Octopuses have long fascinated scientists with their intelligence, camouflage abilities, and unique biology. 



These remarkable creatures continue to surprise researchers, revealing new secrets about their evolutionary past. One of the most intriguing mysteries has been the question of how octopuses determine their sex.



Scientists at the University of Oregon recently identified a sex chromosome in the California two-spot octopus. This discovery confirms that cephalopods, a group that includes squid and nautiluses, rely on chromosomes for sex determination. 



The research also suggests that this chromosome has existed for at least 480 million years, making it one of the oldest known sex chromosomes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turquets-octopus-dna-tells-scientists-that-west-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse-is-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal kingdom</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-chromosome-in-octopuses">Sex chromosome in octopuses</h2>



“Cephalopods are already such interesting creatures, and there are so many things we’re still learning about them, especially in neuroscience,” said Gabby Coffing, a doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oregon</a>. 



“This is just showing one more interesting thing about them: They have really ancient sex chromosomes.”



The findings, published in the journal Current Biology, provide new insights into the genetic history of octopuses and their relatives. Understanding this ancient sex determination system could help scientists uncover more about how these intelligent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-octopus-day-the-intelligent-creatures-of-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> evolved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-determination-varies-across-species">Sex determination varies across species</h2>



Sex determination is not the same for all animals. While humans and most mammals rely on the X/Y chromosome system, other species follow different methods. 



In turtles, sex depends on the temperature at which the eggs incubate. Some fish determine sex using a single gene rather than a whole chromosome. 



Even in humans, sex chromosomes are not always straightforward. Gene mutations or extra sex chromosomes can lead to biological variations that do not fit into a simple male or female category.



Cephalopods have long posed a challenge for genetic research. They are not standard laboratory animals like mice or fruit flies, making it difficult for scientists to study their genetics in depth. 



Although researchers have sequenced the genomes of some octopus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-suckers-the-future-of-underwater-adhesives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, they still struggle to link specific genes to particular traits. The discovery of an octopus sex chromosome marks a major breakthrough in understanding how these animals develop and reproduce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-sex-chromosome-in-female-octopuses">Unique sex chromosome in female octopuses</h2>



The research team at the University of Oregon made an unexpected discovery when sequencing the DNA of a female California two-spot octopus. 



Among its 30 chromosomes, one stood out because it contained only half the usual amount of genetic material. This anomaly had not appeared in previous studies of male octopus DNA.



“This particular chromosome had half the amount of sequencing data, which indicated there was only one copy,” Coffing explained. “Then as we explored that more, we reached the conclusion that we must have stumbled upon a sex chromosome.”



This finding suggested that female octopuses carry a unique chromosome that males do not. The scientists needed to confirm their discovery by comparing it with data from other cephalopods. 



If this chromosome appeared in multiple species, it would indicate an ancient and consistent pattern of sex determination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-chromosome-exists-in-other-cephalopods">Sex chromosome exists in other cephalopods</h2>



The team analyzed genomic data from other octopus species and found similar evidence of this unique chromosome. 



The experts also detected the sex chromosome in squid, a species that diverged from octopuses between 248 and 455 million years ago. More surprisingly, they identified traces of it in the nautilus, a mollusk that split from the octopus lineage approximately 480 million years ago.



“This indicates that their common ancestor had this similar sex determination system,” Coffing said.



Most sex chromosomes change rapidly over time because they play a crucial role in reproduction. However, this cephalopod sex chromosome appears to have remained stable for hundreds of millions of years. 



This suggests that octopuses and their relatives have relied on this system without significant evolutionary changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-ancient-sex-chromosomes">Comparing ancient sex chromosomes</h2>



While the octopus sex chromosome is one of the oldest known, other ancient sex chromosomes exist in nature. 



Some plants, like mosses and liverworts, evolved their sex chromosomes early in Earth’s history. Insects also have sex chromosomes that date back about 450 million years, though these have changed considerably over time.



