sparks our imagination about the possibility of life on other planets, where sunlight might be hard to come by, but chemical energy could be plentiful.



This research not only sheds light on the mysterious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underworld of the ocean</a> but also highlights the importance of attentive and responsible exploration. It is a testimony to the fact that there is still much to be learned about our planet, often in the places we least expect.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52631-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Strange creatures found living under the seafloor near hydrothermal vents

An incredible adventure under the volcanic ridges off South America...

A recent study on aquaculture reveals that the journey from ocean to oven might be more complex and increasingly unsustainable.



Do you ever wonder how salmon or trout makes it to your dinner plate? While you might be thinking of a quaint fishing boat bobbing peacefully in the ocean, the reality could be quite different.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-side-of-aquaculture">Hidden side of aquaculture</h2>



The study reveals that our global aquaculture industry, commonly known as fish farming, potentially relies on much more wild-caught fish than we had previously anticipated. 



This revelation shakes the long-standing belief of a sustainable aquaculture industry and proposes a range of plausible estimates on its actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquaculture-now-produces-more-food-than-wild-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on wild fish</a> populations.



The new insights are the result of rigorous research conducted by an international team of scientists from the University of Miami <a href="https://www.earth.miami.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science</a>, Oceana, and New York University.



The team has reconsidered the "fish-in:fish-out" (FI:FO) ratio – a significant metric used to judge the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ratio-of-wild-caught-fish">Ratio of wild-caught fish</h2>



The study suggests that the ratio of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/90-percent-of-the-worlds-aquaculture-faces-substantial-risk-from-human-induced-environmental-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild-caught fish</a> used as input to farmed fish yielded as output is somewhere between 27% and 307% higher than previous estimates.



This could mean that for every farmed fish reaching our tables, up to 1.78 wild fish might have been used in the process, a far cry from the earlier estimate of only 0.28. Particularly for carnivorous farmed species like salmon, trout, and eel, the wild fish used might be double the farmed fish produced.



"Our study reveals that the aquaculture industry relies more heavily on wild fish extraction than previous research has suggested,” said lead author Spencer Roberts, a doctoral student at the Rosenstiel School in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy.



“This demonstrates the scale at which aquaculture could be impacting marine ecosystems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-reliance-on-wild-fish">Overlooked reliance on wild fish </h2>



The research team dug deep and brought to light previously overlooked sources of wild fish in aquaculture feed, such as trimmings and by-products from wild-caught fish. 



The experts also factored in collateral fishing mortality, like the practice of "slipping" where unwanted catch is released, but most don't survive.



Jennifer Jacquet is a co-author of the study and a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the Rosenstiel School.



"This research shows that the assumptions we have made about carnivorous aquaculture have been too optimistic, and is another reason to think strategically about the kinds of aquatic species it makes the most sense to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass produce</a>,” said Professor Jacquet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trade-offs-in-the-aquaculture-industry">Trade-offs in the aquaculture industry </h2>



The study also casts light on the environmental trade-offs made in attempts to reduce wild fish use in aquaculture feed. The decline in wild fish use would require a five-fold increase in the use of terrestrial crops instead. 



The study ominously suggests that the aquaculture industry's rapidly increasing reliance on by-products and trimmings hasn't phased out the capture and use of whole wild fish for feed.



Dr. Patricia Majluf is a senior scientist with <a href="https://oceana.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceana</a> in Peru, home to the world's largest fishmeal fishery.



"The offshore aquaculture industry is growing so rapidly that the wild-caught fish are not being replaced in their feed. Instead, other feed sources are merely supplementing wild fish use," explained Dr. Majluf.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dependency-of-aquaculture-on-wild-fish">Dependency of aquaculture on wild fish</h2>



The research exposes the need to reevaluate current aquaculture practices under the lens of sustainability.



It's becoming increasingly clear that merely supplementing diets with terrestrial crops or leveraging by-products will not suffice in mitigating the environmental impacts highlighted by this research. 



