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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Looking back at the Cretaceous period, one cannot help but marvel at the dominance of the hadrosaurs, often referred to as duck-billed dinosaurs. The most advanced herbivores of their time, hadrosaurs, with their formidable teeth, were anything but passive eaters. New research reveals that these colossal creatures went through average teeth every two months, all thanks to their voracious appetite for plants. They may have had hundreds of thousands of teeth throughout their lifetime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embarking-on-a-jurassic-journey">Embarking on a Jurassic journey</h2>



To comprehend the dietary dynamics of these herbivores, we need to navigate back in time and trace the evolutionary trajectory of the ornithopods - a group of dinosaurs that encompassed the likes of Iguanodon, Hypsilophodon, rare rhabdodontids, and, of course, the hadrosaurs.



These plant-eating machines, comparable to modern-day cows and sheep in their feeding frenzy, first made their appearance in the Middle Jurassic. By the time the Cretaceous period took over, they were the reigning herbivores across vast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-comptonatus-chasei-most-complete-discovered-unique-traits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swathes of the world</a>.



The journey of hadrosaurs is much like a small start-up company evolving into a multinational corporation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hadrosaurs-used-teeth-as-tools">Hadrosaurs used teeth as tools</h2>



The research was led by Dr. Attila Ősi from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> in Hungary. She highlights the drastic changes in the teeth and jaws of ornithopods during their evolution. 



The Iguanodon, an early member of the group, took over 200 days to form their teeth and consumed at least the same amount of time to wear them down through chewing.



Fast forward to the end of the Cretaceous, and we see that hadrosaurs gnawed through their teeth in merely 50 days.



Clearly, the later ornithopods were binge-eating on tough plants that rapidly eroded their teeth. They needed to deploy reinforcements, building up reserves of teeth in their skulls to prevent themselves from going hungry. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbivory-harder-than-it-looks">Herbivory: Harder than it looks</h2>



Being a vegetarian isn’t an easy job, especially if you’re a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-teeth-reveal-their-eating-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a>. While meat dissipates easily in the gut, plants are composed of tough fibers and complex carbohydrates that are a bit more challenging to digest. 



It calls for teeth to lead the charge, breaking open plants and cutting them into smaller pieces for gut bacteria to disintegrate more efficiently.



“Across a herbivore's life, its teeth gradually wear down," explained study co-author Professor Paul Barrett. The constant wear and tear eventually led to the end of the tooth and subsequently the end of the animal, at least in the case of some mammals.



However, reptiles appear to have dodged this dental dilemma by continually producing new teeth. As a result, dinosaur teeth have become the holy grail for researchers delving into early animal evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformation-of-ornithopod-chompers">Transformation of ornithopod chompers</h2>



The study focused extensively on the teeth and jaws of ornithopods, the planet’s most advanced herbivores in their time. Examination of well-preserved skulls offers a glimpse into the transformation of the dinosaurs' skulls, with increasingly complex features best suited for plant-eating.



“At the start, they had single rows of fairly simple teeth with limited wear, probably because these dinosaurs focused on fruits and softer plants," said Professor Paul.



These early ornithopods evolved into hadrosaurs with numerous teeth, a large blade-like edge on one side, and ridges on the other. This unique structure ensured sharp teeth as they ground against each other.



The evolution of ornithopods also marked new ways of jaw movement, allowing them to grind plants down even further. Their bodies grew larger to house more extensive guts better suited to release nutrients from plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-hadrosaur-teeth">Mystery of hadrosaur teeth</h2>



So what triggered this evolution of tough teeth? Scientists believe that the diet of dinosaurs was dictated by the kind of plants available. One theory suggests that the rise of flowering plants might have influenced their dietary preferences. 



Microscopic wear patterns on teeth indicate changes in the type of plants consumed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredibly-unusual-dinosaur-unearthed-in-mississippi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> over time. Could the emergence of flowers be the reason? 



"While it is suspicious that the flowering plants start to diversify around this time, they were still pretty uncommon at the time," noted Professor Paul.



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



With their study on ornithopods completed, the team aims to extend their research to other herbivorous dinosaurs, like the ankylosaurs or the horned dinosaurs. Unveiling the dietary preferences and subsequent evolution of these creatures could help us better understand why they thrived during their time. 



"If we can find out what changes herbivores were going through at the time, it will give us a much better chance of understanding the place of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-with-huge-blade-like-horns-discovered-in-montana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> in the ecosystems of the Mesozoic Era," said Dr. Attila.



The teeth of dinosaurs offer a fascinating window into the world of the Cretaceous period, unraveling the mysterious ways in which these creatures evolved and thrived.



So, the next time you're biting into your favorite plant-based snack, spare a thought for the complex evolutionary processes that enabled us and our ancient ancestors to enjoy our greens. Who knew teeth could tell such compelling tales?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51697-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Some plant-eating dinosaurs chewed through thousands of teeth

Looking back at the Cretaceous period, one cannot help but...

The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) has taken coral reef research to a whole new level. Dr. Julian Lilkendey and an international team of dedicated researchers have combined innovative AI technologies with stereo-video technology to study the movements of reef fish in the Red Sea with startling precision.



But how does this marvel work? Well, imagine a camera that can capture the tiniest detail and AI that paints every aspect of a 3D moving image.



This revolutionary technique takes us beyond the conventional two-dimensional observations, allowing for an in-depth study of the reef and its inhabitants. Just as we peel an onion layer by layer, these researchers are peeling back the mysteries of the sea.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="mZgUie5TWE-3827453-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



Diving deeper into this fascinating study, two species of surgeonfish became the stars. The team noticed some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intriguing behavior</a>.&nbsp;



The Brown surgeonfish seemed to prefer feasting on algae that grew on dead corals, while the Yellowtail tang was fond of a more varied palate, munching on algae found on sedimentary rock, coral rubble, and sand.



The researchers didn't stop at just observations. They used this advanced set up to estimate the energy expenditure of these fish as they moved and foraged around their natural habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-coral-reef-fish">AI and coral reef fish</h2>



What makes this research possible? AI. Dr. Julian Lilkendey described the advanced technologies used for the study. 



The team used YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once version 5), a real-time object detection neural network. Tuned with additional background images from the Red Sea, the AI was able to recognize and classify the fish species.



But the real challenge lay in training the AI model for species recognition. With limited specific training images, the team turned to the citizen science website iNaturalist for publicly accessible photos. The results were spectacular.