The discovery in octopuses challenges the idea that sex chromosomes always evolve quickly. It suggests that some systems remain stable if they continue to work effectively over long periods. Cephalopods seem to have found a genetic formula for sex determination that has stood the test of time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-the-missing-w-chromosome">Mystery of the missing W chromosome</h2>



One question remains unanswered: how exactly does the sex determination system work in octopuses? Scientists initially suspected that octopuses might have a system similar to birds and butterflies, where males have two identical chromosomes (ZZ) and females have one of each (ZW).



Kern and his team searched for a W chromosome in female octopuses but didn't find one. This leaves open the possibility that octopuses follow a different system in which males have two copies of a single chromosome (ZZ), while females have only one (Z).



Researchers still need more evidence to confirm how octopus sex chromosomes function. While this study has solved one piece of the puzzle, many questions remain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-the-octopus">Secrets of the octopus </h2>



Octopuses continue to be one of the most enigmatic creatures in the ocean. Their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-octopus-has-mastered-the-art-of-multispecies-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligence</a>, problem-solving skills, and unique genetics set them apart from most other animals. 



The discovery of an ancient sex chromosome adds another layer to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary story</a>. For now, researchers know that this octopus sex chromosome has been around for nearly half a billion years. However, the exact mechanics of how it works remain uncertain.



As scientists continue to explore cephalopod genetics, they will uncover more about how these fascinating animals developed their extraordinary traits.



The octopus has revealed one of its secrets, but it still holds on to many more.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00005-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Sex chromosome discovered in octopuses is 480 million years old

Octopuses have long fascinated scientists with their intelligence, camouflage abilities, and unique biology. These remarkable creatures continue to surprise researchers, revealing new secrets about their evolutionary past. One of the most intriguing mysteries has been the question of how octopuses determine their sex. Scientists at the University of Oregon recently identified a sex chromosome in the California two-spot octopus. This discovery confirms that cephalopods, a group that includes squid and nautiluses, rely on chromosomes for sex determination. The research also suggests that this chromosome has existed for...

The first rule of Monkey Fight Club is that you do not talk about Monkey Fight Club. Monkey fights that start out as one or two primates throwing punches can often escalate into an all-out brawl involving the majority of the adults in the group. 

Researchers wondered: when a small fight breaks out, how many <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/baboons-math-abilities-par-kids/">monkeys</a> need to get involved to interrupt the system of things? What is the critical point at which the social regime totally upends? 

To get answers, scientists had to enter Monkey Fight Club – sort of. Bryan Daniels of the<a href="https://complexity.asu.edu/asu-sfi-center-biosocial-complex-systems"> ASU-SFI Center for Biosocial Complex Systems</a> and David Krakauer and Jessica Flack of the<a href="https://www.santafe.edu"> Santa Fe Institute</a> looked to ideas and models from statistical mechanics to analyze conflict behavior among monkeys to determine the critical point at which breakdown occurs. 

According to Daniels, "agitating four or five individuals at a time can cause the system to destabilize and huge fights to break out.” This isn’t an exact formula, however, as individual monkeys make distinct contributions to the overall sensitivity of the group. This means that depending on individual actions, the group may be more easily controlled or more likely to descend into madness. 

If more stable members of the group can break up ongoing monkey fights, the group will settle down and move away from the critical point. However, if other members of the group can target the influential members and rile them up, the group will go hurtling towards the critical point. 

Group sensitivity isn’t always a negative thing, as it can help animal societies better survive. For instance, it helps an animal such as a fish quickly shift from foraging for food into escape mode when threatened. 

Scientists would like to find out if an animal’s environment affects their overall sensitivity and distance from the critical point. 

“I think we’ve just scratched the surface,” said Daniels.

The team’s findings were published in the journal<a href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/"> Nature Communications</a>. 

