Five million years ago, one of the most spectacular events in Earth's history unfolded as a massive flood refilled the Mediterranean Sea. This wasn't a typical flood - it was a colossal surge of water that transformed a vast salt desert into the blue waters we know today.



The Zanclean Megaflood, a massive influx of water, ended the Messinian Salinity Crisis, a period during which the Mediterranean Sea had largely evaporated, leaving behind vast salt flats. 



This transformative flood, occurring between 5.97 and 5.33 million years ago, refilled the basin in a dramatic and rapid event, challenging long-held scientific theories.



An international team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Southampton, has now identified a series of geological features in Southeast Sicily that point to the reality of this megaflood. 



The findings offer the most detailed and convincing evidence yet of one of the largest floods in Earth's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-the-messinian-salinity-crisis">End of the Messinian Salinity Crisis</h2>



Before the Zanclean Megaflood, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mediterranean-nearly-lost-all-of-its-water-6-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> was unrecognizable compared to today. During the Messinian Salinity Crisis, the Mediterranean Sea became isolated from the Atlantic Ocean. 



Without a constant influx of water, it began to evaporate under the intense heat, leaving behind thick salt deposits and transforming the region into an arid wasteland. The loss of water reshaped the entire landscape, creating vast salt plains and deep canyons.



For years, scientists believed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-whales-epic-voyage-exposes-perils-of-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> refilled gradually over approximately 10,000 years. This view suggested that small, sustained breaches in natural barriers allowed water to trickle back into the basin, slowly restoring the sea. 



However, in 2009, researchers discovered an erosion channel stretching from the Gulf of Cadiz to the Alboran Sea. This discovery suggested that the refilling was not a slow process but rather a single, massive flood event lasting between two and sixteen years.



The latest research, published in the journal&nbsp;Communications Earth &amp; Environment, provides further confirmation that the refilling of the Mediterranean was anything but gradual. Instead, it was a catastrophic event of unimaginable scale, reshaping the Mediterranean landscape in a matter of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-flood-in-the-mediterranean">Massive flood in the Mediterranean</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“The Zanclean megaflood was an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, with discharge rates and flow velocities dwarfing any other known floods in Earth’s history. Our research provides the most compelling evidence yet of this extraordinary event,” noted Dr. Aaron Micallef, lead author of the study and a researcher at the <a href="https://www.mbari.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute</a>.
</blockquote>



To understand just how enormous this flood was, researchers estimate that it had a discharge rate of between 68 and 100 Sverdrups (Sv), with one Sv equal to one million cubic meters of water per second. 



By comparison, the combined discharge of all modern rivers on Earth is approximately one Sverdrup. This means the Zanclean Megaflood involved an amount of water far exceeding anything seen in recorded history.



The force of this flood was enough to carve deep channels, erode solid rock formations, and transport vast amounts of sediment across the region. Scientists now believe that this event fundamentally altered the geography of the Mediterranean, leaving behind geological scars that persist to this day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-clues-beneath-the-mediterranean">Flood clues beneath the Mediterranean</h2>



To uncover the full impact of the Zanclean Megaflood, researchers examined over 300 streamlined ridges across the Sicily Sill, a submerged land bridge that once divided the Mediterranean’s western and eastern basins. These ridges provide clear evidence of large-scale, turbulent water flow.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
"The morphology of these ridges is compatible with erosion by large-scale, turbulent water flow with a predominantly north easterly direction. They reveal the immense power of the Zanclean Megaflood and how it reshaped the landscape, leaving lasting imprints on the geological record," explained study co-author Professor Paul Carling of the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>.
</blockquote>



By studying these ridges, scientists found that they were topped with a layer of rocky debris. This debris consisted of material eroded from the ridge flanks and surrounding regions, indicating it had been deposited suddenly and with immense force. 



Importantly, this sediment layer aligns with the transition from the Messinian to the Zanclean period, providing further confirmation that the flood occurred at this critical juncture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-w-shaped-channel">Role of W-shaped channel</h2>



A crucial piece of evidence came from seismic reflection data, a technique that uses sound waves to create images of subsurface geological formations. This method revealed a previously unknown “W-shaped channel” on the continental shelf east of the Sicily Sill.



This channel, carved deep into the seabed, appears to have played a vital role in directing floodwaters toward the Noto Canyon, a deep underwater valley in the eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invasive-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a>. 



The shape and location of the channel suggest it functioned like a giant funnel, helping to transport the enormous volume of water into the deeper sections of the sea.



Computer models developed by the research team simulated the likely behavior of the floodwaters. The results showed that as the flood progressed, water flow intensified, reaching speeds of up to 32 meters per second (72 miles per hour). 



This powerful current deepened channels, eroded rock formations, and transported sediment over vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasting-impact-of-the-megaflood">Lasting impact of the megaflood</h2>



Dr. Micallef highlights the significance of these findings, not just for understanding the Mediterranean’s past but for studying large-scale floods on Earth and other planets.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“These findings not only shed light on a critical moment in Earth’s geological history but also demonstrate the persistence of landforms over five million years. It opens the door to further research along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-ocean-warming-in-2024-is-a-warning-for-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean margins</a>.”
</blockquote>



The research highlights the long-lasting impact of the Zanclean Megaflood. Even millions of years later, its effects remain visible in the Mediterranean’s underwater topography. 



Understanding how such catastrophic floods shape landscapes can provide valuable insights into similar events that may have occurred on Mars or other planetary bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-earth-s-history">New chapter in Earth’s history</h2>



The Zanclean Megaflood is now recognized as one of the most significant flooding events in Earth’s history. 



This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Geographic Society</a>, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, redefines how scientists understand the Mediterranean’s transformation.



By combining geological surveys, numerical modeling, and seismic imaging, researchers have reconstructed a detailed picture of this catastrophic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/40-percent-of-earths-land-has-became-permanently-drier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event</a>. 



The findings challenge previous assumptions and open new avenues for exploring past megafloods and their role in shaping the planet.



The study is published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01972-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>&nbsp;and is available online.