Next, they used the DeepSORT (Simple Online and Realtime Tracking with a Deep Association Metric) algorithm for 3D data acquisition. This impressive algorithm generates detailed 3D movement patterns of the fish, even when they sometimes disappear or are obscured by other objects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tales-of-coral-reefs-using-ai">Tales of coral reefs using AI</h2>



All this high-tech research isn't for naught. The findings have given us unique insights into the role of surgeonfish and their importance in maintaining the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-reveal-the-health-of-coral-reefs-in-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological balance of our coral reefs</a>.&nbsp;



"The Brown surgeonfish demonstrated specialized feeding behavior, preferring certain algae growing on specific substrates, in contrast to the generalized feeding behavior of the Yellowtail tang," said Dr. Lilkendey.



"Despite their low biomass, both species significantly contribute to reef grazing, using the energy obtained from food with similar efficiency in their movements."



Dr. Lilkendey also noted that changes in the feeding behavior and energy expenditure of surgeonfish could directly impact the health and biodiversity of the entire reef ecosystem.



The sophisticated methodological approach employed by the researchers has significantly enhanced their ability to explore the intricate dynamics of fish behavior and energy flows in aquatic ecosystems. 



By utilizing advanced techniques and innovative models, they can analyze various factors influencing fish interactions and energy transfer within their habitats. 



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



The methods used for the study are not only providing deeper insights into behavioral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restored-coral-reefs-can-bounce-back-in-just-four-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> but are also facilitating the creation of "Energy Seascapes."



This concept allows scientists to visualize and understand the spatial distribution of energy resources in marine environments, ultimately contributing to more effective conservation strategies and sustainable management of fish populations. The implications of this research could reshape our understanding of marine ecology.



The findings are nothing short of revolutionary. They're our ticket to understanding how energy is absorbed, transformed, and distributed within the reef. And this wealth of knowledge? It's invaluable for developing health indicators and formulating novel protective measures for our reefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-in-ai-and-reef-fish-research">What’s next in AI and reef fish research?</h2>



With this new research methodology, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">possibilities are endless</a>. We're no longer just spectators, we're part of the scene, witnessing the lives of these fish, understanding their movements and behavior, and the energy they expend. 



It's a lens into the future, a chance to get a closer look at the ecological makeup of our underwater world.



So, what can we expect to discover next? Only time will tell. What matters most, though, is how we use this knowledge to protect the fragile balance of our planet's ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.11070" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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AI illuminates fish interactions in coral reefs

The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) has taken...

Vultures, much like humans, tend to prefer the comfort and security of familiarity as they age, seeking out predictable routines and long-standing relationships that provide a sense of stability. 



This shift towards regularity and consistent social circles reflects a natural inclination to rely on known resources and trusted companions, minimizing risks and conserving energy.



New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on this phenomenon among Griffon vultures. 



The study reveals that young Griffon vultures are far more nomadic and socially adventurous, frequently moving between different sleeping sites and engaging with numerous companions. 



This exploratory behavior allows younger vultures to gather critical information about food sources and potential threats, aiding their survival in the unpredictable landscapes they inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-vultures-the-nomadic-phase">Young vultures: The Nomadic phase</h2>



“What we found was as they age, their loyalty to certain roost sites increases,” said Noa Pinter-Wollman, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> and co-author of the study. 



“Young vultures check out many different roosts but in middle age, they start going repeatedly to the same places.” 



Younger vultures tend to avoid the most popular roosts, possibly feeling intimidated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-blue-tits-have-a-mating-advantage-that-involves-cheating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older birds</a> or avoiding potential conflict, reminiscent of an avian version of “Hey you kids, get off my lawn.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-middle-age-stronger-bonds">Middle age: Stronger bonds</h2>



The study highlights that, similar to humans, older Griffon vultures form fewer but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-social-bonds-promote-healthy-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stronger social bonds</a>, prioritizing quality over quantity in their relationships.



As they age, Griffon vultures also establish specific movement routines, preferring to return to the same familiar roosts and consistently associating with the same social circles.



The predictable patterns reflect their desire for stability and the benefits that come with established territories and social structures. This behavior is closely linked to their accumulated knowledge about food resources and environmental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-patterns-of-griffon-vultures">Life patterns of griffon vultures</h2>



Griffon vultures, scientifically known as Gyps fulvus, inhabit the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India. With impressive wingspans reaching up to 9 feet, they are much larger than North American turkey vultures and even bigger than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bald-eagles-dont-only-eat-fish-as-prairie-dogs-will-attest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bald eagles</a>. 



Their diet primarily consists of animal carcasses, which are unpredictable and often fleeting. 



Roosting sites become vital "information hubs" where vultures can signal to others about food availability, forming friendships that enhance their survival chances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-griffon-vultures-over-time">Tracking griffon vultures over time</h2>



The researchers aimed to understand how Griffon vultures' movement patterns and social behaviors evolve throughout their lives. 



By analyzing GPS data from 142 individually tagged birds in Israel over a 15-year period, they cross-referenced the vultures’ ages with their movement and social interactions at roost sites. 



The study revealed that young vultures are highly exploratory, rarely staying in the same place for two consecutive nights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-exploration-to-familiarity">From exploration to familiarity</h2>



“When they are old, from the age of 10 onward, they no longer have the energy to be ‘out and about’ and return consistently to the same site,” said corresponding author Orr Spiegel from <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>. 



As vultures aged, their social interactions also shifted, with the strength of their bonds with non-close friends declining. 



Older vultures increasingly preferred the company of a few close friends and exhibited more predictable movement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-behavioral-shifts">Understanding behavioral shifts</h2>



This long-term study, tracking the same vultures over nearly 12 consecutive years, provides insights into behavioral changes in aging birds. 



The findings support similar observations in other species, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-ties-influence-the-social-behavior-of-aging-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging animals</a> exhibit greater fidelity to familiar sites and routines and become more selective in their social relationships. 



These behavioral shifts offer valuable insights into how animal populations navigate their environments and interact with their peers, aiding in developing better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> strategies.



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



“It looks like they just get set in their ways,” noted Pinter-Wollman. “They’ve gathered information over the years, and they might as well use it. Carcasses are hard to come by, and roosts are information hubs.”



For Griffon vultures, this might involve protecting essential roosting sites and using knowledge of their social dynamics to mitigate threats like poisoning.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2407298121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Older griffon vultures have fewer friends with stronger bonds

Vultures, much like humans, tend to prefer the comfort and...

Once upon a time, a destructive “tag-team” of natural forces triggered catastrophic mass marine extinctions that reshaped the course of evolution on Earth, paving the way for new forms of life.



This powerful duo wasn't made up of marauding warriors or mythical monsters but rather the elemental forces of nature we still encounter today: land and sea.