--

By Dawn Henderson, <a href="http://earth.com">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 

Source: Bryan Daniels,<a href="https://complexity.asu.edu/asu-sfi-center-biosocial-complex-systems"> ASU-SFI Center for Biosocial Complex Systems</a>

David Krakauer, Jessica Flack,<a href="https://www.santafe.edu"> Santa Fe Institute</a>

What do monkey fights tell us about animal society structure?

The first rule of Monkey Fight Club is that you...

A horrible scene is unfolding on a remote <a href="http://www.earth.com/image/new-zealand-earthquake-exposes-land-kaikoura/">New Zealand</a> beach: 400 pilot whales have stranded themselves for reasons unknown to experts. 

As rescuers are frantically working to save them, the whale rescue organization Project Jonah reports that over 300 of the creatures have died. In a Facebook post on Friday, the organization said that rescue efforts will focus on “refloating” the 100 surviving whales as soon as the tide comes in. 

When the mass beaching was discovered, conservationists sounded the alarm, asking volunteers to help save the distressed marine mammals. People from around the country – including a team of approximately 30 trained whale medics – traveled to Farewell Spit, a beach on New Zealand’s South Island. 

Volunteers formed a human chain and worked to keep the whales hydrated and alive while waiting for high tide. Once the water moves back in, stranded whales can be “floated” back into the water so that they may swim away. Dragging a beached whale back into the water can seriously injure it, so rescuers have had to be diligent and very patient. 

The stranding on the beach in Golden Bay is the largest incident of its type in recent years. The largest whale stranding on record happened in 1918. Then, 1,000 whales beached themselves on the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. 

The last mass whale stranding in New Zealand happened in 2015. Then, nearly 200 whales came ashore – and in the exact same area. Farewell Spit has earned a reputation as the country’s most dangerous “whale trap.” In the 2015 stranding, rescuers were able to save nearly 60 of the creatures.

Pilot whales are black or dark grey in color and are the second-largest in the dolphin species after the orca, or killer whale. They are the most frequently stranded whale because they travel in large pods.

--

By Dawn Henderson,<a href="http://earth.com"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 

Photo: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4209902/Hundreds-whales-stranded-New-Zealand-beach.html">AP</a>

Mass whale stranding sends rescuers scrambling in New Zealand

A horrible scene is unfolding on a remote New Zealand...

<a href="http://www.earth.com/video/french-bulldogs-craze/">Doggy </a>emotions may mirror their owners. It’s common pet owner folklore that after many years together, people begin to resemble their dogs – or is it vice versa?

While the <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/end-era-ringling-bros-circus-will-shut/">pet</a>/owner resemblance myth may not be scientific fact, researchers have uncovered an amazing connection between owners and their dogs. It turns out that over time, your furry friend may begin to take on your personality.

If your dog is anxious and behaves in a negative manner, look in the mirror. Could it be that he’s taking after you? The same goes if your pup is easygoing and friendly. She’s simply mimicking your emotions. 

To find this out, researchers tested over 100 dogs and their owners. They analyzed them inside and out, measuring their heart rates, how they respond to threats, and even taking saliva samples to check cortisol levels. Cortisol is a chemical that the body releases in response to stress. 

The doggie-owner pairs also underwent personality testing that covered five major areas: conscientiousness, openness to experience, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism. Because the canine participants weren’t able to vocally respond to researchers’ questions, their owners provided personality info on their pets via a questionnaire. 

The result? Dogs definitely reflect their owners’ personalities and emotional states. Since they’ve lived with us for more than 30,000 years, dogs have had to adapt in order to tune into our emotions and modify their behavior to suit. 

Iris Schoberl of the<a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/"> University of Vienna</a> said that the personality influence goes both ways and dogs can influence humans, as well. However, the human in the pair is the more influential of the two.

In an interview with BBC News, she said, ”Our results nicely fit to experience from practice: owners and dogs are social dyads [a group of two], and they influence each other's stress coping.”

