On September 29, 2024, something unusual happened in our cosmic neighborhood. Earth captured a tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5, turning it into a temporary mini-moon. 



That's right... as of today, November 2, 2024, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth has two moons</a>.



Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), shed some light on these fleeting celestial companions.



"These happen more often than we think, but they're small and tough to spot," Binzel explained. "Only lately have our telescopes become powerful enough to catch them regularly."



Back in August, a team of astronomers from the <a href="https://www.ucm.es/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Complutense University</a> of Madrid detected the small space rock using a powerful telescope in Sutherland, South Africa.



They weren't the only ones keeping an eye on it. The asteroid was first noticed on August 7, 2024 by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (<a href="https://atlas.fallingstar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATLAS</a>) at Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii.



This discovery sparked excitement among astronomers, offering a chance to learn more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-test-simulation-shows-earth-not-prepared-prevent-large-asteroid-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth objects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-2024-pt5">What exactly is 2024 PT5?</h2>



Earth occasionally captures small asteroids like 2024 PT5, placing them into temporary orbits around our planet. 



While most asteroids circle the sun on their regular paths, some venture close enough for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-global-electric-field-discovered-equally-important-gravity-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's gravity</a> to snatch them up for a brief visit.



These cosmic visitors only stay in Earth's orbit for a short time -- typically a few weeks or months -- before breaking free and resuming their solar journey.



Each mini-moon gives scientists a rare opportunity to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27500-hidden-near-earth-asteroids-discovered-using-google-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth asteroids</a> up close, revealing valuable insights about our solar system's mechanics.



So, what makes this asteroid special, aside from the fact that new technology and the internet made it famous? 



William Blackmore, Planetarium Director and Astronomy Instructor at <a href="https://www.mhcc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mt. Hood Community College</a>, offered his thoughts.



"All mini-moons are unique in their own way," Blackmore explained. "This one isn't different from others except that it's the most recent.”



2024 PT5 will be around for about two more weeks, probably until mid-November.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-2024-pt5-to-our-moon">Comparing 2024 PT5 to our moon</h2>



Let's compare our moon to this new mini-moon: 2024 PT5 is only about 37 feet across, while our familiar moon stretches a massive 2,159 miles in diameter. That makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-moon-a-new-theory-has-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our moon</a> over 300,000 times wider than this tiny asteroid.



Knowing it’s up there is pretty exciting, even though we can't see it for ourselves without an invitation to a huge Earth telescope installation.



“These temporary captures are natural cosmic laboratories,” Binzel mentioned. “They help us understand the small bodies that come close to Earth and could be important for future space missions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-asteroid-2024-pt5-became-famous">How Asteroid 2024 PT5 became famous</h2>



Understanding how 2024 PT5 became Earth's temporary moon involves a bit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-order-in-the-chaos-of-the-three-body-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orbital mechanics</a>. 



Blackmore explained, "It's moving along with us in our orbit around the sun. It's part of a group of asteroids called the Arjuna asteroids, which move at about the same pace as Earth."



He added an interesting analogy: "Imagine a skateboarder dropping into a skate park. They ride the curves, adding energy as they go. That's like the asteroid getting caught in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's gravitational field</a>, riding the curve before moving on."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-spotting-mini-moons">Significance of spotting mini-moons</h2>



Spotting mini-moons is tough because they're incredibly small and faint. These tiny asteroids are often just a few dozen feet across, which means they don't reflect much sunlight. That makes them nearly invisible against the dark backdrop of space.



Plus, they're zipping around at high speeds and don't hang around for long, so by the time we point our telescopes their way, they might already be gone. 



It's like trying to catch a glimpse of a firefly from miles away -- you need the right conditions and equipment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-high-tech-telescopes">Modern high-tech telescopes</h2>



Astronomers find them by using powerful telescopes equipped with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gaia-reveals-moons-around-hundreds-of-asteroids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensitive detectors and smart software</a>.



Projects like the ATLAS system scan the skies every night, searching for any objects that weren't there before. 



When they spot something moving in a way that suggests it's close to Earth, they alert other astronomers to help confirm the find. 



It's a collaborative effort, combining technology and teamwork to spot these elusive cosmic visitors.



Knowing more about these temporary moons helps us prepare for any potential asteroid threats and opens up possibilities for mining resources from near-Earth objects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-observing-2024-pt5">Challenges in observing 2024 PT5</h2>



For those eager to see this mini-moon, both experts warned that it would be extremely difficult. "You'd need a telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches," Blackmore mentioned. "That's beyond what most amateur astronomers have."



Todd agreed, adding, "It won't be visible to the naked eye. Being 33 feet wide and so far away, you'd need a very large telescope."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



While 2024 PT5 doesn't pose any threat to Earth, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-a-fifth-force-of-nature-asteroids-provide-new-clues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying it is crucial</a>. 



"It's important to analyze how it moves and interacts with Earth's gravitational pull," Blackmore said. "This helps us refine our techniques for tracking objects that could cross our path again."



Todd highlighted the practical applications of this knowledge. 



"We need to understand how to intercept an asteroid at a distance and change its direction," he said. "This could be vital in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preventing potential impacts</a> in the future."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-for-future-space-missions">Inspiration for future space missions</h2>



Blackmore envisioned future missions that could take advantage of these temporary visitors. 



"It would be fascinating if we had missions ready to send small satellites or probes to these objects when they come close," he mused. "Imagine building a network of sensors or cameras traveling along with us, like space webcams."



Todd also saw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-named-psyche-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-for-whoever-can-extract-minerals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential in asteroid mining</a> and scientific discovery. 



"There might be materials on these asteroids that we can't find on Earth," he said. "They could solve problems in medicine or technology. But we need to weigh the benefits carefully."



To sum it all up, the brief visit of asteroid 2024 PT5 serves as a reminder of the dynamic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature of our solar system</a>. 



While it won't be with us for long -- just a couple more weeks -- its presence offers valuable opportunities for learning and exploration.



As technology advances, we'll likely spot more of these mini-moons. Each one gives us a chance to understand our cosmic environment better and prepare for the future. 



So even though you'll never see it, you might want to spare a moment of your time and stop to appreciate 2024 PT5 while you still can.



The full study was published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/ad781f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal IOPscience</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Earth's second moon, a mini-moon, will drift away in a few days and never return

On September 29, 2024, something unusual happened in our cosmic neighborhood. Earth captured a tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5, turning it into a temporary mini-moon. That's right... as of today, November 2, 2024, Earth has two moons. Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), shed some light on these fleeting celestial companions. "These happen more often than we think, but they're small and tough to spot," Binzel explained. "Only lately have our telescopes become powerful enough to catch them regularly." Back in August,...

Starfish are often admired for their beauty and simplicity, but beneath the surface, they hold countless mysteries. 



One of these mysteries was recently unveiled with the identification of a new starfish <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-atlantic-sea-stars-are-crossbreeding-and-it-may-help-them-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> in Japan, drawing attention to the captivating and largely unexplored underwater world.



The discovery of the new starfish was largely thanks to the efforts of various organizations working in tandem. One institution that played a key role in this discovery was the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starfish-more-than-just-a-name">Starfish: More than just a name</h2>



Before we get into the details of how this striking creature was found, let’s debunk a commonly held belief. 