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Massive flood refilled the Mediterranean Sea millions of years ago

Five million years ago, one of the most spectacular events in Earth's history unfolded as a massive flood refilled the Mediterranean Sea. This wasn't a typical flood - it was a colossal surge of water that transformed a vast salt desert into the blue waters we know today. The Zanclean Megaflood, a massive influx of water, ended the Messinian Salinity Crisis, a period during which the Mediterranean Sea had largely evaporated, leaving behind vast salt flats. This transformative flood, occurring between 5.97 and 5.33 million years ago,...

On the perpetual quest to understand Alzheimer’s, an unexpected breakthrough has been made, shedding light on ithe elusive nature and phases of the disease.



New research has led to the intriguing hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease may wreak havoc on the brain in two distinct and destructive phases, fundamentally altering our understanding of its progression.



This fascinating and potentially game-changing discovery was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and made possible through advanced brain mapping tools.



The research could revolutionize the way we perceive, diagnose, and ultimately treat Alzheimer’s disease, offering renewed hope for patients and caregivers alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-first-phase">Alzheimer’s first phase</h2>



The preliminary phase of Alzheimer’s disease sneaks in subtly. Before anyone detects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-clutter-speeds-up-aging-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory lapses</a> or disorientation, this quiet intruder is already at work, silently assaulting a select few cell types.



This silent destruction is the prelude, setting the stage for more noticeable and widespread damage.



“One of the challenges to diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s is that much of the damage to the brain happens well before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-why-some-brains-resist-alzheimers-disease-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symptoms</a> occur," noted Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of NIH National Institute on Aging.



"The ability to detect these early changes means that, for the first time, we can see what is happening to a person’s brain during the earliest periods of the disease."



It is this early detection that provides a glimmer of hope. The ability to glimpse into the initial stages of the disease provides a time window of potential intervention. It empowers scientists to comprehend and, possibly, influence the progression of this devastating disorder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-phase-of-alzheimer-s">Second phase of Alzheimer's</h2>



The second phase is where the disease truly flexes its muscle. This phase encapsulates most of the changes traditionally seen during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.



It is during the second phase that symptoms become evident, and the brain experiences rapid accumulation of Alzheimer's hallmarks - plaques and tangles.



In this study, researchers analyzed 84 brains in fine detail, focusing on the middle temporal gyrus - a region responsible for language, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brains-create-three-copies-of-every-memory-we-make/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>, and vision. This area is highly vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease.



By comparing data from regular donors with data from Alzheimer’s patients, an enlightening genetic and cellular timeline of the disease emerged.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targets-of-alzheimer-s-phases">Targets of Alzheimer's phases</h2>



Alzheimer's transformation of the brain was found to occur in two "epochs." The first phase, gradual and quiet, includes the slow accumulation of plaques, activation of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-use-affects-the-brains-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain's immune system</a>, and damage to cellular insulation which aids neuron signal transmission.



Most surprising was the discovery that the disease targets a particular kind of cells called SST inhibitory neurons during this phase, contradicting the traditional belief that Alzheimer’s primarily damages excitatory neurons.



This finding was unexpected because inhibitory neurons are responsible for sending calming signals to other cells, while excitatory neurons send activating signals.



The researchers hypothesize that the loss of these calming SST inhibitory neurons may set off a domino effect leading to disorders in the brain's neural circuitry, igniting the onset of the disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-resilience-against-alzheimer-s">Potential resilience against Alzheimer's </h2>



Parallel to this study, another NIH-funded research project at <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> suggested there is a potential protective factor.



A gene named REELIN, found in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, may offer some resilience against Alzheimer's disease. Astrocytes might be capable of resisting the harm inflicted by the disease.



These findings resulted from studying over 3.4 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cells-communicate-to-support-decision-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain cells</a> from donors at various stages of Alzheimer's disease, utilizing tools developed by the NIH's BRAIN Initiative - Cell Census Network (BICCN). 



The tissue samples were obtained from the Adult Changes in Thought study and the University of Washington Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.



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



“This research demonstrates how powerful new technologies provided by the NIH’s BRAIN Initiative are changing the way we understand diseases like Alzheimer’s," stated Dr. John Ngai, director of The BRAIN Initiative.



As the fight against Alzheimer's phases and other dementias continues, the findings offer a new lens to look at the disease, potentially guiding the development of targeted diagnostic tools and treatments for specific stages of Alzheimer's.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01774-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Neuroscience</a>.



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Alzheimer’s disease attacks the brain in two separate phases

On the perpetual quest to understand Alzheimer’s, an unexpected breakthrough...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Atmospheric rivers form worldwide as narrow bands of moisture that bring heavy rain and storms. Notably, these rivers are moving toward higher latitudes, which is changing weather patterns globally.



Over the past four decades, atmospheric rivers have moved about 6 to 10 degrees towards both poles. When these systems reach the Arctic, the melted sea ice impacts the climate across the entire globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-atmospheric-rivers-impact-our-world">How atmospheric rivers impact our world</h2>



From the fertile lands of California and Southeast Asia to the coasts of Spain and Portugal, atmospheric rivers supply over half of the yearly runoff. In California, they can deliver up to 50% of the annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>.



A series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/winter-storm-triggers-deadly-flooding-in-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter storms</a> from these rivers can bring enough rain and snow to end a drought, as seen in parts of the region in 2023. These rivers draw moisture from the tropics, curving toward the poles due to shifts in the jet stream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-of-atmospheric-rivers">Behavior of atmospheric rivers</h2>



As with all natural phenomena, no two atmospheric rivers are identical. However, their collective behavior greatly interests climate scientists who study these patterns closely.



These systems are often observed in the extratropics, a region that sits between 30 and 50 degrees latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres.



Over the past four decades, river activity has shifted away from 30 degrees, with more intense activity now seen along 50 degrees latitude. 



Notably, this shift means more atmospheric rivers bringing heavy rain to places like British Columbia and Alaska, increasing the risk of flooding and changing local weather patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-atmospheric-rivers">Shifting atmospheric rivers </h2>



So, why are atmospheric rivers moving poleward? The primary reason is the cooling tendency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> in the eastern tropical Pacific since 2000.



Associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña</a> conditions, this cooling effect influences atmospheric circulation worldwide, pushing the rivers towards the poles.



As atmospheric rivers drift poleward, they impact local climates significantly. In the subtropics, where these rivers are becoming less common, more prolonged droughts and water scarcity might become the norm.



Simultaneously, higher latitudes might experience more extreme rainfall and flooding. If atmospheric rivers frequent the Arctic more often, we might witness a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/79-n-glacier-northeast-greenland-melting-rapidly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid melting of sea ice</a>, exacerbating global warming and affecting arctic fauna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-what-s-to-come">Preparing for what's to come</h2>



While the shifts so far largely reflect natural phenomena, human-induced global warming also plays a role.



As the world gets warmer, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, which makes atmospheric rivers happen more often and with greater intensity.



Predicting these future changes is challenging, mostly because it’s hard to predict the swings between El Niño and La Niña, which greatly influence where these atmospherric rivers go.



At the University of California, Santa Barbara, scientists like Qinghua Ding have been closely studying the poleward shift of atmospheric rivers. By understanding these changes, they hope to improve climate models and better predict future rainfall and water supplies.



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



The poleward shift of atmospheric rivers doesn’t just impact people - it also affects ecosystems and wildlife.



As more rain moves into northern regions, plants and animals that aren’t used to such heavy rain might face big challenges. 



For example, in Arctic areas, changes in rain can alter plant growth, which may disrupt the local balance of nature. This shift could also threaten animals like migratory birds, which need stable habitats for nesting and feeding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-ecosystem-changes">Unpredictable ecosystem changes </h2>



In areas where atmospheric rivers are becoming less frequent, ecosystems that rely on steady rain might experience longer dry spells. 



Forests in warmer regions, for example, could face more drought, increasing the chances of wildfires and harming biodiversity. Aquatic habitats could suffer too, as less reliable water sources make it harder for fish and other creatures to thrive.



To help protect nature, conservation efforts must adjust to these changes. Protecting vulnerable plants and animals in areas experiencing shifts is essential to maintaining biodiversity. 



Ongoing research will play a key role in understanding these impacts and guiding strategies to help ecosystems cope with a changing climate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq0604" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 



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Atmospheric rivers are shifting, with global climate impacts

Atmospheric rivers form worldwide as narrow bands of moisture that...

Music might be the secret key to easing patients' recoveries after surgery. According to research presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2024, the soothing influence of music extends beyond the soul and eases physical discomfort too.



Researchers at the <a href="https://medicine.cnsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Northstate University College of Medicine</a> have found compelling connections between music and post-operative recovery.



Where did this fascinating theory come from? It started with a meticulous examination of 3,736 studies on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>'s role in post-surgery recovery. 



From this massive repository, 35 research papers were narrowed down - each revealing a unique narrative about patient outcomes such as pain, anxiety, heart rate, and opioid use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-music-post-surgery">Benefits of music post surgery</h2>



So, how does listening to music impact a recovering patient? The results of the collective studies provide some interesting insights.



There was a noticeable decrease in self-reported pain levels among patients who tuned into music after surgery. The Numeric Rating Scale and Visual Analogue Scale showed 19% and 7% reductions in pain respectively.



The analysis also revealed a 3% decrease in patient-reported anxiety levels. Furthermore, an intriguing reversal was observed in the use of morphine. Patients who listened to music used less than 50% of the painkiller on the first day after surgery.



A decrease in heart rate (around 4.5 fewer beats per minute) was noted among the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music-listening</a> patients, promoting effective circulation of oxygen and nutrients, which aids in recovery. Besides, a lower heart rate means a reduced risk of tachycardia, a condition that can lead to dangerous heart rhythms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-reduces-stress-after-surgery">Music reduces stress after surgery</h2>



“When patients wake up after surgery, sometimes they feel really scared and don’t know where they are,” said Dr.&nbsp;Eldo Frezza, senior author of the study and a professor of surgery at California Northstate University College of Medicine.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Music</a> can help ease the transition from the waking up stage to a return to normalcy and may help reduce stress around that transition.”



Another interesting observation was made at this juncture. Unlike other therapies like meditation or Pilates, which require considerable effort and concentration, listening to music is a passive experience. It can be adopted instantly after surgery without any cost or extra effort.



“Although we can’t specifically say they’re in less pain, the studies revealed that patients perceive they are in less pain, and we think that is just as important,” said Shehzaib Raees, first author of the study and a third-year medical student.



“When listening to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/classical-music-orchestrates-a-mood-lifting-dance-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>, you can disassociate and relax. In that way, there’s not much you have to do or focus on, and you can calm yourself down.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-music-in-surgeries">Future of music in surgeries</h2>



As we look to the future, the intersection of music and medicine holds the promise of groundbreaking advancements. 



Emerging technologies, such as personalized music therapy playlists and AI-curated sessions, are on the horizon, offering tailored treatments based on an individual's specific conditions and preferences. 



The growing body of empirical evidence supporting music's efficacy in healthcare settings is likely to pave the way for more comprehensive clinical guidelines that incorporate music as a non-invasive, cost-effective therapeutic option. 



This innovative approach could revolutionize patient care, positioning music not merely as an adjunctive therapy but as an integral part of holistic, patient-centered treatment strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-to-music-to-promote-recovery">Listening to music to promote recovery</h2>



The researchers discovered that the hormone cortisol could be the invisible maestro orchestrating this therapeutic effect. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-boost-brainpower-and-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Listening to music</a> reduces cortisol levels, aiding recovery. However, some variables, like the duration of music-listening, were not controlled in the analysis.



Moving forward, a pilot program is being planned to scrutinize the application of music in the surgical setting and intensive care unit.



So, the next time you are heading for surgery, don't forget to pack your favorite playlist alongside your essentials. Remember Dr. Frezza's advice - listen to whatever music you enjoy.



The researchers are not advocating for one type of music over another. They believe that different tunes may help different people post-surgery, as music can comfort and provide a sense of familiarity.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2022.0803" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine</a>.