Acting in deadly harmony, these powerful elements transformed marine life, disrupted entire ecosystems, and altered the planet's history forever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mass-extinction-events-of-marine-species">Mass extinction events of marine species</h2>



In a recent study, researchers led by the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> present startling new explanations for these drastic events.



The scientists have shed new light on an age-old enigma: the sequence of traumatic environmental crises known as oceanic anoxic events that occurred between 185 and 85 million years ago.



During these events, the oceans were dangerously low on dissolved oxygen, throwing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> into turmoil and leading to mass extinctions of marine species.



"Oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) are transient perturbations to the global carbon cycle, during which large regions of the oceans are depleted in dissolved oxygen," noted the researchers.



"The resulting euxinic (anoxic and sulfidic) waters are highly toxic, leading to biological turnover events and, in extreme cases, mass extinctions of marine biota."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triggers-for-the-extinction-events">Triggers for the extinction events</h2>



"Oceanic anoxic events were like hitting the reset button on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystems-classified-for-the-first-time-across-the-entire-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s ecosystems</a>. The challenge was understanding which geological forces hit the button," said study lead author Professor Tom Gernon.



The study was an international effort, bringing together minds from universities in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States.



The researchers set out to investigate how ocean chemistry was altered by the impact of tectonic shifts during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-not-the-only-animals-that-grew-fast-during-the-mesozoic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesozoic era</a>, often known as the age of the dinosaurs.



The Mesozoic era marked the disintegration of Gondwana, a once vast landmass that dinosaurs claimed as their dominion.



"The Mesozoic era witnessed the breakup of this landmass, in turn bringing intense volcanic activity worldwide. As tectonic plates shifted and new seafloors formed, large amounts of phosphorus, a nutrient essential for life, were released from weathering volcanic rocks into the oceans," explained Professor Gernon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-sea-and-mass-marine-extinctions">Land, sea, and mass marine extinctions</h2>



According to Professor Gernon, the team found evidence of multiple pulses of chemical weathering on both the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-seafloor-nutrients-support-the-entire-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seafloor</a> and continents, which alternately disrupted the oceans. "It’s like a geological tag-team," he added.



The timing of these weathering pulses eerily lined up with most oceanic anoxic events.



The researchers propose that the weathering-triggered influx of phosphorus to the ocean acted like a natural fertilizer, boosting the growth of marine organisms. But this seemingly beneficial fertilization had a disastrous flip side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-oxygen-depletion">Widespread oxygen depletion </h2>



The surge in biological activity resulted in large amounts of organic matter sinking to the ocean floor, consuming significant quantities of oxygen in their wake. 



This led to vast regions of the oceans becoming oxygen-depleted or anoxic, effectively becoming "dead zones" where most marine life could not survive.



“The anoxic events typically lasted around one to two million years and had profound impacts on marine ecosystems, the legacy of which even felt today," said study co-author Professor Benjamin Mills.



These events also led to the accumulation of organic matter-rich rocks, which today form the largest source of commercial oil and gas reserves globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-in-today-s-oceans">Echoes in today's oceans</h2>



This mass extinction study not only offers answers to historical biological upheaval but also shines a spotlight on the dire effects of nutrient overloading in contemporary marine environments.



There is a haunting parallel with human activities today that have reduced oceanic oxygen levels by about two percent, causing a significant expansion in anoxic water masses.



“Studying geological events offers valuable insights that can help us grasp how the Earth may respond to future climatic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plants-thrive-under-environmental-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental stresses</a>," said Professor Gernon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deadly-symbiosis">A deadly symbiosis</h2>



Ultimately, the research illuminates a potent connection between Earth’s solid interior and its surface environment and biosphere, especially during periods of tectonic and climatic upheaval.



“It’s remarkable how a chain of events within the Earth can impact the surface, often with devastating effects," noted the researchers. "Tearing continents apart can have profound repercussions for the course of evolution."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01496-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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What caused marine mass extinctions millions of years ago?

Once upon a time, a destructive “tag-team” of natural forces...

When we think of climate change, we often focus on loftier issues – melting ice caps, rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms. However, the effects of climate change aren't simply grand-scale phenomena; they seep into our everyday world, altering delicate balances that sustain life as we know it. 



In a recent study, researchers from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (<a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JMU</a>) investigated the impacts of global warming on the humble lives of bumblebees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battle-of-the-bumblebee">Battle of the bumblebee</h2>



Bumblebees - beloved for their fuzzy bodies and industrious nature - are vital cogs in natural and agricultural processes. 



If you relish every bite of your apple, cherish the beauty of blooming flowers, or value the vast spectrum of biodiversity, you have the hardworking bumblebee to thank. But did you know these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-showcase-smart-logical-reasoning-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buzzing pollinators</a> are living on borrowed time? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impact-on-bumblebees">Climate change impact on bumblebees</h2>



The JMU team found that, despite their robust appearance, bumblebees are delicate creatures that are especially susceptible to changes in temperature.



Thanks to their natural predisposition towards cooler habitats, these tiny pollinators are increasingly feeling the heat, quite literally.



"Bumblebees are important pollinators in natural and agricultural systems. They therefore have a high economic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-spread-viruses-to-bumblebees-in-the-spring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity value</a>," noted Dr. Sabine Nooten, head of the study. Yet, rising temperatures could spell doom for these intricate creatures.



In a series of experiments, bumblebees found themselves navigating an artificial heatwave, akin to the rising global temperatures we see today. The results? Well, let’s just say it left these buzzing beauties in a bit of a hot mess.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staggering-consequences">Staggering consequences</h2>



Retaining the ability to detect floral scents is paramount for bumblebees. The fragrances emitted by flowers serve as chemical signposts, detailing their location and the state of the flowers.



The 40-degree Celsius temperature trial, however, disabled this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-bumblebees-navigate-better-than-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential sensory capacity</a> in bumblebees.



"We found that the heat significantly impaired the bumblebees' ability to detect floral scents," said Sabine Nooten. 



A staggering 80% decrease in scent detection ability was noted among female worker bees. The male bees fared marginally better, losing half of their olfactory abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bumblebee-recovery-from-climate-change">Bumblebee recovery from climate change</h2>



Hoping for a recovery post heat-wave exposure? The experiments painted a grim picture. Even a subsequent cool-down period did not restore the bumblebees' olfactory capabilities immediately. A whole day later, most affected specimens still struggled with the loss of smell.



The study highlights the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between plants and insects in the context of climate change. The adverse effects of heatwaves, it seems, extend far beyond human discomfort.