Despite their name, starfish are not truly fish. They are more akin to the prickly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchins-are-struggling-to-survive-because-they-cant-get-a-grip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea urchins</a> and squishy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-cucumbers-protect-coral-reefs-from-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea cucumbers</a>.



Seemingly gentle and inactive when found stranded on a sandy beach, starfish are in fact significant predators, boasting up to 50 arms, capable of spanning a meter, and living for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interesting-facts-about-starfish">Interesting facts about starfish</h2>



Starfish, also known as sea stars, are fascinating animals with extremely unique characteristics.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regeneration">Regeneration</h3>



Starfish can regenerate lost arms. In some species, an entire new starfish can grow from just one severed arm, as long as part of the central disc is attached.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-brain-or-blood">No brain or blood</h3>



Despite their complex behavior, starfish do not have a brain or blood. Instead, they use a water vascular system to circulate nutrients and oxygen throughout their body.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tube-feet">Tube feet</h3>



Starfish move using hundreds of tiny tube feet located on the underside of their arms. These feet not only help them move but also allow them to grip surfaces and capture prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predatory-behavior-nbsp">Predatory behavior&nbsp;</h3>



Many starfish species are voracious predators, particularly of bivalve mollusks like clams and oysters. They can pry open the shells with their strong arms and then evert their stomachs to digest the soft tissues inside.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starfish-species">Starfish species</h3>



There are over 2,000 species of starfish found in all the world’s oceans, from tropical coral reefs to the deep sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-paragonaster-hoeimaruae">Introducing Paragonaster hoeimaruae</h2>



Meet Paragonaster hoeimaruae, the newly discovered species of starfish. This distinctive creature belongs to the family Pseudarchasteridae and boasts a vibrant red and beige color, with five arms, spanning just over 10 centimeters. 



The team gathered a variety of species from around Japan between 2021 and 2023. They were collected from shrimp and crab cages used by fishers in Hokkaido and Shizuoka prefectures, in northern and central Japan, respectively, and beam trawl surveys conducted by a Yamaguchi prefectural fisheries research ship. 



"We discovered the starfish - newly named Paragonaster hoeimaruae - off the coast of the Izu Peninsula in the Sagami Bay, south of Tokyo. We also found another in the Sea of Japan, northwest of Yamaguchi Prefecture in southwestern Japan," noted lead researcher Itaru Kobayashi from the Misaki Marine Biological Station of the University of Tokyo. 



"They were caught between 150 meters and 350 meters deep, have a well-proportioned body with five arms, and are a beautiful red on the surface and beige underneath."



The starfish's name, hoei, was taken from the fishing vessel Hoei-maru, which first collected the specimen. 



Despite Japan being home to approximately 250 species of starfish, only four species of Pseudarchasteridae had been observed in Japanese waters until now. The astounding discovery of this new species highlights the rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1-8-million-species-are-yet-to-be-identified-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of marine life</a> in Japan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-diversity-in-japanese-waters">Species diversity in Japanese waters </h2>



Interestingly, the researchers also recorded other starfish species in locations different from where they had previously been found. One such starfish was Gephyreaster swifti, an impressively large starfish roughly 30 centimeters in diameter, found off the north coast of Hokkaido.



Until this moment, it had only been recorded across the Pacific west coast of the United States and Canada, all the way to islands in the Bering Sea to the north.



"About 250 species of starfish live around Japan, and we were surprised that one so large as this had been overlooked. Our research highlights how the diversity of species in Japanese waters is still underestimated," said Kobayashi. 



The exciting research further highlights the value of community-driven scientific endeavors.



"These exciting discoveries show how important it is for fishers, aquariums, universities, and other research institutions to work together to better understand our oceans and marine biodiversity," said Kobayashi.



Paragonaster hoeimaruae is a testament to the beauty, mystery, and vastness of our oceans. It's a call to all of us to invest more effort into exploring our marine environment, ensuring its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepwater-desperation-the-race-to-save-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preservation</a> for future generations.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00222933.2024.2377336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Natural History</a>.



Image Credit: I. Kobayashi



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

New starfish species discovered in Japan

Starfish are often admired for their beauty and simplicity, but...

Have you ever noticed a baby babbling away at their favorite toy car, seeming to expect it to respond back? Or perhaps, you've been intrigued by their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-hear-far-more-speech-at-home-than-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ability to adapt</a> and learn from their environment? 



Recently, a group of researchers at Cornell University delved into these very aspects of infant development. The study was led by Michael Goldstein, psychology professor and director of the Behavioral Analysis of Beginning Years (<a href="https://babylab.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">B.A.B.Y.</a>) laboratory at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>. 



He and his team have been exploring the fascinating world of babies and their remarkable adaptability to learn language and social norms, with startling findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responding-to-the-babble-of-babies">Responding to the babble of babies </h2>



At the heart of Goldstein's research was an unassuming remote-controlled car. This vehicle was programmed to approach babies and produce speech sounds in response to babbling. 



The result? Within a mere 10 minutes, babies built strong expectations that the car would react to their vocalizations. 



Astonishingly, when the car ceased responding, the babies reacted with intense spurts of babbling and play directed at the car - a stronger reaction than when they were interacting with people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-is-everything">Timing is everything</h2>



Goldstein's team discovered that, in the early stages of development, one of the main building blocks of learning where to direct one's attention depends on the concept of "contingency." 



This term refers to caregivers' reactions that closely follow the baby's behavior. Going against the grain of what some developmental psychologists believe, the research showed that babies, particularly in their first year, are highly flexible in what they can learn from. In this case, they were learning from machines that lack human features.



"What’s built into the baby is to pay attention to timing, and the world takes care of the rest. Babies are learning machines, and it’s on the adults to be responsive in the right ways to drive that learning," explained Goldstein.



This discovery challenges some beliefs that infants, like other slowly maturing animals, depend on innate knowledge, such as face recognition, for learning. Goldstein's findings point towards a different direction. "We’re showing the opposite," he insists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remote-controlled-car-and-babbling-babies">Remote-controlled car and babbling babies</h2>



Expanding the scope of their experiment, more than 60 infants, aged 7 and 8 months, were introduced to a large playroom. 



Inside, unfamiliar people or a remote-controlled car would respond to their babbling, replicating the same reactions their caregivers would. In some cases, the car or person responded following the baby's vocalizations, while in other situations, they responded sporadically and not triggered by the infant's sounds.



The researchers believe that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-do-babies-start-gaining-their-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptability the babies</a> displayed, which appears to start around five months, is beneficial while they learn how to learn. However, they hypothesize that this might fade as the babies gain language proficiency.



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



These findings could provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms of learning. Goldstein's lab is now focused on researching babies at risk for autism.



Unlike typically developing babies, these infants may prefer more predictable response rates, which could influence their learning processes. By understanding these preferences, experts hope to uncover important aspects of cognitive development and learning in children with autism.



This research aims to contribute to the broader knowledge of how different factors affect learning behavior and could lead to more tailored approaches in early intervention strategies for at-risk infants. Continued exploration in this area is essential for advancing our understanding of autism.



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



Contextual factors also play a crucial role in how infants acquire language and social skills. Goldstein's research highlights that the environment in which a baby is situated can significantly influence their learning outcomes. 



For instance, familiar contexts, such as the home environment, provide a richer tapestry of interaction, which aids infants in making connections between their vocalizations and responses from caregivers or toys. 



