Cosmic rays contain some of the most energetic particles in the universe, moving at nearly the speed of light. These subatomic particles, such as electrons and protons, travel through space, carrying essential clues about astrophysical phenomena.



While some originate from within our solar system, the most powerful ones come from distant cosmic sources.



The origin and acceleration of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-cosmic-explosion-changes-what-we-know-about-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-energy particles</a> remain one of astrophysics' greatest puzzles. Scientists have long theorized that extreme environments, such as the jets of black holes, could provide the necessary conditions for this extreme particle acceleration.



However, the details of how and under what circumstances these processes occur are still not well understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microquasars-and-cosmic-rays">Microquasars and cosmic rays</h2>



Microquasars, a type of binary system composed of a stellar-mass black hole and a companion star, have been identified as promising sites for high-energy particle acceleration. In these systems, the black hole pulls in material from its companion, forming a swirling accretion disk. 



This process generates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-high-energy-cosmic-rays-did-something-outside-our-galaxy-send-them-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful jets</a> that shoot matter away at exceptionally high speeds.



Such jets are thought to play a significant role in accelerating cosmic rays but, until now, observational evidence has been scarce and limited to specific systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microquasars-in-high-energy-physics">Microquasars in high-energy physics</h2>



Microquasars exist in two main forms that are differentiated by the mass of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hess-observatory-detects-highest-energy-cosmic-rays-ever-observed-origin-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companion stars</a>. High-mass microquasars contain stars that are significantly larger than the Sun, while low-mass microquasars have much smaller companion stars.



High-energy particle acceleration had previously been observed only in the high-mass category, leading many researchers to believe that low-mass microquasars lacked the necessary conditions to produce cosmic rays.



One of the most well-known examples of a high-mass microquasar is SS 433, which was recently revealed to be one of the most powerful particle accelerators in the galaxy. 



This system contains a companion star with a mass approximately ten times that of the Sun. Its powerful jets emit high-energy gamma rays, reinforcing the idea that such systems could significantly contribute to the total cosmic ray production in the Milky Way.



The question remained whether all microquasars could accelerate cosmic particles, or if only the most massive ones had this capability. 



Since low-mass microquasars are much more abundant than their high-mass counterparts, answering this question was essential for understanding their role in cosmic ray <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-rays-help-archaeologists-determine-age-discoveries-prehistoric-settlements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-mass-microquasar-emitting-gamma-rays">Low-mass microquasar emitting gamma rays</h2>



A recent discovery by Dr. Laura Olivera-Nieto from the <a href="https://www.mpi-hd.mpg.de/mpi/de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max-Planck-Institut</a> für Kernphysik and Dr. Guillem Martí-Devesa from <a href="https://portale.units.it/it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Università di Trieste</a> has challenged previous assumptions about particle acceleration.



Using 16 years of observational data from NASA’s <a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi Large Area Telescope</a>, the experts detected a faint gamma-ray signal linked to GRS 1915+105, a microquasar with a low-mass companion star.



The presence of gamma rays at energies exceeding 10 GeV suggests that this system is accelerating particles to even higher levels. This marks the first concrete evidence of particle acceleration occurring in a low-mass microquasar. 



The discovery fundamentally shifts the understanding of which systems contribute to cosmic ray production in the galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-behind-the-acceleration">Mechanism behind the acceleration</h2>



The study proposes that the detected gamma rays result from proton acceleration within the microquasar’s jets. 



These high-energy protons escape the system and collide with nearby gas, producing gamma-ray photons. This mechanism aligns with previous theoretical predictions about how cosmic rays might originate from black hole environments.



Further supporting this hypothesis, additional data from Japan’s Nobeyama 45-meter Radio Telescope indicate that there is enough surrounding gas to sustain this process. 



The presence of this gas is crucial, as it provides the necessary medium for the accelerated protons to interact with and generate the observed gamma-ray emission.



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



This discovery reshapes the understanding of how cosmic rays are produced and distributed throughout the galaxy. 



Given that low-mass microquasars are significantly more common than their high-mass counterparts, their total contribution to the cosmic ray population could be far greater than previously assumed. This challenges earlier models that relied primarily on the influence of high-mass microquasars and supernova remnants.



