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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Todd highlighted the practical applications of this knowledge. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

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

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

Anyone who has picnicked on the beach has likely experienced the unpleasant crunch of a sandwich laced with sand. For primates, however, their tolerance for sand may be influenced by whether their energy is better spent on survival or on protecting their teeth from grit, according to a new study led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a>.



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.98520.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>, suggests that social rank can determine whether animals prioritize immediate energy consumption over long-term health. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primate-sacrifices-for-short-term-survival">Primate sacrifices for short-term survival</h2>



The researchers observed the eating habits of long-tailed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-on-monkey-island-made-macaques-more-socially-tolerant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">macaques</a> on Thailand's Koram Island and discovered that the dominant and lowest-ranked animals briefly rubbed sand-covered food on their fur or between their paws before quickly consuming it, along with most of the sand, and moving on to the next morsel.



In contrast, middle-ranked monkeys, who had more time, carried their food to the water's edge to wash it in the sea, effectively removing the sand. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-early-primates-lived-in-pairs-and-were-not-solitary-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a> often spent considerable time and energy scrubbing their snacks clean and would even amble down the beach on their hind legs with their front paws full of food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primate-survival-over-longevity">Primate survival over longevity </h2>



Nathaniel Dominy, the study's corresponding author and a professor of anthropology at Dartmouth, explains that the findings provide insight into how animals, even those in hierarchical groups, choose <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-combine-different-strategies-to-survive-the-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival strategies</a> based on individual needs. 



The study supports the “disposable soma hypothesis,” which proposes that animals sometimes prioritize immediate survival and reproduction over longevity. “Delayed gratification has its limits,” Dominy said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-rank-influences-priorities-nbsp">Social rank influences priorities&nbsp;</h2>



This appears to be the case for monkeys at the top and bottom of the social ladder, for whom life is short and hard. As a result, these primate consume and conserve energy whenever possible for survival. 



Existing research shows that sand causes significant damage to macaque tooth enamel, but for dominant males, this may not matter in a life filled with challengers.



“High-ranking males are constantly lunging at or chasing other males, behaviors that maximize their siring of offspring. So, they need to eat rapidly to make up for that energy expenditure, and that's exactly what we saw them doing,” Dominy said.&nbsp;



“They just stuff food into their mouths - sand be damned - because they don't have time to walk to the water. It's the urgency of now that matters, not their teeth. To humans, it seems like a shrewd calculation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-reproductive-success">Maximizing reproductive success</h2>



Conversely, the monkeys that wash their food may be playing a long game, said Amanda Tan, the study's co-corresponding author and an assistant professor of anthropology at <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> who worked on the project as a postdoctoral fellow in Dominy’s research group. 



“We think these animals invest a lot more time in washing their food because they cannot afford to damage their teeth and compromise their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-rated-genes-help-capuchin-monkeys-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity</a>. This strategy could allow them to maximize their potential reproductive success by living longer and producing more offspring over their lifetime,” she explained.



The findings also could shed light on the wear and pitting observed in the fossilized teeth of early humans and how these relate to social structure and access to water. “What if tooth wear is telling us about rank, not food properties?” Dominy said.&nbsp;



“If we find more variable wear on a male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hominin-fossils-are-a-million-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hominin</a> tooth, the classic interpretation is that it's the result of a varied diet. We ought to consider the possibility that he was eating quickly and couldn't be bothered to clean his food. Or maybe he lived in an area that was historically arid. We have cause to be more open-minded about variable tooth wear.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-habits-of-macaques">Eating habits of macaques </h2>



To observe the macaques' eating habits, Tan and study first author Jessica Rosien arranged plastic trays on the beach containing cucumber slices. 



The slices were either on their own, placed on top of sand, or buried in sand. Rosien and Tan recorded the animals every day for six weeks as they foraged for cucumbers in the trays, capturing nearly 1,300 instances of food-handling by 42 individual macaques.



The monkeys that washed their food devoted an average of five seconds to over a minute to each cucumber slice - often washing multiple slices - while the average amount of time spent just brushing sand off a slice was effectively zero, the researchers report.&nbsp;



That time makes a difference. In lab trials with sand-coated cucumbers, the researchers found that washing removed 93 percent of sand, while brushing removed only 75 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primate-social-rank-and-survival">Primate social rank and survival</h2>



The researchers determined social rank using established methods of observing how the animals interact. But the social order was not subtle, Rosien said. She recalls a low-ranking male that, rejected by his peers, spent his time sitting next to her on the beach.&nbsp;



A high-ranked female would fearlessly challenge other macaques for their cucumbers and steal anything Rosien left unattended, including her backpack of supplies.&nbsp;



“I loved getting to know the different monkeys' personalities over time and I definitely got a sense of the impact of social rank,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-energy-vs-long-term-health">Short-term energy vs. long-term health</h2>



Before the study, Tan had spent years on Koram Island observing how the macaques developed skills using tools through social learning. She knew that some animals washed their food while others did not.&nbsp;



It was Dominy who wondered if there was a rank-based trade-off between getting calories quickly versus preventing tooth wear. “To our knowledge, no one had tested the hypothesis that food-washing served as an adaptive function for removing grit,” Tan said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncommon-behavior-among-primates-nbsp">Uncommon behavior among primates&nbsp;</h2>



Food-washing among primates is not common. The Koram Island macaques were first observed doing so after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Their habit became a draw for tourists, who, before authorities put a stop to it, would throw fruit on the beach from boats to watch the animals wash it in the surf.



The other known instance is among the Japanese macaques on Japan's Kōjima Island. In the 1950s, researchers studying the animals lured them toward the beach with wheat and sweet potatoes to observe them more clearly.&nbsp;



In 1953, a young female named Imo first picked up a sandy sweet potato and washed it in a stream. Five years later, the other animals had taken up the practice, washing their food in the sea. Today, 92% of the Kōjima Island macaques wash their food.



“I love the story of Imo,” Rosien said. “It shows how an individual can cause a shift in a whole population. To see such a significant advance in real time makes it easier to understand how small changes can lead to big changes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-value-of-food-washing-nbsp">The value of food washing&nbsp;</h2>



The spread of a similar habit in two independent populations separated by 50 years and 5,000 miles speaks to the value of culture.&nbsp;



“You have to be experimental and entrepreneurial to invent a new behavior out of whole cloth, but it has to be clear enough that other individuals will understand its purpose and copy it,” Dominy said.&nbsp;



“And they have to be smart enough to recognize when another animal has figured out something valuable. That's what culture is - seeing the value of a new behavior and adopting it.”



The value for the macaques of washing their food was considered so obvious that no one had studied it before. “Even if something seems intuitive, it’s still important to be curious, ask questions, and test assumptions,” Tan said.&nbsp;



“In this case, our study provides a fuller picture of the various trade-offs that animals may juggle relative to their place in a social structure and gives us a better understanding of how that leads individuals to behave distinctly,” she concluded.