An interdisciplinary approach involving marine biologists, ecologists, and economists could guide the development of innovative solutions to reduce dependency on wild fish. 



We must explore alternatives not only for feed but for the aquaculture production process as a whole to strike a balance between meeting global food demands and preserving marine ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-seafood-strategies">Sustainable seafood strategies </h2>



As aquaculture remains a critical component of global food security, we must turn our attention towards pioneering technology and sustainable methodologies.



Industry leaders are called to invest in research and development aiming at alternative protein sources, such as insect-based feeds or lab-grown alternatives, which show promise in reducing reliance on wild fish. 



Meanwhile, consumer awareness regarding sustainable seafood choices can drive demand for responsibly farmed species.



The future of aquaculture depends on our collective commitment to innovate and comprehensive policies to promote sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-transparency-and-accountability">Need for transparency and accountability</h2>



This eye-opening study raises important questions for policy-makers, investors, and consumers alike. 



The need for comprehensive and transparent reporting of feed ingredients in the aquaculture industry has never been more important.



"It's crucial that we have a more complete understanding of the industry's impact on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems and reduce these uncertainties,” said study co-author Professor Matthew Hayek of New York University.



As our global demand for seafood continues to balloon, these findings emphasize the urgent need for more transparency in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> farming.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn9698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Aquaculture impacts wild fish much more than we thought

A recent study on aquaculture reveals that the journey from...

A recent revelation spells trouble for bumblebees, or more specifically, for the queens of the hive. Researchers have come across a worrying trend: bumblebee queens seem to prefer soil infested with pesticides for their hibernation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-bumblebee-behavior">Unpredictable bumblebee behavior </h2>



The research was led by Dr. Nigel Raine and Dr. Sabrina Rondeau from the <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Guelph</a>.



"Some bee behaviors are not well understood, and we wanted to see if these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-bumblebees-hold-their-breath-and-survive-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebee queens</a> exhibited avoidance behavior that might reduce their risk of harm from&nbsp;pesticide exposure&nbsp;in the field. But these results were alarming," said Dr. Raine.



The researchers embarked on a field experiment to decipher this puzzling behavior. Newly emerged queens of a common bumblebee, Bombus impatiens, were given the freedom to flit around in outdoor enclosures, mate, and select their hibernation ground.



The choice? It was between pesticide-free soil and soil swimming in a cocktail of five common pesticides. 



The scientists scoured the soils for hibernating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-buzzing-off-bumblebee-senses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">queens</a>. They found that the bees mostly avoided the pesticide-free soil. In fact, the queens were about twice as likely to be drawn to the soil the was polluted with pesticides. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bumblebee-preference-for-contaminated-soil">Bumblebee preference for contaminated soil</h2>



The preference of bumblebees for pesticide-laden soil throws light on a harsh reality that could lead to dire consequences. 



While most bees in the study survived, potential impacts on the colony have been highlighted in the study.



The causes for this aberration are still not clear. However, one thing stands out like a sore thumb - this pattern could significantly affect the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-are-overheating-bumblebee-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these essential pollinators</a>.



"We were not expecting this result," said Dr. Rondeau. "It suggests that queens could actually prefer these contaminated soils, though we don't yet fully understand why."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-driving-this-soil-preference">What is driving this soil preference?</h2>



The silver lining? Well, there is some speculation around why the queens might find pesticide-soaked soil more appealing.



For instance, could the fungicides in the pesticide mix be killing off harmful soil fungi and nematodes, making the soil safer for the queens? 



Or are these queens, like connoisseurs of fine wine, developing a taste for pesticide-infested soil due to prior exposure?



Nothing can be said with absolute certainty, and further research is urgently needed. These new findings could cause a significant shift in how pesticides are used and managed in our agricultural fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-solutions-for-bumblebee-conservation">Effective solutions for bumblebee conservation </h2>



This unexpected behavior of bumblebee queens highlights the need for innovative approaches in bumblebee conservation efforts. 



