A new study reveals that rat infestations in many cities worldwide are on the rise, with Washington, D.C. emerging as the biggest hotspot. 



The study, which was focused on rat sighting reports from 16 global cities, attributes the increasing rat populations to warming temperatures, urbanization, and other human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rat-sightings-on-the-rise">Rat sightings on the rise</h2>



The researchers conducted a first-of-its-kind analysis using publicly submitted rat complaint data. They discovered that in 11 of the 16 cities analyzed, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rats-have-a-very-complex-social-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rat</a> sightings have increased in recent years. 



Based on individual city trends, Washington D.C. led the pack, followed by San Francisco, Toronto, New York City, and Amsterdam. According to the study, the rat reporting trend in Washington D.C. was three times greater than that of Boston. 



Only three cities - New Orleans, Louisville, and Tokyo - experienced significant decreases in rat reports, with New Orleans showing the largest drop. The experts suggest that New Orleans’ strategies could serve as a model for other cities seeking to control rat populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-drivers-of-rat-population-growth">Key drivers of rat population growth </h2>



The research team performed statistical analyses of rat sighting reports and concluded that a little over 40% of the rising trend is due to warming temperatures. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-surge-in-global-warming-may-have-an-unexpected-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> is primarily a result of burning coal, oil, and natural gas, which leads to milder winters and longer foraging periods for rats. 



Study lead author Jonathan Richardson, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.richmond.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Richmond</a>, explained the mechanism.



“We're seeing these increasing trends in rats in cities that are warming the fastest, probably because this is a small mammal that has physiological challenges in the cold weather months,” said Richardson.&nbsp;



“If we're warming the climate and winter starts a week or two later and spring arrives a week or two earlier, that's one, two, maybe even three or four weeks across the entire year where those rats can be above ground foraging, acquiring more food and maybe squeezing out one or two more reproductive cycles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-higher-population-density">Urbanization and higher population density </h2>



Even a few extra weeks of activity can have a dramatic effect, given that female rats can produce a litter every month. With each litter consisting of eight to 16 pups, this additional time significantly accelerates population growth.



In addition to the effects of warming, the study identified increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urbanization-is-a-threat-to-78-of-the-worlds-bird-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urbanization</a> and higher population densities as major factors. Rats thrive in built environments where food waste is abundant and human activity creates numerous shelters.&nbsp;



The experts note that these conditions allow rats to flourish in areas where people and their refuse provide a constant source of sustenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rats-nature-s-ultimate-urban-survivors">Rats: Nature’s ultimate urban survivors</h2>



Rats have evolved to be remarkably adaptive in urban settings. New York City rat czar Kathleen Corradi stated during a conference that the rat is the third most successful mammal behind humans and house mice. So it evolved and engineered to live alongside us.&nbsp;



“They followed humans, Homo sapiens, across the continents and are in every single continent except Antarctica. So it's considered a wicked problem.”



Their ability to adapt and survive in close proximity to humans explains why rat populations are expanding even as cities implement various control measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-rising-rat-populations">Consequences of rising rat populations</h2>



While rats are undeniably adaptable, their increasing numbers pose serious risks. When rodent populations soar, public health and urban infrastructure can suffer. 



"When rodent populations are high, people get sick, motor vehicles become disabled, mental health declines, fires are started and foods fouled," said Houston rat expert Michael Parsons, who was not involved in the study.



This statement captures the multifaceted impact of rat infestations. High rat populations can lead to increased transmission of diseases, disruption of transportation systems, and other societal challenges. 



People are understandably disturbed by rats, primarily due to an instinctive fear of creatures that can transmit disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantifying-city-rats">Quantifying city rats</h2>



Rats are notoriously difficult to count accurately due to their secretive and elusive nature. The study did not count rats directly; instead, it analyzed rat sighting complaints submitted by city residents. 



Although these reports may not reflect the actual number of rats, they provide valuable insight into trends over time. Richardson emphasized that the long-term consistency of the reporting methods used in the study lends credibility to the observed trends.



Even though Washington D.C. exhibited the highest rate of increase, Richardson clarified that this does not necessarily mean the city has the most rats overall - it simply indicates that the number of rat complaints is rising faster than in other cities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-over-poison">Prevention over poison</h2>



The study's findings suggest that traditional methods of rat control, such as poisoning and trapping, may not be sufficient to combat the escalating problem. 



Instead, prevention measures appear to be more effective. In cities like New Orleans, public authorities are taking proactive steps. 



For instance, educational workshops and community campaigns focus on reducing conditions that attract rats, such as improper waste management and excess food availability.



“In New Orleans they make a big effort to get out into neighborhoods and do educational workshops and campaigns to talk to residents about what makes a property less likely to have rats,” Richardson said.



Similarly, New York City has initiated innovative strategies, including replacing street garbage bags with rat-resistant containers and forming an elite volunteer group known as the “NYC rat pack.” 



Early results from these initiatives are promising, although comprehensive data have yet to fully reflect their impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-complex-urban-challenge">A complex urban challenge</h2>



While it is possible to better manage rat populations through improved urban planning and public education, complete eradication is unrealistic. 



As <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> conservation scientist Neil Carter pointed out, we can fight them better, but in the end “people need to coexist with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-addresses-the-global-need-for-human-wildlife-coexistence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> in urban environments, even with rats.”



“Zero rats is impossible," noted Richardson. “But I think an expectation that we need to live with the number of rats that we're seeing in many of these cities is also an unhealthy perspective on this problem.”



In conclusion, this study offers a critical, data-driven look at the complex factors driving rat population growth in urban environments. 



As cities continue to warm, expand, and densify, the challenge of managing rat populations will require innovative and sustainable approaches that focus on prevention and public awareness.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ads6782" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



Image Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer



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Rat populations are increasing in cities as temperatures rise

A new study reveals that rat infestations in many cities worldwide are on the rise, with Washington, D.C. emerging as the biggest hotspot. The study, which was focused on rat sighting reports from 16 global cities, attributes the increasing rat populations to warming temperatures, urbanization, and other human activities. Rat sightings on the rise The researchers conducted a first-of-its-kind analysis using publicly submitted rat complaint data. They discovered that in 11 of the 16 cities analyzed, rat sightings have increased in recent years.  Based on individual city...

Scientists have just unlocked one of nature's most colossal enigmas - a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth's genome and 3D chromosomal structures. 



This incredible achievement is first of its kind for any ancient DNA sample, courtesy of the combined efforts of an international research team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woolly-mammoth-dna-discovery">Woolly mammoth DNA discovery</h2>



The project led by is Dr. Erez Lieberman Aiden, Director of the <a href="https://aidenlab.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Genome Architecture</a> at <a href="https://www.bcm.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baylor College of Medicine</a>. Dr. Aiden, with his team, has assembled the largest scale of ancient DNA fragments ever recorded.



“This is a new type of fossil, and its scale dwarfs that of individual ancient DNA fragments—a million times more sequence,” says Dr Aiden.



He also held the distinction of determining the first-ever karyotype (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-twist-in-the-tale-of-the-last-woolly-mammoths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complete set of chromosomes</a>) from an ancient sample.



But how did they do it? It involved a constant hunt for perfectly preserved ancient DNA samples and a unique method called Hi-C.



After five years and countless attempts, the researchers finally hit the jackpot in 2018 when they unearthed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/end-of-an-era-woolly-mammoth-remains-tell-an-intriguing-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-preserved woolly mammoth</a> in northeastern Siberia.