Despite this breakthrough, many questions remain. Are all low-mass microquasars capable of accelerating cosmic rays, or is GRS 1915+105 an exceptional case? What specific conditions enable efficient particle acceleration in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a>? 



Further observations and multi-wavelength studies will be required to refine these findings and better understand the underlying mechanisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-high-energy-astrophysics">Future of high-energy astrophysics</h2>



The discovery that low-mass microquasars can act as cosmic ray accelerators opens new research avenues. If similar gamma-ray signals are detected in other low-mass systems, it could lead to a major revision of current cosmic ray models. 



Future missions involving more sensitive space- and ground-based telescopes will play a critical role in identifying additional sources and confirming the extent of their contributions.



This research also highlights the importance of long-term observational studies. By analyzing extensive datasets spanning multiple years, researchers can uncover faint signals that might otherwise go undetected.



The use of multi-wavelength approaches - combining gamma-ray, radio, and X-ray observations - will continue to refine the understanding of how these extreme environments function.



Microquasars, once thought to be relatively minor players in cosmic ray production, are now emerging as significant contributors. 



Whether high-mass or low-mass, these systems demonstrate the universe's ability to accelerate particles to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-forces-have-made-the-structure-of-the-universe-messier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incredible energies</a>, reshaping how scientists view the origin of some of the most energetic particles in space.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ada14f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>. 



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Extreme particle acceleration: New source of cosmic rays discovered

Cosmic rays contain some of the most energetic particles in the universe, moving at nearly the speed of light. These subatomic particles, such as electrons and protons, travel through space, carrying essential clues about astrophysical phenomena. While some originate from within our solar system, the most powerful ones come from distant cosmic sources. The origin and acceleration of these high-energy particles remain one of astrophysics' greatest puzzles. Scientists have long theorized that extreme environments, such as the jets of black holes, could provide the necessary conditions for...

An FDA-approved synthetic version of THC (the main ingredient in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a>) reduces agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease by an average of 30 percent, according to the results of an eight-year clinical trial. 



Compared to current treatments like antipsychotics, the synthetic drug dronabinol produced similar calming effects without adverse results such as delirium or seizures.



The results of the research were presented at the <a href="https://www.ipa-online.org/events/2024-international-congress" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Psychogeriatric Association</a> conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agitation-in-alzheimer-s-patients-nbsp">Agitation in Alzheimer’s patients&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Paul Rosenberg is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a> and co-principal investigator for this study. 



“These new findings represent eight years of work dedicated to people who have Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers,” said Dr. Rosenberg.&nbsp;



“Agitation is one of the most distressing symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia, and we are pleased to make positive strides forward in treatment of these patients.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-agitation-with-alzheimer-s">Severe agitation with Alzheimer’s </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-why-some-brains-resist-alzheimers-disease-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a> is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, affecting an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older. This number is predicted to grow to 13.8 million by 2060. 



Agitation, characterized by excessive motor activity (like pacing or repetitive movements), verbal aggression, and physical aggression, affects approximately 40% of people with Alzheimer’s and is difficult to manage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-providing-relief-to-caregivers-nbsp">Providing relief to caregivers&nbsp;</h2>



Although mild agitation can sometimes be moderated by behavioral interventions, moderate to severe cases typically require medication to manage symptoms and provide relief for caregivers.&nbsp;



Dr. Brent Forester is the chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at <a href="https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts Medical Center</a> and co-principal investigator on the study. 



“It is the agitation, not the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-sexual-satisfaction-linked-to-rapid-memory-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory loss</a>, that often drives individuals with dementia to the emergency department and long-term-care facilities,” said Dr. Forester.



“Dronabinol has the potential to both reduce health care costs and make an important, positive impact on caregivers’ mental and physical health.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-clinical-studies">Focus of the clinical studies</h2>



For the clinical trials, the researchers recruited 75 patients with severe Alzheimer’s agitation across five sites, including 35 patients admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital between March 2017 and May 2024.&nbsp;



To qualify, patients had to have a formal clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and exhibit at least one major symptom of agitation for at least two weeks. Prior to treatment, patients were tested for agitation using the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale (PAS) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Agitation/Aggression subscale (NPI-C).