Conservationists and researchers must now explore mitigation strategies that can offset the detrimental impacts of pesticide preference. 



One potential avenue might include creating designated pesticide-free habitats that appeal to the nesting instincts of the queens, thereby providing safer environments for their hibernation. 



Additionally, public education campaigns could help raise awareness about the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-rusty-patched-bumblebee-faces-extinction-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> and the potential risks they face due to current agricultural practices. 



Collaboration between scientists, farmers, and policymakers will be critical in crafting effective solutions, ensuring that bumblebees continue to thrive and contribute to the biodiversity and productivity of natural ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-soil-for-bumblebees">Safer soil for bumblebees</h2>



Let's face it. Pesticides have been a major culprit contributing to the decline of insects worldwide. They not only cause fatalities but can impair the movement of bees and their ability to feed on nectar and pollen. This spells bad news for our food system.



The big question now is whether the bumblebee queens would be drawn towards contaminated soil in larger spaces as they were in the controlled experiments. Further studies are crucial to determine whether these findings hold true for other bee species.



One thing is clear though - the current assessments of pesticide risks do not consider soil as a significant route of exposure for bees.



"As we move forward, it's crucial to investigate how agricultural practices - like the types of pesticides used, the methods of application and the management of vegetation - impact the accumulation of pesticide residues in soils where queens are likely to hibernate," said Dr. Rondeau.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724066907?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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Bumblebee queens have an odd preference for contaminated soil

A recent revelation spells trouble for bumblebees, or more specifically,...

October 20th is almost here, and that's no ordinary day. International Sloth Day is headed our way, a day to cast a slow but steady spotlight on one of nature's most intriguing animals, the sloth. 



Known for their chilled-out vibes and a love for trees, sloths aren't just the animal world's laid back lounge-lizards. They also play a crucial role in the ecosystems of Central and South America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marking-international-sloth-day">Marking International Sloth Day</h2>



It was the year 2010 when the <a href="https://aiunau.org/en/home-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIUNAU Foundation</a>, a non-profit based in Colombia that champions wildlife conservation, introduced us all to International Sloth Day. But why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-are-struggling-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sloths</a>, and why a whole day just for them?



The idea behind dedicating a day to the sloth is to amp up awareness about these creatures, their habitats, and their role in the natural world. It's a nudge to learn more about sloths, helping conservation efforts, and marvel at their complex existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-to-know-sloths">Getting to know sloths</h2>



Dive into the rainforests of Central and South America and you'll probably spot one of the six species of sloths. They're divided into two categories: three-toed sloths and two-toed sloths. 



But the difference isn't just about the digits on their front limbs. Size and behaviors also set the two-toed sloths (who are peppy and larger) apart from their three-toed relatives.



Sloths are designed to thrive in the treetops. Their long, coarse fur grows differently from most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a>, acting like a nature-made brolly when it pours. 



And there's more to their unique fur. It's a cozy home to organisms like algae, fungi, beetles, moths, and more.&nbsp;International Sloth Day&nbsp;brings attention to how these tenants help sloths blend into their green canopies and ward off predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-marvels-of-sloths">Medical marvels of sloths</h2>



Sloths produce compounds with anti-cancer and antibiotic properties. The relationship between sloths and the organisms in their fur could potentially offer useful insights for new medicines.



In Panama, for example, chemicals isolated from fungi in the fur of three-toed sloths were found to be active against breast cancer and parasites that cause malaria and Chagas disease.



Plus, the complex digestive system of sloths may improve our understanding of digestive disorders. The primarily leaf-eating sloths have a multi-compartment stomach, much like cows. International Sloth Day&nbsp;is dedicated to raising awareness about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-may-hold-a-secret-weapon-against-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these unique traits</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-faced-by-sloths">Threats faced by sloths</h2>



Sloths spend most of their lives upside down, hanging around on trees, all thanks to their specialized tendons that lock their claws onto branches. They might not break any land speed records, but put them in water, and these sloths can swim three times faster than they can move on land.