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Music can reduce pain and anxiety after surgery

Music might be the secret key to easing patients' recoveries...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tropical animals change their behavior in response to moonlight

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

It is an unsettling yet undeniable truth that slimy biofilms - congregations of bacteria - do not discriminate when it comes to their settlement.



These bacteria colonies can be found in a diverse array of environments ranging from hot springs to plant roots, and even on your household surfaces like bathtub and fridge. They also lurk in impending wounds and on medical devices such as catheters.



Biofilms, although primarily composed of different bacterial species, have left scientists wondering how these species harmoniously coexist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-in-biofilms">Bacteria in biofilms</h2>



In a new study, <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth</a> scientists have investigated this microcosm of bacterial biofilm species - primarily focusing on how three distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial species</a> coexist. The researchers also explored a surprising dynamic - when do the bacteria choose to discontinue their shared living?



The researchers spotted an interesting pattern. One species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for its versatility and formidable resistance to antibiotics, had an upper hand over two other bacterial species.



However, when the growth became overcrowded, instead of wrestling for domination, this species chose to relocate in search of less crowded areas. This strategic departure allowed the other members of the bacterial colony to flourish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biofilms-as-a-community">Biofilms as a community </h2>



"Pseudomonas' dispersal behavior allows for the three species to coexist where otherwise they would not," explained corresponding author&nbsp;<a href="https://biology.dartmouth.edu/people/carey-davis-nadell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carey Nadell</a>, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Dartmouth.



"This is the first case of showing explicitly that dispersal has very important ecological consequences when you're thinking about biofilms as a community."



The scientists scrutinized a triad of bacterial species, including P. aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis.



These bacteria often act as opportunistic pathogens and are frequently isolated from catheter-associated urinary tract infections. This particular selection of species would help in understanding these infections better.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-biofilms-support-diverse-bacteria">How biofilms support diverse bacteria</h2>



Uncovering the mystery of peaceful cohabitation in such a competitive environment spurred their experiment. 



Study first author Jacob Holt is a graduate student in Nadell's research group who led the study.



"We wanted to know how biofilms can support a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-bacteria-makes-flowers-more-attractive-to-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of species</a> or strains because we know that bacteria are really good at killing each other," said Holt.



"So that was a big motivation - if they're so good at these antagonistic behaviors, how do they coexist in these tightly associated communities?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cycle-of-bacteria-in-biofilms">Cycle of bacteria in biofilms</h2>



To explore this, the bacteria were grown on a glass surface viable for biofilm development and also in a liquid culture, with equal proportions of each species. 



Utilizing fluorescence microscopy, the scientists tracked the change in population over time. When grown in the liquid culture, P. aeruginosa outcompeted the other two species after about three days. Fascinatingly, in a biofilm environment, the dynamics were atypical.



In the biofilm conditions, E. faecalis and E. coli initially propagated faster than P. aeruginosa. However, a few days later, P. aeruginosa drastically multiplied, displacing the other species. 



Again, as the biofilm region became overly crowded, the P. aeruginosa numbers declined, allowing the resurgence of the other two species. After that, P. aeruginosa began its domination again. This cycle kept repeating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-equation-of-coexistence">Equation of coexistence</h2>



In their quest to decode these cycles, the team tested different theoretical models. The one that held water was surprisingly simple. 



"The fundamental mechanism is very straightforward," said Holt. "When a dominant species gets to a very high abundance, it selectively removes itself from the system, which permits the other species to stick around."



This hypothesis was further tested by an experiment involving a genetically engineered P. aeruginosa strain, unable to disperse due to a lack of the required traits. 



In this scenario, P. aeruginosa bacteria completely dominated the biofilm, resonating with the results seen in the liquid culture, thereby affirming their model's findings.



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



The scenario-based approach of this study emphasizes the need for more realistic research settings. 



"It's important to push for more ecological realism. The inferences you gain from well-mixed liquid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-use-biological-clocks-to-predict-and-survive-cold-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial cultures</a> often may not apply to biofilm environments, which are much more common in the real world," said Professor Nadell.



"It points to the importance of studying these communities in a context with a little bit of added realism."



Planning to step up the game of realism, the team is now working towards growing Vibrio cholera, the bacteria causing cholera, on shrimp shells, which is their natural habitat in the marine environment.



This might just be the first step in understanding the complex world of bacteria and biofilms, but it has certainly paved the way for future investigations. 



After all, isn't it fascinating to learn how even the tiniest of creatures display such complex survival strategies?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01017-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Bacteria coexist in shared spaces by 'playing nice'

It is an unsettling yet undeniable truth that slimy biofilms...

Every tick of the clock is crucial when it comes to heart attacks, where swift diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. 



Now, a new blood test has emerged that can diagnose heart attacks in mere minutes instead of agonizing hours.



This revolutionary tool not only holds promise for immediate application by first responders but could also potentially be adapted for home use, offering a lifeline to those far from medical facilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-detection-of-heart-attacks">Early detection of heart attacks</h2>



Heart attacks demand immediate medical attention to enhance patient outcomes. However, early diagnosis, despite its criticality, often poses significant challenges, especially outside a clinical environment. And that is where this new, inventive technology comes into play.



According to Peng Zheng, an assistant research scientist at <a href="https://peabody.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> and the lead author of the study, the team was able to invent a new technology that can quickly and accurately establish if someone is having a heart attack.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-leap-forward-in-biophotonics">A leap forward in biophotonics</h2>



The technology is the brainchild of scientists at Johns Hopkins University, who specialize in developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-proves-very-useful-to-doctors-when-diagnosing-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diagnostic tools</a> via biophotonics - a method of detecting biomarkers through laser light. 



In this instance, the researchers harnessed the technology to identify the earliest indicators of a heart attack in a patient’s blood.