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



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



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



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

Some primates must prioritize survival over long-term health

Anyone who has picnicked on the beach has likely experienced...

Researchers at <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a> (MSU) have recently identified two proteins that collaborate to determine the fate of cells in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sensors-that-detect-plant-stress-could-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> under stress. This significant finding, recently published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50105-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>, was ironically made just as the project's leader was preparing to unwind.



Postdoctoral researcher Noelia Pastor-Cantizano was en route to the airport for a vacation when she decided to share a promising result she had gathered the previous day.&nbsp;



“I didn’t want to wait ten days until I came back to send it. It took almost two years to get there,” said Pastor-Cantizano, who was then part of the Brandizzi lab at the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory (PRL). “I was thinking 'I can relax now, at least for one week,'” she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-response-to-stressors">Plant response to stressors</h2>



Pastor-Cantizano had been working to identify a gene in the model plant Arabidopsis that could control the plant’s response to stressors, which can lead to its death. She and her team had pinpointed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-modified-plant-proteins-to-create-delicious-meat-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein</a> in Arabidopsis that seemed to dictate whether a plant would survive or perish under stress conditions.



However, identifying the gene was just the beginning, despite already being years into the project. It took an additional five years to reach the conclusions presented in the new paper.



The research revealed that the proteins BON-associated protein2 (BAP2) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) cooperate under stress conditions - a critical issue for plant cells. Understanding how these proteins function together can help scientists develop plants that are more resilient to adverse conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-agriculture-nbsp">Implications for agriculture&nbsp;</h2>



Creating plants that are resistant to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has significant implications for agriculture. If crops can be bred to withstand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dry-air-alters-the-way-plants-respond-to-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> or heat better, they stand a better chance of thriving despite the changing climate.



“Research in our lab is fueled by enthusiasm and gratitude to be able to make important contributions to science,” said Federica Brandizzi, MSU Research Foundation Professor in the Department of Plant Biology and at the PRL.&nbsp;



“The work was herculean and has been possible only thanks to the patience, enthusiasm, and dedication of a wonderful team. Noelia was simply fantastic.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unfolded-protein-response-nbsp">Unfolded protein response&nbsp;</h2>



Within eukaryotic cells is an organelle known as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which creates proteins and folds them into shapes the cell can use. This process is similar to cutting up vegetables for a recipe - the proteins must be correctly shaped before they can be used.&nbsp;



Protein production and folding must be balanced, akin to a sous chef and a chef working together. When this balance is disrupted, the ER experiences stress, triggering a mechanism known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR decides whether to save or shut down the cell, potentially leading to the plant's death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-programmed-cell-death-in-plants">Programmed cell death in plants</h2>



It was known that the enzyme IRE1 directs mechanisms to either save or kill the cell, but what activates IRE1 remained unclear. The Brandizzi lab researchers were searching for the master regulator of these pro-death processes, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-secrets-of-flower-diversity-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">programmed cell death</a>.



“I had the idea because I read that irritable bowel disease is linked to a mutation in a gene controlled by IRE1 that occurs among humans,” Brandizzi said. “Humans are diverse, and so are plants. So I thought to look into plant diversity as a source of new important findings in the UPR.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-stress-response-across-different-regions-nbsp">Plant stress response across different regions&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers began by examining hundreds of accessions - plants of the same species but from different locales. For example, a plant from Colombia will have genetic variations compared to the same species in Spain, which may affect their stress responses differently.



The experts discovered extensive variation in the response to ER stress between different accessions. By examining the most dissimilar responses, they identified differences in their genomes, leading to the discovery of the BAP2 gene candidate.



“We found that BAP2 responds to ER stress,” said Pastor-Cantizano, now a postdoc at the University of Valencia. “And the cool thing is that it is able to control and modify the activity of IRE1. But also IRE1 is able to regulate BAP2 expression.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endoplasmic-reticulum-stress-and-plant-death">Endoplasmic reticulum stress and plant death</h2>



BAP2 and IRE1 work together, signaling each other on the best course of action for the cell. Without both proteins, the plant dies when ER homeostasis is disrupted.



The project spanned over seven years of dedicated work, involving meticulous tasks like placing tiny Arabidopsis seeds onto growth plates and studying the plants' offspring to understand how BAP2 functions.



“It has been a long road with its obstacles, but it has been worth it,” said Pastor-Cantizano. “When I started this project, I couldn't imagine how it would end.”



This study highlights the collaborative work required to uncover the intricate mechanisms that enable plants to withstand stress, paving the way for future agricultural advancements.



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



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



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



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

How do plants make life-and-death decisions?

Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have recently identified two...

Is having too much knowledge a blessing or a curse? Researchers are exploring this question in a recent study led by distinguished economists.



Kaushik Basu, an economics professor at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, and Jörgen Weibull, a professor emeritus at the <a href="https://www.hhs.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm School of Economics</a>, are the brilliant minds responsible for stirring our curiosity.&nbsp;



The researchers co-authored a compelling paper titled "A Knowledge Curse: How Knowledge Can Reduce Human Welfare," published in journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowledge-as-a-curse">Knowledge as a curse </h2>



The central finding of Basu and Weibull's research? An increase in knowledge might, somewhat surprisingly, not always be in our best interest. 



"This article uncovers the finding that knowledge, even when that does not expand the set of available actions, can impact all of us negatively, what we refer to here as a knowledge curse," wrote the study authors. 



When people leverage this newfound knowledge for personal gain instead of the wider good, the benefits can backfire.&nbsp;



The authors highlight a relevant example: the act of wearing face masks during a pandemic. They suggest that if individuals have a deeper understanding of the cost-benefit analysis associated with mask-wearing, it may lead to less cooperation among those who are primarily focused on their own interests.



Essentially, if people see that the personal costs (such as discomfort) outweigh the perceived benefits (feeling safer or protecting others), they may be less inclined to wear masks, ultimately undermining collective efforts to control the pandemic.



"We assume that a scientific breakthrough that gives us a deeper understanding of the world can only help. Our paper shows that in the real world, where many people live and strive individually or in small groups to do well for themselves, this intuition may not hold. Science may not be the panacea we take it to be," noted Professor Basu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playing-the-knowledge-curse-game">Playing the "knowledge curse" game</h2>



To illustrate how the "knowledge curse" unfolds, Basu and Weibull propose a theoretical two-player game, dubbing it the Base Game. 



Here, each player has two choices to maximize their personal payoff. However, when another set of options is introduced - one potentially leaving the other player with nothing and an alternative offering a tiny win-win - the situation transforms.&nbsp;



Suddenly, a minimal mutual reward becomes the more appealing choice, echoing the classic Prisoner's Dilemma.