But just like everyone else, life for sloths isn't always a picnic. The main threat they face is habitat destruction. Deforestation in Central and South America is eating away the natural habitats of sloths, pushing some species to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">edge of extinction</a>. 



Add to that the roads cutting through rainforests and urban expansion, and sloths often face dangerous, even fatal, accidents. But it's not all doom and gloom, as organizations like the AIUNAU Foundation work around the clock to reduce these risks and raise awareness on&nbsp;International Sloth Day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-survival-strategies-of-sloths">Unique survival strategies of sloths</h2>



Sloths, often perceived as the epitome of lethargy, embody a unique energy conservation strategy adapted to their niche environments.



Their slow movements serve as an evolutionary advantage, enabling them to avoid detection by predators while residing predominantly in high treetops. This arboreal lifestyle is complemented by their low metabolic rate, which aligns with their nutritionally sparse diet of leaves. 



By digesting food slowly, spanning over several days, sloths maximize nutrient absorption. Furthermore, their infrequent descent to the forest floor, approximately once a week for defecation, minimizes exposure to threats. 



Understanding these behaviors provides deeper insight into their survival tactics, emphasizing the importance of preserving their natural habitats. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pitching-in-for-international-sloth-day">Pitching in for International Sloth Day</h2>



Conservation efforts for sloths need to pick up the pace. With rainforests shrinking, it’s up to us to help sloths thrive in their homes. 



Joining in on the celebration of International Sloth Day is easy. Educate yourself and others about these gentle creatures.



Support conservation efforts with your time or donations. Even a simple share on social media can help raise awareness about sloth conservation.



On October 20th, let’s not just admire these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique animals</a> - let's embrace their slower pace of life and appreciate the art of doing nothing.



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International Sloth Day 2024: Embracing a slower pace of life

October 20th is almost here, and that's no ordinary day....

For years, the coastline of Maine has been home to an abundance of American lobsters, providing a powerhouse of economic activity through the fishing industry. 



Our understanding of these crustaceans' preferred habitats, namely the boulder shelter regions, has shaped conservation measures for this $740 million industry. However, climate change is now influencing these habitats and lobster behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lobster-habitat-and-climate-change">Lobster habitat and climate change</h2>



Researchers at the University of Maine (UMaine) have discovered some intriguing changes. Between 1995 and 2021, the scientists observed a 60% decline in the lobster population in boulder habitats.



But, where did they go? Well, those naturally shy lobsters have made a surprising shift to sediment or featureless ledge habitats, which have increased in lobster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-solve-lobster-farming-secrets-after-120-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">occupancy</a> by a whopping 633% and 280% respectively.



These areas have minimal geological features to use as shelters, yet more lobsters are calling them home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-choices-of-lobsters">Habitat choices of lobsters</h2>



Overall, the l<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybrid-lobster-species-discovered-with-new-genetic-test/">obster</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybrid-lobster-species-discovered-with-new-genetic-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> population</a> density across all habitats took a nosedive as it became more spread out. It's like they've taken social distancing to heart. 



At the same time, the age group seems to have shifted as well, with more senior lobsters in the mix. Let's not forget our main culprit here – increasing water temperatures.



From 1995-2021, these habitats saw a nearly 3-degree Celsius (5.4-degree Fahrenheit) rise. The lobsters are no fans of the heat and it looks like this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> is playing a part in their habitat choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lobsters-hosting-changes">Lobsters hosting changes</h2>



The changing environment has also seen kelp playgrounds diminish while algal turfs, those small green mats containing various algae species, have multiplied. 



This greener landscape may be influenced by the rising temperatures, but the impact this has on our lobsters remains a fascinating enigma.