This is a vital accomplishment considering that heart attacks, which affect over 800,000 individuals annually in the United States, are notoriously tricky to detect early due to varying symptoms and subtle biological signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-diagnosis-of-heart-attacks">Swift diagnosis of heart attacks</h2>



Today, people suspected of suffering heart attacks undergo a series of tests, like electrocardiograms, to confirm the diagnosis – a process which could take considerable time. This is where the newly invented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-accurately-predicts-cardiovascular-heart-disease-risk-30-years-into-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood test</a> offers a significant breakthrough.



It provides quick results within approximately five to seven minutes and boasts greater accuracy and affordability than existing methods.



Designed for speedy diagnostic work in clinical settings, this novel test presents a promising prospect for adaptation into a handheld tool for first responders or even for home use. 



"We’re talking about speed, we’re talking about accuracy, and we’re talking of the ability to perform measurements outside of a hospital," noted Ishan Barman, a bioengineer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins.



The ultimate goal is for the test to be fashioned into a handheld tool capable of instant detection through a single drop of blood, similar to Star Trek's tricorder.



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



The core of this pioneering invention is a tiny chip featuring a groundbreaking nanostructured metasurface. 



This metasurface amplifies electric and magnetic signals during the analysis process, allowing heart attack biomarkers to be spotted in seconds, even in ultra-low concentrations. 



The test's sensitivity is superior to existing tests. It can detect biomarkers that are either undetectable or detected too late in the course of a heart attack.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-heart-attacks">Beyond heart attacks</h2>



While it's optimized for diagnosing heart attacks, this innovative technology has the potential to be modified for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-cancer-tests-produce-better-cancer-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detecting cancer</a> and infectious diseases as well.



Its commercial potential is enormous, and the researchers noted that "there's nothing that limits this platform technology." Looking ahead, the team is set to refine the blood test and pursue larger clinical trials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-access-to-life-saving-diagnostics">Access to life-saving diagnostics</h2>



One of the most exciting prospects of this new blood test technology is its potential to democratize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-blood-test-can-now-predict-risk-of-heart-attack-within-six-months/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack diagnosis</a>. 



Traditionally, advanced diagnostics have been confined to hospitals or well-equipped medical centers, but this innovation opens the door for decentralized, accessible healthcare. 



The simplicity of the test, combined with its portability, means that remote communities, underserved areas, or regions with limited healthcare infrastructure could benefit from rapid diagnosis. 



This test could redefine heart attack care, making accurate diagnosis available not only in emergency rooms but also in ambulances, rural clinics, and even homes. 



As the world moves toward more personalized, accessible healthcare, tools like this could become pivotal in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/every-year-of-education-reduces-mortality-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reducing mortality rates</a>, especially in high-risk populations or those who struggle to access immediate care.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202405910" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>.



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New blood test diagnoses heart attacks in minutes, not hours

Every tick of the clock is crucial when it comes...

The fight against pain may have a new player in its ranks - gender. The findings from a recent study indicate that men and women resort to different biological mechanisms for pain relief. But what does this mean?



A team of researchers at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> School of Medicine has unmasked an intriguing reality - pain management is not a one-size-fits-all solution. 



The way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-men-and-women-react-differently-to-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">men and women</a> experience and combat pain varies significantly, pointing to key biological differences in their responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-differences-in-pain-management">Gender differences in pain management </h2>



Men tend to rely on the release of endogenous opioids, which are the body's natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-how-to-activate-the-bodys-natural-pain-killers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain relievers</a>. These substances act similarly to prescription opioids like morphine, binding to opioid receptors in the brain to dampen the perception of pain. 



In contrast, women appear to utilize alternative, non-opioid pathways. These channels bypass the body's opioid system entirely, meaning that the pain relief mechanisms at play in women may be less reliant on the body’s internal opioids.



This finding suggests there is a biological reason for why women might not respond as well to opioid-based treatments.



The research highlights a major distinction in how pain relief strategies should be tailored based on gender, potentially altering the way we approach pain management altogether.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opioids-may-not-help-women-in-pain">Opioids may not help women in pain</h2>



Powerful synthetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-discovery-offers-hope-for-tackling-opioid-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioid</a> drugs such as morphine and fentanyl are the leading painkillers at our disposal today. 



By adhering to the same receptors as endogenous opioids, these synthetic molecules pack a potent punch. However, this characteristic also primes them for a high risk of addiction.



One of the profound peculiarities of opioid therapy is the subpar response exhibited by women. 



"Dependence develops because people start taking more opioids when their original dosage stops working," explained Dr. Fadel Zeidan, an expert at the UC San Diego Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion.



"Although speculative, our findings suggest that maybe one reason that females are more likely to become addicted to opioids is that they’re biologically less responsive to them and need to take more to experience any pain relief.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-pain-management">A new approach to pain management </h2>



The research was based on data from two clinical trials consisting of 98 participants, including healthy individuals and chronic lower back pain sufferers.



According to Dr. Zeidan, the results underscore the need for more sex-specific pain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-therapy-can-reduce-pain-stress-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapies</a>, because many of the treatments we use do not work nearly as well for women as they do for men.



The implications of the study are immense. For one, the findings could revolutionize the way we approach pain management.



Tailoring treatment to an individual’s gender could improve patient outcomes and decrease opioid reliance and misuse. 



After all, it is clear disparities exist in pain management between genders, and these results provide the first tangible evidence that sex-based differences in pain processing need to be considered more seriously when developing and prescribing treatment for pain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pain-treatment-for-women">Pain treatment for women </h2>



This research highlights a crucial issue that's been overlooked in healthcare - how men and women experience pain differently. Traditionally, pain treatments have followed a standardized approach, but this study suggests a shift in thinking is needed.



If men and women utilize different biological pathways for pain relief, it stands to reason they might need distinct treatments. The findings also explain why women have a greater prevalence of chronic pain. 



For women, who appear less responsive to opioids, exploring alternative methods that align with their unique pain pathways becomes important. Options like anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve blockers, or innovative approaches like mindfulness-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain management</a> could offer better results.



Furthermore, the study points out a pressing concern: women might face a higher risk of opioid addiction due to the need for larger doses to achieve pain relief. This insight could shed light on the alarming rates of opioid misuse among women. 