Participants were randomly assigned to receive either five milligrams of dronabinol in pill form or a placebo twice daily for three weeks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthetic-cannabis-and-alzheimer-s">Synthetic cannabis and Alzheimer's</h2>



After the treatment period, patients were retested using the PAS and NPI-C. The results from the dronabinol group showed an average PAS starting value of 9.68 and an end value of 7.26 after three weeks - a 30% decrease - compared to the placebo group, which did not change.&nbsp;



Additionally, the synthetic cannabis was well tolerated by Alzheimer's patients compared to current treatments for agitation.



“Results like this are encouraging. We are thrilled that FDA-approved dronabinol was robustly effective and appeared safe for treatment of agitation,” Rosenberg said. “This adds another tool in our efforts to improve the care of our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.”



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



The researchers plan to conduct longer-term studies of dronabinol for Alzheimer’s disease with larger sample sizes. They also hope to explore other ways medical cannabis can benefit both patients and caregivers.



Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC, the psychoactive main ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). The drug was approved by the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a> in 1985 to treat loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disadvantaged-stimulate-appetite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appetite</a> in patients with HIV/AIDS and is currently prescribed to treat nausea and vomiting in those undergoing cancer chemotherapy.



The investigators caution that the results of their current study are not intended to encourage or inform the use of other forms of medical marijuana, which are available in 38 states and the District of Columbia.



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Synthetic cannabis reduces agitation in Alzheimer’s patients

An FDA-approved synthetic version of THC (the main ingredient in...

No one leaves this world unscathed; life's hardships can frequently follow us to the very end. But what if traumas such as parental abuse, repeating a school year, or even participating in armed combat could impact our pain and overall health in our final years? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasting-impression-of-trauma-on-pain">Lasting impression of trauma on pain</h2>



Researchers from the University of California San Francisco and the University of Michigan have found that traumatic experiences can amplify pain, depression, and loneliness during the last chapter of life.



"After deep analysis, we found that early-life <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-trauma-can-cause-muscle-decline-adult-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trauma</a>, particularly parental physical abuse, showed a strong correlation with end-of-life pain, loneliness, and depressive symptoms," said study senior author Dr. Ashwin Kotwal from the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF</a> Division of Geriatrics and the San Francisco VA Medical Center.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-of-trauma">Echoes of trauma</h2>



According to Kotwal, the impact of childhood traumas may ripple throughout a person's lifespan. "They may contribute to social and emotional isolation, poor health habits, and an increased risk of subsequent trauma."



The findings are based on the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which monitored roughly 6,500 Americans over the age of 50. 



This long-term study followed the participants from 2006 to 2020, concluding with data from exhaustive questionnaires and final "exit interviews" with a close family member or friend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-trauma-manifests-as-pain">How trauma manifests as pain</h2>



Lead author Dr. Kate Duchowny of the Institute for Social Research at the <a href="https://umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> explained that trauma effectively "gets under the skin." It's linked with depression and anxiety that may foster a pro-inflammatory environment, leading to chronic conditions.



Interestingly, the researchers found that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-maltreatment-fuels-mental-health-crisis-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traumas</a> are more commonplace than others. Two in five participants reported childhood traumas, whereas the experience of repeating a school year was indicated as the most common potentially traumatic event in childhood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lifetime-of-trauma">A lifetime of trauma</h2>



The study revealed some stark figures. Those who hadn't experienced trauma were less likely to suffer from pain or loneliness during their last days. But for those who had gone through five or more traumatic events, both pain and loneliness were dramatically heightened.



Depression, too, showed a significant increase among those with a history of trauma. These individuals had a 40% probability of end-of-life depression, compared to just 24% for those with no traumatic experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-for-healthcare-providers">New perspective for healthcare providers</h2>



Dr. Kotwal sees these findings as a wake-up call for healthcare providers. "Near the end of their lives, people may experience 'total pain' - a mix of spiritual, psychological, and physical pain. Lifetime trauma may shape that total experience of pain."