When novel elements, like a remote-controlled car, are introduced into this familiar context, babies exhibit heightened levels of curiosity and engagement, further underscoring their remarkable capacity to adapt and learn from diverse stimuli.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-babbling-babies">A new perspective on babbling babies </h2>



So, next time you see a baby having a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-to-babies-in-parentese-boosts-their-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one-sided conversation</a> with a toy, remember, they might be picking up more than you think. 



As Goldstein's study shows, babies are truly learning machines, constantly adapting and absorbing from their environment – even from a remote-controlled car. It's a reminder for us adults to interact with our little ones more consciously, tailoring our responses to facilitate their learning.



These findings were funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and are published in the journal Infancy, under the title “Contingency Enables the Formation of Social Expectations About an Artificial Agent.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/infa.12614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infancy</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Babies need quick responses to their babbling to learn language

Have you ever noticed a baby babbling away at their...

The concept of "crazy cat ladies" has been firmly etched into our cultural psyche through popular media, with iconic portrayals ranging from Eleanor Abernathy in The Simpsons to Angela Martin in The US Office.



Can you think of other such characters? The stereotypical portrayal often depicts such individuals as neurotic solitaires. But are these portrayals based on a shred of truth, or merely figments of creative imagination?



A recent study from Down Under suggests that there may, surprisingly, be a larger grain of truth to the stereotype than we initially thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crazy-cat-lady-phenomenon">"Crazy cat lady" phenomenon</h2>



This distinctive study was led by two diligent psychologists, Jessica Oliva and Leah Michelle Baines, affiliated with <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a> in Queensland, Australia.



While their research did not specifically probe into the "crazy cat lady" phenomenon, it unearthed some eye-opening findings that lend credibility to its existence.



"Cat ownership positively predicted neuroticism," the experts noted in their report, which is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2024.2378592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthrozoos</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facts-on-crazy-cat-people">Facts on 'crazy cat people'</h2>



The study conducted by Oliva and Baines involved an in-depth survey of 321 Australian adults, a mix of dog owners, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mourn-the-loss-of-other-pets-similar-to-human-grief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cat</a> owners, and those who didn't own pets.



Survey participants who owned both dogs and cats were asked to choose the pet they were closest to or spent the most time with, to be classified as a dog <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-experience-puppy-blues-with-a-new-pet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owner</a> or cat owner. Overall, 60% of this group chose dogs.



Every participant was scrutinized for various personality traits that included extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and resilience. After accounting for other factors such as age and gender, the results were quite revealing.



Dog owners, it seems, bagged the prize for resilience. Simply put, they were evidently better at managing and adapting to challenging situations. Cat owners, on the other hand, portrayed heightened levels of neuroticism. 



Interestingly, among cat owners, it was the women who outscored men on the neuroticism scale, giving some weightage to the crazy cat lady stereotype. But it's not a woman's game alone. The research also uncovered the existence of a "crazy cat gentleman."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peeling-the-layers">Peeling the layers</h2>



These findings may raise more questions than they answer. What's causing these differential behaviors among our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homeless-pet-owners-need-better-options-to-protect-their-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feline-loving and canine-adoring friends</a>? Could it be that people who are more introverted or neurotic choose cats, while the adaptable ones prefer dogs? Do our genes hold the key to this mystery?



"There is evidence to support the idea that genes guide ownership of a particular species," said Dr. Oliva. Another aspect to ponder is whether owning a cat can render someone more neurotic compared to owning a dog.



For instance, dogs need more outdoor time and hence, the owner naturally gets to spend more time outdoors, engage in social interactions, and potentially curb neurotic tendencies. In contrast, as cats are relatively low maintenance, their owners might not get the same level of social interaction.



Another angle Dr. Oliva brings to the light is the proven difference between "dog people" and "cat people."



"Dog ownership has been associated with reduced loneliness in people living alone during periods of prolonged isolation, like Covid lockdowns, suggestive of higher levels of resilience in dog owners," she noted.



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



To sum it up, the study intriguingly suggests that cat owners might be more prone to anxiety and stress than dog owners. 



Whether this is down to temperament, genetics, or simply the nature and needs of the pet, requires further exploration. So, is the concept of crazy cat ladies (and gentlemen) a dramatic exaggeration, or mere art imitating life?



But remember, while these findings are fascinating to ponder, they are not universally true for every cat or dog <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owning-a-pet-can-lead-to-more-restless-nights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owner</a> out there. So, if you are a cat owner, don't worry - it doesn't mean you are neurotic. And if you are a dog owner, don't get too self-assured - resilience isn't a given. 



At the end of the day, we are as beautifully unique and complex as the pets we adore. Let's embrace that.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2024.2378592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthrozoos</a>.&nbsp; 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Are cat people really more 'crazy' than dog lovers?

The concept of "crazy cat ladies" has been firmly etched...

Researchers have collaborated to explore the unique growth and development patterns of early mammals from the Jurassic period. 



By examining growth rings in fossilized tooth roots, paleontologists have been able to determine the lifespan, growth rates, and even the timing of sexual maturity in these ancient creatures. Their findings have been published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado4555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



“Never before have we been able to reconstruct the growth patterns of these early mammals in such detail,” said Elis Newham, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>. During the study, Newham was also a research fellow at the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammals-during-the-jurassic-nbsp">Mammals during the Jurassic&nbsp;</h2>



The experts focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teeth-fossils-prehistoric-dentistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossilized tooth</a> roots from various mammal species dating from the Early to Late Jurassic periods (200-150 million years ago) discovered at three distinct sites. 



The fossils found in Wales are among the oldest known mammalian precursors from the Early Jurassic, while those from Oxfordshire, UK, represent a diverse range of early mammals that coexisted. The third site in Portugal provided fossils dating from the Late Jurassic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synchrotron-x-ray-tomography">Synchrotron X-ray tomography</h2>



To analyze the fossils, the team employed synchrotron X-ray tomography, a technique where electrons are accelerated to near light speed, offering several advantages over traditional X-ray imaging.&nbsp;



This method allows the fossils to be analyzed intact, without the need for slicing, and produces higher quality images than conventional X-ray microtomography.



“We use synchrotron x-ray tomography of annual growth increments in the dental cementum of mammaliaforms (stem and crown fossil mammals) from three faunas across the Jurassic to map the origin of patterns of mammalian growth patterns, which are intrinsically related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ear-canals-may-reveal-when-mammals-became-warm-blooded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammalian endothermy</a>,” explained the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microscopic-growth-rings-nbsp">Microscopic growth rings&nbsp;</h2>



Using this advanced imaging technique, the experts were able to observe microscopic growth rings in the fossilized root cement, the bone tissue that connects teeth to the jaw.&nbsp;



“The rings are similar to those in trees, but on a microscopic level,” said senior author Thomas Martin from the University of Bonn's Vertebrates – Mammals working group.&nbsp;



“Counting the rings and analyzing their thickness and texture enabled us to reconstruct the growth patterns and lifespans of these extinct animals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jurassic-mammals-grew-more-slowly">Jurassic mammals grew more slowly</h2>



The study revealed that the first signs of growth patterns typical of modern mammals, such as puberty growth spurts, began to appear around 150 million years ago.&nbsp;



Unlike today's small mammals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredible-discovery-some-mammals-attacked-dinosaurs-and-they-often-won-the-battle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early</a> mammals grew much more slowly but had significantly longer lifespans, living eight to fourteen years instead of the one or two years typical of modern small mammals like mice. 