Following these revelations, a new project has been approved. "Now that we have found out that heat waves impair the physiological processes of bumblebees to detect flower scents, our focus is now on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-show-surprising-adept-teamwork-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavioral side</a>," said Nooten. "We will test how the foraging behavior of bumblebees is affected by experimental heatwaves."



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



As we explore the effects of climate change on bumblebee populations, it’s clear that protecting their habitats is vital for their survival. Keeping a variety of native flowers around is essential for these important pollinators, especially as temperatures rise. 



Unfortunately, urban areas filled with monocultures and pesticides can make life even tougher for bumblebees. By focusing on planting native wildflowers and restoring natural habitats, we can not only help bumblebees thrive but also improve the overall health of our ecosystems. 



Getting communities involved in these efforts builds a sense of responsibility and boosts biodiversity, paving the way for a more sustainable future together.



As we inch forward into an uncertain environmental future, it's crucial to understand and mitigate the diverse impacts of climate change. The plight of the bumblebees is but one chapter in a rapidly evolving story. 



Through awareness, action and (quite literally) a cooler head, perhaps we can ensure these buzzing pollinators continue their vital work for generations to come. After all, every flower has its bee, and every bee, its flower.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0352" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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How climate change is buzzing off bumblebee senses

When we think of climate change, we often focus on...

Have you ever wondered if animals call each other by names? In human society, names play a vital role in social interaction. Going beyond humans, there are only a few species known to demonstrate this advanced cognitive ability. One of them are Marmoset Monkeys, whose communication skills will surprise you.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-names-a-human-trait-or-is-it">Identifying names: A human trait, or is it?</h2>



For the longest time, the ability to use vocal labels or "names" for others was seen as a unique characteristic of humans and a select few species, namely dolphins and elephants. 



Isn't it intriguing how such an ability was thought to be absent, even among our closest evolutionary relatives, the primates?



Our understanding, however, was set to be turned on its head by an astonishing study from the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University</a>. 



Led by Dr. David Omer from the Safra Center for Brain Sciences (<a href="https://elsc.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ELSC</a>), a team of researchers uncovered something truly remarkable. 



Lo and behold, the Marmoset Monkeys had been keeping a secret from us; their use of specific vocal calls, termed as "phee-calls", to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visually-striking-primate-features-ease-tension-and-reduce-conflict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identify each other</a>.



They found out this incredible fact when graduate student Guy Oren recorded natural conversations between pairs of marmosets and interactions between monkeys and a computer system. 



Evidently, these monkeys address each other using their phee-calls, similar to how we might call our friends. What's amazing is that the marmosets can determine if a call is meant for them, responding more accurately when addressed directly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-patterns-and-monkeys">Communication patterns and monkeys</h2>



According to Dr. Omer, these findings indicate a complex social communication system among marmoset monkeys. It turns out these calls serve more than just for self-localization; marmosets use them for pinpointing specific individuals.



What's more, these vocal labels also seem to have a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-monkeys-are-much-smarter-than-we-thought-they-were/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social learning component</a>. Even adult marmosets not related by blood tend to mimic vocal labels and dialect from their group members. 



This resemblance to human language and dialects raises fascinating questions about the evolution of social communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-communication-and-human-language">Monkey communication and human language</h2>



These findings about marmoset monkeys bring a fresh perspective to the study of human language evolution. 



The complex brain mechanisms allowing marmosets to label others could be similar to the ones that led to language in humans.



Moreover, the researchers suggest that this evolved vocal labelling ability might have helped marmosets keep their social bonds intact in dense rainforest habitats, where visibility can often be an issue.



This groundbreaking study paves the way for future exciting exploration into the origins of our own communication abilities. We have the marmosets to thank for that.



“Marmosets live in small monogamous family groups and take care of their young together, much like humans do,” says Omer. 



“These similarities suggest that they faced comparable evolutionary social challenges to our early pre-linguistic ancestors, which might have led them to develop similar communicating methods.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-names-animal-cognition-research">Monkey names animal cognition research</h2>



The discovery of marmosets' ability to use phee-calls as vocal labels opens up new avenues for research in animal cognition. 



Traditionally, studies on communication have focused primarily on humans and a select few species known for their linguistic-like abilities.



However, this revelation encourages the scientific community to reevaluate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-use-rapid-gestures-in-conversations-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive capabilities of other animal species</a>, particularly primates. 



The marmoset monkeys’ sophisticated communication system exemplifies the need for a broader understanding of social interactions in the animal kingdom and challenges the notion that complex communication is limited to highly intelligent creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-marmoset-habitats">Protecting marmoset habitats</h2>



As we become increasingly aware of the cognitive complexities within animal species, it is crucial to address the conservation of their environments. 



Marmosets inhabit the dense, biodiverse rainforests of South America, which are under constant threat from deforestation and habitat destruction. 



Preserving these habitats is not just a matter of ecological balance -- it safeguards the intricate social structures and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-proboscis-monkeys-use-big-noses-attract-mates-nasalis-larvatus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication methods</a> of these fascinating creatures.



By fostering awareness of their plight and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure that future generations continue to marvel at the unique communicative tapestry woven by marmosets and understand the broader implications for animal cognition.



To sum it all up, the discovery of the marmosets' use of specific calls to name each other opens up a new chapter in understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-unlock-the-mysteries-of-orangutan-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal and human communication</a>. But let's not stop here. Let's take a moment to appreciate the complexity and beauty of nature.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp3757" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Monkeys use names for each other in their communication systems

Have you ever wondered if animals call each other by...

Ever been awestruck by the towering heights of skyscrapers? Now, imagine four Burj Khalifas -- the world's tallest building -- one on top of the other. That's what a team of expert oceanographers led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute in California discovered in the form of an underwater mountain.



Situated 900 miles off the coast of Chile in the Pacific Ocean, a newly mapped underwater mountain, or seamount, has taken the spotlight in recent oceanographic studies. 



This colossal undersea peak stands 1.9 miles high. To put it into context, it's bigger than Mount Olympus in Greece, yet smaller than Japan's Mount Fuji. Essentially, it's quadruple the height of Burj Khalifa in Dubai.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sanctuary-around-the-underwater-mountain">Sanctuary around the underwater mountain</h2>



This marine mountain is part of an underwater range teeming with sponge gardens, ancient corals, rare marine species, and a newly filmed type of squid. 



A diverse ecosystem flourishes in these depths, undeterred and unbeknownst to most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bizarre-fish-can-walk-and-thrive-on-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land-dwelling</a> species.



The <a href="https://schmidtocean.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a> embarked on an exciting 28-day adventure aboard the R/V Falkor to uncover the mysteries of an incredible underwater seamount. 