As we move forward, it's evident that doctors will need to carefully consider painkiller prescriptions, possibly adopting gender-specific guidelines to safeguard women from the risks of dependency.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/advance-article/doi/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae453/7821498" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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Why women experience more chronic pain than men

The fight against pain may have a new player in...

Soaring temperatures often lead to soaring tempers, as people's emotions are tested when they are exposed to excess heat. A surprising new study from Washington State University suggests that emotional responses to heat vary greatly, with age being a key factor.



The research team has discovered that discomfort triggered by a sizzling summer day doesn't affect everyone equally. The threshold of discomfort, it turns out, is a highly subjective matter, varying from individual to individual.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-and-heat-an-unexpected-connection">Age and heat: An unexpected connection</h2>



The researchers found that the actual temperature at which the majority of people felt uncomfortable during a hot summer depended on the individual. When discomfort set in, the majority of people had negative changes in mood. 



Interestingly, there was an exception with older adults. They were found to hit their discomfort level faster in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high temperatures</a> compared to their youthful counterparts, yet their moods remained comparably unscathed.



Study lead author Kim Meidenbauer is a psychological researcher at <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>.



"Older adults in general have worse thermoregulation, so this makes them more vulnerable to heat - so that was not surprising - but what was really interesting is that on average, older adults showed low levels of negative emotional states, even though they experienced more discomfort in the heat," noted Meidenbauer.



While the study did not pinpoint the reasons for the age difference in emotional response to heat, Meidenbauer said that other research on personality traits across the lifespan found that emotional stability tends to increase with age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-effects-of-heat">Emotional effects of heat</h2>



The goal of the research was to shed light on the known association between high outside temperatures and spikes in violent crime and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> hospital admissions. Although this link is widely recognized, the reason behind it remains unsolved.



The experts collaborated with researchers from the University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Santa Fe Institute.



The team explored into the relationship surrounding outdoor temperature, physical discomfort, and negative effects such as feelings of irritability, anxiety, or gloominess.



To investigate, the researchers enlisted approximately 400 people in the Chicago area during the summer of 2022.



The participants self-reported their comfort and emotional status on an app while they were outside, allowing the researchers to correlate their responses with the geolocation determined temperature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perception-of-heat-and-discomfort">Perception of heat and discomfort</h2>



The study concluded that there was no direct connection between actual temperature and the emotional state of individuals. What mattered more was the perceived temperature - a subjective interpretation of how hot it was.



“People really varied in the extent to which they found consistently <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-poses-extreme-risks-for-outdoor-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme temperatures</a> as hot or uncomfortable. Some people were experiencing 100-degree days, and they were still feeling good," said Meidenbauer.



However, when discomfort did creep in, it often brought along negative emotional states, particularly in younger adults. 



“This research is suggesting that for some people there is a really strong relationship between heat and negative affect working through discomfort," noted Meidenbauer.



"Because there is also an association between being in a particularly angry or irritable emotional state and then acting out aggressively - this is a plausible mechanism at play.”



In the future, Meidenbauer aims to examine the emotional response to heat in a more controlled laboratory setting. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-and-emotional-well-being">Heat and emotional well-being</h2>



This study opens the door to more detailed investigations into how different age groups respond to heat, with important implications for public health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-yards-promote-climate-resilience-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate resilience</a> strategies. 



As climate change accelerates and extreme heat events become more frequent, understanding the psychological and physiological impacts of heat on various populations could help mitigate risks and improve overall well-being. 



Older adults, while emotionally resilient, remain physically vulnerable due to decreased thermoregulation, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.



Meidenbauer and her team plan to further explore these connections, aiming to develop tailored interventions that address both the emotional and physical health challenges posed by rising temperatures.



Their future work may include laboratory-controlled experiments and larger-scale studies to identify strategies that could help people of all ages better cope with heat stress, particularly as the world faces increasingly unpredictable climate patterns.



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-024-02005-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Psychology</a>, was funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA.



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Older adults are less emotionally affected by heat

Soaring temperatures often lead to soaring tempers, as people's emotions...

The universe has always held mysteries that spark our curiosity. As we currently understand it, the fabric of the universe comprises three primary components: 'normal matter,' 'dark energy,' and 'dark matter.' However, new research is turning this established model on its head.



Enter Rajendra Gupta, a seasoned physics professor who isn't afraid to question the status quo. With years of research under his belt, Gupta is shaking up our understanding of the universe.



Gupta, based at the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a>, conducted a study that suggests we might not need dark matter or dark energy to explain the workings of the universe. This bold claim is turning heads in the scientific community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tired-light-and-the-ccc-theory">"Tired light" and the CCC theory</h2>



At the core of Gupta's research is a model that combines two theories: covarying coupling constants (CCC) and "tired light" (TL). 



We've always been taught that the fundamental constants of nature -- like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-consist-of-particles-that-travel-faster-than-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speed of light</a> or the charge of an electron -- are unchanging. But what if they aren't fixed after all?



The CCC theory suggests these constants might actually vary across the universe. If that's the case, it could alter our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-might-be-driving-force-behind-black-hole-mergers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of everything</a> from the tiniest particles to the largest galaxies.



Then there's the "Tired Light" idea. Normally, we think the redshift of light from distant galaxies -- the way light stretches into longer, redder wavelengths -- is because the universe is expanding. 



But the TL model offers a different take: maybe light loses energy over vast distances. This energy loss would cause the redshift without needing the universe to expand.



So, what happens when you put these two theories together? The CCC+TL model aims to provide a new framework for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/directly-detecting-dark-matter-primordial-black-holes-simple-as-monitoring-mars-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic phenomena</a>. 



By considering that constants might change and that light could lose energy over time, this model offers alternative explanations for observations that have puzzled scientists for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-most-scientists-think-dark-matter-is-real">Why most scientists think dark matter is real</h2>



So, why do we think dark matter is real if we can't see it? Back in the 1930s, an astronomer named Fritz Zwicky noticed that galaxies in a cluster were moving in ways that didn't match up with the visible mass.