In situations like these, seeking help from a psychologist, chaplain, or social worker may prove the most effective route to alleviating pain. It's not just about treating symptoms; it's about addressing the underlying causes of suffering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trauma-and-loss-of-control">Trauma and loss of control</h2>



"For a person who has experienced trauma, the loss of control that often accompanies disease can serve as a painful reminder of previous harmful experiences," explained Chelsea K. Brown, a former social worker with the UCSF Division of Palliative Medicine.



"It's not only about disease-related symptoms, but also the ongoing anxiety and distress from experiencing a loss of control over one's body."



The study reveals a pressing need for more research on the links between early-life trauma and end-of-life experiences. Future studies should use a broad approach that considers different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds to understand how environments affect trauma.



Long-term studies could offer better insights into the lasting effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-maltreatment-triples-the-risk-of-substance-use/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trauma</a> over a person's life. By deepening our understanding, researchers can create targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for those dealing with trauma in their later years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trauma-and-pain-in-older-adults">Trauma and pain in older adults</h2>



Trauma is not a blank slate; it can mark us, shape us, and, as this study suggests, even affect us in our final years. The memories we carry aren't simply mental constructs; they can have physiological impacts that reach far into our future. 



As we strive to understand trauma's effects better, we must remember to treat the whole individual, not just the disease. It's a crucial step towards intentional, compassionate, and holistic care.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1060173">Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.</a>



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Childhood trauma can cause physical pain in late life

No one leaves this world unscathed; life's hardships can frequently...

No one enjoys a rude awakening, especially if it's a jarring climate change alarm clock. Plants, like humans, need time to adjust to new conditions. But what happens when climate change hits the snooze button on the slow pace of evolution?&nbsp;



We're about to unravel the story of the Arctic Siberian primrose, a hardy plant whose existence is threatened by rapid global warming and its struggle to adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-siberian-primrose">Arctic Siberian Primrose</h2>



Perched on the frosty edges of the Bothnian Bay and Arctic Ocean, the Siberian primrose has been battling the odds for centuries, ever resilient.&nbsp;



However, climate change is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-are-struggling-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formidable enemy</a>. How can plants adapt if they're nailed to the ground, unable to shift to more favorable environments, and evolution seems to be moving in slow motion?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threatened-by-rapid-climate-change">Threatened by rapid climate change </h2>



Researchers from the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> set out to investigate. 



"The Siberian primrose is a good example of a species threatened by rapidly advancing climate change. It cannot migrate to more favorable conditions due to geographic constraints, leaving adaptation in its current habitat as its only survival option," said study co-author Professor Marko Hyvärinen.



The team found out that the survival of the Siberian primrose hinges on one crucial condition - we must slow down climate change fast enough to give the flowers the time they need to evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lifeline-for-wild-species">A lifeline for wild species</h2>



Now, you might be wondering, how do we put the brakes on climate change? Enter the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>. Our prime suspect, climate change, can only be contained if we can stick to the targets established in this global climate accord. But that's no easy feat.



"Our research suggests that the evolutionary potential of wild species is seriously limited in the face of rapidly advancing climate change. This means that the future of many species is at stake, unless climate change is effectively curbed," said study lead author Anniina Mattila.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographical-constraints-and-climate-change">Geographical constraints and climate change</h2>



Species limited to specific geographical regions, like the Siberian primrose, have particularly high stakes in this game of climate change roulette. They're boxed in by unsuitable habitats, often with no option but to adapt or perish.



Proactive conservation measures, such as targeted translocations and adaptive capacity studies, can offer a lifeline, but they can only go so far. Ultimately, the battlefront is climate change mitigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptive-management-strategies">Adaptive management strategies </h2>



As the clock ticks on climate change, adaptive management offers hope for species confined by geographical limits. 



This proactive approach is a dynamic strategy that involves continuously revisiting and adjusting conservation practices based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-climate-change-affect-deer-its-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest data and developments</a>.&nbsp;



For the Siberian primrose, this could involve habitat restoration, managing genetic diversity, or even assisted migration to new locales where they can thrive. By doing so, conservationists aim to bolster the plant's resilience against the looming threat of environmental shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocacy-and-climate-change-awareness">Advocacy and climate change awareness</h2>



In the global climate crisis, public engagement is key to driving change. Raising awareness about endangered species like the Siberian primrose isn't just for scientists and policymakers; everyone can help.&nbsp;



By sharing knowledge and fostering a sense of urgency, people worldwide can contribute to conservation.&nbsp;



This can include supporting eco-friendly policies, joining citizen science projects, or sharing information in their communities. Together, our collective actions can create significant momentum for a more sustainable planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-a-global-call-to-action">Climate change: A global call to action</h2>



Here's the ultimate reality check. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that the global temperature has already risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius (2.0 degrees Fahrenheit) since the pre-industrial era, with the Arctic warming up to four times faster. 