The study thus suggests that more knowledge can lead to worse overall outcomes. But it doesn't stop there. It further suggests that even when a scientific breakthrough doesn't introduce any new options but only deepens the understanding of payoffs, both players could end up worse off.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theoretical-into-practical">Theoretical into practical</h2>



The research isn't limited to theoretical simulations alone. Basu and Weibull extend their findings to real-world challenges, such as policy crafting without full knowledge of the issue at hand.&nbsp;



Take, for instance, the drafting of a nation's constitution. It's an exercise of predicting and mitigating problems likely to emerge in the distant future, under unknown circumstances. According to the authors, such anticipatory laws have indeed been significantly beneficial to humankind.



"By drawing attention to this paradoxical result, the paper urges policymakers and even the lay person to consider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transcendent-thinking-promotes-brain-growth-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preemptive actions</a>, agreements, and moral commitments that we, as human beings, should undertake to avert disasters future scientific advances could cause," explained Professor Basu.



While recognizing the immeasurable benefits of science, the researchers added a bit of caution. "Science can yield enormous benefits, but we need safeguards," said Professor Basu. "What those are, we don't know. But the paper urges us to pay attention to this."



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



"Can knowledge be a curse?" Who knew such a question could spawn an intriguing quest laced with paradoxes, dilemmas, and insights? But what's the takeaway for us, as we navigate an increasingly uncertain world?



Well, let's ponder on this: Are we willing to acknowledge the double-edged sword of knowledge? Should we, as individuals and communities, consider setting up checks and balances to ensure the benefits of scientific advancements don't become self-defeating? More importantly, should we reconsider our assumptions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-knowledge-gaps-climate-biodiversity-diseases-earth-polycrisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge</a> and wisdom?



To what extent does our knowledge promote self-interest, and when does it serve the collective good? As we continue our journey in an era marked by technological marvels and existential crises alike, these questions become crucial to reflect upon.



Or, as Basu and Weibull put it - we ought to pay attention to this potential "knowledge curse."&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

Having too much knowledge can be a curse

Is having too much knowledge a blessing or a curse?...

Have you ever wondered how your neighbor's cat always manages to find its way to your fish pond? Or how your dog sniffs out the treat hidden in your pocket? 



Animals have an incredible ability to locate their food, but have we ever stopped to think about just how they do it? Enter the remarkable world of lemurs. Their daily struggle to feed might be more sophisticated than you think, and behind it lies a cocktail of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-early-animal-evolution-start-with-predatory-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary tricks</a>.



The study was led by Elena Cunningham, an anthropologist and clinical professor of molecular pathobiology at the prestigious <a href="https://dental.nyu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU College of Dentistry</a>. The intriguing study explores how lemurs find their food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lemurs-problem-solving-skills">Lemurs' problem solving skills</h2>



These furry primates possess a unique combination of sensory information, ecological knowledge, and social understanding that help them locate their food. According to Cunningham, the lemurs' ability to consider multiple aspects of a problem provides evidence of their advanced complexity.



The eternal debate on why primates evolved bigger brains than other animals is divided into two schools of thought. 



One, the need to find scarce resources in the environment, and the other, the social pressures of outsmarting one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-increase-the-health-of-prey-populations-but-reduce-their-size/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another within a group</a>. Cunningham believes these factors evolved side by side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lemur-food-finding-strategies">Lemur food-finding strategies </h2>



To explore the lemurs' food-finding strategies, Cunningham went to the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, Florida. This is home to several lemur species, including brown lemurs. These primates are known for having a keener sense of smell than humans, and for their primary diet of fruit.



In a series of intriguing experiments, the researchers hid pieces of cantaloupe in cardboard takeout containers within the lemurs' environment. Despite being outnumbered by empty containers, the lemurs had little trouble finding the fruit-filled ones.



The successful foraging leaned on a combination of the lemurs' long-term memory, their acute sense of smell, and social cues. Notably, the lemurs were observed to have a 50% better success rate than chance when approaching the baited containers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-lemur-memory-in-finding-food">Role of lemur memory in finding food</h2>



Memory plays a pivotal role in the foraging strategies used by lemurs. These primates are able to anticipate where food is likely to be found by retaining information about past foraging experiences.



This form of episodic memory allows lemurs to remember not only the locations of successful foraging spots but also the associated social dynamics, such as which locations were previously contested or co-opted by others. 



Cunningham's research demonstrates that lemurs can recall these experiences over substantial periods, ultimately enhancing their foraging efficiency and promoting survival in their natural habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-within-lemur-groups">Social learning within lemur groups</h2>



Lemurs also benefit from the intricate web of social learning within their groups. They observe and mimic the foraging behaviors of their peers, leading to a shared pool of knowledge that enhances the group's overall ability to locate food.



This behavior highlights the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-lemurs-now-prey-for-equally-endangered-fosas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social structure in their communities</a>, as younger lemurs can learn from more experienced individuals.



Cunningham’s findings emphasize that such social learning mechanisms may be fundamental to the evolution of cognitive complexity in lemurs, suggesting that the quest for food is as much a communal effort as it is an individual one. 



This interplay between individual capability and collective knowledge could reveal much about the evolutionary pressures shaping not only lemurs but primate intelligence as a whole.



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



“What our study shows is that these three factors are all operating at the same time - the lemurs have memories of where the food is and they are considering olfactory information and social factors,” said Cunningham.



“We still have much to learn about how this interplay and the evolution of cognition, but it's important to look at these factors not in isolation, but in conversation.”



Cunningham's concluding observations confirm that all three factors - memory, smell, and social factors - work in tandem for the lemurs' food quest. 



But, isn't that just like us humans? We remember where the nearest pizza place is, we can smell our favorite coffee a block away, and often, a friend's suggestion sets us off on our next food adventure. 



It's fascinating to think that in the grand scheme of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, we really aren't that different from lemurs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10764-024-00448-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Primatology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Lemurs rely on memory, smell, and social tips to find food

Have you ever wondered how your neighbor's cat always manages...

Have you ever wondered why a shark is such a prolific swimmer, effortlessly cruising through the sea at variable speeds? The secret ingredient lies in their skin.



Sharks, especially the notorious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-great-white-sharks-prefer-shallow-coastal-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great white shark</a>, are revered predators of the oceans. These magnificent creatures are known for their relentless hunting skills, reaching impressive speeds of up to 6.7 meters per second. 



They are also known for their marathon-like swimming capabilities, covering distances of up to 20,000 kilometers.



How is this possible? The secret is in their tiny tooth-like structures known as dermal denticles present on their skin which are believed to reduce frictional drag while they swim.



These denticles not only give sharks their signature rough skin but have also sparked curiosity among engineers designing riblets or small unidirectional ridges for aircraft and sailboats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-shark-denticles">Studying shark denticles</h2>



While the purpose of denticles might seem straightforward, understanding their function is far from simple.