Something unseen was exerting a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational pull</a> on them. Since then, more evidence has surfaced, like the way galaxies spin -- they rotate faster than they should if only visible matter was involved.



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most theories</a>, dark matter plays a huge role in how the universe works. It seems to hold galaxies together, acting like an invisible glue.



Without it, galaxies might not have enough mass to stay intact. It also affects how light travels through space, bending it in ways that help us map out where dark matter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-stars-conspiracy-theory-may-have-been-officially-put-to-rest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">might be hiding</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questioning-the-need-for-dark-matter">Questioning the need for dark matter</h2>



For years, dark matter has been the go-to explanation for the behavior of galaxies and the movement of stars, which places the commonly "accepted" age of the universe at roughly 13.8 billion years old.



It's been thought to make up about 27% of the universe, with ordinary matter accounting for less than 5%, and the rest being <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>.



But Gupta's findings throw a wrench into this model. 



"The study's findings confirm our previous work, which suggested that the universe is 26.7 billion years old, negating the necessity for dark matter's existence," he explains.



"Contrary to standard cosmological theories where the accelerated expansion of the universe is attributed to dark energy, our findings indicate that this expansion is due to the weakening forces of nature, not <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>," Gupta continues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redshifts-and-cosmic-observations">Redshifts and cosmic observations</h2>



A significant part of Gupta's research focuses on "redshifts," where light stretches toward the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red end of the spectrum</a> as it travels through space. 



By analyzing data on how galaxies are distributed at low redshifts and the patterns observed in the early universe at high redshifts, he builds a case against the existence of dark matter.



"There are several papers that question the existence of dark matter, but mine is the first one, to my knowledge, that eliminates its cosmological existence while being consistent with key cosmological observations that we have had time to confirm," Gupta confidently concludes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



If the CCC+TL model holds true, it could turn much of our current understanding on its head. It might offer new explanations for things like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-is-even-darker-than-we-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic microwave background radiation</a> or the formation and evolution of galaxies. 



Gupta's theory directly challenges the widely accepted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-novae-star-explosion-may-be-origin-phosphorus-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang theory</a>, which is the starting point for pinning the age of the universe at the figure of 13.8 billion years mentioned previously, and could open up new avenues of thought in cosmology.



Critics point out that there's a wealth of data supporting current models, like the constancy of physical laws and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-black-holes-were-too-scarce-to-explain-the-unseen-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expansion of the universe</a>. 



The CCC+TL model needs to provide testable predictions that can be confirmed or refuted through observations and experiments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-big-bang-and-next-steps">Dark matter, Big Bang, and next steps</h2>



So, where do we go from here? Are dark energy and dark matter just constructs of scientific minds trying to make their Big Bang theory math work? Could the universe really be 26.7 billion years old instead of 13.8 billion years old?



Researchers are hard at work trying to find ways to test the CCC+TL model. They're looking at distant stars, measuring cosmic radiation, and analyzing vast amounts of data. 



As technology advances, especially with more powerful telescopes and detectors, we might gather the evidence needed to confirm or challenge these new theories.



In the end, the pursuit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-seen-separating-from-normal-matter-after-galaxy-cluster-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding the universe</a> is like assembling a giant puzzle without knowing the final picture. 



Each new piece or idea helps us see a bit more, even if it means rethinking parts we thought we understood. 



Whether the CCC+TL model becomes a key part of cosmology or leads us to other discoveries, it's all part of the exciting journey to comprehend the cosmos.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad1bc6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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Dark matter does not exist and the universe is 27 billion years old, study claims

The universe has always held mysteries that spark our curiosity....

New research shows that if electric vehicles (EVs) took over America’s highways, the air quality would improve dramatically, bringing major health benefits for the population. 



While it’s no surprise that switching to EVs could boost public health, putting a clear number on those benefits has always been tricky. 



But now, a recent study from the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>’s Department of Civil &amp; Mineral Engineering has provided some eye-opening figures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-electric-vehicles">Health benefits of electric vehicles</h2>



Drawing on the power of computer simulations, the researchers showed that ambitious electrification of the U.S. vehicle fleet, complemented by a substantial implementation of renewable electricity generation, could yield health benefits valued between US$84 billion and 188 billion by 2050.



And even in scenarios forecasting less aggressive grid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decarbonization</a>, health benefits still scale into tens of billions.



"When researchers examine the impacts of EVs, they typically focus on climate change in the form of mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 emissions</a>," said Professor Marianne Hatzopoulou.



"But CO2 is not the only thing that comes out of the tailpipe of an internal combustion vehicle. They produce many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/google-street-view-cars-expose-unknown-air-pollution-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollutants</a> that have a significant, quantifiable impact on public health."



Professor Hatzopoulou further noted that these impacts are disproportionately borne by low-income, racialized, or marginalized populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-climate-change">Looking beyond climate change</h2>



In previous research, the team utilized their expertise in life-cycle assessment to frame computer models.



The models were used to simulate the impact of widespread electric vehicle adoption on the U.S. market, revealing that although EV adoption positively impacts climate change, it's insufficient alone to meet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement targets</a>.



The latest study aimed to account for non-climate benefits of EV adoption. The team adapted their models to include the production of common air pollutants from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a> combustion, such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and small particles known as PM2.5.



"Modeling these pollutants is very different from modeling CO2, which lasts for decades and ends up well-mixed throughout the atmosphere," noted Professor Daniel Posen.



He further added that these pollutants and their associated health impacts are more localized. Thus, it is crucial to account not only for the volume of emissions but also their locations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decarbonizing-power-and-transportation">Decarbonizing power and transportation</h2>



The study also considered a range of scenarios extending to the year 2050. One scenario presumed no further EV production, while the second assumed complete electrification of new vehicles by 2035.



Under each scenario, the researchers evaluated various rates of transitioning the electric grid to low-emitting and renewable energy sources, considering if it remains constant, slows down, or accelerates over the next years.



"Our simulation shows that the cumulative public health benefits of large-scale EV adoption between now and 2050 could run into the hundreds of billions of dollars. But another thing we found is that we only get these benefits if the grid continues to get greener," said Professor Posen.