They believe the mammoth's internal structure is so well-preserved because it was naturally freeze-dried after it died.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freeze-dried-skin-sample">Freeze-dried skin sample</h2>



The team of scientists meticulously extracted DNA from a skin sample taken behind the mammoth's ear. They utilized the Hi-C method to detect the interacting DNA sections. It's sort of like piecing together a three-billion-piece puzzle.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/woolly-mammoth_permafrost-frozen-foot_credit-love-dalen_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/woolly-mammoth_permafrost-frozen-foot_credit-love-dalen_1s.jpg" alt="A photo of a mammoth foot in a permafrost environment. Credit: Love Dalen" class="wp-image-1938830"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of a mammoth foot in a permafrost environment. Credit: Love Dalen</figcaption></figure>



“Imagine you have a puzzle that has three billion pieces, but you don't have the picture of the final puzzle to work from,” says corresponding author Marc A. Marti-Renom, an ICREA research professor and structural genomicist at the Centre Nacional d’Anàlisi Genòmica (<a href="https://www.cnag.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNAG</a>) and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (<a href="https://www.crg.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRG</a>) in Barcelona. 



“Hi-C allows you to have an approximation of that picture before you start putting the puzzle pieces together.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-results-from-woolly-mammoth-dna">Results from woolly mammoth DNA</h2>



A result of remarkable precision, the analysis not only disclosed that woolly mammoths <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-twist-in-the-tale-of-the-last-woolly-mammoths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">had 28 chromosomes</a> - just like Asian and African elephants today, but also retained a substantial amount of physical integrity and detail within the fossilized chromosomes.



By investigating the compartmentalization of genes within the nucleus, the team pinpointed genes that were either active or dormant within the mammoth's skin cells.



It turns out, the mammoth skin cells flaunted distinct gene activation patterns when compared to Asian elephant's skin cells, particularly for the genes related to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woolly-mammoths-had-testosterone-driven-aggression-during-mating-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woolly-ness and cold tolerance</a>.



Now we have a woolly mammoth tissue that tells us which genes were switched on and off some 52,000 years ago. That's a massive stride in the field of ancient DNA.



“For the first time, we have a woolly mammoth tissue for which we know roughly which genes were switched on and which genes were off,” says Marti-Renom. 



“This is an extraordinary new type of data, and it’s the first measure of cell-specific gene activity of the genes in any ancient DNA sample.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-along-the-way">Challenges along the way</h2>



The journey to sequencing the woolly mammoth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> was riddled with challenges. Ancient DNA is notoriously fragile and often contaminated with modern DNA. This made extraction and analysis particularly daunting.



The cold Siberian environment played a pivotal role in preserving the woolly mammoth’s DNA. It reduced degradation and contamination. 



Nevertheless, the team faced difficulties. They struggled to distinguish between the mammoth’s DNA and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic</a> material present in the sample.



Advanced bioinformatics tools and rigorous verification protocols were essential in overcoming these obstacles.



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



This achievement extends beyond woolly mammoths and could significantly impact the study of other extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/end-of-an-era-woolly-mammoth-remains-tell-an-intriguing-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.



By applying similar methods, scientists might uncover valuable genomic information from various extinct organisms. This can provide insights into their biology, evolution, and the reasons behind their extinction.



Understanding these factors could inform contemporary conservation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-dna-secrets-revealed-by-genomic-time-machine-and-transposable-elements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a>. This might help prevent the extinction of currently endangered species.



This discovery could be a key player in today's efforts to bring back the woolly mammoth.



So, don't be surprised if you hear more about woolly mammoths in the future. After all, science just made a mammoth leap forward.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00642-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Woolly mammoth freeze-dried skin has active DNA after 52,000 years

Scientists have just unlocked one of nature's most colossal enigmas...

For centuries, the evolution of brain size has been a point of contention, a mystery wrapped in scientific theories and debates. However, a new study has finally cleared the clouds shrouding this age-old controversy. 



So, what's the truth? Do larger animals have proportionally larger brains? Not quite. And as it turns out, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brain-development-aligns-closely-with-other-primates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> are the odd ones out in this evolutionary trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-and-body-size-relationship">Brain and body size relationship</h2>



The study, conducted by noted researchers at the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> and <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>, engaged an impressive dataset.



The team collated brain and body measures from approximately 1,500 different species, one of the largest datasets ever amassed for such a study. What they unveiled was fascinating.



"For more than a century, scientists have assumed that this relationship was linear - meaning that brain size gets proportionally bigger, the larger an animal is. We now know this is not true," noted Professor Chris Venditti from the University of Reading.



"The relationship between brain and body size is a curve, essentially meaning very large animals have smaller brains than expected."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rules-exceptions-and-the-human-phenomenon">Rules, exceptions, and the human phenomenon</h2>



The research uncovered a simple association between brain and body size across all mammals. This connection allowed the experts to identify the outliers – species that defy this standard curve.



Chief among these rebels was our own species, Homo Sapiens. We have evolved more than 20 times faster than all other mammal species, resulting in the impressive brain size that characterizes us today.



But this defiance isn't exclusive to humans. Mammalian groups showed diverse evolutionary patterns, striding towards both smaller and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-dogs-have-larger-brains-than-ancient-dog-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger brain</a> sizes.



For instance, bats swiftly brought down their brain size at inception, only to exhibit prolonged stagnation in relative brain size changes thereafter. This inertia suggests possible evolutionary constraints linked to the demands of flight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variations-and-constraints-in-brain-size-evolution">Variations and constraints in brain size evolution</h2>



Drilling deeper into these variations, the researchers delineated three specific animal groups that showcased the most distinct rapid brain size changes: primates, rodents, and carnivores.



In these trios, a unique trend emerged - the Marsh-Lartet rule, a tendency for relative brain sizes to increase with time. But, as the study notes, this rule is not universally applicable across all mammals.



Furthermore, the research contradicts the previously held belief that larger animals have proportionally larger brains.



“Our model has a simplicity that means previously elaborate explanations are no longer necessary – relative brain size can be studied using a single underlying model,” said Professor Rob Barton of Durham University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enigma-of-the-curious-ceiling">The enigma of the curious ceiling</h2>



“Our results reveal a mystery. In the largest animals, there is something preventing brains from getting too big," noted Dr. Joanna Baker of the University of Reading.



Is it simply that maintaining large brains beyond a certain size is too energy-consuming? The researchers have their hunches about constraints and limitations, but what causes this "curious ceiling" is still open for exploration.



This intriguing research challenges long-held beliefs about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain evolution</a>, and unravels unexpected trends and anomalies in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/differences-in-the-mammalian-and-reptilian-brain-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammalian brain</a> size evolution.



Indeed, the brain size riddle has been decrypted, but its intricacies continue to spur deeper exploration.



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



The revelations from this study prompt a re-examination of cognitive capabilities across species. If brain size does not directly correlate with body size, what does this mean for intelligence and problem-solving skills in animals? 



Researchers are now considering other factors such as neural density, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-share-the-same-brain-structure-with-the-exception-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain structure</a>, and connectivity to better understand cognitive prowess.



Moreover, the study's insights into evolutionary constraints suggest that cognitive capabilities might be influenced by ecological demands and metabolic limits. 



For example, the energy-intensive nature of flight could explain why bats have relatively smaller brains. Understanding these trade-offs could shed light on the adaptive strategies that have shaped brain evolution across diverse environments.



In sum, this groundbreaking research not only demystifies the age-old brain size riddle but also opens up new avenues for exploring the complexities of brain function and evolution. 



As scientists delve deeper into these questions, we may uncover even more surprising truths about the nature of intelligence and adaptation in the animal kingdom.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02451-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Bigger animals do not always have bigger brains

For centuries, the evolution of brain size has been a...