However, early mammals also took much longer to reach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/respiratory-stress-is-linked-to-the-sexual-maturation-of-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual maturity</a>, often requiring several years, compared to the few months needed by their modern counterparts.



“Although all fossils studied exhibited slower growth rates, longer life spans, and delayed sexual maturity relative to comparably sized extant mammals, the earliest crown mammals developed significantly faster growth rates in early life that reduced at sexual maturity, compared to stem mammaliaforms,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinctive-life-history-patterns-of-mammals">Distinctive life history patterns of mammals</h2>



The experts noted that the estimation of basal metabolic rates (BMRs) suggests that some fossil crown mammals had BMRs approaching the lowest rates of extant mammals.&nbsp;



“We suggest that mammalian growth patterns first evolved during their mid-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jurassic-extinction-may-hold-clues-about-our-oceans-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jurassic</a> adaptive radiation, although growth remained slower than in extant mammals.”



According to Newham, the findings suggest that the distinctive life history patterns of mammals, characterized by high metabolic rates and extended parental care phases for example, have evolved over millions of years. “The Jurassic period appears to have been a crucial time for this shift,” said Newham.



According to the study authors, the the mid-Jurassic radiation of crown mammals occurred coevally with the acquisition of the modern mammalian growth strategy.&nbsp;



“However, physiological evolution followed a long-fuse pattern, with considerable developments remaining between the earliest crown mammals and extant species.”



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Early mammals had slower growth rates and lived longer 

Researchers have collaborated to explore the unique growth and development...

What if there were atmospheric anomalies resembling letters floating in the sky, subtly shifting and changing, that could profoundly impact our global communication signals?



This might sound like a line straight out of a science fiction novel, but it's just another fascinating phenomenon in the ever-mysterious world of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-rocket-launch-ripped-a-hole-in-earths-ionosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ionosphere</a>. 



Floating 50 to 400 miles above our heads, directly beneath the lowest reaches of space, the ionosphere is a dynamic layer of Earth's atmosphere teeming with charged particles. 



Jeffrey Klenzing, a research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that these discoveries are helping scientists see how complex Earth’s atmosphere is, while showing that it’s more variable than expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-superhighway-for-radio-signals">A superhighway for radio signals</h2>



This charged plasma acts as a crucial superhighway for radio signals, which are instrumental in the functioning of navigation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/communications-satellites-may-disrupt-astronomical-observations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication satellites</a> orbiting our planet. 



However, this fascinating layer of the atmosphere is not merely a conduit for signals; it is also home to a myriad of unsolved mysteries. One such enigma comes in the form of unusual alphabetic phenomena.



These mysterious X- and C-shaped formations have perplexed astronomers for quite some time and could potentially disrupt our sophisticated and highly dependent network of satellites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formations-and-signals-in-the-atmosphere">Formations and signals in the atmosphere</h2>



Traditionally, these X-shaped structures were observed in the ionospheric plasma following <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-solar-storm-will-generate-auroras-as-far-south-as-alabama/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar storms</a> or significant weather events on Earth. 



For instance, massive eruptions, such as the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption in January 2022, can create these formations by propelling particles into Earth's atmosphere, reaching as far as space. 



Similarly, thunderstorms and hurricanes can generate pressure waves that travel upward to the ionosphere, potentially shaping these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-quiet-time-formations">Unexpected quiet-time formations</h2>



But now, an intriguing discovery made by the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/gold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GOLD mission</a>, a NASA-orchestrated research initiative, has completely upended our previous understanding of atmospheric formations.



"NASA’s GOLD mission is the first one to observe the alphabetical shapes unambiguously," said Fazlul Laskar, lead author of a study on the X shapes and a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.cu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado</a>. 



Surprisingly, the X- and C-shaped features have been observed even during "quiet times" when there were no apparent atmospheric disturbances. 



"The (appearance of the) X is odd because it implies that there are far more localized driving factors," noted Klenzing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-origins-of-atmospheric-formations">Unknown origins of atmospheric formations </h2>



The mystery deepens further when considering the phenomena's unexpected timing. Typically, the sun's radiation weakens at night, often causing low-density bubbles to form in the ionosphere during these calm periods.



Yet, these X and C formations have been detected during periods of solar tranquility, challenging our conventional explanations and prompting new questions about their origins. 



"It’s a little like a tree growing in a windy area. If the winds are typically to the east, the tree starts to tilt and grow in that direction," said Klenzing. This analogy helps illustrate how atmospheric forces may shape these formations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interference-with-gps-signals">Interference with GPS signals</h2>



Understanding the mysterious formations in the atmosphere has implications that extend far beyond mere scientific curiosity. Karan, lead author of the study on C-shapes, stated: "It’s really important to find out why this is happening."



The ionosphere's dynamic behavior can directly influence our global communication and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation systems</a>. 



For example, these curiously shaped crests and bubbles can interfere with the transmission of GPS signals, potentially leading to signal degradation or complete loss. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-consequences">Real-world consequences</h2>



A notable instance of this disruption occurred during a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-geomagnetic-storm-alert-issued-sun-begins-erupting-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geomagnetic storm</a> on May 10, which resulted in difficulties with GPS guidance systems, as reported by the tractor company John Deere.



"During solar storms, that signal hits a ‘fog’ of charged particles and can be lost," explained Tim Marquis, a senior product manager at John Deere.



Such disruptions can have wide-ranging effects, given the pivotal role that GPS signals play in critical sectors like agriculture, shipping, transportation, and construction. 



"There could be life-threatening impacts due to the sudden loss of GPS signals in aircraft, ships, and automobiles, which is even scary to imagine," said Karan.



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



The GOLD mission, along with future scientific endeavors, aims to unravel the complex and enigmatic mysteries of the ionosphere. 



"One thing we need to have is a space weather forecasting system that could tell us when we are going to have problems with GPS signals," said Laskar.



There is great hope that a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of these atmospheric phenomena can pave the way for accurately predicting ionospheric dynamics. 



Such predictive capability could be crucial in helping us anticipate and mitigate GPS signal loss and interruptions to satellite communications, ensuring a safer, more reliable interaction with our atmosphere and the technologies that depend on it.



Image Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Alphabet-shaped formations in the atmosphere have unknown origins

What if there were atmospheric anomalies resembling letters floating in...

Once upon a time, around 135 million years ago, a unique crocodile roamed the seas during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spinosaurid-found-in-portugal-had-a-crocodile-like-skull/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age of dinosaurs</a>. This marine predator, recently identified as Enalioetes schroederi, offers a fascinating glimpse into the diversity and lifestyle of ancient marine creatures.



The discovery of this species unveils a new chapter in our understanding of prehistoric crocodiles. The tale is set in the shallow seas of Germany during the Cretaceous Period, when Enalioetes schroederi thrived. 



The crocodile belonged to the unique Metriorhynchidae family, distinguished by their dolphin-like bodies, smooth scaleless skin, flippers, and a tailfin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-well-preserved-three-dimensional-skull">Well-preserved, three-dimensional skull</h2>



Metriorhynchids, primarily known from the Jurassic Period, hunted various prey - squid, fish, and even other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-known-marine-reptile-a-giant-ichthyosaur-has-been-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine reptiles</a>. 



But as Earth moved into the Cretaceous Period, their fossils began to fade from the record. The well-preserved, three-dimensional skull of the Enalioetes schroederi stands as the most significant metriorhynchid discovery from this era.