Dog owners and their pets can read more about this doggy emotions research in the journal<a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/"> PLOS ONE</a>.

–

By Dawn Henderson,<a href="http://earth.com"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Source: Iris Schoberl,<a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/"> University of Vienna</a>

&nbsp;

Dogs' emotions may mirror our own

Doggy emotions may mirror their owners. It’s common pet owner...

There’s been an explosion in the rate of rhino <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/asian-lion-bone-market-poaching/">poaching</a> recently, driving numbers of the beasts down to levels of near-extinction. They’re not hunted for their hides or their meat, like some animals. Black rhinos are hunted for their horns. 

Commonly used in Chinese medicine, rhino horns are a hot commodity. People grind the horns into powders that are used for illnesses such as fever and rheumatism. Rhino horns are also popularly used as dagger handles in Yemen.

Lately, their price has soared – they’re currently being sold for $65,000 a kilo. That means that if a hunter poaches a rhino, its two horns (which typically weigh around 6.6 lb.) are worth roughly $191,000. 

Higher prices mean more hunting, which has led to a plummeting rhino population. In addition to fewer overall black rhinos, researchers are noticing a narrower range of genes. For instance, 44 out of 64 genetic rhino lineages have disappeared completely. 

Researchers like Professor Mike Bruford of<a href="http://www.cardiff.ac.uk"> Cardiff University</a> say that unless conservation efforts are undertaken, the future is “bleak” for the black rhino. He was shaken by the team’s findings, which were published in<a href="http://www.nature.com/srep/"> Scientific Reports</a>. 

“The magnitude of this loss in genetic diversity really did surprise us – we did not expect it to be so profound,” he said. “The decline in the species’ genetic diversity threatens to compromise its potential to adapt in the future as the climate and African landscape changes.”

The team took DNA samples from various rhinos in order to perform DNA profiling and determine genetic diversity among the rhino populations. They hope that in addition to monitoring the dropping numbers, their research will help develop effective strategies for conservation. 

“The new genetic data we have collected will allow us to identify populations of priority for conservation,” Bruford said, “giving us a better chance of preventing the species from total extinction.”

--

By Dawn Henderson, <a href="http://earth.com">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Source: Mike Bruford, <a href="http://www.cardiff.ac.uk">Cardiff University</a>

Hunted for their horns, black rhinos nearing extinction

There’s been an explosion in the rate of rhino poaching...

When three tiger cubs are suddenly orphaned and are suspicious of humans, how do you go about feeding them?

With a stuffed <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/long-extinct-tiger-reintroduced/">tiger</a> toy, of course!  That’s what park rangers at India’s Bandhavharh Tiger Reserve did when they took in three tiny cubs last month. The cubs were in critical condition when they were found – and the situation only got worse when they refused to eat the food provided by human caretakers. 

"We tried to give them goats' milk initially but they didn't like the human interaction. They just refused to take the bottle from our staff," said Mridul Pathak, an employee at the reserve, said to<a href="https://www.afp.com/en/news-hub"> AFP</a>. 

Their solution? Hide milk bottles inside a stuffed “mother” tigress. Much to their caretakers’ relief, the tiger cubs happily latched on and started feeding. 

"Now they have been feeding from the synthetic nipples attached to the dummy for six days,” Pathak said. “Their energy levels increased from the first feed.”

While the rangers’ solution was a novel one for tigers, dummy “calves” are often placed near cows and buffaloes in India when they stop lactating. The closeness of a “little one” often encourages the mother to resume milk production to feed her real calves. 

Mealtime wasn’t the only thing that forest rangers worked to make more authentic for the cubs. They also built a special enclosure filled with twigs, sand, and grass in order to make it feel like a natural tiger habitat. Caretakers even went the extra mile and rubbed real tiger feces on the stuffed toy, as well as in the grass in the enclosure. They hoped this would make the cubs feel more at home. 