The variation in the shape, size, and spacing of denticles across a shark's body adds layers of complexity to understanding how they work together to reduce drag. Researchers from the <a href="https://www.titech.ac.jp/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Institute of Technology</a> set out to untangle this complexity.



To investigate, the scientists developed 3D models of white shark denticles, observing their hydrodynamic size of the high middle ridges and the low side ridges.



The team's findings were nothing short of remarkable. The study provided evidence of how these well-designed denticles function at various swim speeds, facilitating sharks to reach top speeds during hunting and maintaining steady cruising speeds during long-distance journeys.



"Our calculations suggest that the combination of high and low ridges of the denticles results from adapting to both slow and high swimming speeds, thereby offering robustness to various swimming conditions," noted study co-author Professor Hiroto Tanaka.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-shark-denticles">Understanding shark denticles</h2>



Getting closer to understanding the mystery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-secrets-of-shark-skin-may-lead-to-medical-breakthroughs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark skin</a>, the researchers used microfocus X-ray CT scanner to obtain skin samples from 17 different locations on a white shark. 



The samples were then used to create detailed 3D models enabling the scientists to measure the spacing and height of the ridges.



Previous studies suggest that these ridges might play a critical role in countering frictional drag by lifting turbulent vortices away from the shark's skin surface. 



The scientists hypothesized that the dimensions and spacing of the ridges are vital in determining how effectively the shark interacts with these vortices at different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-fastest-shark-spotted-near-barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swimming speeds</a>.



Simulating various swimming conditions, the research team calculated non-dimensional values that could provide insights into how the ridge spacing of shark denticles influences drag reduction across different speeds. 



The results confirmed their hypothesis, demonstrating how ridges contribute to drag reduction.



"We found that high ridges likely reduce drag at low swimming speeds, and high-low alternating ridges reduce drag at high swimming speeds, thereby covering the full range of swimming speeds," explained Professor Tanaka.



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



The insights from this study not only shed light on the remarkable adaptability of shark denticles but could inspire more efficient designs in engineering, particularly for aircraft and sailboats. 



Furthermore, the research introduces new methods of analyzing the biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-shark-was-one-of-the-earliest-human-ancestors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of sharks</a>, including extinct species like the giant megalodon.



Surprisingly, data derived from fossils suggests that the swimming speeds of the megalodon might not have differed much from those of the great white shark.



This discovery allows us to appreciate the time-tested brilliance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-denticles-reveal-human-impacts-over-centuries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature's design</a> and could potentially help shape our understanding of efficient movement, not just underwater but in the air as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-shark-skin-innovations">Harnessing shark skin innovations</h2>



As researchers continue to uncover the secrets behind shark skin and denticles, the potential applications extend beyond marine biology. 



The unique properties of shark skin could lead to innovations in biomimicry, inspiring new materials that minimize friction in various industries. 



For instance, sports gear designers might explore shark skin-inspired textures to enhance athletic performance, while the automotive sector could integrate these principles to improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag.



Moreover, advancements in 3D printing technology could enable the production of synthetic surfaces that mimic the shark's dermal denticles, providing a sustainable solution for industries looking to optimize performance and reduce energy consumption. 



As we delve deeper into the marvels of nature, the lessons learned from sharks might not only enhance our understanding of aquatic life but also revolutionize how we design and engineer products across multiple fields.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0063" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of The Royal Society Interface</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.



-----

Shark skin has a unique design that reduces drag and boosts speed

Have you ever wondered why a shark is such a...

The alchemist and astronomer Tycho Brahe left an indelible mark on the Renaissance era with his work, which was well ahead of his time.



The well-preserved and somewhat mystifying ruins of Uraniborg, on the now Swedish island of Ven, stand tall as a testament to his brilliant and enigmatic mind.&nbsp;



Yet, these ancient walls cradle more than just&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-holds-secrets-of-the-solar-systems-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial secrets</a>; they harbor the elusive mysteries of alchemical endeavors that Brahe pursued with equal fervor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tycho-brahe-s-alchemy-secrets">Tycho Brahe's alchemy secrets</h2>



Descend beneath the surface of his one-time residence and observatory, and you'll uncover the remnants of Brahe's once-thriving alchemical laboratory.



Notoriously private and secretive, like many alchemists of his time, Brahe left behind a handful of cryptic alchemical recipes and little else to detail his experiments.



Following the demolition of Uraniborg in 1601, the materials were repurposed, leaving precious few clues about his clandestine works hidden from the prying eyes of history.



However, a compelling find during a late 20th-century excavation in Uraniborg's weathered garden led to a breakthrough in understanding Brahe's alchemical practices.



Several pieces of pottery and glass shards, believed to come from Brahe's underground alchemical lab, were found, providing new insights into his mysterious experiments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-tycho-brahe-s-past">Analyzing Tycho Brahe's past</h2>



Prof. Kaare Lund Rasmussen, Professor Emeritus from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a>, along with Senior researcher Poul Grinder-Hansen from the National Museum of Denmark, embarked on a fascinating journey to meticulously scrutinize these ancient relics.



By analyzing five of these shards -- four glass and one ceramic -- they sought to identify the elements that had come into contact with these glass and ceramic containers, hoping to uncover the materials used in Brahe's alchemical experiments.



The result? Enriched levels of numerous trace elements, with a single glass shard displaying no specific enrichment.&nbsp;



This groundbreaking research has made its way into the journal 'Heritage Science,' providing valuable insights into the substances employed in Brahe’s mysterious alchemical lab.



"Most intriguing are the elements found in higher concentrations than expected -- indicating enrichment and providing insight into the substances used in Tycho Brahe’s alchemical laboratory" remarks Kaare Lund Rasmussen. 



The enriched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-earth-elements-are-waiting-to-be-discovered-in-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements</a>&nbsp;run a broad gamut, with nickel, copper, zinc, tin, antimony, tungsten, gold, mercury, and lead detected either on the inside or outside of the shards.



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



While most of these elements don't raise eyebrows for an alchemists' lab, the presence of one element—tungsten -- bears an air of mystery. 



"But tungsten is very mysterious. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manipulating-quantum-dance-of-spinning-electrons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tungsten</a> had not even been described at that time, so what should we infer from its presence on a shard from Tycho Brahe's alchemy workshop?" Rasmussen reflects on this conundrum.



The Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele first described and produced pure tungsten almost two centuries later.



However, Rasmussen proposes a plausible theory: perhaps Tycho Brahe might have been aware of tungsten's existence through the writings of the German mineralogist Georgius Agricola, who mentioned a mysterious substance found in tin ore during the first half of the 1500s.&nbsp;



This suggests that Brahe may have had knowledge of this element long before its official discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-alchemist-astronomer">The alchemist-astronomer</h2>



Unlike some of his contemporaries, Brahe did not indulge in the vain pursuit of transmuting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">base metals</a>&nbsp;into gold, a common goal among alchemists of his time.