Curiosity, it has driven humanity since the dawn of time. And sometimes, it's what makes us stumble upon a surprising find on a peaceful walk along the beach. And in this case, we are talking about an incredible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-species-discovered-zimbabwe-named-musankwa-sanyatiensis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery</a> of a dinosaur named Comptonatus chasei.



Nick Chase, an avid fossil collector, had managed to unearth a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Comptonatus-chasei_hip-bone_credit-Plymouth_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">125-million-year-old dinosaur</a> at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight in 2013.



Unfortunately, Nick couldn't live to see the full glory of his find, as he passed away due to cancer. But his dedication lives on in the discovery that took the world of paleontology by storm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-enthusiasts-nick-and-jeremy">Dinosaur enthusiasts Nick and Jeremy</h2>



Taking the reins after Nick's demise, Jeremy Lockwood, a retired GP, and a <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> PhD student has been on the front-line of the dinosaur's analysis. 



Lockwood's journey involved years of examining a massive 149-bone skeleton that lay before him.



Honoring Nick's commitment and unparalleled knack for fossil hunting, Lockwood christened the new-found genus and species, 'Comptonatus chasei'.



“Nick had a phenomenal nose for finding dinosaur bones - he really was a modern-day Mary Anning. He collected fossils daily in all weathers and donated them to museums. I was hoping we’d spend our dotage collecting together as we were of similar ages, but sadly that wasn’t to be the case," Jeremy recalled.



Despite his many wonderful discoveries over the years, including the most complete Iguanodon skull ever found in Britain, this is the first dinosaur to be named after him.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-dinosaur-genus">Cracking the dinosaur genus</h2>



Initially thought to be a 'Mantellisaurus', the new specimen turned out to play a significant role in unveiling more about dinosaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koleken-inakayali-dinosaur-arms-smaller-than-t-rex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>. 



In fact, Comptonatus chasei marks the second genus ever to be described by Lockwood. And what's more intriguing? Its pubic hip bone was as large as a dinner plate!



Now, if you're anything like me, you might be wondering, why in the world did this dinosaur need a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Comptonatus-chasei_hip-bone_credit-Plymouth_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinner-plate-sized pubic hip bone</a>?



According to Lockwood, it's all speculation but possibilities include altered locomotion, better support for stomach contents, or even a unique breathing technique.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comptonatus-chasei-and-evolving-ecosystems">Comptonatus chasei and evolving ecosystems</h2>



Lockwood's dinosaur -- Comptonatus, a name derived from its discovery site, Compton Bay and 'tonatus', Latin for 'thunderous' -- weighed around a ton, similar to a large male American bison.



Fossil footprints nearby suggest these dinosaurs lived in herds and could have caused quite the rumble when startled by predators!



"Comptonatus is a fantastic dinosaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-discovery-reveals-ancient-alaska-warm-lush-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specimen</a>: one of the most complete to be found in the UK in a century," " stated Dr. Susannah Maidment, a senior researcher, and palaeontologist at the Natural History Museum. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Comptonatus-chasei_hip-bone_credit-Plymouth_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Comptonatus-chasei_hip-bone_credit-Plymouth_1s.jpg" alt="Hip bone of Comptonatus chasei discovered in the UK. Credit: Plymouth" class="wp-image-1938789"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hip bone of Comptonatus chasei discovered in the UK. Credit: Plymouth</figcaption></figure>



"Its recognition as a new species is due to incredibly detailed work by NHM Scientific Associate Dr Jeremy Lockwood, whose research continues to reveal that the diversity of dinosaurs in southern England in the Early Cretaceous was much greater than previously realised.&nbsp;



"The specimen, which is younger than Brighstoneus but older than Mantellisaurus (two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-species-identified-on-the-isle-of-wight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iguandontian dinosaurs</a> closely related to Comptonatus) demonstrate fast rates of evolution in iguandontian dinosaurs during this time period, and could help us understand how ecosystems recovered after a putative extinction event at the end of the Jurassic Period."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-comptonatus-chasei-discovery">Implications of Comptonatus chasei discovery</h2>



The Isle of Wight has witnessed an astonishing increase in new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/isle-of-wight-fossils-suggest-that-europe-had-unique-plant-eating-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur species</a> named in the last five years. From four in the entirety of the 1900s to eight new species today.



"This really is a remarkable find. It helps us understand more about the different types of dinosaurs that lived in England in the Early Cretaceous. This adds to recent research that shows that Wessex was one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems,” Lockwood beams with pride.



The fossil now graces the collections at the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown on the Isle of Wight.



“This extraordinary discovery at National Trust's Compton Bay highlights the rich natural heritage of the Isle of Wight…We are thrilled to be part of this ongoing journey of discovery and scientific advancement," stated Mike Greenslade, General Manager for the National Trust on the Isle of Wight.



This tale of dinosaur genus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megaraptor-species-named-fujianipus-yingliangi-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery</a> reminds us of the wonders that lay beneath the soils and the seas, waiting to be unearthed. It calls on us to explore, to learn, and to understand the world that existed before us. 



&nbsp;The paper is published today in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tjsp20/current" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Systematic Palaeontology</a>.&nbsp;



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New dinosaur discovery is most complete skeleton ever found

Curiosity, it has driven humanity since the dawn of time....

In the stunning landscapes of Africa, two lion brothers have shattered records with an audacious swim across a predator-riddled river. Their captivating story unfolds under the gaze of <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Griffith University</a> and <a href="https://nau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a>.



Dr. Alexander Braczkowski, associated with Griffith’s <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/centre-planetary-health-food-security" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security</a>, steered a team that captured this daring expedition. 



The team utilized high-definition heat detection cameras mounted on drones to monitor the lions during their nocturnal crossing of the Kazinga Channel in Uganda, all under the vigilant eyes of the <a href="https://ugandawildlife.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uganda Wildlife Authority</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heroic-lion-brothers-jacob-and-tibu">Heroic lion brothers: Jacob and Tibu</h2>



Jacob, the 10-year-old local icon, is the hero of our tale. His partner in the swim, Tibu, is his brother. Jacob is famous for surviving against all odds, including losing a leg in a life-threatening accident.



As Dr. Braczkowski puts it, "Jacob has had the most incredible journey and really is a cat with nine lives."



Jacob's resilience is renowned. From surviving a buffalo attack to losing family members in lion body part trade, this lion has seen it all. Even after losing a leg to a poacher's steel trap, his spirit remains unbroken.



"Jacob and Tibu have managed to survive as long as they have in a national park that has experienced significant human pressures and high poaching rates - our science shows this population has nearly halved in just five years," Dr. Braczkowski recounted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lions-daring-swim">Lions daring swim</h2>



The daring swim across a channel teeming with hippos and crocodiles sets a new record. 



This remarkable event highlights the extreme and dangerous conditions of the channel, filled with some of the most formidable predators.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="YMxC0Oovr3-3731034-12187" type="single"]</div>



In comparison, previous attempts by lions to swim similar channels have typically spanned only a few meters. 



These attempts often ended in tragedy, as lions fell victim to crocodile attacks. The new record swim showcases a significant and courageous feat, emphasizing the perilous nature of the journey and the impressive endurance required to accomplish it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-search-of-love">In search of love</h2>



But why would the brave brothers risk such a hazardous kilometer-long swim?



"It’s likely the brothers were looking for females,” said Dr. Braczkowski. The duo had lost a fight for female affection hours before the swim, prompting them to undertake the dangerous journey across the channel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swimming-and-lion-s-plight">Swimming and lion’s plight</h2>



Dr. Braczkowski’s long-term study on African lions and predators in Ugandan National Parks offers us essential insights into the resilience of these majestic creatures, highlighting the skewed sex ratios in lion populations.