In January, the body of the cubs’ mother was found near a river. Rangers believe that she may have brushed against an electric fence guarding a nearby cattle farm. 

More than half of the world’s tiger population lives in India, where their numbers are currently around 2,200. They are targets for poachers, however, and at least 98 tigers died last year. 

--
By Dawn Henderson,<a href="http://earth.com"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image: <a href="http://nr.news-republic.com/Web/ArticleWeb.aspx?regionid=1&amp;articleid=85483806&amp;source=digest&amp;tagid=16973&amp;tagname=Science">AFP</a>

Stuffed toy helps three orphaned tiger cubs at mealtime

When three tiger cubs are suddenly orphaned and are suspicious...

The bald eagle has been the U.S. national emblem for over 200 years, chosen because of its immense strength, majesty, and longevity. It’s understandable, then, that Americans become distressed at seeing one of these beautiful creatures harmed in any way. 

This was the case on Sunday when a photographer noticed a bald eagle with a leg hold trap attached to its foot.

Photographer Susan Boardman observed the bald eagle moving around on the ground in the woods in Bonneauville, Pennsylvania. She noticed that the bird seemed to be struggling before she saw the leg trap, which was attached to a long chain. Although it had trouble getting off the ground, the eagle managed to fly away, trap in tow. 

Leg hold traps are used to catch fur-bearing animals such as foxes, <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/grizzly-bear-wolves-dinner/">wolves</a>, raccoons, and bobcats. They are supposed to be placed in such a manner that the bait isn’t visible from the air. 

Wildlife rehabilitators and bird-welfare volunteers have sounded the alarm and are on the lookout for the unfortunate bird. Large birds of prey can be dangerous to people who aren’t trained in handling them, so experts urge caution to anyone who may spot the eagle. 

“There’s really not much the average person can do,” wildlife rehabilitator Wendy Ebersole told the<a href="http://www.yorkdispatch.com"> York Dispatch</a>. “Obviously, no one should try to handle the bird.”

She worries that if the bird can’t be located and the trap removed in a timely manner, the bird won’t survive. Eagles need the use of their talons in order to catch food, eat, and defend themselves from predators, she said.  

Boardman agrees. In an e-mail to the <a href="https://www.ap.org/en-us/">Associated Press</a>, she said, "Without intervention, this eagle will probably die. He can't hunt or fly high enough to get out of harm's way. It was heartbreaking to see him like this.”

--

By Dawn Henderson,<a href="http://earth.com"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 

Image: Susan Boardman, <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4631baf1ce3d4b21937637c05af0d381/concern-grows-bald-eagle-leg-trap-attached-foot">AP</a>

Wildlife experts concerned about bald eagle caught in leg trap

The bald eagle has been the U.S. national emblem for...

After the <a href="https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-department-of-agriculture">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a> pulled public animal welfare data from its website, the <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org">Humane Society of the United States</a> is threatening a lawsuit.

The government website had previously featured access to a public database of animal welfare records from circuses, zoos, research <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/lab-chip-costs-penny/">labs</a>, dog breeders, and other animal-related operations throughout the country. Potential dog adopters were able to access the website to check out individual dog breeders to ensure that they were purchasing from a facility that was free of violations. 

Now, all of that information has disappeared, available only via a request through the Freedom of Information Act. 

The Humane Society is fighting back. “We intend to sue them unless they take remedial action here,” Wayne Pacelle, the President and CEO of the Humane Society said in interview with<a href="http://www.apple.com"> TIME</a>. 

Animal rights advocates are concerned that without the public keeping an eye on violations, many breeders and animal handlers won’t be as concerned with compliance with animal welfare laws. The reason behind the removal of the information is concerning to animal rights organizations. 

“It’s going to impact every species of animals,” explained Elizabeth Oreck. She handles puppy mill initiatives for<a href="http://bestfriends.org"> Best Friends Animal Society</a>. “There shouldn’t be any reason to hide inspection reports for a dog breeding facility or a research lab. There shouldn’t be any need to keep from the public how many animals you have [in] your facility or whether or not you’re complying with care standards. That alone is a big red flag for everybody,” she said. 