Sven Sachs, the project leader from <a href="https://namu-ev.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld</a>, expressed his fascination. "The specimen is remarkable as it is one very few metriorhynchids that is known by a three-dimensionally preserved skull."



The exceptional condition of the specimen enabled CT scans, revealing hidden secrets of the internal anatomy of these marine crocodiles. The experts were able to reconstruct internal cavities and even the inner ears of the animal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-ancient-crocodiles">Evolution of ancient crocodiles</h2>



Enalioetes sheds light on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-ecology-shaped-250-million-years-of-crocodile-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of metriorhynchids during the Cretaceous Period. Dr. Mark Young from the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences gives us a deeper understanding of the significance of the discovery.



"During the Jurassic, metriorhynchids evolved a body-plan radically different from other crocodiles - flippers, tailfin, loss of bony armor and smooth scaleless skin," explained Dr. Young. This transformation was driven by adaptations to an increasingly marine lifestyle.



Enalioetes had larger eyes and more compact bony inner ears than other metriorhynchids, which indicates it was a faster swimmer. These traits also suggest that the transformation of metriorhynchids continued into the Cretaceous.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tale-of-the-lost-and-found-fossil">The tale of the lost and found fossil</h2>



Interestingly, the perfectly preserved skull and first neck vertebrae were discovered more than a century ago by German government architect D. Hapke in a quarry near Hannover. The specimen was assumed lost during WWII, but was later rediscovered in the Minden Museum, Western Germany.



Initially studied by Henry Schroeder of the Prussian Geological Survey in Berlin, the species was eventually named in his honor.



The conclusions drawn from this discovery were possible only through a meticulous comparison of the newly found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pseudosuchians-ancient-crocodile-like-reptile-discovered-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> with other museum collections. 



This comparative study confirmed that the fossil belonged to a species new to science, reinforcing our curiosity and fascination with the world's prehistoric times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ecological-role-of-an-ancient-crocodile">The ecological role of an ancient crocodile </h2>



Understanding the ecological role of Enalioetes schroederi provides valuable insight into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-secrets-of-the-evolution-of-prehistoric-reptiles/">prehistoric marine</a> ecosystems. 



As a member of the Metriorhynchidae family, this ancient marine crocodile occupied a significant niche in the Cretaceous seas. With its streamlined body and adaptations for aquatic life, Enalioetes was likely an apex predator, preying on a variety of marine life, including fish and cephalopods.



Fossil evidence suggests that metriorhynchids, including Enalioetes, played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of prehistoric marine ecosystems. The hunting habits would have influenced the populations of their prey, helping to shape the biodiversity of their environment. 



Furthermore, the presence of such predators indicates a thriving ecosystem with a range of prey species, underscoring the importance of these creatures in our understanding of ancient marine life.



Moreover, studying the dietary habits and ecological interactions of Enalioetes schroederi can shed light on how marine reptile predators adapted over time in response to environmental changes. As climate and sea levels fluctuated throughout the Cretaceous, these adaptations would have been critical for survival. 



The fossil record not only provides a glimpse into the physical characteristics of these ancient creatures but also presents an opportunity to explore their behavior and ecological significance in the broader context of Earth’s history.



As researchers continue to analyze the find from Hannover, it opens up avenues for further studies into the evolutionary trends of marine reptiles and their ecosystems. 



Image Credit: Joschua Knüppe



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14772019.2024.2359946" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Systematic Palaeontology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Ancient crocodile had dolphin-like flippers and smooth skin

Once upon a time, around 135 million years ago, a...

The moon has fascinated astronomers and poets alike for centuries, but did you know it also holds sway over the life-and-death struggles of some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef</a> fish? As it turns out, for the sixbar wrasse, the moon's cycle plays a pivotal role in deciding their sex and survival.



Jeff Shima, an esteemed professor of ecology at Te Herenga Waka—<a href="https://www.wgtn.ac.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victoria University of Wellington</a>, trekked into the depths of reef life to understand the spawning patterns of the sixbar wrasse. 



His latest study illuminates how this fish species manipulates the moon's cycle to give their offspring the best chance at survival, and throws open the doors to some mind-boggling biological strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-moon-cycle-code">Cracking the moon cycle code</h2>



It's no secret that sixbars spawn most often on a new moon. But here's the clincher: offspring born at this time are least likely to survive. A downright paradox, right? 



Drilling deeper, Shima's research revealed that sixbar offspring born on a new moon needed to change their developmental rates. 



"We've known sixbars spawn most often on the new moon, but this pattern has been particularly puzzling because&nbsp;offspring&nbsp;born at this time are least likely to survive. In contrast, offspring born closer to the full moon do much better.



"What we found is that in order to survive, sixbar offspring born on a new moon needed to alter their development rates, which ultimately shaped their sexual maturation and meant they were more likely to become male," said Professor Shima.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-gambles-and-the-reef-fish">Moon gambles and the reef fish</h2>



It may sound like a high-stakes gamble. However, the study suggests that it might be a calculated risk. Surprisingly, the few babies who <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manage to survive</a> are more likely to become male. And in the unique mating system of the sixbar wrasse, males have the advantage as they can produce many more offspring.



"Most of these babies won't survive, but the few that do are more likely to become male and that's akin to winning the lottery as males can produce many more offspring in the sixbar mating system.



"However, we think the spawning patterns of these fish may be calculated to spread their bets, with low-risk wagers (full moon spawning) coupled with some high-risk ones - in this case, spawning on the new moon."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-fish-in-the-company-of-the-moon">Reef fish in the company of the moon</h2>



The moon's influence doesn't end here. Its cycle has also been linked to the growth rates of young sixbars. 



"As larvae, sixbar wrasse can lengthen or delay their development to arrive at the reefs at the most opportune times, under cover of darkness," adds Shima. 



The mystery of the lunar cycle and sea-life continues to unfold. Yet, the challenges in this delicate balance are many.



"Moonlight is affected by artificial light at night from coastal urban areas, as well as from dramatic changes in the distribution and intensity of cloud cover - a result of climate change," notes Shima.



"These human-induced changes in nocturnal illumination may have large, and largely unrecognized, consequences for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-corals-and-fish-in-an-exclusive-relationship-its-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth, survival</a>, and reproductive success of organisms in some areas."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-moon-phases-for-reef-fish">Importance of moon phases for reef fish</h2>



The timing of spawning events for the sixbar wrasse is an elegant dance shaped by the rhythmic pulse of the moon’s phases. 



As Shima’s research underscores, this synchronization is not merely coincidence; it reflects an evolutionary strategy fine-tuned over generations. 



By aligning their reproductive cycles with the new moon, sixbars increase the chances of their eggs being released amid the ebb and flow of ocean currents, dispersing them across vast areas.



This strategy enhances genetic diversity, which is paramount for the species’ resilience against environmental changes and predation. The challenge lies in ensuring that enough offspring survive to continue this delicate balance, as the numbers are heavily skewed against them.



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



The implications of Shima's findings extend beyond the sixbar wrasse, touching upon broader conservation concerns within marine ecosystems. 



With the moon's luminance swinging between extremes and the introduction of artificial light, there is an urgent call to preserve the natural darkness of coastal habitats. This artificial illumination can disrupt the delicate synchrony between spawning and survival, potentially leading to cascading effects on reef biodiversity. 



