Astronomers have uncovered a remarkable&nbsp;wind phenomenon&nbsp;on WASP-127b, a&nbsp;gas giant planet&nbsp;that is more than&nbsp;500 light-years&nbsp;from Earth.



Using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) in Chile, scientists have detected&nbsp;supersonic jetstream winds&nbsp;hurtling around the planet’s equator at astonishing speeds of&nbsp;33,000 km/h (20,500 mph). 



This discovery marks the fastest jetstream ever measured on any known planet and sheds new light on the complex and extreme weather patterns of exoplanets beyond our Solar System.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-puffy-planet-with-extreme-weather">Giant "puffy" planet with extreme weather</h2>



WASP-127b has fascinated scientists since its discovery in 2016. The planet is slightly larger than Jupiter but has a much lower mass, making it a "puffy" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potential-signs-of-life-found-on-nearby-exoplanet-wasp-107b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas giant</a>. Its low density suggests that its atmosphere is vastly extended, allowing astronomers to study its composition and climate with relative ease.



Unlike Earth, where storms and winds are driven by temperature differences and planetary rotation, the weather on WASP-127b is governed by far more extreme forces. 



The planet is expected to be&nbsp;tidally locked&nbsp;to its host star, meaning one side permanently faces the star while the other remains in perpetual darkness. 



This setup leads to dramatic atmospheric conditions, including&nbsp;intense winds that redistribute heat around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-evening-atmosphere-detected-exoplanet-wasp-39b-for-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>. However, the sheer velocity of these winds came as a complete surprise to researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fastest-winds-on-a-distant-planet">Fastest winds on a distant planet</h2>



“Part of the atmosphere of this planet is moving towards us at a high velocity while another part is moving away from us at the same speed. This signal shows us that there is a very fast, supersonic, jet wind around the planet’s equator,” noted Lisa Nortmann, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a> in Germany and lead author of the study.



The winds reach a staggering speed of&nbsp;9 kilometers per second, which is nearly&nbsp;six times faster than the expected rotation speed of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-weather-exoplanet-wasp-121-b-has-a-dynamic-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>. 



In comparison, the fastest wind speed recorded in the Solar System was observed on Neptune, where atmospheric winds reach "only"&nbsp;1,800 km/h (1,118 mph).



WASP-127b’s winds far surpass this, moving at speeds so extreme that they rival the velocity of some of the fastest meteoroids in our Solar System.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-an-alien-atmosphere">Mapping an alien atmosphere</h2>



To measure these winds, the research team used the&nbsp;CRIRES+ instrument&nbsp;on ESO’s VLT. This advanced tool allows scientists to analyze the atmosphere of distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-glory-lights-effect-seen-exoplanet-wasp-76b-baffling-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> by studying how starlight filters through the gases surrounding them. 



By measuring the specific wavelengths of light absorbed and emitted by molecules in the planet’s upper atmosphere, the team was able to identify&nbsp;water vapor and carbon monoxide molecules&nbsp;in WASP-127b’s air.



But it was the motion of these molecules that provided the most shocking revelation. When the researchers analyzed their speed, they noticed something unexpected - a&nbsp;double peak in the data, showing that one side of the planet’s atmosphere was moving toward Earth while the other was moving away.



This indicated that high-speed jet-stream winds were racing&nbsp;around the equator, rather than simply moving from the day side to the night side as previously expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-weather-system">Complex weather system</h2>



Beyond detecting the equatorial jetstream, the research team also found intriguing variations in the planet’s temperature. The poles appear&nbsp;cooler than the rest of the planet, suggesting that heat distribution is not uniform. 



There is also a noticeable temperature difference between the planet’s&nbsp;morning and evening sides, which hints at&nbsp;complex atmospheric dynamics similar to those found on Earth and other planets in our Solar System.



“This shows that the planet has complex weather patterns just like Earth and other planets of our own system,” noted Fei Yan, a professor at the <a href="https://en.ustc.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Science and Technology of China</a> and co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-the-exoplanet-weather-research">Advancing the exoplanet weather research </h2>



Until recently, studying the atmospheres of exoplanets was an&nbsp;impossible challenge. For years, astronomers could only determine a planet’s&nbsp;mass and radius, which gave them little information about its climate or atmospheric composition.



However, thanks to powerful ground-based telescopes like&nbsp;ESO’s <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VLT</a>, researchers can now&nbsp;map weather systems&nbsp;on distant planets and study their&nbsp;wind patterns, temperature gradients, and even cloud formations.



“Understanding the dynamics of these exoplanets helps us explore mechanisms such as heat redistribution and chemical processes, improving our understanding of planet formation and potentially shedding light on the origins of our own Solar System,” noted David Cont, a co-author of the paper from the <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich</a>.



Surprisingly, this level of precision is only possible with ground-based telescopes. Current&nbsp;space telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), do not yet have the required&nbsp;velocity precision&nbsp;to detect wind speeds like those observed on WASP-127b. 



This means that facilities on Earth remain essential for&nbsp;pushing the boundaries of exoplanet research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-patterns-on-planets">Wind patterns on planets </h2>



With the discovery of supersonic winds on WASP-127b, astronomers are now looking forward to even&nbsp;more detailed investigations&nbsp;into the atmospheres of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interior-core-cotton-candy-exoplanet-wasp-107-b-revealed-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant worlds</a>. The upcoming&nbsp;ESO Extremely Large Telescope (<a href="https://elt.eso.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ELT</a>), currently under construction in Chile, will play a crucial role in these studies. 



Equipped with the&nbsp;ANDES instrument, the ELT will allow scientists to&nbsp;detect even finer details&nbsp;in the wind patterns of exoplanets and&nbsp;expand this research to smaller, rocky planets.



“This means that we can likely resolve even finer details of the wind patterns and expand this research to smaller, rocky planets,” Nortmann concluded.



The discovery of&nbsp;supersonic jetstream winds on WASP-127b&nbsp;is a milestone in exoplanetary science. As telescopes become more advanced, scientists may soon be able to&nbsp;track storm systems, measure rainfall, and even identify weather cycles on distant worlds. 



Each new finding brings us one step closer to&nbsp;understanding the diverse and dynamic nature of planets beyond our own Solar System.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2025/01/aa50438-24/aa50438-24.html">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a>.



Image Credit: ESO/L. Calçada



-----



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



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



-----

Supersonic winds on a nearby exoplanet break all speed records

Astronomers have uncovered a remarkable&nbsp;wind phenomenon&nbsp;on WASP-127b, a&nbsp;gas giant planet&nbsp;that is more than&nbsp;500 light-years&nbsp;from Earth. Using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) in Chile, scientists have detected&nbsp;supersonic jetstream winds&nbsp;hurtling around the planet’s equator at astonishing speeds of&nbsp;33,000 km/h (20,500 mph). This discovery marks the fastest jetstream ever measured on any known planet and sheds new light on the complex and extreme weather patterns of exoplanets beyond our Solar System. Giant "puffy" planet with extreme weather WASP-127b has fascinated scientists since its discovery in 2016....

The global invasion of microplastics is an unfortunate reality that we are facing. These microscopic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic contaminants</a> have become an unwelcomed guest, trespassing into the bodies of numerous creatures worldwide.



Food ingestion is the most common way that microplastics enter the bodies of both humans and wildlife.