The USDA cited “privacy rights” in a statement about the disappearance of the information. “APHIS is implementing actions to remove documents it posts on APHIS’ website involving the Horse Protection Act and the Animal Welfare Act that contain personal information,” it said. 

“Going forward, APHIS will remove from its website inspection reports, regulatory correspondence, research facility annual reports, and enforcement records that have not received final adjudication.”

Oreck says that the removal of the information has inspired advocates to fight even harder for animal welfare and safety. 

--

By Dawn Henderson, <a href="http://www.earth.com">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Claws out, Humane Society threatens suit over animal welfare data

After the U.S. Department of Agriculture pulled public animal welfare...

Snakes peel their skin off to grow larger. Humans get skin peels to look younger. When a fish-scale gecko sheds its scales, it’s not for growth or vanity – it’s a matter of survival. We’re all familiar with <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-causing-bearded-dragon-lizards-to-change-their-sex-2/">lizards</a> who shed their tails and run away to escape predators. Fish scale geckos up the ante by shedding their scales when they’re grabbed. But a newly-discovered gecko species, the Geckolepis megalepis possesses the largest scales of any gecko. 

The gecko's scales are attached to a structure that tears away quite easily. This leaves would-be hunters disappointed when their prey disappears, leaving nothing but a sheath of scales as a memento.

While other geckos may also be able to lose scales when confronted with danger, Geckolepis are built to do so. They can eject their scales actively if they’re gently touched. Another factor that separates them from other gecko species? Geckolepis can grow their scales back quickly with no scarring. (Is it just us, or does that sound like a bizarre, gecko plastic surgery advertisement? “Totally non-invasive scale-shedding with little to no scarring!”)

A survival trait that’s a boon to fish-scale geckos is a problem for scientists who wish to study them. How do you catch and effectively study a gecko that blasts its skin off at the slightest provocation? The current, scientifically-approved method is highly technical and detailed and… All right. Scientists simply lure them into plastic bags to get a closer look. 

The constant loss of their scales make Geckolepis a tricky species to study. Most geckos can be identified by their scale patterns, but those change as scales are lost and regrown, making fish-scale geckos “a nightmare to identify,” according to Mark D. Scherz of the<a href="https://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/index.html"> Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich</a> and<a href="http://www.zsm.mwn.de"> Zoologische Staatssammlung München</a>. 

Scientists have begun using micro-CT scans to find identifying features on the skeletons of the captured geckos. 

Findings from the new study were published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com">PeerJ</a>. 

By Dawn Henderson,<a href="http://earth.com"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 

Source: Mark D. Scherz,<a href="https://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/index.html"> Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich</a>,<a href="http://www.zsm.mwn.de"> Zoologische Staatssammlung München</a>

New gecko species sheds scales for a speedy getaway

Snakes peel their skin off to grow larger. Humans get...

The animal world is full of miraculous pets who defy all odds to move beyond various disabilities and lead full and fabulous furry lives. Among them is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Turbo.roo/">TurboRoo</a>, the two-legged chihuahua who was born without his two front legs. Turbo’s owners had amazing wheels designed to help him get around and he’s even started a #Nublife movement to show that “handicapable” animals deserve a chance, too. Now, a cat from Bulgaria is joining the miracle pet menagerie sporting brand new bionic legs.

When Pooh, a stray black-and-white cat, wandered into the path of a vehicle and was hit, his back legs were destroyed and his future seemed uncertain. Enter Vladislav Zlatinov, a veterinary surgeon extraordinaire who studied reports in scientific journals in order to design a set of custom-built bionic back legs for Pooh.

Most dog and cat amputees get a set of wheels attached to a sort of cart, but Slatinov felt that legs would be a more fitting solution for the fluffy <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/cats-just-smart-dogs-thank-much/">feline</a>. 