"Jacob and Tibu’s big swim is another important example that some of our most beloved wildlife species are having to make tough decisions just to find homes and mates in a human-dominated world,” said Dr. Braczkowski.



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



The astonishing journey of Jacob and Tibu emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts. Despite the immense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-know-far-less-about-four-footed-animals-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges they face</a>, these lions symbolize hope and resilience in the face of adversity. 



Conservationists are calling for increased measures to protect wildlife habitats and address poaching threats. 



Dr. Braczkowski and his team are advocating for stronger enforcement of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife protection</a> laws and better community engagement to safeguard these magnificent creatures. Ensuring the survival of lions like Jacob and Tibu requires a collective effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-prospects-for-conservation">Future prospects for conservation</h2>



The story of Jacob and Tibu serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of wildlife ecosystems and the incredible resilience displayed by these majestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-exist-today-ediacaran-period-earth-weak-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. 



Conservation efforts must evolve to address the nuanced challenges facing lions today, including habitat fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.



Programs that involve local populations in conservation efforts offer dual benefits: safeguarding wildlife while promoting community welfare.



Moreover, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technological advancements</a> are crucial in enhancing research and conservation strategies. The use of high-definition heat detection cameras in Jacob and Tibu's case exemplifies the potential of technology in monitoring and protecting vulnerable species. 



Expanding these resources could lead to more accurate data collection, better-informed conservation plans, and ultimately, more effective preservation efforts.



Finally, public awareness and international collaboration cannot be overstated. Educational campaigns and global partnerships can drive policy changes and funding allocation, essential for large-scale conservation projects.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.11597" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



Video Credit: Luke Ochse



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Lions captured on video swimming across crocodile-infested river

In the stunning landscapes of Africa, two lion brothers have...

In a fascinating turn of events, an exciting new study has brought to light intriguing discoveries about modern-day dingoes and their DNA. 



Delving into the pre-colonial genetic landscape, the study peers back in time, unearthing the roots of these native Australian dogs, thereby shedding light on their unique lineage and importance to the nation's ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-purity-of-dingoes-dna">Genetic purity of dingoes' DNA</h2>



Ancient DNA, procured from dingo remains that date back as far as 2746 years, has been compared with that of modern dingoes. 



By doing so, the researchers were able to reveal a surprising fact: these contemporary animals share little to no genetic material with current dog breeds.



Specifically, the K'gari dingoes, researched during the study, exhibit no trace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dingoes-actually-just-strange-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestic dog</a> ancestry, making them pure dingoes.



"This dataset gave a rare glimpse into the pre-colonial genetic landscape of dingoes, free from any mixing with modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-dog-breeds-that-are-truly-mans-best-friend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog breeds</a>. Consequently, they are behaviorally, genetically, and anatomically distinct from domestic dogs," explained paleogeneticist Dr Sally Wasef, from <a href="https://www.qut.edu.au/about/faculty-of-health/school-of-biomedical-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QUT’s School of Biomedical Sciences</a>, one of the co-authors of the study.



This finding challenges previous assumptions about the genetic makeup of modern dingoes and highlights their unique evolutionary path. 



It also raises questions about the resilience of dingo populations in maintaining their genetic integrity despite centuries of potential interbreeding opportunities with domestic dogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-ancestral-dingoes-dna">Journey of ancestral dingoes DNA</h2>



Based on the evidence unearthed, it appears that the ancestors of today's dingoes first arrived in Australia more than 3000 years ago, likely brought by seafaring people. 



The research also highlighted the fact that dingo populations are classified into eastern and western groups. This division was previously thought to have occurred during post-colonial human activity. 



However, it's now revealed that this population structure was already in place thousands of years ago, even before any human intervention.



Dr Yassine Souilmi, from the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/acad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a>’s Australian Centre for Ancient DNA and Environment Institute, is another co-lead of this study. 



"The unique dataset of ancient dingo DNA helped to uncover crucial details about the ancestry and migration patterns of the modern-day dingo," Souilmi noted.



"Dingoes had distinct regional populations, split roughly along the Great Dividing Range, long before the European invasion of Australia, and certainly predating the dingo-proof fence.”



This revelation about the long-standing population structure of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canine-personality-traits-are-not-strongly-influenced-by-breed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild canines</a> provides valuable insights into their adaptation to different Australian environments and their role in various ecosystems across the continent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-of-the-matter">DNA of the matter</h2>



Notably, the DNA analysis dispelled previous assumptions of extensive interbreeding between dingoes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-dogs-have-larger-brains-than-ancient-dog-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern dogs</a>. Instead, the evidence suggests that today's dingoes retain much of their ancestral genetic diversity.



"Dingoes hold significant cultural importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and play an essential role in the Australian ecosystem," emphasized Dr. Souilmi. 



"Understanding their historical population structure helps us preserve the dingo's role in Australian ecology and culture."



The study, which represents the oldest ancient DNA recovered in Australia, was conducted by scientists from QUT's School of Biomedical Sciences and the University of Adelaide. It has opened broad possibilities for future DNA and conservation work, especially as it pertains to dingoes and other animals.



Unquestionably, the significance of these findings propels forward the urgency to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poison-intended-to-kill-dingoes-is-helping-them-grow-larger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dingo populations</a> in national parks and beyond, especially in light of current lethal culling programs.



The research, titled 'Ancient genomes reveal over two thousand years of dingo population structure,' was published in PNAS.



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



The revelation of the genetic purity and unique heritage of Australia's dingoes has significant implications for conservation strategies. 



Understanding their distinct genetic composition and historical population structures can inform policies aimed at preserving habitats and preventing further genetic dilution from interbreeding with domestic dogs.



Conservationists argue that protecting these animals is not only vital for maintaining biodiversity but also crucial for respecting the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities for whom they hold profound significance.



The study's findings advocate for enhanced protection measures and highlight the need for collaborative efforts between scientists, Indigenous communities, and policymakers to ensure the sustainable future of these iconic creatures.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2407584121">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Dingoes and modern dogs share very little DNA

In a fascinating turn of events, an exciting new study...

Australia is known for its unique and diverse wildlife, but few creatures play as crucial a role in preserving the country's ecological balance as the bettongs and potoroos of the marsupial family.



Marsupials are termed as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/otters-have-the-ability-to-restore-delicate-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem engineers</a>" for the significant contribution they make to environmental health through their foraging habits.



What's more, their wide-ranging diet influences the survival and prosperity of various plant species. However, the declining numbers of these native marsupials and the degrading state of their ecosystems are concerning. 



So, a group of prominent experts in the field of ecology and evolution, based at the esteemed <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a>, have taken it upon themselves to delve deeper into this critical issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-diet-of-marsupials">Studying the diet of marsupials</h2>



Dr. Rex Mitchell, a research associate in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University, explained that the initial goal of the study was to understand the toughness of the foods these foragers consume.



This input would play an essential part in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-race-against-heat-the-numbats-fight-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a> rates in conservation, newly established reserves, and even in formulating captive diets.



Dr. Mitchell emphasized the importance of maintaining the distinct populations and distributions of bettongs and potoroos for supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems in Australia.



In essence, understanding the hardness of potoroid diets from various habitats and comparing this with farmed foods or dietary supplements used in captivity are pivotal steps for their conservation efforts.



Australia's potoroid marsupials are known for their rich gastronomic preference of roots and tubers, fruit, fungi, seeds, leaves, and even tiny animals and insects.