For us humans, and even rodents, researchers have established a disturbing connection between these invasive particles and adverse health impacts. The culprits? Oxidative stress and inflammation, to name a couple.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-breathe-or-not-to-breathe">To breathe or not to breathe?</h2>



While ingesting contaminated food isn't exactly "fine dining," another potential exposure method lurks in the shadows - inhalation. Although notorious among humans, this path has been quite neglected in wildlife research. 



But now, experts have discovered that bottlenose dolphins are exhaling microplastic particles, indicating that inhalation may be a relevant route of exposure for wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-dolphin-breath">Microplastics in dolphin breath</h2>



Our quest for knowledge leads us to two places - Sarasota Bay, Florida, and Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Here, Miranda Dziobak of the <a href="https://charleston.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Charleston</a> and her team have been busy gathering samples.



Their subjects? Five bottlenose dolphins from Sarasota and six of their kin in Barataria. And the object of interest? Air, or more specifically, the air they exhale.



Here's an unexpected shocker. The analysis revealed every single one of these 11 dolphins was "breathing plastic." The team discovered suspected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic particles</a> in the exhaled air of each dolphin.



The microplastics came in the forms of both fibers and fragments and included several plastic polymers: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, and poly(methyl methacrylate), also known as PMMA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluating-microplastics-exposure-in-dolphins">Evaluating microplastics exposure in dolphins</h2>



To ensure the study's credibility, the researchers also sampled the surrounding air. This step reinforced the stark reality that microplastics were not just passersby in the ambient air but residents in the dolphins' exhaled breath. 



The findings fuel the suspicion that inhalation, like ingestion, is another high-priority exposure route for dolphins. However, everyone loves a good mystery, and the researchers emphasize that these results are preliminary. 



The scientific community must roll up its collective sleeves and dive deeper into evaluating the degree of various microplastic inhalations among bottlenose dolphins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-implications">Long-term implications </h2>



Also, what are the longer-term implications of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-process-converts-microplastics-into-valuable-graphene-wonder-material/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposure</a>? Lung damage? It's time to find out. 



“We know that microplastics are floating around in the air, so we suspected that we would find microplastics in breath samples," noted the researchers.



"We are concerned by what we are seeing because dolphins have a large lung capacity and take really deep breaths, so we are worried about what these plastics could be doing to their lungs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-dolphin-health">Microplastics and dolphin health</h2>



Going forward, the experts aim to scrutinize the comprehensive impact of microplastics on marine mammal health.



This pursuit involves deploying more sophisticated analytical techniques to pinpoint not only the presence but also the concentrations of various microplastic polymers specific to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-microplastics-are-here-to-stay-so-what-can-we-do-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different environmental contexts</a>. 



The need for collaborative ventures among marine biologists, ecologists, and material scientists grows urgent, as these efforts could unveil critical insights into mitigating the risks plastic particles pose to the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



The experts noted that further research is also needed to understand health implications following inhaled microplastic exposure, especially among vulnerable populations experiencing adverse pulmonary impacts.



"A systematic assessment of particle exhalation in Sarasota Bay dolphins is planned to examine life history influences on exposure and associations with health impacts in the well-studied Sarasota Bay dolphin community."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-the-public">Engaging the public</h2>



Addressing microplastics exposure among marine creatures like dolphins transcends the realm of scientific inquiry - it calls for widespread public awareness and action.



Leveraging educational campaigns can play a pivotal role in informing communities, policy makers, and industries about the pervasive nature and adverse effects of microplastics. 



Such efforts should advocate for reduced plastic consumption, enhanced waste management practices, and the development of biodegradable alternatives. 



Empowering individuals and institutions to make environmentally responsible choices is vital, as these collective actions could substantially reduce the microplastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">load in our oceans</a>, ultimately fostering a healthier environment for dolphins and other marine inhabitants.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0309377" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Microplastics found in dolphin breath

The global invasion of microplastics is an unfortunate reality that...

Plant life is the fundamental fabric of our planet, and it's astonishing to realize that about one-third of all known plant species have made islands their home. 



Despite representing a little more than 5% of Earth's land surface, islands are the embodiment of rich biodiversity. How did this happen?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-species-dwelling-on-islands">Plant species dwelling on islands</h2>



Dr. Julian Schrader from <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/departments-and-schools/school-of-natural-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University’s School of Natural Sciences</a>, along with an international team of researchers, analyzed data from around 304,103 plants – which essentially sums up all species known to science. The results highlight the incredible biodiversity existing on islands.



Out of 94,052 species that were identified as natives of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-amazon-became-a-biodiversity-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islands</a>, the team found that a whopping 63,280 are endemic. In layman's terms, these plant species can only be found on their home islands.



This means that 21% of global plant diversity is tucked away on islands across our planet. The research marks the first-ever comprehensive examination of vascular plants native to marine islands worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-native-and-endemic-plants">Native and endemic plants</h2>



A native plant is one that grows naturally on an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">island</a>, while an endemic plant species takes it one step further. They're exclusive to a specific island or a group of islands. 



Among these are vascular plants, a diverse group that includes trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns and grasses. They are distinctive from their non-vascular counterparts (like mosses and liverworts), thanks to their circulatory system.



“This is the first time we have had such a complete understanding of which species are where, globally,” noted Dr. Schrader.



“We can now explore the conservation status of some of our rarest plants and come up with distinct strategies to conserve them, such as identifying botanical gardens that could host rescue populations.”



It also allows researchers to strategize ways of protecting and preserving these unique species. For example, botanical gardens can help by hosting rescue populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-island-plant-paradox">Island plant paradox </h2>



While islands are bursting at the seams with species diversity, it's alarming to note that only 6% of islands with endemic species are making the cut for a UN goal to protect 30% of land and sea areas by 2030. 



The research also shines a spotlight on top centers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> endemism. These regions are large, tropical islands shaped by a complex terrain and a long history of isolation.



The stars of the show are Madagascar with 9,318 endemic plant species, followed by New Guinea with 8,793 species, Borneo with 5,765, Cuba with 2,679, and New Caledonia with 2,493.



According to Dr Schrader, it's all about the geography. The physical distance, coupled with unique climates and environments, fuels the evolutionary process, leading to new species creation or "speciation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-island-biodiversity">Threats to island biodiversity</h2>



However, isolation can be a double-edged sword. Many plant species that have evolved uniquely in such isolated ecosystems may find it hard to compete with non-native species. 



Climate change adds another layer of complexity to this situation. The threat is particularly grave for low-lying islands that are susceptible to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.



In this light, the study offers a critical baseline for monitoring changes in islands and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-islands-can-counteract-biodiversity-loss-in-oil-palm-plantations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant communities</a> over time. Think of it as a roadmap for prioritizing protection efforts. It's about the survival of these unique species that dot our planet's islands, each with their own tale of evolution, adaptation and survival.



“In French Polynesia, I was trying to find one of the rarest plants in the world, the flowering shrub called tiare apetahi (Sclerotheca raiateensis), with only a few individuals left in the wild,” said Dr. Schrader.



This plant holds cultural significance to the local community but is grappling with overharvesting and predation. The solution may lie in botanical gardens, but figuring out how to grow the species outside its natural habitat is the challenge at hand.



The story of island biodiversity is a tale of enchantment, intrigue, and urgent rescue efforts. It's a narrative that highlights the need for collective action, careful stewardship, and informed conservation strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08036-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Islands are home to one-third of all known plants

Plant life is the fundamental fabric of our planet, and...