“These differences in the way lobsters use their habitats provide context for the lobster stock assessment that helps to determine the health of the entire lobster population,” said study lead author Robert Jarrett, a PhD student in marine biology.



“Some of the annual lobster surveys used in the assessment, like those from the Maine Department of Marine Resources, are restricted in the types of habitats that they can sample, so these findings about habitat help fill in some information gaps and show that over time the lobsters may be shifting between which surveys catch them better.”&nbsp;



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



The team's investigation involved counting and measuring lobsters and reviewing historical data dating back to the 90s.



While lobster population density has waned, adult lobsters have seemingly hit the gym, with greater mean sizes observed in 2021 compared to 1996. These larger lobsters could be due to a decrease in their juvenile kin residing in these habitats. 



Despite this change in size, the lobsters are still on the smaller side, with 93% of them being under 83 millimeters - the legal minimum to be caught and sold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venturing-into-more-open-habitats">Venturing into more open habitats </h2>



In a shocking fashion switch, lobsters are ditching their usual rocky shelters for more open areas within their habitats, and even beds of algae. 



In fact, the number of lobsters found under rocky shelters plummeted by 34% from 2000-2019, while those preferring the open space lifestyle rose by 168%. The lobsters hiding under algae blankets have also increased by 160%.



These changes could very well be due to fewer baby lobsters making it to the seafloor or less competition between individual lobsters. 



The absence of predators might also have encouraged our lobsters to say goodbye to their comfortable boulder homes and venture into more open habitats, choosing algae as their new hideouts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-habitats-of-lobsters">Changing habitats of lobsters</h2>



This fascinating shift under the sea is just another reminder of the impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a> on the marine ecosystem. 



Steneck expressed his awe at the continuous surprises from the world of lobsters, despite them being one of the best-studied commercially important marine species.



At UMaine, students and faculty are dedicated to preserving and propelling the state's blue economy. The findings, like this study on lobsters, provide invaluable insights into the ecological and sociological alterations affecting coastal communities and businesses.



Armed with this knowledge, the researchers are exploring opportunities for new sectors, markets, and resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-lobsters-from-climate-change">Saving lobsters from climate change</h2>



UMaine's Marine Aligned Research, Innovation, and nationally-recognized Education (MARINE) Initiative is at the forefront of this effort, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry, government, and communities.



The combined effort is working to enhance the socioeconomic well-being of people in Maine and beyond.



This study highlights how <a href="https://umaine.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMaine</a> is bolstering Maine's blue economy. As the Gulf of Maine changes, the sustainable management of North America's largest fishery requires us to understand how lobsters are adapting to their habitats.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v746/p87-98/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Ecology Progress Series</a>.



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Lobsters are ditching their old habitats for open water

For years, the coastline of Maine has been home to...

For years scientists have puzzled over the purpose of the unique ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) produced by rats. Many of them have assumed these sounds to be a form of rats social communication, a subtle courtship ritual, much similar to the exquisite songs rendered by birds.



This comparison, however, might not be entirely accurate, as a new perspective suggests rodents could be using these sounds to enhance their olfactory world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unconventional-proposal">Unconventional proposal</h2>



An innovative proposition from an expert in bioacoustics from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a> presents a new perspective. 



The study, published in the journal Neuroscience &amp; Biobehavioral Reviews, indicates that rats might not be communicating through these sounds as we assumed but are using them to stir their environment.



This stirring affects how tiny particles are inhaled into their noses, implying that sound could be an essential tool in enhancing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-nose-is-a-clever-smell-prediction-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of smell</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-molecular-interactions-of-particles">Controlling molecular interactions of particles</h2>



"This phenomenon has never been observed before, or I believe even suspected, in any animal," said Dr. Eduardo Mercado III, a professor of psychology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences. "They're creating new pathways of information by manipulating their environment and controlling the molecular interactions of particles around them."