While Pooh recovered from his accident, Zlatinov got to work on his creation. Since there are no custom implants for cats currently on the market, he had to start completely from scratch on the design – and wait for Pooh to recover for an entire six weeks before testing them out.

How does Pooh get around on his new legs? Just fine! They’re made of titanium that is implanted into his body, with the external prostheses being interchangeable like shoes. Pooh is adjusting to his new legs and works hard at bathing them and keeping them clean, just like the rest of his body. 

Meanwhile, Zlatinov is continuing his amazing work, providing bionic legs for three more cats. There are other hopefuls on a waiting list. 

If you thought that birth defects and accidents that deprive a pet of its limbs always spells tragedy, hopefully this story has given you reason for paws! 

--

By Dawn Henderson,<a href="http://earth.com"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 

Image: <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/cd6116f6650b4924bee63473b97c99d6">AP</a>

Pooh the cat walks tall on new bionic legs

The animal world is full of miraculous pets who defy...

Population numbers of the oceanic whitetip shark are dipping sharply, according to experts in the federal government. Its decline in population has caused the conservation group <a href="http://www.defenders.org">Defenders of Wildlife</a> to sound the alarm, asking the government to list the species as <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/bigger-species-threatened-earths-oceans/">threatened</a>. 

The whitetip shark is found all over the world, where its numbers have dropped in part due to fishing. Fishermen in Asia catch them for their fins, which are used for the popular and highly controversial shark fin soup. Although restricted, shark fins are also sold in the U.S. 

"In order to truly combat the global trade of shark fins, which kills tens of millions of sharks every year, we need to pass a full ban in the U.S. on the buying and selling of shark fins," said Lora Snyder, campaign director with conservation group<a href="https://usa.oceana.org"> Oceana</a> in an interview with the<a href="https://www.ap.org/en-us/"> Associated Press</a>.

Although humans pose a real danger to whitetip sharks, the creatures don’t pose a similar threat to people. According to the<a href="https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu"> Florida Museum</a>, there have only been 10 documented unprovoked attacks by a whitetip shark on a human.

Whitetip shark populations have dropped 50 to 85% in the Atlantic since the 1950s. If those numbers sound astonishing, consider that the shark’s numbers have also dropped a whopping 80 to 90 % in the Pacific Ocean since the 1990s.

The arm of the federal government tasked with giving a thumbs up or thumbs down to classifying the shark as threatened is the<a href="http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov"> National Marine Fisheries Service</a>. It is collecting public comments until March, when it will decide the whitetip’s fate. The decision will be announced in November. 

The whitetip shark is already listed as vulnerable on the<a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org"> International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species</a>. If the shark receives a “threatened” status, it will receive additional protections to help its numbers bounce back.

--

By Dawn Henderson,<a href="http://earth.com"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Will the whitetip shark soon be listed as threatened?

Population numbers of the oceanic whitetip shark are dipping sharply,...

In a story out of everyone’s worst nightmares, scientists have discovered a link between wild boars and vampire <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/bats-avoid-collision-quieting-crowd/">bats</a>. In short, the tiny winged blood suckers may be transmitting rabies to wild boars that only come out at night. 

Frightened yet? 

If wild pigs and boars sound unpleasant to you, they’re even more upsetting to farmers in Brazil and the Americas, where the study took place. There, feral pigs cause a huge amount of damage to crops and pose a rabies threat to cattle. 

It’s the rabies part of the equation that’s particularly concerning to ranchers. About 1.4% of vampire bats, or D. rotundus, in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest biome carry the disease, with rates running as high as 10% among vampire bats in the Peruvian Amazon. 

The bats can transmit the rabies virus through their saliva, and they regularly feed on the blood of feral pigs and boars. Scientists used video monitoring to determine that on any given night, the incidence of vampire bat attacks on feral pigs runs as high as 10%. Although ranchers typically vaccinate their cattle, wild animals like pigs aren’t vaccinated and can potentially spread the deadly disease. 