Our very own star, the Sun, is moving into a phase known as the solar maximum, and this means things are about to get interesting.



As explained by Jamie Favors, who heads up NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/focus-areas/space-weather/">Space Weather</a><a href="https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/focus-areas/space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/focus-areas/space-weather/">Program</a>, the solar maximum is a time of increased sunspots and solar activity with implications for both our understanding of space and our everyday lives on Earth.



“This increase in activity provides an exciting opportunity to learn about our closest star -- but also causes real effects at Earth and throughout our solar system," Favors explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-solar-maximum">The solar maximum</h2>



Let's first get to know what the solar maximum is. It's part of the Sun's 11-year cycle of changing magnetic activity. 



This cycle peaks during a solar maximum, a time when the Sun's magnetic poles flip, much in a way Earth's magnetic North and South poles might switch places each decade. This dramatic flipping leads to a surge in solar activity.



How does this show up? The Sun's surface is dotted with more sunspots, sparks more solar flares, and ejects more solar material known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-solar-outburst-detected-simultaneously-at-earth-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections (CMEs)</a>. 



These are all due to twists and turns in the Sun's magnetic field. Sunspots look like dark patches on the Sun's surface -- they're cooler than their surroundings and are hotbeds for solar eruptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-a-close-watch-on-the-sun">Keeping a close watch on the Sun</h2>



Since 1989, the International Solar Cycle Prediction Panel, jointly sponsored by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>, has been keeping an eye on the sunspots and predicting solar activity. 



The findings of this panel are crucial for preparing for potential impacts on Earth. Both NASA and NOAA have honed their methods for tracking the Sun's antics. 



This is critical as what happens on the Sun can affect space weather, which in turn has effects ranging from beautiful to disruptive right here on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-weather-and-life-on-earth">Space weather and life on Earth</h2>



Believe it or not, the Sun's antics can affect your day-to-day life. Those flares and CMEs can create solar storms, belting Earth with charged particles. 



Once they reach our planet, they can interact with Earth's magnetic field and even cause geomagnetic storms.



These storms, while invisible to the naked eye, can interrupt satellite communications, mess with radio and GPS signals, and in extreme cases, even impact power grids. 



Most of you probably don't remember the major blackout in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rare-g5-level-geomagnetic-storm-highest-level-hits-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quebec in 1989</a>, which was caused by a particularly powerful geomagnetic storm. With the solar maximum on the horizon, monitoring space weather is more important than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-solar-storms">Recent solar storms</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biggest-solar-flare-since-2019-erupted-today-more-radio-blackouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In May 2024</a>, the Sun put up quite a show with a series of intense flares and CMEs, leading to some of the most potent geomagnetic storms we've seen in two decades. 



These not only resulted in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auroras-are-a-visual-warning-of-shocks-to-earths-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bright auroras</a> but also held the potential to disrupt power and communication networks.



“This announcement doesn’t mean that this is the peak of solar activity we’ll see this solar cycle,” said Elsayed Talaat, director of space weather operations at the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWPC</a>. 



“While the Sun has reached the solar maximum period, the month that solar activity peaks on the Sun will not be identified for months or years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-maximum-the-sun-and-the-future">Solar maximum, the Sun, and the future</h2>



The solar maximum could last another year. In the meantime, scientists are keeping a close watch on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-solar-cycle-25-highest-number-sunspots-activity-seen-since-2001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunspot numbers</a> to gauge the full extent of this solar cycle. 



The tradition of observing sunspots goes back centuries to when Galileo first spotted them in the early 1600s.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-solar-cycle-25-highest-number-sunspots-activity-seen-since-2001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar Cycle 25</a> sunspot activity has slightly exceeded expectations,” said Lisa Upton, co-chair of the Solar Cycle Prediction Panel and lead scientist at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. 



“However, despite seeing a few large storms, they aren’t larger than what we might expect during the maximum phase of the cycle.”



The most powerful flare of the solar cycle so far was an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-solar-storm-just-hit-earth-expect-auroras-in-southern-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X9.0 on Oct. 3</a> (X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength on a scale from 1-10 with 10 being the highest).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-auroras-missions-and-real-world-impact">Auroras, missions, and real-world impact</h2>



On a positive note, this is an excellent time to catch the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-lights-activity-will-intensify-over-the-next-18-months/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Lights</a>, with the ramped-up solar activity likely to produce more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steve-phenomenon-not-aurora-has-dawn-side-twin-swarm-satellites-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frequent and intense auroras</a>. 



NASA's also making the most of the situation. In December 2024, its <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker Solar Probe</a> is set to make its closest-ever flyby of the Sun, with two more exciting close approaches in the pipeline.



Space weather predictions aren't just for space buffs. They can have real-world implications. Increased solar activity can pose risks to technology we use daily. 



Airlines might need to reroute to steer clear of high-radiation areas, and operators must stay on alert to safeguard their satellites.



NASA's vital research into space weather and NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center's forecasts and warnings ensure the U.S. is primed and ready to deal with potential space-weather-related disruptions, safeguarding both our technology and our astronauts from increased radiation exposure.



To sum it all up, the solar maximum impacts everything from the auroras lighting up our skies to the technology that keeps us connected. While the Sun’s activity brings challenges, it also brings wonder and opportunities for learning.



-----



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



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



-----

The Sun has officially reached its 'solar maximum period' in this solar cycle

Our very own star, the Sun, is moving into a...

Nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) are increasingly contaminating both urban and rural landscapes, bringing bees and other beneficial insects into contact with them.&nbsp;



If insects ingest these plastic particles from food or the air, it can damage their organs and alter their behavior, hindering their ability to perform essential ecosystem services like pollination and pest control.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-still-possible-to-save-the-ocean-from-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plastic pollution</a> thus poses considerable risks to biodiversity, agricultural production, and global food security, according to a new review study conducted by an international team including researchers from the <a href="https://uni-freiburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Freiburg</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-particles-in-agricultural-environments">Plastic particles in agricultural environments</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastic</a> particles, measuring between one micrometer and five millimeters, and even smaller nanoplastics are making their way onto farmland.



While the harmful effects of NMP in water and on individual species are well documented, there has been a lack of systematic reviews on how these particles affect agricultural ecosystems.&nbsp;



To address this gap, the authors summarized 21 previously published studies. They focused on how pollinator insects and other beneficial insects come into contact with NMP and the consequences of ingestion for the insects, dependent ecosystems, and agricultural production.



The researchers identified different sources through which NMP end up on agricultural land, including plastic films, fertilizers, polluted water, and atmospheric depositions.&nbsp;



These plastic particles accumulate in the soil, and important pollinators and pest control insects ingest them from the air and food or use them to build nests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-plastic-on-bees-nbsp">Impacts of plastic on bees&nbsp;</h2>



The study established that bees' ingestion of plastic leads to damage to their digestive systems, weakening of their immune systems, and changes in their behavior. This makes bees more susceptible to diseases, possibly causing them to pollinate plants less effectively.&nbsp;



Study co-author Alexandra-Maria Klein is a professor of nature conservation and landscape ecology at the University of Freiburg.&nbsp;



“We find microplastic in the gut of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-wiping-out-bees-and-other-wild-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and see how wild bees use plastic to build nests. We therefore urgently need to investigate what interaction this has with other stressors, such as climate change, for the bees and their pollination services,” said Professor Klein. 