This means that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-rats-have-an-imagination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rats</a> might not be flirting but surveying their surroundings using a process that could revolutionize our understanding. 



"It's so far off the scale of what we know that it's like we're observing 'Jedi' rats," said Mercado. "It almost seems like magic."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rats-identify-others-through-sound">Rats identify others through sound</h2>



Rodent exploration involves stroking surfaces with their whiskers, visually scanning, and perpetually <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-sniff-the-air-and-ground-to-track-the-source-of-a-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sniffing</a>. 



Mercado discovered that rodents consistently sniffed right after producing each USV. This observation led to the hypothesis that ultrasound could be used to manipulate particles, a technique known in the field of vibroacoustics.



Artificially produced ultrasonic vibrations, or vibroacoustics, cause airborne particles to cluster. With this in mind, rodents might be using USVs to create "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tricking-animals-with-odor-could-save-plants-from-browsing-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor</a> clusters," thereby enhancing the reception of pheromones.



This indicates that the rats' sounds are making it easier for them to detect and identify friends, strangers, and competitors in their surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manipulating-nanoparticles-with-sound">Manipulating nanoparticles with sound</h2>



Rodent vocalizations have critical implications in research related to various human disorders, especially those relating to communication, social behavior, and emotional processing. These include conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism. 



But, if this new hypothesis stands the test, it will necessitate a reevaluation of findings from these studies.



"Rodents, especially rats and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mummified-mice-found-on-volcano-summits-were-extreme-mountaineers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a>, are the unsung heroes of the scientific world," said Jessica Zhou, a student researcher at Harvard University and co-author of the paper.



From an evolutionary perspective, there is evidence to suggest that the use of smell in exploration drove the evolution of attention and memory. This new understanding can also potentially lead to groundbreaking technologies. 



"The fact that we were oblivious to anything like this being possible means we don't have the understanding yet for how nanoparticles might be sonically manipulated for complex uses," said Mercado. But, if nature has already solved the problem for us, it could give us a significant head start.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rats-using-ultrasonic-sound">Rats using ultrasonic sound</h2>



The discovery of rodents using ultrasonic vocalizations to manipulate their environment could pave the way for groundbreaking innovations in both biology and engineering.



This newfound mechanism has the potential to inspire the development of technologies in fields such as particle manipulation, nanotechnology, and even air filtration systems.



The ability of rats to influence particles through ultrasonic sound waves suggests that similar principles could be applied in designing devices to control or cluster particles.



This could lead to advancements in areas like air quality monitoring, where precise manipulation of particles is crucial, or in developing odor detection technologies for security or medical applications.



Additionally, the findings open the door for further exploration of how other animals might use sound in unexpected ways to interact with their surroundings. 



Future research may reveal similar phenomena in other species, prompting a reevaluation of how animals engage with their environments and the role of sound in sensory processing.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0149763424003774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuroscience &amp; Biobehavioral Reviews</a>.



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'Jedi rats' manipulate sound to supercharge their sense of smell

For years scientists have puzzled over the purpose of the...

Have you ever heard tales of the full moon's mysterious power, casting a spell over everything from werewolves to mischievous spirits? Well, there's a new story in town, and it has its roots in reality. New research suggests that moonlight deeply impacts the behavior of tropical animals.



The new findings reveal a startling truth: around half of the mammal species in tropical forests alter their behaviors in sync with the moon's phases and the resulting changes in light levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-degradation-and-tropical-animals">Habitat degradation and tropical animals</h2>



The study was led by Lydia Beaudrot, an ecologist at Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) who specializes in tropical ecology and conservation. Beaudrot was part of a global team of researchers taking part in this enlightening study.



With human development aggressively intruding on some of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-mammals-live-depends-more-on-climate-than-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">darkest corners of our planet</a> - including the shadowy underbellies of tropical forests - scientists are hustling to understand what's happening in these ecosystems when the sun goes down.