Equipped with a sonar system attached to the ship's hull, the researchers set out to map this underwater wonder.



Jyotika Virmani, the institute's executive director, shared how they use sound waves that travel down to the seabed and bounce back, helping the team understand the fascinating topography below. It’s a remarkable blend of technology and exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securing-the-underwater-world">Securing the underwater world</h2>



According to Virmani, only about 26% of the seafloor has been mapped to this level of detail so far, even though the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-life-100-new-sea-creatures-found-in-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean floor</a> covers 71% of our planet's surface. 



The fact that this area hosts a wide variety of species and habitats further highlights the importance of such research. 



Moreover, the region is considered ripe for nomination as the world's first high seas marine protected area under a UN treaty, pending ratification in 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-mountain-species">Underwater mountain species</h2>



The team didn't return from their expedition empty-handed - far from it. 



They documented a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/underwater-mountain-discovered_two-miles-high_caspar-octopus_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ghostly white Casper octopus</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/underwater-mountain-discovered_two-miles-high_flying-spaghetti-monster_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two rare Bathyphysa siphonophores</a> -- colloquially known as flying spaghetti monsters due to their stringy shape. 



“The (Casper) octopus has never been captured, so it doesn’t actually have a scientific name yet,” Virmani said.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/underwater-mountain-discovered_two-miles-high_caspar-octopus_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/underwater-mountain-discovered_two-miles-high_caspar-octopus_1s.webp" alt="The expedition led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute observed a rare octopus species informally named the Casper octopus in the Southern Pacific for the first time. Discovered in 2016 and nicknamed Casper, the species has not been scientifically described or formally named, as no one has collected a specimen yet. Credit: NOAA" class="wp-image-1943193"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The expedition led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute observed a rare octopus species informally named the Casper octopus in the Southern Pacific for the first time. Discovered in 2016 and nicknamed Casper, the species has not been scientifically described or formally named, as no one has collected a specimen yet. Credit: NOAA</figcaption></figure>



Moreover, the researchers managed to capture footage of a live Promachoteuthis squid, seen alive only a handful of times before.



“Across the three expeditions, we managed to map and explore 25 seamounts, which is quite a number to explore,” Virmani said. 



“I think we’ve got some good data as a community that could be put forward to make the case that this is a really interesting region for protection."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-ecological-significance">Uncharted ecological significance</h2>



The discovery of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-solve-the-mystery-of-a-giant-hole-in-antarctic-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater</a> mountain not only captivates oceanographers but also holds profound ecological implications. The diverse habitats found in the seamount are crucial for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. 



The sponge gardens and ancient corals contribute to the intricate web of life, supporting numerous species that rely on these environments for food and shelter. 



Understanding and protecting these ecosystems is pivotal, not just for the organisms that inhabit them, but for global biodiversity as well.



Each unique species uncovered could potentially offer insights into medicine, climate change resilience, and ecosystem management. 



As researchers continue to explore, the interconnectedness of these underwater realms with broader environmental health becomes increasingly apparent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toward-a-sustainable-future">Toward a Sustainable Future</h2>



As technology improves, we can better explore and protect our oceans. The Schmidt Ocean Institute shows us how vital the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-lions-are-helping-scientists-map-ocean-floor-seabeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> is for our climate and health. 



Creating marine protected areas, like the one suggested for this seamount, is key to fighting issues like overfishing and pollution. 



By safeguarding these regions, we help preserve marine life and ensure resources for future generations. It’s essential for all of us to get involved in ocean education and conservation efforts, so we can work together to care for our planet's most precious natural treasure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharing-the-knowledge">Sharing the knowledge</h2>



What's next? The findings are set to be shared with the Ocean Census, an international collaboration that aims to record marine life concealed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-is-subtly-changing-the-tides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oceans</a>. 



The objective over the next decade is to identify 100,000 unknown species. This would pave the way for scientists to better understand, appreciate, and protect our planet's deep-sea ecosystems.



In conclusion, the incredible discoveries of these underwater expeditions serve as a stark reminder that even as we look to the stars, countless wonders lie beneath the waves waiting to be discovered. The ocean floors hide mountains of mysteries and scientific revelations. 



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Underwater mountain discovered is two miles high and home to 'flying spaghetti monsters'

Ever been awestruck by the towering heights of skyscrapers? Now,...

Have you ever stopped to consider the impact of species extinction on fish? According to the work of researchers in France, it's high time we took a deeper dive.



Researchers have recently trained their sights on marine fish species, analyzing the level of threat they face.&nbsp;



Shockingly, they have uncovered that 12.7% of these species teeter on the brink of extinction. This figure shows a five-fold increase from the previous estimates of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>). Previously, their estimate stood at a modest 2.5%.



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



This eye-opening research was led by Nicolas Loiseau and Nicolas Mouquet of the&nbsp;<a href="https://umr-marbec.fr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MARBEC Unit</a>&nbsp;- a.k.a the Marine Biodiversity, Exploitation, and Conservation Unit located in Montpellier, France.



The IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species is a comprehensive effort aimed at tracking over 150,000 species. Its purpose? To guide conservation efforts worldwide.&nbsp;



Despite these commendable efforts, there's still a significant blind spot. It turns out that a whopping 38% of marine species have been overlooked. 



That's almost 5,000 fish species that don't have an official <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-stocks-are-collapsing-globally-as-overfishing-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation status</a> due to a lack of data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fishing-for-solutions">Fishing for solutions</h2>



Loiseau, Mouquet, and their team devised a strategy to address this alarming data deficiency. By wielding a machine learning model with an artificial neural network, they predicted the extinction risks faced by the overlooked fish species. 



The models worked their magic on data regarding occurrence, biological traits, taxonomy, and human uses gathered from 13,195 fish species.



The results? 78.5% of the previously neglected 4,992 species were classified as either Non-Threatened or Threatened. 



There was a five-fold increase in predicted Threatened species, and the number of predicted Non-Threatened species swelled by a third.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circumstances-leading-to-fish-extinction">Circumstances leading to fish extinction</h2>



The Threatened category included species listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable.&nbsp;



The predicted Threatened species tended to share&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particular characteristics</a>: a limited geographic range, substantial body size, and a slow growth rate. The study also found a strong correlation between extinction risk and shallow habitats.



Researchers identified key geographical hotspots that are home to most of the predicted threatened species, highlighting areas that require urgent conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and prevent further species decline. 



Areas such as the South China Sea, the Philippine and Celebes Seas, and the west coasts of Australia and North America were highlighted. This shift in focus to these regions means a shift in conservation priority.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applying-ai-to-conservation">Applying AI to conservation</h2>



Keep in mind that these new estimates are the product of AI analysis and don't replace direct evaluations of at-risk species. 