Instead, he focused on the more practical and noble aspiration of concocting medicines to combat the prevalent maladies of his epoch, such as the plague, syphilis, and leprosy.



It might seem odd that Tycho Brahe dabbled in both astronomy and alchemy, but his worldview clarifies this. He saw clear links between celestial bodies, earthly substances, and human organs. 



For instance, he connected the Sun with gold and the heart; the Moon with silver and the brain; Jupiter with tin and the liver; Venus with copper and the kidneys; Saturn with lead and the spleen; Mars with iron and the gallbladder; and Mercury with mercury and the lungs. 



"Minerals and gemstones could also be linked to this system, so emeralds, for example, belonged to Mercury," explains Poul Grinder-Hansen, <a href="https://en.natmus.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museum of Denmark</a>.



Uraniborg, with all its mystery, still holds secrets from a fascinating past. Every artifact we discover and analyze brings us closer to understanding Brahe's alchemy lab, revealing an alchemist who was just as interested in the stars as he was in his experiments.



-----



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



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



-----

Search of Tycho Brahe's alchemy lab yields element that confounds scientists

The alchemist and astronomer Tycho Brahe left an indelible mark on the...

When it comes to fat loss, many people turn to the ketogenic (keto) diet – a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-exactly-constitutes-a-low-carb-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-carb</a>, high-fat regimen that has gained widespread popularity. 



However, a recent study conducted by a team of scholars at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> challenges the keto diet’s clean bill of health. 



Various startling findings have emerged concerning cholesterol levels, glucose tolerance, and gut bacteria - presenting the diet as a double-edged sword.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-keto">Health risks of Keto</h2>



In a study involving 53 healthy adults over 12 weeks, the keto diet was found to increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avocados-improve-diet-quality-and-lower-cholesterol-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol levels</a>, particularly in small and medium-sized LDL particles.



The diet also resulted in the notorious apolipoprotein B (apoB) rise, a key agent in plaque buildup in arteries. In stark contrast, a low-sugar diet led to a notable reduction in cholesterol in LDL particles.



“The ketogenic diet increased the levels of unfavorable fats in the blood of our participants. If sustained over years, these could result in long-term health implications such as increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/refined-grains-increase-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of heart disease</a> and stroke,” noted Dr. Aaron Hengist, one of the lead researchers.



Another rather worrisome discovery was the alteration of the gut microbiome composition. The consumption of the ketogenic diet led to the reduction of beneficial bacteria - Bifidobacteria. These bacteria are found in probiotics and have substantial health benefits such as producing B vitamins, inhibiting pathogens, and lowering cholesterol.



“The ketogenic diet reduced fibre intake to around 15 grams per day, half the NHS recommended intake," said Dr. Russell Davies, who led the microbiome research.



"The reduction in Bifidobacteria might contribute to significant long-term health consequences such as an increased risk of digestive disorders like irritable bowel disease and a weakened immune function.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keto-glucose-tolerance-and-metabolism">Keto, glucose tolerance, and metabolism</h2>



The study didn’t stop at these shocking revelations. The ketogenic diet was also found to reduce glucose tolerance, making the adult bodies less proficient at handling carbohydrates. 



“The ketogenic diet reduced fasting glucose levels but also reduced the body’s ability to handle carbs from a meal. This insulin resistance could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long-term,” noted Professor Javier Gonzalez.



However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Both the ketogenic and low-sugar diets resulted in fat loss, without altering physical activity levels. 



The ketogenic diet led to an average of 2.9 kg fat mass loss per individual, while the sugar-restricted diet followed closely with an average of 2.1 kg fat mass loss.



The researchers also discovered that the ketogenic diet led to considerable changes in lipid metabolism and muscle energy use, shifting the body’s fuel preference from glucose to fats. This phenomenon likely accounts for the fat loss experienced on this diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-verdict">What's the verdict?</h2>



So, can the ketogenic diet truly be viewed as a boon without drawbacks? The study authors suggest that adopting a low-sugar diet may be a safer and healthier alternative for most people.



“The ketogenic diet is effective for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-protein-with-intermittent-fasting-better-weight-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fat loss</a>, but it comes with varied metabolic and microbiome effects that may not suit everyone. In contrast, sugar restriction supports government guidelines for reducing free sugar intake, promoting fat loss without apparent negative health impacts,” said Professor Dylan Thompson.



Despite some adverse effects, the researchers emphasize the need for further study to understand how individuals may benefit from the keto diet. If you’re considering a diet change, it might be time to think about sugar restriction rather than a drastic reduction in carbohydrate intake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-nutrition-key-to-diet-success">Personalized nutrition: Key to diet success</h2>



When considering the ketogenic diet's potential drawbacks, personalized nutrition becomes essential. Individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions significantly influence how one responds to dietary changes.



Research indicates that a one-size-fits-all approach to dieting is often ineffective. Personalized nutrition, which tailors dietary recommendations based on an individual's unique metabolic responses and health markers, can enhance diet success.



For instance, while some may thrive on a keto <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-and-keto-diets-rapidly-transform-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>, others might experience some of the adverse effects observed in the study. Utilizing genetic testing and metabolic profiling, nutritionists can identify the most suitable dietary patterns for each person.



Personalized nutrition bridges the gap between popular diets and scientifically-backed recommendations, promoting whole foods, balanced macronutrients, and individualized caloric needs. This approach supports sustainable fat loss and overall health.



Ultimately, diets like keto may be effective for some but not for everyone. Consulting with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians can help create personalized nutrition plans that align with individual goals and health needs, ensuring long-term success and vitality.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2666379124003811" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports Medicine</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.



-----

Keto diet promotes fat loss, but potentially wrecks your health

When it comes to fat loss, many people turn to...

A recent discovery has revealed an enduring mystery about mollusks: the origins and evolution of these ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-can-be-fatal-to-marine-invertebrates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invertebrates</a>.



The traces of a half-billion-year-old spiny slug, a newly identified species known as Shishania aculeata, provide clear insights into the early evolution of mollusks.



This remarkable find sheds light on the history of invertebrates and offers a glimpse into the primitive world that shaped these resilient creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shishania-aculeata-and-mollusk-evolution">Shishania aculeata and mollusk evolution</h2>



An international team of researchers has revealed unexpected findings about this new species. 



Kept perfectly intact in the fossil record, Shishania aculeata was unearthed from eastern Yunnan Province in southern China, dating back to the early Cambrian, roughly 514 million years ago.



The most shocking discovery? These early mollusks resembled flat, shell-less slugs adorned with a protective spiny armor, as the newly discovered fossils reveal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-evolution-of-mollusks">Early stages of evolution of mollusks</h2>



In contrast to the usual fossil specimens, Shishania does not bear a shell covering its body. 