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-secrets-how-bat-teeth-adapted-to-their-diverse-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary diversity</a> leads to the dispersal of seed and fungi across the landscape and promotes plant regeneration, establishing them as pivotal contributors to the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-nutritional-substitutes">Comparing nutritional substitutes</h2>



The researchers conducted fieldwork in the New England region of NSW and the Simpson Desert in South Australia to measure the mechanical properties of food in the bettong and potoroo diets.



They compared these findings with commercially available alternatives to identify possible substitutes or additional food sources.



Dr. Mitchell detailed the fascinating behavior of potoroids like the woylie and burrowing bettong. They can crack open resilient shells of sandalwood and quandong seeds to get to the kernels inside. This impressive skill is even more astonishing considering the small size of bettongs' jaws.



The researchers found that dried seed shells are less tough but more stiff compared to fresh shells. As a result, it might be easier for bettongs to crack open dry shells, clarifying why they usually store the seeds to crack open later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-marsupial-care-with-dietary-research">Enhancing marsupial care with dietary research</h2>



With new knowledge gained about the mechanical properties of potoroids' food compared to farmed foods, the researchers continue to develop better captive breed regimes and feed formulations. 



The team tested farmed foods such as commercial nuts, mushrooms, potatoes, dried and fresh fruits, alongside wild foods known to be consumed by potoroids in their natural habitats.



This fascinating research not only sheds light on the dietary needs of Australia's unique marsupials but also underscores the importance of maintaining their populations for a balanced and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/including-animals-carbon-cycle-models-boosts-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy ecosystem</a>.



The findings may ultimately lead to the formulation of nutritious and suitable substitutes for these ecosystem engineers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-habitat-loss-and-predation">Tackling habitat loss and predation</h2>



While understanding the dietary needs of marsupials is crucial, another significant aspect of their conservation involves addressing habitat loss and predation.



Urban expansion, agricultural development, and climate change continue to encroach on the natural habitats of bettongs and potoroos, making it increasingly difficult for these marsupials to thrive. 



Additionally, introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats pose a severe threat to the survival of these small marsupials.



To combat these challenges, comprehensive strategies are required, which include habitat restoration, predator control programs, and the establishment of safe havens and wildlife corridors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-ecological-balance">Restoring ecological balance</h2>



Efforts are also being made to reintroduce bettongs and potoroos into protected areas where they have previously disappeared. These rewilding projects aim to restore ecological balance and enhance biodiversity by reintroducing these marsupials into their native ranges.



By combining dietary research with habitat management and predator control, scientists and conservationists are taking a holistic approach to ensure the long-term survival of Australia's unique animals.



The study serves as a reminder that the intricate balance of Australian ecosystems hinges on the survival and prosperity of bettongs and potoroos.



Through continued research, community engagement, and integrated conservation efforts, there is hope for a future where these marsupials can thrive.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/AM/AM24006" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Mammalogy</a>.



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Marsupials are key to healthy ecosystems in Australia

Australia is known for its unique and diverse wildlife, but...

If we thought we knew everything about the fascinating world of dinosaurs, here's something to stir up our notions. The recent discovery of a species named Fona herzogae tells us that dinosaurs also led a life underground in burrows.



This new twist in the tale comes courtesy of a newly discovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Fona-herzogae_cave-dwelling_Credit-Jorge-Gonzalez_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burrowing relative of Thescelosaurus</a>, providing a fresh perspective on life during the mid-Cretaceous period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fona-herzogae-the-burrowing-dinosaur">Fona herzogae, the burrowing dinosaur</h2>



Making its home 99 million years ago in what constitutes present-day Utah, Fona herzogae painted a picture very different from our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koleken-inakayali-dinosaur-arms-smaller-than-t-rex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional</a> dinosaur imaginations.



Amid a large floodplain ecosystem with a backdrop of an inland ocean on one side, and volcanoes and mountains on the other, Fona was a plant-eating, small-bodied dinosaur that was quite distinct from its more decorated relatives.



Paleontologists from <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> and the <a href="https://naturalsciences.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences</a> came across this intriguing species in the infamous Cedar Mountain Formation. 



Haviv Avrahami, a Ph.D. student at NC State and digital technician for the Dueling Dinosaurs program at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, is the first author of the paper describing the work. 



“The bias in the fossil record is toward bigger animals, primarily because in floodplain environments like the Mussentuchit, small bones on the surface will often scatter, rot away, or become scavenged before burial and fossilization,” Avrahami notes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underground-connection">Underground connection</h2>



The uniqueness of Fona lies in its several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-with-huge-blade-like-horns-discovered-in-montana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anatomical features</a> that exemplify digging or burrowing qualities such as larger bicep muscles, strong muscle points on the hips and legs, fused bones along the pelvis - probably aiding in stability while digging -- and hindlimbs that are notably larger than forelimbs.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Fona-herzogae_cave-dwelling_young-old_Credit-Jorge-Gonzalez_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Fona-herzogae_cave-dwelling_young-old_Credit-Jorge-Gonzalez_1s.jpg" alt="Dinosaur species Fona herzogae, illustrated by Jorge Gonzalez" class="wp-image-1938684"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dinosaur species Fona herzogae, illustrated by Jorge Gonzalez</figcaption></figure>



Not just anatomical inference, the frequency of Fona fossils, according to Lindsay Zanno, associate research professor at NC State and head of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, was alarmingly high for a little animal with fragile bones. 



“Essentially, Fona did the hard work for us, by burying itself all over this area,” Zanno notes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-of-fona-herzogae">Influence of Fona herzogae</h2>



Fona herzogae not only sharpens our understanding of dinosaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-salamander-like-beast-gaiasia-jennyae-top-predator-before-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyles</a> but also broadens our knowledge of Cretaceous ecosystems.



“Fona gives us insight into the third dimension an animal can occupy by moving underground,” Avrahami adds, emphasizing the importance of its discovery in understanding the diversity of small-bodied herbivores. 



Zanno reiterates the importance of the discovery saying that we now understand that dinosaurs ranged from tiny arboreal gliders and nocturnal hunters to sloth-like grazers, and yes, even subterranean shelters.



As we unravel the mysteries encompassing the captivating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredibly-unusual-dinosaur-unearthed-in-mississippi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world of dinosaurs</a>, this new discovery roots us more deeply into the awe-inspiring aspects of evolution, making us ponder over the untold secrets that lay buried beneath the folds of time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-adaptations-of-fona-herzogae">Evolutionary adaptations of Fona herzogae</h2>



The discovery of Fona herzogae challenges established notions about dinosaurian evolution, specifically their adaptability to various ecological niches. 



Traditional perspectives often depict dinosaurs as either terrestrial, arboreal, or aquatic creatures.



The revelation of a burrowing dinosaur like Fona introduces a fourth dimension to this evolutionary paradigm, highlighting an impressive adaptability and versatility in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megaraptor-species-named-fujianipus-yingliangi-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological roles</a>. 



This underground niche occupation suggests that some dinosaurs developed complex behaviors and physical adaptations to escape predators, withstand harsh environmental conditions, or exploit subterranean food resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paleontological-methodology">Paleontological methodology</h2>



The findings associated with Fona herzogae not only enrich our understanding of dinosaur biodiversity but also suggest revisions in paleontological methodologies. 