However, AI provides a fast, broad-ranging and cost-effective way of assessing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-migrating-towards-poles-escape-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction risk</a> that we didn't have access to previously.



"Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables the reliable assessment of extinction risks for species that have not yet been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)," Loiseau explains.&nbsp;



"Our analysis of 13,195 marine fish species reveals that the extinction risk is significantly higher than the IUCN's initial estimates, rising from 2.5% to 12.7%.&nbsp;



"We propose to incorporate recent advancements in forecasting species extinction risks into a new synthetic index called 'predicted IUCN status.' This index can serve as a valuable complement to the current 'measured IUCN status.'”



In essence, this unique blend of AI and traditional research methods gives us valuable insights into our marine life's survival rate and chances of fish extinction. You might say we've just scratched the surface. There's an ocean of data out there, and our understanding continues to evolve.



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



With this breakthrough in data, the horizon of our understanding has expanded, bringing into focus areas that need&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-find-new-ways-to-reproduce-in-response-to-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more research and conservation efforts</a>.&nbsp;



After all, as the old saying goes - there are plenty more fish in the sea. But will there always be? This is something that Loiseau, Mouquet, and their team are working tirelessly to ensure.



As we plunge into the future, we must remember that understanding our natural world and its inhabitants is a crucial step towards preserving it. Will we rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002773" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



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Number of fish species at risk of extinction is five times higher than past estimates

Have you ever stopped to consider the impact of species...

A new study from Queen Mary University reframes our understanding of survival in the animal kingdom. The focus is on the starfish, Asterias rubens, a common European sea dweller known for regenerating limbs.



The pattern of survival often involves running, hiding or even fighting, but for some creatures, like the starfish, it skews towards a more baffling direction - they ditch parts of their bodies to cheat death.&nbsp;



This bewildering survival strategy, appropriately termed autotomy, has fascinated scientists for centuries. Popularly recognized in lizards that drop their tails to escape predators, the internal workings of this process have been ensnared in a shroud of mystery.



Well, the curtain is being lifted, slowly but surely. The diligent researchers at <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University</a> have made a discovery that sheds light on the starfish's peculiar self-amputation secret.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starfish-regenerating-capabilities">Starfish regenerating capabilities</h2>



The plot thickened when the scientists found a neurohormone playing the puppeteer's role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-gene-expression-may-help-protect-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starfish</a>'s arm-dropping performance.&nbsp;



The neurohormone closely resembles the human satiety hormone, cholecystokinin (CCK). When faced with threats, like a lurking predator, this neurohormone activates a critical response, triggering an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-stars-may-actually-be-walking-heads-with-no-bodies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emergency detachment mechanism</a>. 



The primary function of the hormone is to stimulate contraction in a specialized muscle located at the base of the starfish's arm. This contraction leads to a remarkable ability: the arm snaps off, allowing the starfish to escape danger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-advantage-of-starfish-regeneration">Evolutionary advantage of starfish regeneration</h2>



This process not only showcases the unique survival tactics of starfish but also highlights the fascinating similarities between neurohormones across species. The ability to shed a limb in response to threats is an evolutionary advantage, ensuring the starfish's survival in the face of predation.



Overall, the interaction between this neurohormone and the starfish's muscular system exemplifies the intricate biological adaptations that enable these creatures to thrive in their environments. Understanding these mechanisms can provide insights into broader biological principles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regeneration-an-encore-starfish-performance">Regeneration: An encore starfish performance</h2>



The marvel doesn’t just stop at the magic act of the disappearing arm. These starfish, ever the show-stoppers, have another trick up their sleeve - or rather where their sleeve used to be.&nbsp;



They can grow back their lost limbs over time. As enchanting as this spectacle is, the underlying mechanisms that make it possible hold tremendous implications on the larger canvas of regenerative medicine and limb injury treatments.



“Our findings shed light on the complex interplay of neurohormones and tissues involved in starfish autotomy. While we’ve identified a key player, it’s likely that other factors contribute to this extraordinary ability,” said study co-author Dr. Ana Tinoco.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-implications-of-autotomy">Ecological implications of autotomy</h2>



The implications of the ability to regenerate extend beyond the individual starfish, weaving into the larger tapestry of marine ecosystems. This remarkable ability can affect population dynamics, predator-prey relationships, and even the health of marine environments.&nbsp;



For instance, by allowing starfish to evade predators, autotomy may enhance their survival rates, contributing to stable population numbers.&nbsp;



Furthermore, understanding the factors that govern this ability can inform conservation strategies aimed at protecting marine biodiversity, particularly as climate change continues to exert pressure on coastal ecosystems.



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



As researchers continue to investigate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-starfish-species-discovered-in-japan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starfish autotomy</a>, several intriguing questions linger, paving the way for future exploration. 



What other neurohormonal pathways are involved in this process, and how do various species of starfish adapt their regenerative strategies to specific environments? 



Additionally, by drawing parallels between starfish and other organisms with regenerative capabilities, such as salamanders and certain types of flatworms, scientists hope to unlock new avenues in regenerative medicine.&nbsp;



Investigating these questions could yield valuable insights not only for biology but also for advancing medical treatments for limb regeneration in humans, highlighting the interconnectedness of life across species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-how-starfish-regenerate">Learning how starfish regenerate</h2>



The study was led by Professor Maurice Elphick, an expert in the realm of animal physiology and neuroscience at Queen Mary University of London. 



Reflecting on the implications of the research, Professor Elphick emphasized its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killing-crown-of-thorns-starfish-cots-could-save-great-barrier-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wider significance</a>. 



“This research not only unveils a fascinating aspect of starfish biology but also opens doors for exploring the regenerative potential of other animals, including humans. By deciphering the secrets of starfish self-amputation, we hope to advance our understanding of tissue regeneration and develop innovative therapies for limb injuries,” said Elphick.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01079-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Starfish break off their arms to evade danger and regenerate them later

A new study from Queen Mary University reframes our understanding...

When you think about beautiful, crisp Alaskan landscapes, you might also picture the bustling activity of the Bering Sea - a hub for seafood like snow crabs. 



But what if the landscape is changing, and not just visually? In the last few years, billions of crabs disappeared from the Bering Sea and the event has alarmed both fishermen and scientists alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crabs-in-the-bering-sea">Crabs in the Bering Sea</h2>



Picture this: we're in 2022. Fishermen cast their nets with the hope of reeling in a rich harvest of crabs, but what they find instead is stark emptiness. A baffling number of crabs have vanished from the waters. 