Its bottom was unarmored, boasting a muscular foot that enabled the slug to traverse the seafloor. This suggests that these shell-less, spiny slugs represent an early stage in molluscan evolution.



The lack of shell signifies one of the most significant times in the evolutionary history, the Cambrian Explosion. 



This epoch witnessed a rapid blossoming of life forms, resulting in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bivalve-mollusks-may-hold-the-secrets-of-longevity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse array of mollusks</a> including snails, clams, and even intelligent beings such as squids and octopuses. 



However, the breakneck speed of this evolutionary period left the fossil record with little evidence of early molluscan evolution -- until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wonders-of-shishania-aculeata">Wonders of Shishania aculeata</h2>



“Shishania gives us a unique view into a time in mollusk evolution for which we have very few fossils, informing us that the very earliest mollusk ancestors were armored spiny slugs, prior to the evolution of the shells that we see in modern snails and clams,” explained Associate Professor Luke Parry from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



The scientists discovered microscopic details inside Shishania’s spiny cones that demonstrated how these structures were secreted during life.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mollusk-evolution_fossils_Shishania-aculeata_credit-Zhang_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mollusk-evolution_fossils_Shishania-aculeata_credit-Zhang_1s.webp" alt="Spines covering the body of Shishania aculeata (right). Credit: G Zhang/L Parry" class="wp-image-1940978"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spines covering the body of Shishania aculeata (right). Credit: G Zhang/L Parry</figcaption></figure>



These spines exhibited an internal system of canals less than a hundredth of a millimeter in diameter. This suggests that the cones were secreted at their base by microvilli, tiny protrusions of cells that increase the surface area, akin to our intestines where they aid food absorption.



The method of secreting these hard parts is like a natural 3D printer, enabling many invertebrate animals to produce hard parts with diverse shapes and functions.



Unpacking the complex history of Shishania’s lineage, a co-author Jakob Vinther from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> said, “We know that the common ancestor of all mollusks alive today would have had a single shell, and so Shishania tells us about a very early time in mollusk evolution before the evolution of a shell.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-mollusk-evolution">New chapter in mollusk evolution</h2>



The discovery opens a new chapter in understanding early mollusks evolution. 



“Soft-bodied mollusks have a very limited fossil record, and so these very rare discoveries tell us a great deal about these diverse animals,” noted Xiaoya Ma, co-corresponding author from <a href="https://english.ynu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunnan University</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



This milestone discovery highlights the treasure trove of early animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/500-million-year-old-trilobites-fossils-preserved-in-volcanic-ash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> hidden beneath the Cambrian rocks of Yunnan Province. 



The findings serve as a testament to the incredible diversity, adaptability, and resilience of life on Earth over billions of years.



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



The implications of the discovery of Shishania aculeata extend beyond understanding the evolutionary history of mollusks; it also offers insights into contemporary biological research and conservation efforts. 



By studying the adaptations and survival strategies of these ancient organisms, scientists can gain valuable information about how current molluscan species might respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mollusk-shells-reveal-new-clues-about-past-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>, such as climate change and habitat loss. 



This knowledge is crucial as we work to protect biodiversity and preserve ecosystems threatened by human activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-shishania-aculeata">Learning from Shishania aculeata</h2>



Moreover, the study of Shishania can inspire innovative approaches in biomimicry and materials science. 



The unique structure of its spiny cones can inform the development of new materials that mimic natural designs, potentially leading to advancements in engineering and technology.



Understanding how these ancient creatures adapted their physical forms to survive in harsh environments can lead to breakthroughs in creating sustainable materials that are both resilient and eco-friendly.



As researchers continue to uncover more about the early evolutionary stages of mollusks, the lessons learned from Shishania aculeata may illuminate not only the past but also shape the future of science and conservation efforts in our rapidly changing world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado0059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</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.



-----

Mollusks had spiny armor and no shells 500 million years ago

A recent discovery has revealed an enduring mystery about mollusks:...

Have you ever wondered about the quality of sleep of those who feel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-harms-health-more-than-alcohol-obesity-or-smoking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perpetually isolated</a> or disconnected? A recent study shows that loneliness might cause sleepless nights filled with nightmares.



The researcher behind this fascinating study is Dr. Colin Hesse, a prominent figure at Oregon State University (<a href="https://oregonstate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU</a>).&nbsp;



Serving as the director of the School of Communication in OSU's College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Hesse partnered with several experts from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, the University of Tampa, and Whitworth University to delve deeper into the connection between loneliness and nightmares.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-loneliness-to-nightmares">Linking loneliness to nightmares</h2>



The insight that Dr. Hesse and his team have unveiled is no nugget of trivia. Instead, it has significant implications as loneliness and sleep disorders stand as formidable public health challenges. These conditions often lead to severe health risks, such as heart disease, stroke, and even premature death.



What's the link that ties loneliness to nightmares? The team's paper suggests that stress bridges the gap between loneliness, nightmare frequency, and intensity.&nbsp;



But it doesn't stop there. Other factors which are often associated with loneliness like consistent worry, anxiety, and a state of heightened alertness also come into play.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-evolutionary-puzzle">An evolutionary puzzle</h2>



According to Kory Floyd of the University of Arizona, the study’s lead author, these findings align with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-alone-in-america-an-escalating-public-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary theory</a> of loneliness.&nbsp;



This theory proposes that a real, tangible sense of belonging is crucial for human survival. He argues that interpersonal relationships are not a luxury; they are a core human need.



Loneliness is a widespread condition that substantially hampers wellness. It results in suffering, manifesting in various forms, including impaired sleep.&nbsp;



For their investigation, the researchers conducted surveys which included responses from over 1,600 adults between the ages of 18 and 81.



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



Contrary to popular belief, the results suggest that nightmares are linked more with evolutionary factors as opposed to environmental influences, such as trauma. A lonely individual tends to experience stress, rumination, and extra alertness, all factors rooted deeply in evolution.



“It’s too early to talk about specific interventions in a concrete sort of way, but our findings are certainly consistent with the possibility that treating loneliness would help lessen someone’s nightmare experiences. That’s a possibility to address in controlled, clinical studies," said Dr. Hesse.



The Sleep Foundation states that 50-70 million Americans grapple with some type of sleep disorder. Good, restorative sleep is pivotal for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-impairs-memory-in-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive functioning</a>, mood regulation, metabolism, and various other aspects of wellness.&nbsp;



Therefore, it is of paramount importance to investigate psychological states, especially loneliness, that disrupt sleep. This is a crucial step in promoting overall well-being and tackling the challenges that come with loneliness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-concerns-about-loneliness">Rising concerns about loneliness </h2>



The U.S. Surgeon General's Office reports that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated half of American adults reported measurable levels of loneliness. This lack of connection heightens the risk of premature death to the same degree as smoking.