The resilience of the sixbar wrasse, as unveiled in Shima's research, serves as a poignant reminder of how intricately connected the lives of marine species are to their environmental context. 



Thus, understanding these interactions is critical for the effective preservation of not only the sixbar wrasse but also the rich tapestry of life within reef ecosystems.



The findings lead us to an intriguing question: Have some species evolved reproductive strategies that use the moon to determine the sex of their offspring? Has nature devised a celestial ballet between the moon and marine life?



While researchers work to unravel these mysteries, we might just have to be content with marveling at the intelligence of species like the sixbar wrasse, who've found a way to dance with the moon.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0613" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



----

Some fish use the moon cycle to manipulate their offspring's sex

The moon has fascinated astronomers and poets alike for centuries,...

The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Drug Administration</a> (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of the U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-climate-action-needed-to-secure-global-food-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food supply</a>, but a new study reveals that the agency has taken a hands-off approach when it comes to the safety of many additives already in our food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-regulation-of-food-additives-nbsp">Self-regulation of food additives&nbsp;</h2>



Under current regulations, the FDA allows the food industry to self-regulate thousands of added ingredients. Companies decide on their own which ingredients are classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) and whether to disclose their use and safety data to the FDA.&nbsp;



This self-regulation has led to many new substances entering the food supply without government oversight.



“Both the FDA and the public are unaware of how many of these ingredients - which are most commonly found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultra-processed foods</a> - are in our food supply,” said Jennifer Pomeranz, associate professor at <a href="https://publichealth.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU School of Global Public Health</a> and the study’s lead author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legal-loophole">A legal loophole</h2>



Since 1958, the FDA has been responsible for evaluating the safety of new chemicals and substances added to foods. However, food safety laws distinguish between “food additives,” which require FDA review, and GRAS ingredients, which are exempt. 



Initially, GRAS status was intended for well-known substances like vinegar, but since 1997, the FDA has allowed companies to determine whether new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-additives-linked-to-higher-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substances</a> qualify as GRAS, often without notifying the FDA or sharing safety data.



Study senior author Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a>, said that as a result of the FDA’s policy, the food industry has been free to “self-GRAS” new substances they wish to add to foods without notifying FDA or the public. 



“There are now hundreds, if not thousands, of substances added to our foods for which the true safety data are unknown to independent scientists, the government, and the public.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-resources-needed-to-review-food-additives-nbsp">More resources needed to review food additives&nbsp;</h2>



The study highlights that the FDA lacks the resources and formal strategies needed to review existing food additives and GRAS substances. Even when new research suggests potential harm, FDA actions are rare.&nbsp;



In March, the FDA announced it would review 21 chemicals, including potassium bromate, a substance added to baked goods and drinks that has been linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-cancer-rates-in-young-adults-linked-to-accelerated-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>. Potassium bromate is banned in several countries, and states like California have also moved to ban it.



“This is a stark example of the FDA’s regulatory gap,” said Pomeranz. “We’re seeing states starting to act to fill the regulatory void left by the FDA’s inaction over substances increasingly associated with harm.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimal-oversight-of-food-additives">Minimal oversight of food additives</h2>



The study also points out that the FDA’s oversight of GRAS ingredients is minimal. The agency rarely revokes GRAS status, and it doesn’t consistently review the safety of ingredients that may be safe in small quantities but harmful in larger amounts, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-caffeine-levels-reduce-the-risk-of-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caffeine</a>. 



“In 1977, the FDA approved caffeine as a GRAS substance for use in sodas at a low level: 0.02 percent,” said Pomeranz. “But today, caffeine is added to energy drinks at levels far exceeding this, which is causing caffeine-related hospitalizations and even deaths.”



Emily Broad Leib is a co-author of the study and director of <a href="https://hls.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Law School</a>’s Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-a-safe-food-supply">Ensuring a safe food supply</h2>



Leib argued that the sheer number of GRAS substances and food additives on the market - combined with the lack of knowledge about the existence of self-GRAS ingredients, insufficient resources, and documented time delays even for well-supported action - renders reliance on post-market authority flawed and unreliable to ensure a safe food supply.



The researchers recommend that the FDA and Congress take several actions to improve oversight, such as requiring companies to notify the FDA of GRAS ingredient use and share safety data before these ingredients are added to foods. They also suggest establishing a process to reevaluate the safety of existing GRAS ingredients and food additives.



“Both the FDA and Congress can do more to enable the FDA to meet its mission of ensuring a safe food supply,” concluded Pomeranz.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Hundreds of ingredients in U.S. foods are potentially unsafe

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring...

Can we make Mars a bit friendlier for life as we know it? Ever since we learned how harsh and frigid the Red Planet is, the idea of terraforming Mars has been a hot topic of discussion in both science and science-fiction circles.



A team of scientists has come up with a fresh, innovative idea for terraforming Mars. They’re suggesting that we might boost Mars' temperature by over 50 degrees Fahrenheit by releasing engineered dust particles into its atmosphere. 



This approach could trigger a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and making the planet more habitable. If it works, it might be a crucial first step toward turning Mars into a place where humans could eventually live.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-to-terraform-mars">Proposal to terraform Mars</h2>



Behind this innovative idea are Samaneh Ansari, a graduate student in Professor Hooman Mohseni's group at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>, and Edwin Kite, an associate professor of geophysical sciences at <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>.



So, what makes this method unique and promising? The resources necessary for this approach already exist on Mars, which is a far cry from earlier proposals that would require importing materials from Earth or mining rare Martian resources.



The proposed method is also touted to be 5,000 times more efficient than previous schemes, marking a substantial leap forward in our potential ability to transform the Martian environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-human-habitation-on-mars">Challenges of human habitation on Mars</h2>



However, the question arises: Can humans ever stroll the Martian landscape without protection? The answer is not as easy. 



While this method could lay the groundwork for making Mars habitable for microbes and food crops, it doesn't make the planet hospitable for humans right off the bat. 



In theory, these crops could slowly introduce oxygen to the atmosphere, much like Earth's geological history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-warming-up-mars">Challenges in warming up Mars</h2>



Any plan to make Mars habitable has an array of challenges that must be addressed, including fatal UV rays, salty soil, and the planet’s exceedingly cold temperature. Mars' surface averages around -80 degrees Fahrenheit!



The proposed strategy uses Mars' natural greenhouse effect, wherein released material in the atmosphere traps solar heat at the surface. 



But simple dust particles rich in iron and aluminum are not suitable to warm the planet. The story takes an interesting turn when these particles are engineered and given different shapes or compositions. These modified particles could potentially improve heat trapping.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-particle-design-to-warm-mars">Innovative particle design to warm Mars</h2>



“How light interacts with sub-wavelength objects is fascinating. Importantly, engineering nanoparticles can lead to optical effects that far exceed what is conventionally expected from such small particles,” said study co-author Ansari Mohseni.



“We believe it is possible to design nanoparticles with higher efficiency, and even those that can dynamically change their optical properties.”



Take glitter, for example. The team designed particles similar to it in size but shaped like short rods, capable of trapping escaping heat and scattering sunlight towards the surface. 



This approach could not only change how we see Mars but also opens up fascinating insights into how light interacts with sub-wavelength objects.



But will this revolutionary idea sail smooth? Maybe not. There are a lot of unknowns. For instance, how fast would the engineered dust cycle out of Mars’ atmosphere?