This conclusion raises an important question: which should be prioritized, decarbonizing transportation through EV adoption or decarbonizing power generation - the original source of EV-associated pollution?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combustion-vehicles-and-tailpipe-emissions">Combustion vehicles and tailpipe emissions </h2>



Professor Hatzopoulou believes it is important to remember that vehicles sold today will continue to be used for decades. 



"If we buy more internal combustion vehicles now, however efficient they may be, we will be locking ourselves into those tailpipe emissions for years to come," said Professor Hatzopoulou.



She argued that while decarbonizing power generation is indeed vital, the process of getting more EVs on the road should not be delayed until it is complete, affirming the need to start on the path to a healthier future today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-and-a-healthier-future">Electric vehicles and a healthier future</h2>



As we face the challenges of both climate change and public health, electric vehicles are emerging as a real solution. 



By cutting down on harmful pollutants and shifting to cleaner energy, the benefits extend far beyond the environment. Our health and well-being stand to improve significantly.



With researchers now able to put concrete numbers behind these gains, it’s becoming clear that electric vehicles aren’t just futuristic - they are a key part of building a healthier, more sustainable future starting today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2320858121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Electric vehicles could save billions in health care costs by 2050

New research shows that if electric vehicles (EVs) took over...

Scientists have long entertained the question, "Is there life on Mars?" While there's no concrete evidence yet, a recent NASA study has sparked new curiosity. The research suggests that the frozen water beneath the Martian surface could potentially host microbial life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-photosynthesis-on-mars">Potential for photosynthesis on Mars</h2>



Based on computer modeling, the scientists discovered that sunlight could penetrate the water ice, thereby enabling photosynthesis in the meltwater pools beneath the surface.



Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy for food. 



On <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mars-became-uninhabitable-after-being-life-supporting-ocean-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, ice formations have been found teeming with algae, fungi, and cyanobacteria - all of which thrive on photosynthesis. Could Mars be home to similar lifeforms?



The research was led by Aditya Khuller, who is affiliated with <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California.



“If we’re trying to find life anywhere in the universe today, Martian ice exposures are probably one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insights-alien-life-mars-water-sulfur-discovered-gained-studying-extreme-life-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accessible places</a> we should be looking,” said Khuller.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-in-mars-frozen-water">Life in Mars' frozen water</h2>



With two kinds of ice on Mars - frozen water and frozen carbon dioxide - the scientists focused on water ice as a potential host of life.



The experts traced the origin of this ice back to ancient snow mixed with dust during Martian ice ages in the past million years. This snowy blend, now solidified into ice, continues to carry specks of dust.



Even though dust could potentially obscure light in the ice’s deeper layers, it holds the key to how subsurface pools of water could form within the ice when exposed to the Sun. 



Just like a black shirt absorbs more sunlight than a white one, dark dust absorbs more sunlight than the surrounding ice. This could potentially warm up and melt the surrounding ice - even a few feet below the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thriving-ecosystems-for-simple-lifeforms">Thriving ecosystems for simple lifeforms </h2>



However, not all Mars scientists are on the same page about whether ice can actually melt when exposed to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-makes-surprising-find-under-martian-rock-sulfur-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian surface</a>. 



Challenges arise due to Mars' thin, dry atmosphere, where water ice tends to sublimate - meaning it turns directly into gas, similar to our dry ice here on Earth. Yet, these atmospheric constraints wouldn't hinder below the surface of a dusty snowpack or glacier.



Just like Earth's cryoconite holes - small cavities in ice formed by particles of windblown dust, the same phenomena can be observed on Mars. 



These dust particles, absorbing sunlight and melting into the ice, could potentially form pockets of meltwater, paving the way for thriving ecosystems for simple lifeforms.



“This is a common phenomenon on Earth,” said study co-author Phil Christensen of Arizona State University, referring to ice melting from within. "Dense snow and ice can melt from the inside out, letting in sunlight that warms it like a greenhouse, rather than melting from the top down.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-mars-climate-support-life">Can Mars' climate support life?</h2>



Understanding the climatic conditions of Mars is crucial in assessing its capacity to support life. Mars experiences much colder temperatures than Earth, with an average surface temperature of roughly -80 degrees Fahrenheit (-62 degrees Celsius).



Such frigid conditions arise from its thin atmosphere, composed primarily of carbon dioxide, offering minimal insulation against the harsh cold. 



However, variations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-plan-terraform-mars-nanoparticles-would-make-it-habitable-for-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>’ axial tilt and orbit can lead to changes in climate, similar to Earth's seasons but with more extreme shifts. This dynamic atmospheric behavior sparks curiosity about how these changes may influence ice stability and potential life-harboring environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-mars-exploration">Future Mars exploration</h2>



The quest to unravel Mars’ mysteries stands at the forefront of planetary exploration. Upcoming missions, such as NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission, aim to collect Martian rocks and soil for unprecedented analysis. 



These samples could provide invaluable insights into Mars' geology, climate history, and potential biosignatures - indicators of past or present life.



Additionally, advancing technologies like spaceborne instruments and robotic systems enable more precise and extensive studies of Martian terrains. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prime-targets-for-future-research">Prime targets for future research </h2>



Christensen and Khuller's latest paper theorizes that dusty ice could permit enough light for photosynthesis even nine feet below the surface. This could shield subsurface pools of water from evaporating and protect against harmful radiation, given that Mars lacks a protective magnetic field like Earth’s.



Interestingly, the water ice most likely to form subsurface pools would exist in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-search-for-signs-of-life-on-mars-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>' tropics - between 30 degrees and 60 degrees latitude, in both the northern and southern hemispheres.



Propelling this fascinating research further, Khuller plans to replicate some of Mars' dusty ice in a lab. 



Meanwhile, scientists worldwide are mapping out promising spots on Mars to search for shallow meltwater. These locations could be prime targets for future scientific endeavors, beckoning both human and robotic explorers.



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Does life exist below the icy surface of Mars?

Scientists have long entertained the question, "Is there life on...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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...

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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