Turning down the heat on climate change isn't just about saving our human homes. It's also about giving the silent flora and fauna - the Arctic Siberian primroses of the world - a fighting chance to adapt and thrive as nature intended.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-research">Learning from the research</h2>



So, what active steps can we take today? It's not just about recycling and using less plastic. It's a much broader viewpoint. Eating less meat, conserving water, reducing air travel, and switching to renewable energy sources are all powerful ways to fight climate change.



Every little action counts. Every degree we can dial down on global warming could be the lifeline species like the Arctic Siberian primrose need to survive and continue their evolutionary journey. And that could be the most significant legacy we leave behind.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1351" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Climate change is happening too fast for some species to adapt

No one enjoys a rude awakening, especially if it's a...

As we advance through the varying seasons of the year, one common predicament we've often faced is the fluctuating temperatures -something squid have mastered handling in nature.



One moment it's too hot with a jacket, the next too chilly without it. Sportswear brands are continuously making claims of temperature-regulating materials, yet imagine having a piece of clothing that actually adjusts to your unique thermal needs.



This concept is no longer a futuristic aspiration, thanks to a technological innovation inspired by the captivating attributes of the squid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-adjusting-material-inspired-by-squids">Heat-adjusting material inspired by squids </h2>



A dynamic group of researchers has developed an adaptable heat-adjusting material that is breathable, washable, and can seamlessly blend into flexible fabric.



"Within the context of thermal management technologies, our laboratory has developed heat-managing composite materials by drawing inspiration from the color-changing skin of the longfin inshore (and related) squid," wrote the researchers.



Diving into the intriguing science behind this, the evolutionary marvel - squid skin - has a complex organization. It is composed of multiple layers that collaboratively manipulate light, altering the creature's overall coloration and patterns.



“Some of the layers contain organs called chromatophores, which transition between expanded and contracted states (upon muscle action) to change how the skin transmits and reflects visible light," said study co-author Alon Gorodetsky. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-a-garment-s-temperature">Controlling a garment's temperature</h2>



Rather than controlling visible light, this novel team from the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a>, constructed a composite material functioning in the infrared spectrum. 



Essentially, as people <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-what-point-does-heat-stress-become-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> up, some of that heat is released as invisible, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitoes-use-thermal-infrared-vision-to-track-and-bite-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infrared</a> radiation (the principle that thermal cameras operate on). This revolutionary material, therefore, manipulates and adapts to these emissions, which gives it thermoregulatory features.



This design enables the wearer's clothing to adjust microscopically to the desired temperature, improving comfort and functionality.



The composite material comprises a polymer covered in copper islands. The real magic starts when you stretch the material, causing the islands to separate and consequently changing how it transmits and reflects infrared light. It opens up new horizons of controlling a garment's temperature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-previous-research">Building on previous research </h2>



In a previous publication, the team modeled their composite material's adaptive infrared properties. But they didn't stop there. The experts have now augmented the material to enhance its functionality, making it washable, breathable, and easily incorporated into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robotsweater-a-new-fabric-enables-robots-to-feel-and-react-to-human-touch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fabric</a>.



"Our laboratory has previously developed heat-managing composite materials by drawing inspiration from the color-changing skin of the common squid," said the researchers.



"The combined findings directly advance the performance and applications scope of our bioinspired thermoregulatory composites and ultimately may guide the incorporation of desirable multifunctionality into other wearable technologies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-the-material-durable-and-versatile">Making the material durable and versatile </h2>



To make the composite withstand washing without degradation, the experts added a thin film onto it. To ensure breathability, they perforated it, creating an array of holes.



This modification led to an end-product that exhibited air and water vapor permeability similar to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-polyester-clothes-stink-more-than-cotton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cotton fabrics</a>. 