What would happen if the planet, once warmed, starts producing rain due to condensation around these dust particles? Tackling these potential issues would require more data from both Mars and Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-and-private-collaboration">Public and private collaboration</h2>



As we ramp up efforts to terraform Mars, the partnership between public space agencies and private companies is more important than ever. 



Organizations like NASA and the European Space Agency, teaming up with companies like SpaceX, can combine their resources and talents to push Martian exploration forward. This collaboration can speed up research and help us test terraforming ideas more effectively. 



Plus, involving the public through educational outreach and citizen science projects can spark the curiosity of a new generation of scientists and engineers, encouraging them to tackle the exciting challenges of making Mars a friendlier place to live.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-considerations-in-warming-up-mars">Considerations in warming up Mars</h2>



Amid the excitement surrounding terraforming, ethical considerations must also be addressed. The implications of altering an entire planetary ecosystem cannot be understated. 



Questions arise about the potential impact on any existing Martian microbial life and the moral responsibility humanity holds when intervening in natural processes beyond Earth. 



Additionally, as we pursue making Mars habitable, it is crucial to ensure that the exploitation of Martian resources does not mirror historical injustices experienced on Earth. 



Establishing a clear framework of ethics and regulations governing terraforming efforts will be vital in guiding our stewardship of the Red Planet and safeguarding its integrity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-the-future">Hope for the future</h2>



Despite the challenges ahead, the study leaves us with hope and intrigue. The new research has not only opened fresh avenues for exploration but also brought us one step closer to potentially establishing a sustainable human presence on Mars.



So, while we might not be packing our bags for a Martian trip just yet, the future does seem brighter - and just a bit warmer - for our celestial neighbor.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn4650#:" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

New plan to terraform Mars would make it habitable for humans

Can we make Mars a bit friendlier for life as...

A recent study has stirred up conversations in scientific circles and even rippled out to capture public intrigue. The captivating subject matter? Intermittent fasting and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-ingredient-to-healthy-aging-your-midlife-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential anti-aging perks</a>—a topic far more digestible than the dread-spurred headlines of fresh diseases or impending pandemics.



Riding the wave of this eye-opening research were noteworthy scientists, directed by Dr. Ioanna Daskalaki and Dr. Ilias Gkikas. They worked under the guidance of Dr. Nektarios Tavernarakis of the <a href="https://en.uoc.gr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Crete</a> and FORTH, Greece.



The researchers partnered with Dr. Guido Kroemer's team at <a href="https://u-paris.fr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Cité University</a>, France, and Dr. Frank Madeo's group at the <a href="https://www.uni-graz.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Graz</a>, Austria. Together, they took on the task of unraveling the enigma of aging and longevity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-intermittent-fasting">Decoding intermittent fasting</h2>



Lately, Intermittent Fasting (IF) has been the buzzword. But what does it mean? IF is a pattern of eating that alternates between fasting and eating intervals. 



It's more of a lifestyle choice than a diet, propelled by regimes like the 16/8 method and the 5:2 method. IF has won favor for its potential benefits in metabolic health, cellular repair, and speculated anti-aging perks. 



In essence, intermittent fasting gives our bodies a much-needed hiatus to rest, reset, and repair, thereby fostering longevity and well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autophagy-the-cellular-cleanup-crew">Autophagy: The cellular cleanup crew</h2>



In this enlightening study, the researchers underscored an incredible revelation: Intermittent fasting boosts spermidine levels. This naturally occurring polyamine bolsters our cells with phenomenal resilience and survival rates. This increase is facilitated by a process known as autophagy.



In plain terms, autophagy is like a cellular cleanup crew, eliminating unrequired or dysfunctional cellular components. 



However, any disruption to autophagy, much like a congested garbage chute in a residential building, often paves the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-diet-puts-the-brakes-on-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">way for aging</a> and the onset of age-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spermidine-cells-valiant-defender">Spermidine: Cells' valiant defender</h2>



In our cells' battle against aging, spermidine steps up as a valiant defender. As we age, our bodies produce less spermidine, which dwindles autophagic activity and heightens the risk of age-related diseases. 



This theory was put through its paces using experimental models ranging from simple organisms like nematodes and yeasts to fruit flies, mice, and even human cell lines.



Across all these models, spermidine was a protective force. Intermittent fasting noticeably increased cellular spermidine levels, boosting autophagy, and excitingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extending lifespan</a> in these organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-tweaks-gigantic-impacts">Small tweaks, gigantic impacts</h2>



Could our longevity actually be linked with our eating habits? The study certainly points towards that, echoing the time-honored wisdom, "You are what you eat." 



It underscores the importance of maintaining cellular balance, a critical factor in slowing aging and promoting longevity. Consuming less calorie-dense food and adopting IF are suggested as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful strategies</a>.



The consistency of spermidine's role in regulating autophagy and aging across diverse organisms emphasizes its fundamental role in maintaining cellular balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-effects-of-intermittent-fasting">Far-reaching effects of intermittent fasting </h2>



The repercussions of intermittent fasting stretch beyond merely enhancing autophagy and increasing spermidine levels. 



Research indicates that this eating pattern positively affects several health markers, including insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and inflammatory responses. Improved insulin sensitivity reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, while lower blood pressure correlates with decreased cardiovascular events. 



Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of fasting could strengthen the immune system, potentially reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases. 



Significantly, these health markers mirror a holistic approach to well-being, underlining the idea that our dietary choices significantly shape our overall health journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intermittent-fasting-and-aging">Intermittent fasting and aging </h2>



As scientific interest in intermittent fasting and its myriad benefits heightens, promising avenues for future research appear. Probing the molecular mechanisms behind increased spermidine levels during fasting could expose new therapeutic targets for age-related conditions. 



Furthermore, longitudinal studies involving diverse populations will be key in determining the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on human health. 



As we untangle the complexities around aging and cellular maintenance, continued exploration of lifestyle choices like intermittent fasting may shine a light on new routes for enhancing healthspan, the period of life spent in good health, especially pertaining to the aging global population.



These promising findings kindle hope for innovative strategies to arrest age-related decline, augmenting life expectancy and the quality of life for our elderly population. 



As we anticipate more enlightening studies, it's a question worth mulling over - could simple adjustments to our diet and lifestyle guide us towards longer, healthier lives?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41556-024-01468-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Cell Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



----

Intermittent fasting slows aging by boosting cell health

A recent study has stirred up conversations in scientific circles...

New research from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> has revealed significant differences in how male and female wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honoring-the-king-of-the-jungle-on-world-lion-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lions</a> experience changes in their social networks as they age, and these differences may have a profound impact on their survival. 



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.040" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>, provides new insights into the emerging field of social aging, which examines how individuals' social behavior evolves with age and the consequences this has for various aspects of their lives.



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



Among big cats, African lions (Panthera leo) are unique in their heavy reliance on social relationships for essential activities, including hunting, territory defense, and raising cubs.&nbsp;



Despite this, until now, it was not well understood how a lion's social connections change over time and what implications these changes might have for their survival and overall well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-aging-in-lions">Social aging in lions</h2>



This study is the first to investigate social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-may-be-driven-by-genetic-imbalances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> in wild lions, taking into account both sexes and spanning multiple generations. 