The study underscores the importance of looking beyond the larger and more apparent fossils to discover smaller and potentially more elusive species.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Fona-herzogae_cave-dwelling_3d-skull_Credit-Lindsay-Zanno_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Fona-herzogae_cave-dwelling_3d-skull_Credit-Lindsay-Zanno_1s.jpg" alt="3D printed skull of Fona herzogae. Credit: Lindsay Zanno" class="wp-image-1938681"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">3D printed skull of Fona herzogae. Credit: Lindsay Zanno</figcaption></figure>



Advanced imaging techniques, detailed sediment analysis, and targeted excavation strategies could unearth a wealth of information about smaller-sized dinosaurs that might have previously gone unnoticed. 



As Avrahami and Zanno's work illustrates, these approaches can uncover pivotal information about the diversity and complexity of extinct ecosystems.



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



Fona herzogae sets a precedent for future research focusing on lesser-known aspects of dinosaur life. Future studies could investigate other potential burrowing dinosaurs or similar adaptive behaviors among contemporaneous species.



Additionally, examining the environmental factors that facilitated the existence of burrowing dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period might provide further insights into their evolution. 



Collaborative efforts between paleontologists across various disciplines, such as geology, biology, and computer science, will be essential in piecing together these intricate details of the past.



As new techniques and technologies emerge, our understanding of these ancient creatures will continue to deepen, revealing the full spectrum of life during the age of dinosaurs.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.25505" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Anatomical Record</a>.



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Some dinosaurs dug burrows and lived underground

If we thought we knew everything about the fascinating world...

Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillars-use-their-hair-to-detect-predators-static-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a> exhibit specific food preferences that persist when they become butterflies. For example, monarch butterflies feed exclusively on milkweed, while Lime butterflies prefer lime leaves. 



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.nus.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of Singapore</a> (NUS) are investigating the origins of these dietary preferences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caterpillar-odor-preferences-nbsp">Caterpillar odor preferences&nbsp;</h2>



A previous study by NUS researchers revealed that caterpillars develop a preference for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillar-noses-can-lead-to-safer-ways-to-protect-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smell</a> of leaves they consume outside their typical diet within a few days and pass this preference to their offspring. 



This adaptation can occur naturally when female butterflies lay eggs on non-typical plants. Caterpillars that feed on these new plants develop and inherit a preference for the new smell, potentially leading to host switching and the formation of new species with distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-when-butterflies-evolved-and-what-plants-they-used-for-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary preferences</a>.



“Since new food preferences develop in the brain of caterpillars, it was unclear how such preferences were inherited by their offspring,” said professor Antónia Monteiro, who led the research team.



“Offspring develop from the fusion of two cells (an egg and a sperm) produced in the gonads of each parent, which are located far from the brain. It was unclear how a smell preference was communicated to these cells,” explained lead author V. Gowri, a PhD student at NUS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smell-preferences-across-generations-nbsp">Smell preferences across generations&nbsp;</h2>



To understand this adaptive behavior, the research team conducted experiments and discovered that hemolymph, the blood of the caterpillar, which bathes both the brain and reproductive organs, contains factors that promote the inheritance of new smell preferences.



A caterpillar's blood can transport factors from the brain to the gonads, influencing smell preferences in the next generation. Alternatively, it could transport these factors from food to the embryo's brain if included in the sperm or egg cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-preferences-in-caterpillar-blood-nbsp">Food preferences in caterpillar blood&nbsp;</h2>



To test if caterpillar blood contained such factors, newly hatched caterpillars were fed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-vegetation-database-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> with a new smell or a control plant. The researchers collected blood from mature caterpillars and injected it into others that had not consumed either plant type.



The experiment showed that caterpillars receiving blood from control-fed caterpillars maintained their usual diet. In contrast, those injected with blood from caterpillars fed with the new smell plants adapted to this dietary change. Remarkably, their offspring also inherited this new preference.



“This was very surprising to us, as this experiment shows that learning a preference towards a smell can occur without the need for the smell to enter the caterpillar's body via the antennae, as suggested in textbooks,” Monteiro said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-for-odor-learning-and-preference-nbsp">Mechanism for odor learning and preference&nbsp;</h2>



The findings suggest a possible mechanism for caterpillars to switch food preferences over evolutionary time. The researchers aim to further explore this mechanism and identify specific factors inherited across generations.



“These results indicate that factors in the haemolymph, potentially the odor molecule itself, play an important role in odor learning and preference transmission across generations,” wrote the study authors.



“Furthermore, this mechanism of odor preference inheritance, mediated by the haemolymph, bypasses the peripheral odor-sensing mechanisms taking place in the antennae, mouthparts or legs, and may mediate food plant switching and diversification in Lepidoptera or more broadly across insects.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarch-butterflies-and-milkweed-nbsp">Monarch butterflies and milkweed&nbsp;</h2>



Monarch butterflies and milkweed have a fascinating and crucial relationship. Monarchs are pretty much dependent on milkweed for their survival. The female monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants because their larvae (caterpillars) eat milkweed leaves as their sole food source.



The connection goes beyond just a food source. Milkweed contains toxic compounds that caterpillars ingest, making them unpalatable to predators.&nbsp;



This toxicity is carried through to their adult butterfly stage, offering them protection throughout their life cycle. The bright orange and black wings of Monarch butterflies are a warning sign to predators: "Stay away; I taste terrible!"



This dependence means that milkweed is critical to the survival of monarch butterflies. Unfortunately, with the decline of milkweed due to habitat loss and herbicide use, monarch populations have been struggling.&nbsp;



Many people are now planting milkweed in their gardens to help support these incredible creatures. It’s a simple but impactful way to contribute to the conservation of monarchs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



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Caterpillars inherit food preferences through their blood 

Many caterpillars exhibit specific food preferences that persist when they...

For the first time, a team of researchers measured the heart rate of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bats-navigate-noisy-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> over several days in the wild, including full flight recordings.&nbsp;



The study involved attaching heart rate transmitters weighing less than one gram to male common noctule bats. 



The bats were tracked while they flew in search of food, with scientists following in an airplane for more than an hour at times.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-consumption-of-annuals">Energy consumption of annuals</h2>



The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.0855" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>, reveal significant insights into the energy consumption and survival strategies of bats.



The study was led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB) and the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Konstanz</a>. The goal was to understand the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-brain-energy-weight-gain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy expenditure</a> of male common noctule bats throughout the year.&nbsp;



“Understanding how animals meet their daily energy requirements is critical in our rapidly changing world,” wrote the researchers.



“Small organisms with high metabolic rates can conserve stored energy when food availability is low or increase energy intake when energetic requirements are high, but how they balance this in the wild remains largely unknown.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-budgets-of-bats">Energy budgets of bats</h2>



Study lead author Lara Keicher, an ecologist at Max Planck, noted that bats are fascinating animals that often share their habitat with us humans.



“But bats are still shrouded in mystery. We don't yet have a clear answer to simple questions such as: How much food do they need and can they find enough of it in different seasons to survive?”



To gather data, scientists fitted bats with heart rate transmitters weighing only 0.8 grams.&nbsp;



“To understand and accurately quantify energy budgets of bats in different stages of their life cycle, we studied free-ranging male common noctule bats, Nyctalus noctula, in southern Germany,” wrote the researchers.



“Nyctalus noctula is a representative insectivorous temperate-zone bat species with an annual life cycle characterized by periods of torpor and hibernation that are timed around different stages of the annual reproductive cycle and seasonal insect availability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-bats-heart-rates-nbsp">Tracking the bats’ heart rates&nbsp;</h2>



The transmitters, which the bats wore for a few days, emitted audio signals of the bats' heartbeats, recorded using a radio receiver. This method allowed the researchers to track the bats' heart rates within a few hundred meters. 