“This research has implications for how habitat degradation may impact some tropical animals,” Beaudrot said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-photography">Role of photography</h2>



To grasp how tropical animals respond to natural moonlight changes, the research team had a look at over 2.1 million photos. These snapshots were captured by automatic wildlife cameras installed across 17 protected forests spread over three continents.



The bulk of these images were sourced from the Tropical Ecology &amp; Assessment and Monitoring network (TEAM), which Beaudrot describes as an "incredible resource for the scientific community."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moonlight-impact-on-tropical-animals">Moonlight impact on tropical animals</h2>



By pouring over these images, the researchers teased out how 86 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammal-evolution-kicked-off-with-daring-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammal species</a> altered their nocturnal habits based on changing nighttime light levels. What they found was that around half of the species examined changed their activity levels, timing, or both in response to fluctuations in light levels.



Among the 86 species studied, 12 remarkably avoided moonlight, while three were more likely to come out when the moon was lighting up the night.



Richard Bischof, a professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (<a href="https://www.nmbu.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NMBU</a>) and a first author on the paper, said these species exhibited the most pronounced reactions. 



"For tropical forest animals that are awake at night, not all nights are the same. In fact, which species are active depends a lot on the moon,” explained Professor Bischof. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responses-to-lunar-phases">Responses to lunar phases</h2>



Interestingly, about half of the species studied showed some change in behavior in response to lunar phases. Overall, 30% of species steered clear of the moonlight, while around 20% seemed attracted to it.



Increased illumination might make food easier to find and terrain simpler to navigate. But it also makes an animal more visible - a disadvantage for species that rely on the cover of night to move around undetected.



The startling impact of light even in the dim forest understory raises concerns about how habitat degradation and fragmentation might reshape forest communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moonlight-and-mammal-evolution">Moonlight and mammal evolution </h2>



As we hunt deeper into the moon's impact on tropical mammals, it's important to consider the evolutionary adaptations that may have shaped these responses. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> has been a consistent presence over millennia, casting its glow upon the earth and subtly influencing the survival strategies of nocturnal creatures. 



Animals that have evolved under these conditions may possess heightened sensitivities to changes in lunar luminosity, enabling them to make crucial decisions about movement and activity. 



Such adaptations could confer advantages in predator avoidance and resource acquisition, but they also underscore the delicate balance these species maintain with their environment. 



Understanding these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mammals-have-evolved-over-66-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary nuances</a> provides invaluable insight into the intricate web of life within tropical ecosystems.



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



With the compelling evidence of the moon's role in shaping nocturnal behaviors, it becomes imperative for conservation efforts to consider lunar influences when devising strategies to protect tropical wildlife. 



As human encroachment continues to fragment these delicate ecosystems, safeguarding areas that preserve natural light cycles is crucial. 



Effective conservation plans must address the dual threats of habitat degradation and artificial light pollution, which can further disrupt these natural patterns. 



Collaborating with local communities to enhance awareness and involvement is key to promoting sustainable practices that harmonize human activities with ecological preservation. 



Only through concerted global efforts can we ensure that the moon's timeless dance with the tropical night continues to guide the rhythms of its inhabitants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-mammals-and-mankind">Moon, mammals, and mankind</h2>



As human activity continues to degrade and fragment habitats, biodiversity may hang in the balance. With forests cleared and natural resources plundered, pollution poses ominous threats to soil, water, and air. 



Even our nocturnal animal friends, relying on darkness for safety and stealth, find their sacred night disrupted.



In these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-geographic-isolation-shaped-global-species-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transformed environments</a>, thinned forest canopies provide less cover from natural light, and artificial light sources throw natural cycles off balance.



The result of these changes? Some animals may miss crucial opportunities to find food or explore new locations. Consequently, many species might struggle to adapt, and entire ecological communities could suffer a loss.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0683" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Tropical animals change their behavior in response to moonlight

Have you ever heard tales of the full moon's mysterious...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" 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> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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