The material was then attached to a mesh to demonstrate straightforward fabric integration, marking the actual proof-of-concept of this versatile material.



Through rigorous testing, the team confirmed the material's adaptive infrared properties and dynamic thermoregulatory qualities. Despite simultaneous thin-film layering, perforations, and fabric integration, the material's thermal performance was not compromised.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-squid-skin-to-wearable-technology">From squid skin to wearable technology </h2>



"Our advanced composite material now opens opportunities for most wearable applications but may be particularly suited for cold weather clothing like ski jackets, thermal socks, insulated gloves, and winter hats," said Gorodetsky.



However, the potential of this new material and the manufacturing process extends beyond clothing to several other sectors of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-eels-inspire-wearable-tech-with-jelly-batteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wearable technology</a>.



The strategies used to impart breathability, washability, and fabric compatibility to these materials could be translated to other wearable systems such as washable organic electronics, stretchable e-textiles, and energy-harvesting triboelectric materials.



"Advanced thermal management technologies, such as wearable materials, personal cooling/heating devices, and portable ventilation systems, represent an important research frontier because of their potential for enhancing personal physiological comfort and reducing building energy consumption," noted the study authors. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/apb/article/8/4/046101/3314964/Manufacturing-of-breathable-washable-and-fabric" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL Bioengineering</a>.



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Squids inspire clothing with temperature control

As we advance through the varying seasons of the year,...

Are the foods lining the shelves of your kitchen cupboards as harmless as they seem? A concerning new study led by researchers from UCL (University College London) suggests otherwise. Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition reveals that toddlers in the UK obtain a shocking 47% of their calories from ultra-processed foods. 



This percentage amplifies to a hefty 59% by the age of seven. Notably, the data for this study comes from the eating habits of 2,591 children born in 2007 and 2008, as recorded by their parents over three days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deceptive-healthiness-of-ultra-processed-foods">Deceptive "healthiness" of ultra-processed foods</h2>



At 21 months of age, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-baby-food-isnt-nutritious-despite-what-the-label-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toddlers</a>' go-to ultra-processed foods were flavored yogurts and wholegrain breakfast cereals - foods often perceived as healthy. Unfortunately, by the age of seven, white bread, sweet cereals, and puddings took the spotlight.



"Ultra-processed foods are not all bad for our health, and the foods typically eaten by the toddlers in our study are ones that are seen as quite healthy," noted Dr. Rana Conway of the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/epidemiology-health-care/ucl-institute-epidemiology-and-health-care-advancing-health-across-populations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Institute of Epidemiology &amp; Health Care</a> and the lead author of the study.



However, Dr. Conway also emphasized that these foods carry high levels of added sugar and salt, causing concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-a-processed-food-landscape">Navigating a processed food landscape</h2>



The impact extends beyond sugar and salt intake. "A diet that includes a lot of ultra-processed food is less likely to get children used to the natural flavours of whole foods and, therefore, less likely to encourage healthy eating later in life,” said Dr. Conway.



Professor Clare Llewellyn, senior author of the study, noted that the significant influence of early eating habits often persist through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-use-their-mothers-scent-to-see-faces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">childhood</a> and into adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consuming-ultra-processed-foods">Consuming ultra-processed foods</h2>



The researchers sorted the foods consumed into four groups using the Nova classification: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods.



The study further divided toddlers into five groups based on ultra-processed food intake. Unsettlingly, toddlers in the highest UPF group consumed a whopping 69% of their calories from UPFs - more than double the 28% of those in the lowest UPF group.



What's more, the foods consumed at 21 months predicted UPF consumption at seven years old. 



The most frequent consumers of UPFs as toddlers were 9.4 times more likely to be in the highest UPF-consuming group at seven years old. This statistic is attributable to the "hyperpalatable" nature of these high fat, sugar, and/or salt foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweeping-sugary-concerns">Sweeping sugary concerns</h2>



In all UPF groups, toddler sugar intake exceeded the UK government recommended maximum of 5% of daily calorie intake. For the two highest UPF groups, added sugar intake averaged over 10 percent.



The research team suggests policies that swing children's diets towards a lower proportion of UPFs. This could include restricting the promotion of unhealthy foods marketed towards children, adding warning labels to high-sugar products, and subsidising fresh and minimally processed food.