A decline in pollination services negatively affects crop yields, and plastic pollution could further aggravate existing uncertainties in the global food supply, the researchers warn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exacerbation-of-environmental-stressors">Exacerbation of environmental stressors</h2>



In addition, NMP exacerbate threats posed by other environmental stressors such as pesticides, chemical pollution, fungi, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-pandemic-looms-as-pathogens-move-from-wild-plants-to-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogens</a>. 



Some areas become “hotspots” where plastic particles interact with harmful viruses. As a result of such interactions, NMP could have serious effects on pollinators and thus on the stability of the food system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-urgently-needed-nbsp">Further research is urgently needed&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers emphasized the limitations of their review. For example, they noted that only limited data is available on important pollinators and beneficial insects like bumblebees and ladybirds.&nbsp;



Moreover, the current data does not allow for a differentiated account of the effects of different sizes and amounts of nano- and microplastic particles.



The researchers emphasized that further studies are urgently needed to better understand the growing problem of plastic pollution and find solutions to it.&nbsp;



“It is already clear today, however, that there is a pressing need for political control of plastic pollution,” said Professor Klein.



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



“In addition to acknowledging plastic pollution as a key concern for biodiversity and associated services, we advocate for research on how diversified agricultural landscapes mediate the tradeoff between pollinator and pest control benefits and accumulation effects at 'NMP hotspots' to ensure long-term maintenance of crop yields and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a>,” wrote the study the authors.



The experts noted that future research should target the development and refinement of methods that can be applied in laboratory, semi-field, and field studies to address global food security implications.&nbsp;



“Additional funding should be allocated specifically to understand NMP effects across scales on biodiversity-associated ecosystem services such as pollination and biological pest control in pursuit of the Global Biodiversity Framework’s roadmap for biodiversity conservation and a food-secure future,” concluded the researchers.



-----



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



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



-----

Bees are the latest victims of plastic pollution 

Nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) are increasingly contaminating both urban...

Bonobos, a species of endangered great apes that are among our closest relatives, might be more vulnerable to extinction than previously thought.&nbsp;



This is the conclusion of a genetic study co-led by scientists from the University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/">UCL</a>), the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/">University of Vienna</a>, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-separate-bonobo-populations-nbsp">Three separate bonobo populations&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers discovered that three groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/">bonobos</a> have been living separately in different regions of Central Africa for tens of thousands of years.&nbsp;



Using genetic tests, the researchers confirmed previous evidence suggesting that these groups originate from central, western, and far-western regions of the bonobo range.&nbsp;



By quantifying the differences between these groups, the research team found that they can be as distinct from one another as the most closely related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-mean-chimpanzees-fare-better-in-life-than-nice-ones/">chimpanzee</a> subspecies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonobos-our-endangered-relatives">Bonobos: Our endangered relatives</h2>



Bonobos, commonly seen as the peace-loving primate, are, together with chimpanzees, the closest living relatives to humans, with our genomes differing from theirs by only one percent.&nbsp;



Despite this close relationship, bonobos are endangered, with about 20,000 individuals alive in the wild.&nbsp;



They are also the most understudied great apes, as they live exclusively in the Congo Basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where social unrest has constrained research activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-social-behaviors-of-bonobos-nbsp">Unique social behaviors of bonobos&nbsp;</h2>



“Bonobos are a fascinating species, very closely related to humans, with unique patterns of social behavior,” said co-first author Sojung Han, a scientist at the University of Vienna.&nbsp;



“They live in tight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-animals-interact-within-social-groups/">social groups</a> which, despite some conflicts, are markedly peaceful and egalitarian. Interestingly, males stay in their birth social group while females migrate across groups, but females still form close alliances and can have higher dominance than males.”



The research team analyzed the genomic data of 30 bonobos born in the wild but now living in captivity. They sequenced the exomes (the protein-coding part of the genome) of 20 individuals residing in an African sanctuary and analyzed the full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/">genomes</a> of 10 other bonobos.&nbsp;



While the exact regions of origin within the Congo Basin for each bonobo were not always certain, the researchers cross-referenced their dataset with previously published mitochondrial DNA data collected from 136 wild bonobos to create a comprehensive picture of genetic diversity across the species' range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-bonobos-populations-nbsp">Endangered bonobos populations&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers estimated that the central group diverged from the other two groups approximately 145,000 years ago, with the two western groups diverging around 60,000 years ago, showing little mixing between the groups since then.&nbsp;



“Bonobos may be even more vulnerable than previously thought, as their population actually consists of at least three smaller populations, some of which may historically have been amongst the smallest across similar primates,” said study senior author Aida Andrés, an expert in genetics at UCL.&nbsp;



“In order to survive, every species needs sufficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-trees-protect-their-genetic-diversity-for-millions-of-years/">genetic diversity</a> to adapt to a changing environment, and for bonobos, losing one of these three groups would be a devastating loss to the total genetic diversity of the species.”



According to Andrés, it is vital that all three groups of bonobos are conserved in order to protect this fascinating and charismatic species.



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



The researchers advocate that the genetic differences between bonobo groups should be further studied and considered in conservation strategies.&nbsp;



This includes habitat preservation, translocations, or potential reintroductions, especially if individuals are adapted to specific environments.



“Unlike modern humans, who are spread all over the world, bonobos are limited to the Congo basin, but our work shows that there are indeed genetic differences between groups,” said Han.&nbsp;



:This is exciting, and it will be very interesting to study, in the future, if there are any differential adaptations among these groups.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomes-of-endangered-bonobos">Genomes of endangered bonobos </h2>



According to study co-author Cesare de Filippo from the Max Planck Institute, this work demonstrates how studying the genomes of endangered species can help better understand their populations and eventually aid conservation efforts.&nbsp;



“Even the genomes of captive individuals can help us, sometimes, understand their wild populations. Our findings show the vulnerability of bonobos as an endangered species, and stress the need to protect their environment to ensure their conservation,” said de Filippo.



This groundbreaking genetic study highlights the critical need to preserve all three distinct bonobo populations to maintain the species' genetic diversity and adaptability.&nbsp;



As one of humanity's closest relatives, understanding and protecting bonobos not only aids in their conservation but also enriches our knowledge of primate evolution and social behavior.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.09.043">Current Biology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Bonobos are more endangered than we previously understood 

Bonobos, a species of endangered great apes that are among...

While all ecosystems are affected by climate change, the pace at which these impacts become visible can vary. Forests, for example, often show a delayed response to changes in temperature and precipitation. Grasslands, however, are reacting almost in real time, according to a new study.&nbsp;



The research, led by the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> (U-M), highlights how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-crucial-role-global-agriculture-environment-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grasslands</a> are adapting to climate shifts faster than forests, with immediate changes in plant communities that reflect the evolving environmental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-race-forests-vs-grasslands">Climate race: Forests vs. grasslands</h2>



Lead authors Kai Zhu and Yiluan Song describe the difference in responses between ecosystems as “climate debt” for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> and “paying as they go” for grasslands. Forest ecosystems accumulate a lag in their response to climate change, while grasslands adapt more swiftly to shifts in temperature and precipitation.



“Climate change does have consequences for our ecosystems. It’s going to come sooner or later,” said Song, a postdoctoral fellow at U-M. “Grasslands are at the faster end of the spectrum.”



This research offers the scientific community valuable insights into predicting how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-grassland-ecosystems-handle-climate-change-better-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> will impact ecosystems. Understanding these dynamics will be especially useful for the restoration of grassland vegetation. 