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="W9Rf1fPcLu-3729306-12187" type="single"]</div>



During the day, the recordings were straightforward as bats rested in tree caves or bat boxes. However, nighttime tracking required the researchers to fly a small airplane to follow the bats during their hour-long flights.



The researchers found that bats' heart rates could reach around 900 beats per minute during flight. “It sounded like a single high-pitched tone to our ears,” Keicher said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-conservation-strategies-of-bats">Energy conservation strategies of bats</h2>



The study revealed that male common noctule bats use different energy conservation strategies depending on the season.&nbsp;



In spring, the bats enter a state of torpor, reducing their heart rates to as low as six beats per minute to save energy. “We saw that bats in spring could ramp up their heart rates when they wake up, reaching the top speed of 900 beats per minute within only a few minutes,” Keicher added.



Interestingly, the team discovered that male bats do not use torpor during the summer.&nbsp;



“In the warmer months, when food is plentiful, males stay awake during the day to invest energy in sperm production in order to be ready for <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/male-bats-have-a-secret-mating-weapon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mating</a> in the autumn,” she explained.&nbsp;



To compensate for the energy expended, male bats hunt twice as long in summer, consuming up to 33 June beetles or over 2500 mosquitoes in one night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energetic-challenges-faced-by-bats-nbsp">Energetic challenges faced by bats&nbsp;</h2>



The findings highlight the energetic challenges faced by bats and their survival strategies. This understanding is crucial for predicting how bats will be affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-waking-bats-up-too-early-from-hibernation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and changes in food availability.&nbsp;



“All bat species are protected in Germany and some are threatened with extinction. Basic research that investigates the behavior of the animals and their adaptations to the environment can help us develop protective measures,” concluded senior author Dina Dechmann, a biologist at Max Planck.



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Bats can ramp up their heart rate to 900 beats per minute

For the first time, a team of researchers measured the...

Ever wondered if we truly know all there is to know about our animal companions on planet Earth? Well, the reality might leave you surprised. From amphibians to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-urban-spaces-support-bird-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, and reptiles to mammals, the vast biodiversity of four-footed animals is stunning. Yet, recent research shows that the world of tetrapods – animals with four feet – is filled with more mysteries than we thought.



This intriguing discovery is brought to us by Mario Moura, from the <a href="https://www.unicamp.br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidade Estadual de Campinas</a>, Brazil, and Walter Jetz of <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>. The study sheds light on the dark corners of our understanding of the tetrapod biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tetrapodtraits-a-game-changer">TetrapodTraits: A game-changer</h2>



The team created TetrapodTraits, a massive database compiling vital traits of over 33,000 species, including body size, habitat, geographic location, and whether each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiktaalik-fossil-discovery-sheds-light-on-how-fish-walked-onto-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> is under threat from human activities. 



Tetrapods are typically well-documented and form models in global biodiversity studies. Yet, recurring gaps in species' data and inconsistencies, even down to shifting scientific names, can skew our understanding of biodiversity. 



This, in turn, could lead to false conclusions about the ecosystem's function and the extinction risk of a species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-findings">Unexpected findings</h2>



While assembling TetrapodTraits, the researchers made some eye-opening discoveries. Data specific to certain species, such as small-bodied animals or those active during the night, are missing more often than not. Similarly, tropical regions seem to be an enigma for researchers.



Acknowledging these gaps, the team managed to predict the missing data based on existing observations. Their completion of the database led to a reevaluation of biodiversity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/island-bird-communities-are-changing-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>, in turn, influencing our knowledge about species distribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-tetrapod-biodiversity-data">Future of tetrapod biodiversity data</h2>



While the TetrapodTraits database represents a significant advancement in tetrapod research, the authors stress the importance of continuous data collection to boost its accuracy and comprehensiveness. 



Why is this additional data crucial? It will help refine the database, making it an even more valuable resource for scientists. Imagine future studies yielding less biased and more reliable results when examining the ecology, behavior, and conservation of various tetrapod species. 



This could lead to more informed decisions and effective conservation strategies, benefitting biodiversity and ecosystem health.



Continual data enrichment will only enhance the utility of TetrapodTraits, driving more precise and impactful scientific discoveries. Even in its current state, the use of TetrapodTraits in research holds promise for significant contributions to the scientific community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-data-accuracy">Importance of data accuracy</h2>



Accurate data is paramount when studying biodiversity. Reliable data ensures that researchers can draw meaningful conclusions about species distribution, ecological roles, and conservation statuses. 



Any inaccuracies or inconsistencies within the dataset can thus lead to erroneous conclusions, potentially undermining conservation efforts. 



For instance, mismatches in species' scientific names or errors in documented geographic locations could conflate or segment populations, distorting our understanding of their true range and threat levels. 



Therefore, the TetrapodTraits database not only compiles vast quantities of information but also emphasizes the standardization and verification of data to minimize such discrepancies.



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



Technological advancements play a crucial role in modern biodiversity research. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, as demonstrated in the TetrapodTraits project, can help identify patterns, predict missing data, and uncover biases within large datasets. 



These technologies enhance our capacity to handle vast amounts of complex data and offer novel insights that might otherwise remain hidden. 



Furthermore, remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and drones, allow for better monitoring of habitats and species, particularly in remote or less accessible regions. 



This blend of field research and technology-driven analysis paves the way for a more thorough and nuanced understanding of global biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-of-tetrapod-biodiversity">Conservation of tetrapod biodiversity</h2>



The refined understanding of tetrapod biodiversity provided by TetrapodTraits has significant implications for conservation. By identifying regions and species with incomplete data, the database highlights critical areas for future research and targeted conservation efforts. 



Accurate data about species' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-mammals-play-a-vital-role-in-maintaining-forest-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological roles</a> and distribution can aid in creating more effective conservation strategies, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-tetrapod-biodiversity">AI and tetrapod biodiversity</h2>



So, it's evident that our understanding of tetrapod species is not as complete as we once thought. But fret not, advancements like TetrapodTraits are paving the way to fill these knowledge gaps.&nbsp;



"Our research utilizes artificial intelligence to uncover biases in biodiversity data and offer guidance for enhancing the effectiveness of field research and sampling strategies," noted the study authors.



As we continue to explore these mysteries, let's appreciate the richness of our planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-geographic-isolation-shaped-global-species-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. After all, it's in understanding and preserving this diversity that we ensure a vibrant future for coming generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002658" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



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We know far less about four-footed animals than expected

Ever wondered if we truly know all there is to...

A recent study reveals that while some seabirds are scrambling to avoid tropical cyclones, others are actually chasing these storms for days at a time.&nbsp;



Desertas petrels, scientifically known as Pterodroma deserta, are seabirds found primarily in the North Atlantic. According to the researchers, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-need-ocean-wide-protection-to-survive-human-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> engage in unique foraging behaviors during the hurricane season. 



The experts discovered that Desertas petrels exploit the dynamic conditions of intense tropical cyclones for their benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-riding-the-wind-nbsp">Riding the wind&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Francesco Ventura is a postdoc investigator in biology at the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/who-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI). 



"Initial studies suggested that seabirds either circumnavigate cyclones or seek refuge in the calm eye of the storm. However, the Desertas petrels we tracked did neither; instead, one-third of them followed the cyclone for days, covering thousands of kilometers,” said Ventura.



“When we saw the data, we nearly fell off our chairs. This is the first time we have observed this behavior.”