Rabies isn’t the only concern, according to Ivan Sazima of the <a href="http://www.internationaloffice.unicamp.br/english/international-visitors/the-university/">University of Campinas</a>. ”The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected bats. D. rotundus is a reservoir for other viruses with epidemiological potential, including hantavirus and coronavirus,” he said. 

Another member of the research team, Alexine Keuroghlian, is a biologist with the<a href="https://programs.wcs.org/brazil/"> Wildlife Conservation Society</a> in Brazil. He explained that these diseases may also be transmitted to the other wild animals on which vampire bats feed. 

"Other viral diseases carried by boars and feral pigs may be transmitted to native animals that are bitten by vampire bats,” he said. These animals include tapirs, deer, and capybaras. 

Researchers brought this problem to light in a study in the journal<a href="http://www.frontiersinecology.org/fron/"> Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</a>. Sweet dreams! 

--

By Dawn Henderson,<a href="http://earth.com"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 

Source: Ivan Sazima,<a href="http://www.internationaloffice.unicamp.br/english/international-visitors/the-university/"> University of Campinas</a>

Alexine Keruoghlian,<a href="https://programs.wcs.org/brazil/"> Wildlife Conservation Society</a>

Wild boars, vampire bats, and rabies – oh my!

In a story out of everyone’s worst nightmares, scientists have...

What causes otherwise healthy marine animals to beach themselves? It’s a question that has had biologists puzzled for years. A new study by NASA and two other agencies is looking at a potential explanation for whale and dolphin strandings: solar storms.

The study was launched to find out why marine mammals wash up on beaches around the world. Some strandings involve only one or two animals. Other times, dozens or even hundreds of animals beach themselves. 

In June 2015, 337 sei whales stranded themselves in Chile in what is believed to be the largest mass stranding ever recorded. That followed a nearby stranding of about 30 of the endangered sei whales in April 2015.

About 170 pilot whales were stranded in New Zealand in February 2015. Volunteers worked to rescue as many as possible, but more than 100 died.

To get to the bottom of the strange phenomenon, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> teamed up with the <a href="https://www.boem.gov/">Bureau of Ocean Energy Management</a> and the <a href="http://www.ifaw.org/united-states">International Fund for Animal Welfare</a>. 

Scientists have developed several working theories about the cause of whale and dolphin strandings over the years. Human causes such as sonar equipment, underwater oil drilling, naval exercises, and noise pollution have undergone intense scrutiny.

“However, these human-made influences do not explain most of the strandings,” NASA heliophysicist Dr. Antti Pulkkinen said in a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/nasa-scientist-studies-whether-solar-storms-cause-animal-beachings">press release</a>. “Theories as to the cause include magnetic anomalies and meteorological events, such as extreme tides during a new moon and coastal storms, which are thought to disorient the animals.”

In other words, the weather in space – specifically, events like solar storms – may be throwing a wrench in sea creatures’ ability to navigate the ocean. 

Biologists have speculated that some marine mammals use magnetic fields to orient themselves, and solar storms would throw that ability off, Pulkkinen added.

Now, scientists from the three agencies are mining data about space weather and whale and dolphin strandings to see if there’s a link between the two. Using decades of data from NASA, BOEM and IFAW, they plan to study whether strandings correlate with solar storms and other space weather phenomena. 

“What we’re going to do is throw cold, hard data at this. It’s a long-standing mystery and it’s important that we figure out what’s going on,” Pulkkinen said.

Pulkkinen and his team hope to complete the study by September. If they can link solar storms and whale and dolphin strandings, the data could be used to predict stranding events in the future, they said. 

—

By Kyla Cathey / Earth.com staff writer

Scientists eye solar storms as cause of whale and dolphin strandings

What causes otherwise healthy marine animals to beach themselves? It’s...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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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

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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"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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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...