“If you want to restore grasslands, you have to ask what types of species you will plant. In order to answer that, you need to at least take climate change into consideration,” said Zhu, an associate professor at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-climate-shifts-in-grasslands">Rapid climate shifts in grasslands</h2>



The research team, which included experts from over a dozen institutions, gathered years of observational data from grassland communities in the California Floristic Province, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landscapes-with-a-mix-of-habitats-are-biodiversity-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity hotspot</a> along the U.S. West Coast. 



They analyzed 12 sites observed over several decades and found a clear trend: as the climate in the region became hotter and drier, species that thrive in those conditions became dominant in the plant communities.



The researchers also integrated data from long-term global change experiments in the region, allowing them to link climate change directly to the shifts in plant species. “We know correlation doesn’t imply causation,” Zhu said. “But the experimental data allow us to attribute the causality.”



By characterizing the climate preferences - or niches - of various plant species, the researchers were able to quantify shifts in grassland communities in direct relation to temperature and precipitation changes.&nbsp;



This combination of observational and experimental data provided a clear and consistent conclusion, which Zhu and Song note is uncommon in ecological studies of this nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-paced-ecological-changes">Fast-paced ecological changes</h2>



What surprised the researchers most was the speed of the ecological changes. The shifts in plant communities were happening at a pace comparable to the rate of climate change, but Zhu and Song cautioned that these rapid changes should not be seen as true <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-species-are-pre-adapted-to-tolerate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a> - at least not without further research.



“To me, adaptation gives a positive impression that the system is changing to counter some of the negative effects of climate change,” Song said.&nbsp;



“The rapid shifts in grassland communities involve not only the gain of some hotter, drier species but also the loss of some cooler, wetter species. These shifts might have negative consequences such as dominance by non-native species and loss of biodiversity.”



The researchers emphasized that the loss of species adapted to cooler, wetter conditions could lead to a decline in biodiversity, as non-native species that thrive in hotter, drier environments take over.



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



Although this study focused on a single region, Zhu and Song believe that similar trends could occur in grasslands around the world, depending on the specific climate dynamics of each area.&nbsp;



For example, if a region's climate is becoming warmer and wetter, species that favor those conditions will likely become dominant at a rate that matches the pace of the climate changes.



“I would hypothesize that we may see an even greater response to climate change in other grasslands around the world,” Zhu said, suggesting that the speed of these shifts may be even more pronounced in grasslands outside the California Floristic Province.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-climate-sensitive-restoration">The need for climate-sensitive restoration</h2>



As the study illustrates, grasslands are on the front lines of climate change, showing swift responses to environmental shifts. This research provides critical insights for predicting how grassland ecosystems will continue to evolve in a warming world.&nbsp;



The study also highlights the importance of considering climate change when planning restoration efforts, as the types of species that thrive in grasslands may shift in tandem with the changing climate. 



Understanding these dynamics will help guide the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration</a> of grasslands and support the preservation of biodiversity in the face of rapid climate change.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02552-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Grasslands are racing to adapt to climate shifts

While all ecosystems are affected by climate change, the pace...

More than half of North American bat species teeter on the brink of extinction. This shocking reality was revealed in the North American Bat Conservation Alliance's (NABCA) 2023 report.



A companion study, co-authored by Bat Conservation International (BCI) scientists, involved more than 100 experts from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.



With such international cooperation, the research provides the most exhaustive assessment of our bat species, crafting a baseline to track future trends and initiate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-bat-appreciation-day-the-crucial-role-of-bats-in-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation actions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-bat-extinction-trend">Alarming bat extinction trend</h2>



“It’s nothing short of alarming that over half of North America’s bat species are at serious risk of collapse and need urgent conservation action,” said Dr. Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist at BCI. 



“One of the clearest outcomes of this research is that many threats can only be addressed through international collaboration, since <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disappearance-of-bats-linked-to-a-rise-in-infant-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> and the threats they face do not recognize political borders.”



According to Dr. Jeremy Coleman of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of the Bats study&nbsp;highlights the variety and severity of the threats that North American bats face on the landscape today.



“The results further emphasize the importance of robust collaborative international partnerships like the White-nose Syndrome Response Team and the North American Bat Conservation Alliance for managing complex wildlife conservation challenges," said Dr. Coleman. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction-threats-to-bats">Extinction threats to bats</h2>



The experts pointed out major impacts on the threatened bat species. These impacts range from climate change to wind energy production and diseases.



“This one-of-a-kind, multi-expert assessment is a novel and robust approach to optimizing conservation efforts across North America," said Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellín from the Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. 



"The results of the State of the Bats initiative addresses a specific need expressed by the federal governments of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Mexico looks forward to using these results to inform its own conservation efforts and improve its endangered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-can-ramp-up-their-heart-rate-to-900-beats-per-minute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> lists.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-matter-of-immediate-concern">A matter of immediate concern</h2>



The study shows that over half of North American bat species face a moderate to very high risk of extinction in the next 15 years. The research also highlights that the populations of 90% of North American bat species have dwindled over the past 15 years.



This makes conservation action a matter of immediate concern for all three countries. Furthermore, about a quarter of North American bat species have transnational ranges, enhancing the need for international collaboration on conservation planning.



Climate change emerges as the top threat to North American bats. White-nose syndrome is a major threat too, with twelve species known to be susceptible.



“We tend to focus on the wildlife we know are at the greatest risk,” said Dr. Amanda Adams, Director of Research Coordination at <a href="https://www.batcon.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bat Conservation International</a>.



“But when we work to address the bigger picture, such as through habitat restoration projects, we end up helping more than just those species that are the most imperiled.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward">Moving forward</h2>



Ultimately, this research will guide conservation priorities to support the recovery of bat species in North America.



The study also highlights how international unity can address common threats, and marks areas of concern for biodiversity.



“International cooperation is essential to ensure effective conservation of bats in North America," said Charles Francis, manager of the Wildlife Monitoring Assessment for Canadian Wildlife Service.



"This collaborative study to evaluate the status of each species provides critical information to identify the species most in need of conservation measures."



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



Looking to the future, strategic steps must be taken to ensure the sustainable recovery of bat populations across North America. 



It is imperative to continue building and strengthening international alliances that prioritize data sharing, joint research endeavors, and synchronized conservation strategies. 



Research into innovative solutions, such as the integration of renewable energy technologies with wildlife conservation practices, holds promise for mitigating some of the adverse impacts associated with wind energy production. 



Also, promoting a societal shift toward greater environmental stewardship and awareness can create a supportive landscape for the myriad of species, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-type-of-parallel-evolution-found-in-island-bats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a>, that underscore the health and functionality of our ecosystems. 



The commitment to protecting these vital creatures from extinction will yield far-reaching benefits for both biodiversity and humanity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nyas.15225" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

53% of North American bats face extinction risk in 15 years

More than half of North American bat species teeter on...

A new study has explored the intriguing world of mice, including how they navigate social hierarchies and conflicts. 



The goal of the researchers, led by Joshua Neunuebel at the University of Delaware, was to understand how mice handle aggressive behavior from their peers.



And the best part is that they used machine learning to track mouse behavior. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-and-machine-learning">Mice and machine learning</h2>



If you're wondering how machine learning fits into this picture, let us walk you through it. Studying social interactions objectively can become quite a pickle. 