The research is based on an extensive dataset compiled over 30 years, involving more than 150,000 field observations of 665 individual lions in the Serengeti, collected by the Serengeti Lion Project from 1984 to 2013.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-patterns-in-social-connections-nbsp">Distinct patterns in social connections&nbsp;</h2>



The findings reveal distinct patterns in how social connections evolve with age for male and female lions. For female lions, their connections to males are strongest in midlife, after which they gradually weaken as the females age.&nbsp;



In contrast, their connections to other females steadily decline from early adulthood onwards. This decline in female-to-female social connectivity suggests that as female lions grow older, they become less socially integrated within their pride.



Male lions, on the other hand, exhibit a different pattern. Their social connections to other males are weakest during midlife but strengthen again as they age.&nbsp;



Males' connections to females, however, are strongest during midlife and weakest at the beginning and end of their lives. These shifting social dynamics reflect the complex and competitive nature of male lion life, where alliances and rivalries can change rapidly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-the-social-lions">Survival of the social lions</h2>



The study highlights the critical role that these social connections play in the survival of lions. For female lions, maintaining strong connections with “friends” is crucial for a longer life. 



The researchers found that females with stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-bonds-are-more-advantageous-for-long-lived-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonds</a> tend to live longer, likely because these connections provide protection and support in critical activities such as defending territory, rearing cubs, and cooperative hunting. 



“The importance of close female bonds, particularly in early adulthood, could be because 'friends' can help protect against threats such as infanticidal males,” explained lead author Lauren Rudd from the Department of Biology at Oxford.&nbsp;



“They could also be valuable allies for territory defense, hunting, and cub rearing - all of which require cooperation. Combined these factors potentially explain why better-connected females live longer.”



For male lions, however, it is not just the strength but the number of social connections that appears to be key for survival.&nbsp;



The study suggests that having a larger number of associates is associated with a longer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-mammals-live-longer-than-males-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifespan</a> in males. This may be because a broad social network provides males with greater opportunities to form coalitions, which are vital for acquiring and maintaining dominance and access to mates.



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



The implications of these findings extend beyond understanding lion behavior. The researchers pointed out that changes in sociality based on age and sex could have significant consequences for the dynamics of disease outbreaks in wild lion populations.&nbsp;



Rudd noted that while aging females may be less exposed to pathogens as their social connections decline, aging males' exposure risk could increase as they gain new associates. This insight could be critical for wildlife management and conservation efforts, particularly in predicting and controlling disease transmission in lion populations.



This study marks an important step forward in the field of social aging, but there is still much more to learn. The researchers are now focusing on how the loss of social connections throughout a lion's life influences their behavior and position within their social network.&nbsp;



This ongoing research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of social aging and to understand how the death or departure of certain individuals affects the social structure and dynamics of the remaining population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-aging-across-various-species-nbsp">Social aging across various species&nbsp;</h2>



“Natural animal populations, where many individuals are being simultaneously monitored in detail across their entire lives and across many generations, offer unique opportunities to better understand social aging and how this process operates across many different types of societies,” said co-author Josh Firth from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford and the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>.



This work on lions could pave the way for similar studies in other wild animal societies, helping to reveal how different sex roles influence social aging across various species.&nbsp;



The research underscores the complex interplay between social behavior and survival, providing valuable insights into the life dynamics of one of the most socially intricate big cats in the wild. As scientists continue to explore these patterns, our understanding of social aging and its broader implications for animal populations will undoubtedly deepen.



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



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h--0">-----</h3>

Male and female lions have different social strategies for survival 

New research from the University of Oxford has revealed significant...

The universe is setting the stage for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/august-nights-perseid-meteor-shower-peaks-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mesmerizing celestial spectacle</a>. Two of its most famous stars (well, technically planets) - Mars and Jupiter - are ready for their grand entrance, a rendezvous that will not happen again until 2033. 



This stunner of a scene, a planetary conjunction, is the planetarium gift that keeps on giving.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-mars-jupiter-conjunction">Science behind Mars-Jupiter conjunction</h2>



The date for this significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-meteor-showers-delta-aquarids-alpha-capricornids-light-up-night-skies-august-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomical event</a> is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14th. 



Although Mars and Jupiter are separated by an impressive distance of approximately 350 million miles, they will appear closely aligned from an Earth-based perspective, positioned merely 20 arcminutes apart. This separation is approximately one-third the width of the Moon as observed from Earth.



According to space scientist Jon Giorgini from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, planetary conjunction events occur with relative frequency, approximately every three years, contrary to common perceptions of their rarity.



"Such events are mostly items of curiosity and beauty for those watching the sky, wondering what the two bright objects so close together might be," Giorgini said. "The science is in the ability to accurately predict the events years in advance."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-time-to-view-mars-and-jupiter">Best time to view Mars and Jupiter</h2>



If you're seeking an optimal vantage point to witness this celestial event, direct your attention to the eastern sky, near the constellation Taurus, just before dawn on Wednesday.



Fortunately, the planets will also appear closely positioned the evening prior, providing an additional opportunity to observe this rare occurrence.



Observers located in the Americas, Europe, and Africa will enjoy the best views, as the planets will be bright enough to see with the naked eye. Those equipped with binoculars or a small telescope will have enhanced visibility.



Jupiter will significantly outshine Mars, appearing approximately 20 times brighter, which will make it easy to distinguish between the two planets. Mars, exhibiting its characteristic reddish hue, will create a striking contrast against Jupiter's bright, steady light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-view-mars-jupiter-conjunction">How to view Mars-Jupiter conjunction</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-august-13-evening">August 13 (Evening)</h3>



Begin your stargazing journey by looking towards the eastern sky after sunset. Mars and Jupiter will start drawing closer, setting the stage for the main event. 



This evening offers a sneak peek, with the planets appearing almost as close as they will be on the day of the conjunction. It’s a great time to familiarize yourself with their positions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-august-14-pre-dawn-nbsp">August 14 (Pre-dawn)&nbsp;</h3>



The pre-dawn hours are the best time to witness the celestial dance. Wake up early, and find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon, away from city lights. 



Just before dawn, Mars and Jupiter will appear incredibly close - only 20 arcminutes apart, roughly one-third the width of the moon.



The planets will be bright enough to see with the naked eye. The constellation Taurus and the bright star Aldebaran will add to the beauty of the scene.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-august-15-pre-dawn">August 15 (Pre-dawn)</h3>



If you missed the main event, don’t worry. Mars and Jupiter will still appear close together in the eastern sky, though they’ll start to move apart.



The morning of August 15th offers a final opportunity to witness the conjunction before the planets continue on their separate paths in the sky. Make sure to arrive early and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for the best <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storm-alert-auroras-radio-blackouts-expected-weekend-august-9-11-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viewing experience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-perspective">Historical perspective</h2>



The orbits of Mars and Jupiter last brought them close together in 2018, but this year's proximity will be even closer. Looking ahead, another significant conjunction is anticipated in 2348. These alignments provide valuable insights into the long-term dynamics of our solar system.



Additionally, this notable planetary event coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, which is expected to peak tonight, August 12th, offering approximately 50-75 shooting stars per hour at its height.



Named after the constellation Perseus, from which they appear to radiate, the Perseids are known for their bright fireballs that can outshine most other meteors in the sky.



As the shower begins to wane by the time of the conjunction, stargazers can still anticipate a spectacular celestial display in the night sky. Even with reduced activity, there will be several shooting stars to catch your eye. 



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



----

Mars and Jupiter will have a close encounter in the sky this week

The universe is setting the stage for a mesmerizing celestial...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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 rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...