Was this a case of overfishing? Scientists were quick to dismiss the theory. The culprit, they believed, was the surprisingly warm water that sent the crabs' metabolism soaring, leading them to starve to death.



This isn't an isolated incident. The tragic end of these creatures signals a much broader shift taking place in the region. 



As the Bering Sea experiences a significant warming trend, it is becoming less Arctic and more like sub-Arctic regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-snow-crabs">Understanding snow crabs</h2>



Snow crabs have long, slender legs and a relatively small, rounded body, with a hard shell that can range in color from light brown to red. They typically grow up to about 6 inches in carapace width, with their legs extending much farther, giving them a spidery appearance. 



These crabs are cold-water dwellers, thriving in deep, icy waters, where they scavenge for food like mollusks, small fish, and other marine organisms. Their meat is sweet and tender, making them a sought-after delicacy in the culinary world. 



Snow crabs also undergo a molting process, where they shed their old shell and grow a new one, which allows them to increase in size throughout their life.



They hang out in the chilly waters of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-warming-triggers-rising-north-atlantic-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Atlantic</a> and North Pacific, often chilling on the seafloor at pretty deep levels. These crabs are famous for their long, spindly legs and sweet, tender meat, making them a favorite for seafood lovers. 



If you spot a snow crab on your plate, it likely came from places like Alaska or the Canadian coasts, where they’re caught in large numbers by commercial fisheries.



Besides being tasty, snow crabs play a key role in their ecosystem. They fit into the marine food web as both predators and prey. They munch on a variety of smaller sea creatures like clams and shrimp, and in turn, they're hunted by larger animals like certain fish species and seals. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-change">Science behind the change</h2>



The findings we're discussing stem from a recent study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>). 



According to the study, warmer, ice-free conditions in the southeast Bering Sea are now roughly 200 times more likely than before humans started pumping planet-warming fossil fuels into the atmosphere.



To put this into perspective, the Bering Sea ecosystem today is drastically different from what it was within the lifetime of a single snow crab fisherman. 



The study's lead author, Michael Litzow, also the director for Alaska's Kodiak lab for <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA Fisheries</a>, warns that this trend indicates a future with more very warm years, whereas truly Arctic conditions will become sparse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-of-snow-crabs-in-the-bering-sea">Decline of snow crabs in the Bering sea</h2>



Snow crabs, a cold-water Arctic species, largely flourish in areas where water temperatures hover below 2 degrees Celsius. 



An extraordinary heat wave in 2018-2019, however, proved devastating. As warmer waters sped up the crabs' metabolism, the supply of food couldn't keep up, and the crabs starved to death by the billions.



This ecological disaster had a ripple effect, severely distressing Alaska's fishing industry. The snow crab, a commercially valuable species, contributes up to $227 million a year, according to the NOAA study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-adaptation">Call for adaptation</h2>



"How are we going to do business differently as this process gets worse and worse for the snow crab fishery?" Litzow asked, hinting at the urgency to adapt. 



While Litzow remains hopeful for a short-term recovery, citing the recent cold conditions and fresh spawning of young snow crabs, he notes, "the odds are for continued <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor conditions</a>."



The declining population of Alaskan snow crabs in the Bering Sea is indicative of a wider ecosystem change in the Arctic, as seas warm and ice melts.



The ocean around Alaska is becoming inhospitable for several marine species, including the red king crab and sea lions. On the flip side, warmer waters are attracting new species, which pose a threat to the existing ones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ecosystem-in-flux">An ecosystem in flux</h2>



One notable event that illustrates the changing ecosystem took place during the 2018-2019 heat wave. Pacific cod, which typically can't survive in the extremely cold habitat of the snow crabs, were able to thrive in the unusually warm waters and they ate a portion of the remaining snow crab <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquaculture-now-produces-more-food-than-wild-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a>.



Robert Foy, director of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, highlighted that these vast ecosystem changes are presenting "new challenges and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-summer-fishing-shrinks-atlantic-salmon-size-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opportunities for fisheries</a> science and management." 



Despite not being involved with the study, Foy spoke about the current efforts to leverage new technologies like drones and artificial intelligence to better respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes and ecological responses</a>.



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



The gravity of what's happening in the Bering Sea can't be understated. The Arctic region has warmed four times faster than the rest of the planet, with potentially dire consequences. 



Litzow referred to the Bering Sea as a "bellwether" for what's to come, a chilling reminder of the impacts of climate change.



Before we conclude, it's crucial to recognize this isn't just a distant environmental issue. It's a matter that directly affects people's livelihoods. It's time we paid more attention to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-season-fishing-may-shrink-the-size-of-salmon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes happening in our world</a>. 



To the fisherman casting his net in the Bering Sea, or the consumer buying seafood at the market - this isn't just a tale of the changing seas, it's the story of our changing lives.



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Why billions of crabs vanished from the Bering Sea and human diets

When you think about beautiful, crisp Alaskan landscapes, you might...

In a landmark moment for marine biology, scientists have successfully documented the mating behavior of giant sea spiders. 



This species, belonging to the group of marine invertebrates known as Colossendeidae, has been recognized by science for over a century and a half. However, the details of their reproductive cycle have remained mysterious.



The groundbreaking observation occurred during a 2022 expedition conducted by the <a href="https://nautiluslive.org/">Ocean Exploration Trust</a> (OET) aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dove to the impressive depth of 5,525 feet to capture this never-before-seen behavior.&nbsp;



The focus of the expedition was to explore unsurveyed deep-sea habitats around the Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll, including within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. 



The significant findings have been recently outlined in a study published in the scientific journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12526-023-01350-3">Marine Biodiversity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-spiders-understanding-the-basics">Sea spiders -- understanding the basics</h2>



Sea spiders, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interesting-fact-hungry-spiders-lose-their-eyesight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pycnogonids</a>, aren’t actually true spiders, but they are part of the arthropod family, along with spiders, insects, and crustaceans. These marine creatures hang out in oceans all over the globe, from shallow waters to the deepest trenches.



Some sea spiders can get pretty big, especially in polar regions, thanks to a cool phenomenon called polar gigantism. 



This means that species living in cold and deep-sea areas tend to grow larger than their relatives in warmer parts of the world.



The biggest sea spider out there is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprising-breeding-behaviors-of-giant-sea-spiders-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colossendeis colossea</a>, which you can find in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. 



These giants can boast leg spans of over 70 centimeters (27 inches) -- that’s pretty massive compared to most other sea spiders, which usually have leg spans of just a few centimeters.