Enter machine learning -- our virtual Sherlock Holmes solving the mystery of mouse interactions.



The researchers watched the behavior of two male and two female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-africa-will-bomb-invasive-mice-eating-seabirds-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a> over five hours. And guess what they discovered? 



In almost each group observed, one alpha-male was significantly more aggressive towards the second male.



Hold on, you might say, mice have social hierarchies too? Indeed, much like many other animals, mice have their social pecking order. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-hierarchies-among-mice">Social hierarchies among mice</h2>



Now the real question is, how did the male mice handle this aggression? 



The answer lies in the fantastic findings of our researchers, who analyzed over 3,000 altercations between the male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eco-friendly-pest-control-this-simple-cinnamon-trick-keeps-mice-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a> using their machine learning model.



The study found that oftentimes, the male mouse who faced aggression would scamper off to a female mouse to deescalate the situation. 



This move could be seen as a 'bait-and-switch' tactic, where the alpha-male would follow the other male, only to end up interacting with the female mouse.



While some tactics might offer a momentary respite from aggression, they often led to a full-blown fight later on. 



However, the 'bait-and-switch' approach usually resulted in a much peaceful scenario -- the mice usually ended up farther apart, with the alpha-male interacting with the female mouse.



Now, while this may seem like an excellent way for the victims to defuse a heated situation, there's a catch -- it might cost them their quality time with the female mice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-predictions">Complex predictions</h2>



The utilization of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-dim-witted-pigeons-have-their-own-version-of-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> in this study transcends simple observation, going into complex calculations and predictions about mouse behavior.



By <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-and-machine-learning-enhance-airplane-performance-and-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applying algorithms</a> to parse through the data collected from over 3,000 encounters, researchers could identify patterns and predict potential future interactions.



The machine learning model proved instrumental in differentiating between mere skirmishes and those interactions that had the potential to escalate into more serious conflicts. 



As such, this study not only increases our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mice-make-it-a-priority-to-find-the-best-escape-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mouse behavior</a> but also showcases the power of machine learning in behavioral science research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-behavior-correlation">Human behavior correlation</h2>



The implications of this study extend beyond the world of mice, offering insights that could be applied to the study of social hierarchies and conflict resolution in other species, including humans. 



By understanding the methods and strategies employed by mice to manage aggressive behavior, researchers can draw parallels to human social interactions. 



This deepens our understanding of nature's primal strategies for conflict resolution and fosters a more comprehensive view of both animal and human sociology. 



As we continue to integrate technology such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-can-more-accurately-predict-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> into social behavior studies, the potential for discoveries expands, offering promising new pathways for exploring the intricacies of social dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-considerations">Ethical considerations</h2>



As with any innovation, the application of machine learning in this study necessitates careful consideration of ethical principles. 



The deployment of automated behavioral tracking systems poses questions about the treatment and observation of animal subjects. 



Ensuring the welfare of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticated-house-mouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a> during experiments is paramount, and researchers are required to adhere strictly to ethical guidelines that prioritize humane treatment.



The use of technology must not compromise the well-being of experimental subjects, and methodologies should be designed to minimize distress and ensure that all interactions are as natural as possible. 



Moreover, transparency in methodology and findings is essential to foster trust and accountability within the scientific community and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-science-and-mice-social-life">Behavioral science and mice social life</h2>



The integration of machine learning in behavioral studies represents just the beginning of a transformative era in scientific research. 



Moving forward, the continuous advancement of algorithms and computational power promises to deepen our insight into complex social behaviors across a wide range of species. 



As data collection methods become more sophisticated, researchers can analyze interactions on a scale and with a precision that was previously unattainable. 



This trajectory not only enriches our comprehension of animal ecology but may also inspire novel approaches to addressing social challenges in human populations.



By bridging technology and ethology, the potential for important discoveries remains vast, charting a promising course for future research endeavors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-study-the-social-lives-of-mice">Why study the social lives of mice?</h2>



This study from the <a href="https://www.udel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delaware</a> not only illuminates the behavior of mice but also demonstrates how machine learning can be harnessed to study animal behavior. 



It opens up avenues for potential research into how other socially hierarchical species manage aggression.



Remember, as our researchers highlight, "Using artificial intelligence, we found that male mice turn to nearby females to distract aggressors and de-escalate conflicts. 



After an aggressive encounter, the aggressed male briefly engages with a female before quickly escaping, as the aggressor's focus shifts to her."



So, the next time you're in a tense situation, remember the mice -- a little distraction might just be the key!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002496" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Male mice turn to the ladies to avoid fights and keep social peace

A new study has explored the intriguing world of mice,...

A recent study is the first to suggest that the use of high-potency cannabis leaves a distinct mark on DNA, providing valuable insights into the biological impact of cannabis use.&nbsp;



High-potency cannabis is defined as having Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the principal psychoactive constituent in cannabis - content of 10% or more.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-impact-of-high-potency-cannabis-nbsp">Biological impact of high-potency cannabis&nbsp;</h2>



The research also showed the effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-cannabis-use-disorder-risk-varies-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> use on DNA is different in people experiencing their first episode of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-sleep-deprivation-linked-to-adult-psychosis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychosis</a> compared to users who have never experienced psychosis. 



This suggests there could be potential for DNA blood tests to help characterize those cannabis users at risk of developing psychosis to inform preventative approaches.



“With the increasing prevalence of cannabis use and more availability of high-potency cannabis, there is a pressing need to better understand its biological impact, particularly on mental health,” said senior author Marta Di Forti, a professor of drugs, genes and psychosis at <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King's College London</a> (KCL).



“Our study is the first to show high-potency cannabis leaves a unique signature on DNA related to mechanisms around the immune system and energy production.”



According to Professor Forti, future research needs to explore if the DNA signature for current cannabis use - in particular the one of high-potency types - can help identify those users most at risk to develop psychosis, both in recreational and medicinal use settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-potency-cannabis-and-dna-methylation-nbsp">High-potency cannabis and DNA methylation&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers explored the effects of cannabis use on DNA methylation - a chemical process detected in blood samples that alters how genes are functioning (whether they are switched “on” or “off”).&nbsp;



DNA methylation is a type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-status-linked-to-lasting-epigenetic-changes-in-hyenas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenetic change</a>, which means it alters gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence itself and is considered a vital factor in the interplay between risk factors and mental health.



The laboratory team at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> conducted complex analyses of DNA methylation across the whole human genome using blood samples from both people who have experienced first-episode psychosis and those who have never had a psychotic experience. 



The researchers investigated the impact of current cannabis use, including frequency and potency, on the DNA of 682 participants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-related-to-energy-and-immune-function">Genes related to energy and immune function</h2>



The analysis showed that frequent users of high-potency cannabis had changes in genes related to mitochondrial and immune function, particularly the CAVIN1 gene, which could affect energy and immune response.&nbsp;



These changes were not explained by the well-established impact that tobacco has on DNA methylation, which is usually mixed into joints by most cannabis users.



“This is the first study to show that frequent use of high-potency cannabis leaves a distinct molecular mark on DNA, particularly affecting genes related to energy and immune function,” said study lead author Emma Dempster, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter.