Reports from the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation suggests that loneliness <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chronic-loneliness-increases-stroke-risk-in-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significantly impacts health</a>, increasing the risk of heart disease by 29 percent.&nbsp;



Those who feel isolated face a 32% higher chance of experiencing a stroke. In older adults, frequent feelings of loneliness correlate with a 50% increased risk of dementia.&nbsp;



Individuals who are isolated may see their chances of premature death rise by more than 60 percent. Moreover, people who frequently feel lonely are more than twice as likely to develop depression.



As researchers continue to dig deeper into the connection between loneliness and nightmares, remember that the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experiences-not-things-are-key-to-deeper-social-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human connection</a> cannot and should not be underestimated.&nbsp;



Have we considered how our communities might be affected if we focused more on fostering strong interpersonal relationships? Could we initiate a dialogue on how to alleviate this loneliness epidemic?



Let's remember: connection doesn't just add to our lives; it enriches our existence, and perhaps, ensures better sleep too.



The study is published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00223980.2024.2378418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Psychology</a>.&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

Loneliness causes people to have more nightmares

Have you ever wondered about the quality of sleep of...

Have you ever looked up at the stars, feeling a sense of awe at the celestial mysteries they harbor? Well, turns out, our ancestors were quite keen on observing the skies too. Recently, researchers took an exceptional journey to southern Turkey's archaeological wonder, Göbekli Tepe to find the world's oldest solar calendar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-gobekli-tepe-world-s-oldest-calendar">Decoding Göbekli Tepe: World's oldest calendar</h2>



At the core of this riveting investigation is Dr. Martin Sweatman, a reputed researcher from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a>’s School of Engineering.&nbsp;



Imagine his exhilaration when he stumbled upon markings that could potentially be the world's oldest solar calendar. This was a calendar that came into existence as possibly a memorial to a catastrophic comet strike.



Dr. Martin's <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gobekli-Tepe-carvings_oldest-calendar_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research uncovered a truly fascinating possibility</a>. The ancient inhabitants of Göbekli Tepe had the exceptional ability to track the sun, moon, and constellations. 



They painstakingly recorded these in the form of a solar calendar. The objective? Keeping track of time and marking the change of seasons.



The investigative team further analyzed V-shaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negev-petroglyphs-ancient-art-rock-carvings-face-erosion-fungi-lichens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symbols carved</a> onto the pillars at the site. Each of these Vs might represent a single day. 



Consider this: what if you could count a solar calendar of 365 days on one of the pillars, made up of 12 lunar months plus 11 extra days?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sun-moon-and-constellations-at-gobekli-tepe">Sun, moon and constellations at Göbekli Tepe</h2>



Now, get this: both the moon’s and the sun’s cycles are depicted in these carvings. We're likely looking at the world's earliest lunisolar calendar, predating other known calendars of this type by many millennia. Were you expecting that?&nbsp;



The people who carved these symbols might have been recording the date of a massive comet impact that struck Earth nearly 13,000 years ago.&nbsp;



This comet strike is suggested to have triggered a mini ice age lasting over 1,200 years. It decimated many species of large animals and possibly instigated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-diet-deer-and-trout-were-on-the-menu-10000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant changes in lifestyle</a> and agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oldest-calendar-to-new-age">Oldest calendar to new age</h2>



Here's where it gets intriguing. This comet strike could be closely tied to the birth of civilization in the fertile crescent of West Asia. Post-apocalyptic ice age aside, that's quite the silver lining!



Another pillar at the site seems to depict the Taurid meteor stream – the speculated source of the comet fragments. This meteor stream lasted for 27 days, emanating from the directions of Aquarius and Pisces.



These findings further suggest that ancient people were using precession, the wobble in Earth's axis affecting the movement of constellations across the sky, to record dates.&nbsp;



And they were doing this at least 10,000 years before the phenomenon was documented by Hipparchus of Ancient Greece in 150 BC.



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



The implications of Dr. Sweatman’s findings extend far beyond mere historical curiosity; they invite us to re-evaluate our understanding of early human societies and their relationship with the cosmos. 



The ability to track celestial events indicates a remarkable level of intellectual and observational sophistication among the inhabitants of Göbekli Tepe. 



This knowledge not only facilitated agricultural planning and survival but also likely fostered community cohesion around shared practices and beliefs tied to the celestial phenomena they observed.



Moreover, the discovery of what may be the world's oldest solar calendar challenges the long-standing view that complex timekeeping systems arose only after the advent of written language. 



It points to the possibility that such systems were already in place, underpinning social organization and cultural development even in prehistoric times. 



As scholars continue to unravel these ancient mysteries, we gain invaluable insights into the roots of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-were-often-buried-with-dogs-horses-and-other-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">civilization</a>, showing that our ancestors were not merely passive observers of nature but active participants in its cycles and events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-gobekli-tepe-carvings">Significance of Göbekli Tepe carvings</h2>



These carvings were significant to the people of Göbekli Tepe for thousands of years. It's plausible that the impact event triggered a new cult or religion that influenced the development of civilization.



"It appears the inhabitants of Göbekli Tepe were keen observers of the sky, which is to be expected given their world had been devastated by a comet strike," stated Dr. Martin Sweatman.



"This event might have triggered civilization by initiating a new religion and by motivating developments in agriculture to cope with the cold climate. Possibly, their attempts to record what they saw are the first steps towards the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/476000-year-old-ancient-woodworking-discovery-rewrites-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development of writing</a> millennia later."



From deciphering ancient carvings to unraveling the mysteries of a comet strike, our journey through Göbekli Tepe has been nothing short of extraordinary. 



But, it also raises more questions. How will these new realizations shape our understanding of human history? 



Is our journey across the sands of time truly at an end, or are we on the cusp of even more significant discoveries? Only time – the very essence our ancestors endeavored to capture – will tell.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1751696X.2024.2373876" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Time and Mind</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

World’s oldest calendar discovery could rewrite history of civilization

Have you ever looked up at the stars, feeling a...

Psychedelics have captivated both popular culture and scientific research for decades. Recently, these powerful compounds have gained attention as potential treatments for various brain disorders, including depression and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-mdma-shows-promise-for-reducing-post-traumatic-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTSD</a>.



Despite the growing interest, the intricate ways in which psychedelics interact with our brains have remained a mystery. To investigate, a groundbreaking method has been developed by researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>.



The innovative tool promises to deliver unprecedented clarity and precision in understanding how psychedelics affect the brain, opening up exciting new possibilities for treating brain disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tool-behind-the-revolution">The tool behind the revolution</h2>



The innovative protein-based tool is named Ca2+-activated Split-TurboID, or CaST for short. It brings researchers a step closer to unlocking the underlying mechanisms through which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-induces-feelings-of-oceanic-boundlessness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic compounds</a>, like LSD, DMT, and psilocybin, stimulate the brain.