Sea spiders have a unique look compared to other arthropods. They have tiny bodies and long, thin legs that make them resemble spiders, even though they’re not closely related. They also have a proboscis that they use to suck up nutrients from their prey, which includes various soft-bodied invertebrates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mating-secrets-revealed">Mating secrets revealed</h2>



Study lead author and zoologist Georg Brenneis from the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/">University of Vienna</a>, expressed the importance of the event: “This is the first time humans have ever witnessed this behavior.”&nbsp;



Despite sea spiders being extensively sampled during numerous historical field surveys, their reproductive biology had remained elusive, said Brenneis. 



“At this stage, people believed they may have a completely different reproductive biology to their relatives. But this video unmistakably shows that at least their mating follows typical sea spider fashion."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-footage">Fascinating footage</h2>



Using morphological analysis, the scientists determined that the mating pair belonged to the genus Colossendeis, a group known to include the largest sea spiders. 



Some of these creatures can boast leg spans stretching up to 2.5 feet. The captured video showcased a mating ritual wherein two sea spiders were seen on top of each other, with the female manipulating an egg mass using a specialized pair of legs.



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The role of technology in enabling this monumental discovery was highlighted by Daniel Wagner, OET's Chief Scientist. 



“While humans have sampled the deep sea using nets and dredges for well over a century, advanced technologies like high-definition cameras on submersible vehicles have only recently allowed us to see deep-sea animals in their natural environment,” Wagner said.



These expeditions equipped with sophisticated technology have exponentially expanded our baseline knowledge of deep-sea habitats in the Central Pacific. Still, vast tracts of this remote region are yet to be explored.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-deep-sea-exploration">Future of deep-sea exploration</h2>



Wagner shared the exciting news that E/V Nautilus will embark on an 8-month-long field season this month. 



The focus will be to investigate unexplored sites in the Pacific, including within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, currently under consideration for designation as a national marine sanctuary.



Adding an interactive aspect to the upcoming expeditions, the deep-sea footage will be live-streamed, giving everyone with an internet connection an opportunity to join the journey of discovery.&nbsp;



“Given that the vast majority of our ocean remains unexplored, these upcoming expeditions will undoubtedly lead to many more discoveries, and we are thrilled to be able to share these explorations with everyone," said Wagner. 



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Deep-sea video captures giant sea spiders mating for the first time

In a landmark moment for marine biology, scientists have successfully...

In the high-tech world of modern science, we've discovered planets thousands of light years away, and split atoms into quarks and gluons. But there's an unseen ripple effect happening much closer to home that's been nudging its way onto the scientific radar: antidepressant pollution. 



Recent studies have revealed that pharmaceutical pollutants, particularly the ones from antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac), are playing havoc with fish behavior, reproductive traits and even their life histories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pervasiveness-of-antidepressant-pollution">Pervasiveness of antidepressant pollution</h2>



A collaborative investigation has brought forth some worrying evidence against these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-kills-ocean-embryos-during-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unseen invaders</a>.



Spanning five years and zeroing in on guppies exposed to fluoxetine, the scientists shed light on the unusual effects of this now prevalent pollutant on aquatic life. The riveting outcomes of their research were published in the Journal of Animal Ecology.



In this era of advanced medicine, pharmaceutical pollutants have become an alarmingly commonplace i<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-catastrophic-decline-in-migratory-freshwater-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ssue across water bodies</a> across the globe. 



Antidepressants, especially fluoxetine, often find their way into our rivers and oceans through wastewater discharge and continue to persist in low concentrations.



The impacts of these alien chemicals on the inhabitants of these water bodies, especially on their behavior and reproductive success, are far from fully understood, until now.



Dr. Upama Aich from the <a href="https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/biological-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University School of Biological Sciences</a> and Assistant Professor Giovanni Polverino from the <a href="https://www.unitus.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tuscia</a> have put their weight and expertise behind this important scientific endeavor. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-antidepressant-pollution">Impact of antidepressant pollution</h2>



"Even at low concentrations, fluoxetine altered the guppies' body condition and increased the size of their gonopodium, while simultaneously reducing sperm velocity -- an essential factor for reproductive success," Dr. Aich explains.



Apart from the changes to their physical traits, fluoxetine has a debilitating impact on guppies' behavioral dynamics. 



"Fluoxetine exposure also significantly reduced the behavioral plasticity of guppies, leading to a lower capacity of the individuals to adjust their own activity and risk-taking behaviors across contexts," adds Assistant Professor Giovanni Polverino.



To further unearth the effects of antidepressant pollution, the research team diligently exposed guppies to three environmentally relevant concentrations of fluoxetine over multiple generations. 



Following five years of pollutant exposure, the team meticulously tested fish behavior, physical condition, and reproductive health.



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



Male guppies, chosen for their heightened sensitivity to environmental shifts, were particularly affected. 



The researchers looked at key life-history traits such as body condition, coloration, and gonopodium size, along with critical sperm traits like vitality, number, and velocity.



What they found was quite significant. The antidepressant pollution disrupted the natural correlations between key traits. 



For example, the expected connection between activity levels and body conditions or between gonopodium size and sperm vitality was altered. 



This means that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> interfere with the natural trade-offs these fishes undergo between survival and reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-to-aquatic-biodiversity">Threat to aquatic biodiversity</h2>



"The disruption of behavioral plasticity and the altered correlations between critical traits could undermine fish populations' ability to adapt to environmental challenges, threatening their long-term survival," warns Professor Bob Wong, senior author of the study.



These findings highlight how important it is to take a broader look at the ecological and evolutionary impacts of pharmaceutical pollution. 



As our activities keep adding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-biodegradable-plastic-is-harmful-to-fish-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new pollutants to the environment</a>, it’s essential to understand how they affect wildlife. 



This understanding is key to preserving biodiversity and keeping our ecosystems healthy for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimizing-antidepressant-pollution">Minimizing antidepressant pollution</h2>



This research throws light on how chronic exposure to common antidepressant pollutants like fluoxetine can bring about fundamental changes in traits that fish rely on for survival and reproduction. 



Consequently, there's a clarion call to address pharmaceutical pollution and adopt stricter regulations to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shield aquatic life</a> from such threats.



Now that we’ve grasped this issue, let’s think about what we can do—both as individuals and as a community -- to prevent or at least reduce the impact of pharmaceutical pollutants on our environment.



How can we make sure our need for medication doesn’t harm the natural world around us? These are tough questions, but they’re important ones that we need to tackle as we move ahead together.



The study is published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.14152" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>.



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Antidepressant pollution in water bodies is severely depressing fish populations

In the high-tech world of modern science, we've discovered planets...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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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

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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

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> 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

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