“Our findings provide important insights into how cannabis use may alter biological processes. DNA methylation, which bridges the gap between genetics and environmental factors, is a key mechanism that allows external influences, such as substance use, to impact gene activity.”&nbsp;



Dempster noted that these epigenetic changes, shaped by lifestyle and exposures, offer a valuable perspective on how cannabis use may influence mental health through biological pathways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-new-insights">Valuable new insights</h2>



Dempster meta-analyzed data from two cohorts: the GAP study, which consists of patients with first-episode psychosis in <a href="https://slam.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust</a>, and the EU-GEI study, which consists of patients with first-episode psychosis and healthy controls across England, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Brazil.



This totaled 239 participants with first-episode psychosis and 443 healthy controls representing the general population from both study sites who had available DNA samples.&nbsp;



Most of the cannabis users in the study used high-potency cannabis more than once a week (defined as frequent use) and had first used cannabis at the age of 16 years old, on average.



This study, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41380-024-02689-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Psychiatry</a> provides crucial insights into how high-potency cannabis use may impact DNA and lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-potency-linked-to-dramatic-rise-in-psychiatric-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychiatric disorders</a>, highlighting the need for further research to understand the biological mechanisms at play and to develop preventative strategies for those at risk of psychosis.



-----



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



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



-----

High-potency cannabis use linked to epigenetic changes

A recent study is the first to suggest that the...

An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar's rainforests, notable for their otherworldly, high-pitched whistling calls that resemble sound effects from the sci-fi series Star Trek.&nbsp;



Inspired by this uncanny resemblance, the scientists have named the new species after seven of the series' most iconic captains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whistling-tree-frog-species">Whistling tree frog species </h2>



Contrary to the common belief that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a> croak, these newly identified species from the tree frog genus Boophis communicate using bird-like whistling sounds. Found throughout Madagascar's rainforests, these frogs use these unique calls to interact with one another.



These whistling sounds reminded the research team, led by professor Miguel Vences of the <a href="https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technische Universität Braunschweig</a> in Germany, of Star Trek, where similar whistle-like sound effects are frequently used. 



“That’s why we named the frogs after Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, Archer, Burnham, and Pike - seven of the most iconic captains from the sci-fi series,” Vences said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-frogs-and-star-trek-sound-effects">Tree frogs and Star Trek sound effects </h2>



Study senior author Mark D. Scherz, an assistant professor at the Natural History Museum of Denmark at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, elaborated on the Star Trek connection.



“Not only do these frogs sound like sound-effects from Star Trek, but it seems also fitting that to find them, you often have to do quite a bit of trekking!”&nbsp;



“A few species are found in places accessible to tourists, but to find several of these species, we had to undertake major expeditions to remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dwarf-hippos-of-madagascar-were-forest-dwellers-not-grazers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> fragments and mountain peaks. There’s a real sense of scientific discovery and exploration here, which we think is in the spirit of Star Trek,” said Professor Scherz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-frogs-in-a-noisy-environment">Tree frogs in a noisy environment</h2>



The frogs' unusual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-altering-the-calls-and-voices-of-frogs-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calls</a>, known as “advertisement calls,” serve as a form of self-promotion that may convey information about a male's suitability as a mate to females. 



Living along fast-flowing streams in Madagascar's mountainous regions - a loud backdrop - the frogs likely evolved their high-pitched whistles to be heard over the ambient noise.



For fans of Star Trek, some of the frog calls might evoke sounds from the “boatswain whistle” or the “tricorder.” To others, they might resemble the calls of birds or insects. Jörn Köhler, Senior Curator of Vertebrate Zoology at the <a href="https://www.hlmd.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt</a> in Germany, played a key role in analyzing the frogs' calls. 



“If the frogs just croaked like our familiar European frogs, they might not be audible over the sound of rushing water from the rivers they live near. Their high-pitched trills and whistles stand out against all that noise,” said Köhler.



“The appearance of the frogs has led to them being confused with similar species until now, but each species makes a distinctive series of these high-pitched whistles that has allowed us to tell them apart from each other, and from other frogs.”&nbsp;The calls corresponded with the genetic analyses performed by the team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-madagascar-a-haven-for-biodiversity">Madagascar: A haven for biodiversity </h2>



Madagascar is renowned for its immense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vanilla-cultivation-can-boost-biodiversity-in-madagascar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, and ongoing research in its rainforests continues to uncover hidden species, making it a true paradise for frogs. The island, roughly the size of France, is home to about 9% of all the world’s frog species.



“We’ve only scratched the surface of what Madagascar’s rainforests have to offer,” said co-author Andolalao Rakotoarison of the Université d’Itasy in Madagascar.&nbsp;



“Every time we go into the forest, we find new species, and just in terms of frogs, there are still several hundred species we haven’t yet described.” In the last ten years alone, she and her team have described around 100 new species from the island.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-conservation-efforts">Urgent need for conservation efforts</h2>



The researchers hope that this new knowledge will strengthen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> in Madagascar’s rainforests. 



The species often live in close geographic proximity but at different altitudes and in varied microhabitats. This separation makes them particularly vulnerable to climate change and environmental disturbances.



Thus, the research team urges greater awareness around the conservation of Madagascar’s biodiversity to ensure that these unique species and their habitats are preserved for the future. They also hope to continue exploring, to seek out new species in forests where no scientist has gone before.



-----



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



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



-----

Seven new tree frogs named after Star Trek captains

An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species...

Our climate is changing, temperatures are rising, and research reveals that it's affecting two-thirds (66%) of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Earth's tropical forests. 



Sounds worrying, right? These KBAs are critical spots on our globe that harbor and nurture various species along with their habitats.



This profound study analyzed three decades of temperature conditions tucked beneath the forest canopies in these world-wide tropical KBAs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-kba-temperature">Shift in KBA temperature</h2>



The results might raise your eyebrows. A whopping 66% of these tropical KBAs have started flirting with new temperature regimes. 



That means over 40% of the temperature measurements now fall outside the range previously recorded there.



Meanwhile, the remaining 34% of these locations still enjoy their old temperature regimes. These places could turn into crucial hideaways for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, the researchers conjecture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-in-tropical-forests">Biodiversity in tropical forests</h2>



The research, published right on the heels of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (<a href="https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP16</a>) in Colombia, sheds some light on this critical matter.



“Beneath the canopy of tropical forests, a wealth of biodiversity exists in a very stable climate,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Brittany_Trew" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Brittany Trew</a>, from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/esi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment and Sustainability Institute</a>&nbsp;on Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.



“As such, species there are at particularly high risk from new annual temperature regimes because they have evolved under a narrow range of conditions. They may only be able to tolerate a small margin of warming above what they’re used to.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-action-in-kbas">Call to action in KBAs</h2>



Dr. Alexander Lees, a biodiversity expert at <a href="https://www.mmu.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Metropolitan University</a>, took a firm stand. 



"The amount of political and economic capital dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity is woefully inadequate," Dr. Lees explained.



"Our findings show that the painful process of conservation triage -- selecting new protected areas -- must therefore consider the impact of ongoing climate changes on those sites in prioritization assessments," he continued.



The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is one step towards acknowledging this problem. It proposes to conserve at least 30% of the global land area by 2030, with a special emphasis on our precious KBAs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loopholes-in-protection">Loopholes in protection</h2>



Here's another nugget of truth -- KBAs do not automatically receive formal protection. That decision rests with the national governments in those respective locations.



This research uncovers that, among the 34% of tropical forest KBAs not yet facing new temperature regimes, over half currently fall short of protection. 



Dr. Trew presses on the need for 'climate-smart' policies to safeguard these valuable refuges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-outlook">Global outlook</h2>



To capture the ground reality on tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, researchers made use of temperature measurements, satellite data, and a microclimate model. 