Christina Kim is an assistant professor of neurology at the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience and School of Medicine



"It’s important to think about the cellular mechanisms that these psychedelics act upon,” said Kim. "What are they? Once we know that, we can design different variants that target the same mechanism but with fewer side effects.”



According to the researchers, CaST rapidly tags neurons and biomolecules activated by these substances within 10 to 30 minutes, a significant improvement compared to the hours required by previous tagging methods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-a-neural-symphony">Capturing a neural symphony</h2>



When put to the test, the CaST tool revealed its prowess by offering a remarkable "camera snapshot" of the effects of the psychedelic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-deeply-enhances-meditation-insights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> in the brains of mice. 



Interestingly, the tool leverages changes in intracellular calcium concentrations, a universal marker of neuronal activity, to tag the cell with a minor biomolecule named biotin.



This pioneering approach allowed researchers to identify neurons with intensified calcium levels in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain instrumental in many disorders and a hotspot for psychedelic-rooted neuronal growth and strengthening.



The research team circumvented the need for immobilizing the mouse's head during the process, a common challenge with existing cellular tagging technologies. 



“Biotin is also a great tagging substrate because there are many pre-existing commercial tools that can report whether biotin is present or not just by a simple staining and imaging method," said Professor Kim.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-potential-of-psychedelic-research">Expanding the potential of psychedelic research</h2>



Looking forward, these dedicated researchers will focus on upgrading and perfecting the CaST tool further.



They are exploring techniques that will enable a more comprehensive, brain-wide cellular labeling procedure and are aiming to enhance the signature of individual proteins produced by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> impacted by psychedelics.



“We want to examine their entire contents in terms of what proteins they express, what genes they express, and try to see what’s different in psilocybin-treated animals versus control animals or animal models of diseases,” noted Professor Kim.



The ultimate objective? To comprehend precisely how psychedelics enhance the cellular profiles of those with brain disorders, thereby revealing the step-by-step cellular process of their therapeutic effects.



The potential of CaST doesn't end with psychedelics. The tool may prove incredibly valuable in the study of other neurotherapeutic drugs and their mechanisms as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-psychedelics-in-mental-health">The role of psychedelics in mental health</h2>



The resurgence of interest in psychedelics as promising treatments for various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-disorders-can-be-contagious-among-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health disorders</a> is gaining momentum within both the scientific community and public discourse. 



These compounds, particularly psilocybin and LSD, have shown the potential to induce profound changes in perception, mood, and cognition. 



Research indicates that their capacity to promote neuroplasticity - facilitating the brain's ability to reorganize itself - holds key implications for therapeutic interventions, especially for conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychedelics-and-brain-function">Psychedelics and brain function</h2>



Understanding the precise manner in which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-offers-new-explanation-for-how-psychedelic-drugs-work/">psychedelics influence brain function</a> is essential for harnessing their therapeutic potential. 



The innovations brought forth by tools such as the CaST are vital for this exploration. They allow researchers to delve deeper into the cellular and molecular dynamics at play, identifying not only the pathways psychedelics activate but also the broader implications these changes may have for emotional and cognitive processing. 



Through collaborative efforts and continued research, we are on the cusp of a renaissance in mental health treatment, radically transforming our approach to psychological well-being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-024-02375-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Methods</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.



-----

Visualizing the effects of psychedelics in the brain

Psychedelics have captivated both popular culture and scientific research for...

In the realm of well-being supplements, fish oil has earned its place as one of the most recommended by health practitioners around the world. 



It is a multi-billion dollar industry that has successfully made its way into the health regimens of millions.



As recent data presents, one out of every 13 people globally are already reaping the benefits of these popular omega-3 pills.



While the popularity of fish oil supplements is not new, a recent study offers a compelling reason for a whole new group to consider its value – those who are genetically predisposed to high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-can-work-as-well-as-medication-to-lower-cholesterol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genetic-connection-to-high-cholesterol">The genetic connection to high cholesterol</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> have delved into genetic data from more than 441,000 individuals, coming up with a score to foretell the genetic likelihood of high levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), triglycerides, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-cholesterol-may-increase-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HDL cholesterol</a> (the "good" cholesterol).



Yitang Sun, who graduated with a doctoral degree from the university's Department of Genetics, explained: “Recent advances in genetic studies have allowed us to predict someone’s genetic risk of high cholesterol. But the current prediction has room for improvement because it does not consider individual differences in lifestyles, such as taking fish oil supplements.”



Interestingly, the researchers found that subjects who reported taking fish oil supplements had lower blood lipid levels than predicted, specifically for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.



Kaixiong Ye, a key author of the study and an assistant professor of genetics, stated: “Our study shows that considering lifestyles will improve genetic prediction. Our findings also support that fish oil supplements may counteract the genetic predisposition to high cholesterol.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genetic-battle-against-high-cholesterol">The genetic battle against high cholesterol</h2>



High cholesterol has long been established as detrimental to health, leading to hardened arteries and heightened risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/certain-gut-bacteria-lower-cholesterol-and-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a> and strokes.



Although a balanced diet and regular physical activity can reduce its incidence, many are still at the mercy of their genetic make-up.



With an estimated one in four American adults diagnosed with high cholesterol, the potential of fish oil supplements to alleviate the genetic odds is a welcome discovery. “Taking fish oil is associated with a shift toward a healthy lipid profile,” noted Ye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hdl-cholesterol-raising-the-good-levels">HDL cholesterol: Raising the good levels</h2>



In addition to reducing LDL cholesterol levels, the study also revealed the beneficial effects of the supplements on HDL cholesterol. 



Indeed, fish oil supplements seem to raise levels of this "good" cholesterol, offering another layer of protection against the risks of high cholesterol - especially for those with a family history of the condition.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/an-omega-3-fatty-acid-known-as-dha-may-prevent-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega-3 fatty acids</a>, the key components of fish oil, play a significant role in promoting heart health. These essential fats have been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body, lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-you-want-to-lower-your-blood-pressure-simply-eat-less-salt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood pressure</a>, and improve overall cardiovascular function.



Research indicates that regular consumption of omega-3s can help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke, making fish oil not just beneficial for those with genetic predispositions but for anyone looking to enhance their heart health. 



Incorporating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines into the diet, or taking fish oil supplements, can provide these vital nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incorporating-fish-oil-into-your-routine">Incorporating fish oil into your routine</h2>



For those who are considering the possibility of adding fish oil supplements to their health regimen, it’s essential to choose high-quality products. Look for supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency, ensuring they are free from harmful contaminants like mercury.



Additionally, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially for individuals with existing health conditions or those taking medications. 



To maximize benefits, aim to combine fish oil supplementation with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, alongside regular physical activity. 



This holistic approach can further enhance the protective effects against high cholesterol and improve overall well-being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916524006051?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</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.



-----

The power of fish oil in combating high cholesterol

In the realm of well-being supplements, fish oil has earned...

<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...