“It’s striking how well the birds know how to exploit the large-scale wind conditions over the North Atlantic for their travels,” said Caroline Ummenhofer, associate scientist at WHOI. “When you overlay the petrels’ foraging trips on top of average winds, it’s a very close match.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wings-on-the-run">Wings on the run</h2>



Desertas petrels make their nests on Bugio Island in Portugal, just off the western coast of North Africa. This island is special because it's the only place in the world where these pigeon-sized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-seabirds-have-ingested-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seabirds</a> are known to nest. There are fewer than 200 pairs, and they live on a plateau surrounded by steep cliffs.



During their six-month breeding season, Desertas petrels embark on incredible foraging trips. They can spend weeks at sea, flying up to 7,500 miles across the Atlantic to find food. These birds belong to the genus Pterodroma, which fittingly translates to "wings on the run."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabirds-chasing-cyclones">Seabirds chasing cyclones</h2>



Ventura said the team correlated the birds' locations with intensifying storm conditions, including waves up to 8 meters high and wind speeds of 100 kilometers per hour.



“Upon encountering strong winds, the birds reduced ground speed, likely by spending less time in flight to avoid injury to their wings,” noted Ventura.



“In addition, the wakes of the storms provided predictably favorable wind conditions with higher tailwind support than alternative routes. Impressively, none of the birds we tracked were harmed by the storms and there was no incidence of nest desertion.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cyclone-wakes-improve-foraging-conditions-nbsp">Cyclone wakes improve foraging conditions&nbsp;</h2>



The diet of the Desertas petrel consists mainly of squid, fish, and crustaceans, which they catch by surface seizing. Because the birds cannot dive to great depths, they hunt at nightfall when their prey moves within reach.&nbsp;



“As we’ve now discovered, Desertas Petrels follow hurricanes where prey have accumulated closer to the surface in the wakes of the storms,” said Ummenhofer.



The experts found that cyclone wakes improve foraging conditions for the petrels. Enhanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/summer-storms-stir-oxygen-into-the-deep-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean mixing</a> and productivity seem to boost prey abundance and accessibility.



“One of the interesting aspects of the interaction of a tropical cyclone and the ocean is the intense vertical mixing in the upper ocean layers caused by very strong winds and huge breaking seas,” noted study co-author Philip Richardson, an expert in physical oceanography at WHOI.



“The cyclonic winds can cause a divergence in the upper layer that moves cooler, deeper water toward the surface.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fresh-perspective-on-seabirds-and-cyclones">A fresh perspective on seabirds and cyclones </h2>



Ventura explained that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-moving-tropical-cyclones-are-becoming-more-powerful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyclones</a> present a highly valuable foraging opportunity for Desertas petrels because the storms churn up mesopelagic prey from deep within the vertical column, giving the seabirds an easy meal at the surface. 



“While storms are typically seen as destructive, particularly in coastal areas, our research reveals that functional perturbance driven by storms can create new opportunities. We’re advancing our understanding of how petrels navigate the open ocean to find food.”



“We now have a fresh perspective on hurricanes' impact on marine ecosystems through the eyes of an apex predator,” said Ummenhofer. “This study provides valuable insights into the resilience and foraging strategies of pelagic seabirds in the face of extreme weather events.”



The research is providing new insights into the impact of cyclones on open ocean marine life.



Despite their destructive nature onshore, cyclones may have positive net effects on the demography of many mid-latitude pelagic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-have-different-strategies-to-survive-storms/">seabirds</a> and, likely, other marine top-predators, concluded the researchers.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>. 



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Riders on the storm: Why some seabirds chase cyclones

A recent study reveals that while some seabirds are scrambling...

Peering into the captivating world of newborn chicks, a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> has unveiled something truly remarkable. In a recent study, led by the insightful Dr. Elisabetta Versace, the team has revealed fascinating insights into the world of learning and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicks-play-to-prepare-for-challenges-in-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligence</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicks-the-masters-of-fast-learning">Chicks: The masters of fast learning</h2>



Dr. Versace, a senior lecturer at the <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences</a>, refers to these diminutive creatures as "the masters of fast learning."



"Chicks learn the features of their mother hen in just a few minutes, and then can recognize them from different points of view and under different lights conditions with no training required," said Dr. Versace.



The basis of this precocious learning is a mechanism called "imprinting," where chicks, as it appears from her research, show a bias for "mothers" of certain colors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicks-color-conundrum">Chicks’ color conundrum</h2>



In this extensive study, 587 fresh, domestic chick eggs incubated in darkness were hatched under carefully controlled conditions.



On hatching, and after determining their sex, each chick was placed into its individual cage, exposed to a 16:8 hour light-dark cycle. The team then observed their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicks-can-identify-an-object-just-by-touching-it-even-in-the-dark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> in rectangular enclosures fitted with high-frequency monitors that displayed circular stimuli of varying colors.



During this imprinting phase, each chick was exposed to a single moving stimulus for 16 hours. Following this, on either the second or sixth day after hatching, the chicks were presented with the imprinting stimulus and various test stimuli on separate screens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicks-bias-in-learning-speed">Chicks' bias in learning speed</h2>



What the team discovered next was truly astounding. The chicks' learning speed showcased a color-dependent bias. 



Chicks who were exposed to a deep blue mother learned the features significantly faster compared to those who were exposed to mothers of different colors.



Interestingly, chicks raised by a green mother took a longer time to distinguish their mother from similar test stimuli.



These findings serve as a testament to the fact that chicks are predisposed to learn faster based on specific color cues - a fascinating showcase of the influence of both past experiences and innate preferences on learning efficiency.



"What stimuli are chicks prepared to learn faster?" asks Dr. Versace. The answer is intriguing - colors that are rare in their environment but frequent on their mothers, namely, red and blue.



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



These revelations harbor the prospects of a thrilling journey into understanding how our own brains learn new information and respond to different stimuli. The potential of this breakthrough is not limited to the fauna alone.



The ripple effect might well touch upon the development of faster and more efficient learning AI, potentially reducing errors and training by embedding meaningful priors (expectations) in artificial neural networks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-chicks-to-infant-learning">From chicks to infant learning</h2>



While the rapid learning mechanisms of chicks might seem to be an avian peculiarity, the principles underlying these processes bear striking similarities to early learning in human infants. 



Like chicks, human babies exhibit significant plasticity in their early developmental stages, a phenomenon that allows them to quickly recognize and discriminate various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicken-domestication-humans-timeline-silk-road-evidence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stimuli</a> in their environment. 



Studies have shown that infants also have an inherent bias towards certain colors and shapes, which can enhance their learning efficiency. 



By investigating these cross-species parallels, experts can glean invaluable insights into the fundamental structure of learning and cognitive development. Such research highlights the evolutionary continuities and divergences that shape intelligence across the animal kingdom.



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



As this area of study unfolds, several avenues for future research emerge, each promising to deepen our understanding of learning processes. 



Potential investigations might explore the genetic underpinnings of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chickens-faces-change-color-depending-on-their-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">color</a> biases, examining how certain genes influence learning predispositions in chicks and other animals.



Moreover, the ethical considerations of such research must not be overlooked. Ensuring humane treatment and minimizing distress for the chicks involved in these experiments is of paramount importance. 



Additionally, as these findings potentially inform AI development, the ethical deployment of such technologies warrants rigorous scrutiny to prevent misuse. This careful balance between discovery and ethical responsibility ensures that progress in cognitive science can proceed both thoughtfully and innovatively.



Ultimately, this study provides a fresh perspective. It leaves us marveling at the intriguing potential of color, extending far beyond aesthetics - spiraling into the realm of learning and cognition, across species, and potentially into the realm of artificial intelligence.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01420-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Chicks learn faster when their mothers are red or blue

Peering into the captivating world of newborn chicks, a team...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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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



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



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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



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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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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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