The change is more apparent in some regions than others. It's pretty high in Africa and Latin America, with 72% and 59% of KBAs entering new temperature regimes. Asia and Oceania have shown a lower shift, with only 49% of KBAs experiencing the transition. 



A minor percentage of KBAs in Latin America and a few in Asia and Oceania have almost fully embraced the new temperature regimes.



In Latin America, these crucial areas sprawl across Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama, with the tropical Andes feeling the heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-communities-and-kba-protection">Local communities and KBA protection</h2>



Local communities play an instrumental role in the stewardship of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). 



These communities, often residing in or near tropical forests, possess invaluable traditional knowledge and practices that can contribute to effective biodiversity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>.



Their involvement in conservation initiatives ensures that protective measures are culturally relevant and sustainable. 



Collaborations between local communities, scientists, and policymakers can foster a more inclusive approach to safeguarding KBAs, empowering those who are most affected by environmental changes to participate actively in decision-making processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-biodiversity-conservation">Tropical biodiversity conservation</h2>



Innovative solutions are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by emerging temperature regimes and ensuring the protection of biodiversity. 



Technological advancements, such as remote sensing and machine learning models, can enhance our ability to monitor and predict changes within KBAs with increased precision. 



Moreover, global networks and partnerships can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources needed to implement adaptive management practices. 



By embracing both cutting-edge technologies and integrative conservation approaches, we can develop robust strategies that balance ecological preservation with the needs of society, driving forward a sustainable future for tropical forests and their irreplaceable ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-kbas-in-tropical-forests">The future of KBAs in tropical forests</h2>



Now that we know the temperature beneath our tropical canopies is undergoing a significant upheaval, the question remains: What do we do about it? 



This study is more than just a collection of statistics - it's a stepping stone towards proactive conservation efforts and climate-smart policies. 



The shift in temperature regimes may be invisible to our eyes but has a profound impact on our KBAs and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> they house. The ball is now in our court!



The study is a timely reminder for us to align our actions with the needs of our planet. As we forge ahead, the hope is to strike a balance between human progress and the wellbeing of our natural world. 



-----



This research was spearheaded by leading brains from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, <a href="https://www.mmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Metropolitan</a>, and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.13050" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Letters</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Climate change is altering the temperature in 66% of tropical forests

Our climate is changing, temperatures are rising, and research reveals...

You've probably heard the age-old belief that if your partner garners attention from others, it'll make them seem more attractive to you and save your relationship, right? 



But what if this notion is a tad off the mark? That's exactly what new research discovered -- the reaction to third-party interest in our partners might not be what we'd expect.



In a deeply insightful study conducted by Prof. Gurit Birnbaum and Prof. Doron Friedman, affiliated with the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology at <a href="https://www.runi.ac.il/en/schools/psychology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reichman University</a>, a new perspective on relationship dynamics is unveiled.



The focus? How your partner's popularity with others can influence your level of attraction, commitment, and competitiveness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-relationship-partners">Choosing relationship partners</h2>



Picking a life partner is, without a doubt, one of the most critical decisions we ever make. It's like signing up for a marathon -- influencing the course of your life profoundly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/self-compassion-enhances-relationship-satisfaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shaping your happiness</a>, and directing your journey.



Naturally, humans have devised strategies overtime to ease this process -- like observing how others react to potential partners.



This is what scientists refer to as "mate-choice copying," a phenomenon witnessed across numerous species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partners-attention-in-relationship">Partners attention in relationship</h2>



Previous research confirms that witnessing others' desire for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dating-apps-make-it-difficult-to-find-true-love/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential mate</a> tends to enhance their appeal in our eyes. Interestingly, this doesn't end once we've cuffed up. 



The evaluations continue, with our view of our partners significantly influenced by how attractive others find them. 



But here's the catch -- this external attention can stir different reactions, depending on whether you're scouting for a partner or already in a relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-partner-conundrum">Current partner conundrum</h2>



The experiment sought to unpack what happens when the attention is shifted towards our current partners. 



Specifically, how does observing others flirt with our partner influence our perception of their attractiveness, the effort to maintain the relationship, and the instinct to ward off competing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a>? 



Does it fan the flames of desire, or does it make us insecure?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The research involved three separate experiments. 



Participants in committed relationships were walked through scenarios where their partner either received unwanted attention or had a neutral interaction with a third party. 



The participants then rated their sexual desire for their partner, their willingness to make sacrifices for the relationship, and their urge to ward off the competitor.



In each attempt, the exposure to external attention directed at the partner was manipulated differently. 



The first experiment used the power of imagination, the second leveraged the immersive nature of virtual reality, while the third delved into participants' real-life experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-results">Revealing results</h2>



Across all the experiments, a recurring theme emerged: when participants observed others showing interest in their partner, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-love-live-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desire for their partner</a> declined. 



Their inclination to make sacrifices for the relationship also decreased, while their urge to drive off competitors intensified.



“We were in Tel Aviv, when suddenly this guy shows up and asks for my girlfriend's number. I got annoyed, like, who does he think he is?! My girlfriend quickly brushed him off, but my mind was already racing with questions: What if she finds him attractive? Might I lose her? Would she be happier with him?” one participant noted.



"While some people might attempt to make their partner jealous by attracting attention from others, hoping to feel more desirable or secure, research indicates that this tactic can backfire. Rather than strengthening the relationship, it may undermine the very bond it seeks to enhance," states Prof. Gurit Birnbaum of Reichman University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relationship-dynamics-from-partners">Relationship dynamics from partners</h2>



The findings from this study challenge traditional assumptions about jealousy and attraction towards your partner within romantic relationships. 



By revealing that external interest can diminish a partner's allure rather than enhance it, the research prompts a reevaluation of how jealousy is perceived. 



An overreliance on provoking jealousy as a method of increasing desirability could, in fact, result in emotional detachment and questioning of relational stability.



This apprehension suggests that cultivating a secure, affirming environment may be a more effective strategy for fostering long-term relational health. 



Understanding these dynamics is crucial for therapists and counselors guiding couples through relationship challenges, helping them navigate beyond potentially harmful tactics in search of genuine intimacy and connection.



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



The groundbreaking results from the <a href="https://www.runi.ac.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reichman University</a> study open new avenues for research in the field of psychology, specifically concerning mate-choice dynamics and relationships. 



Future studies might explore the psychological mechanisms behind mate-choice copying and its variance across different cultures and relationship contexts. 



Additionally, there is potential to delve deeper into virtual reality's role as a tool for simulating and studying complex social interactions that impact relationship psychology. 



Such explorations can further elucidate the nuanced interplay between individual psychological processes and the external social environment driving attraction and commitment. 



By continuing to investigate these elements, future research can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of human relational behavior and promote strategies for nurturing healthier, more resilient partnerships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-this-important">Why is this important?</h2>



Sure, witnessing others' interest in a potential partner might make them more attractive initially, but in a committed relationship, the same attention might have the opposite effect. 



It seems the fear of losing a partner might drive us to create an emotional distance and limit our investment in the relationship. 



Meanwhile, any aggression towards the rival is not so much about preserving the relationship but more about the natural human desire for revenge. 



The study is published in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2024.2391105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Sex Research</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Making a partner jealous hurts relationships much more often than it helps

You've probably heard the age-old belief that if your partner...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



---



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



---



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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