"It’s not easy to feed children healthily in our current food environment," said Dr Conway, noting the often-higher cost of healthier alternatives and the misleading labels on ultra-processed foods.



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



Equally crucial in shaping dietary habits are parents and caregivers, who can play a proactive role in reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods. 



Practical changes at home can include prioritizing fresh produce, offering healthier snack alternatives, and involving children in meal preparation to cultivate an interest in whole foods. Importantly, modeling healthy eating behaviors will greatly influence children's own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food choices</a>. 



Furthermore, understanding and navigating food labels can empower parents to make better-informed decisions that align with nutritional goals. 



Supporting caregivers with resources and strategies will be essential in fostering an environment where children's health is prioritized amidst a challenging food landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-the-stage-for-future-consumption">Setting the stage for future consumption</h2>



The researchers also highlight the potential negative impact of early exposure to commercial products mimicking ultra-processed foods in terms of texture, even when these offer a healthy nutritional content - as this is unlikely to encourage vegetable consumption.



The researchers caution that their findings may not fully represent the UK population as a whole, as people of white ethnicity and of higher socioeconomic status were over-represented in their sample.



The study is published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-024-03496-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Nutrition</a>. 



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Toddlers get half their calories from ultra-processed foods

Are the foods lining the shelves of your kitchen cupboards...

Do you hear the call of the wild? That's Mother Nature and millions of animal advocates asking you to mark your calendars - World Animal Day is celebrated annually on October 4th. 



And it's not just for pet lovers or zoologists. It's a day for all of us to honor, respect, and protect our planet's incredible biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-standing-for-animal-rights-and-welfare">Standing for animal rights and welfare</h2>



World Animal Day, also known as World Animal Welfare Day or World Animal Protection Day, is a significant annual event on the 4th of October. It's been celebrated since 1925, garnering an ever-growing international community dedicated to putting an end to the pointless suffering of all animals.



This day is focused on acknowledging that animals, whether they're your beloved pooch or a buffalo roaming the plains, are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sentient beings</a> with thoughts, feelings, and unique personalities. Their treatment and welfare practices must reflect this recognition.



World Animal Day's international reach enables us to unite voices worldwide, standing for animal rights and welfare. It paves the way for everyone, businesses and individuals alike, to celebrate this day in various ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-world-animal-day">History of World Animal Day</h2>



World Animal Day was first celebrated on March 24th, 1925 in Germany. 



A man named Heinrich Zimmermann, a cynologist, charted its course. Zimmermann, whose love for animals led him to organize the first celebration at the Sports Palace in Berlin, sparked a movement that continues to shape our approach to animal welfare today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-celebrate-world-animal-day">Why celebrate World Animal Day?</h2>



World Animal Day serves a dual purpose: it educates the public about the importance of animal welfare and unifies global efforts to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-animal-species-will-soon-vanish-from-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improve animal lives</a>.



Now, here's where you come in. How will you make this day count?



It's an all hands on deck situation. Individuals, businesses, everyone can lend their voice to the cause. How about a fundraising event for charities safeguarding animal rights? 



A goods donation drive or education sessions? There are countless ways to jump in and get involved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-observe-world-animal-day">How to observe World Animal Day</h2>



There are many ways to show your support for animal rights during World Animal Day. From awareness &amp; educational events like conferences &amp; workshops to fundraising events like concerts, sponsored walks, bake sales, or gala balls, the options are endless.



World Animal Day's impact reverberates across societies and governments, prompting collective introspection about our responsibilities towards all earth's creatures. 



Each year, this day generates increased engagements with policymakers to advocate for stronger animal welfare laws, enhances educational outreach, and fosters community collaborations aimed at sharing resources and knowledge for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mass-extinctions-can-be-prevented-by-protecting-key-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better animal care</a>. 



The celebration acts as a catalyst for initiating critical changes in legislation, guiding societies to more ethical practices, and recognizing the intrinsic value of animals in ecosystems, conservation efforts, and human well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-of-compassion">A legacy of compassion</h2>



While World Animal Day is a significant date on the calendar, the mission to improve animal welfare must persist beyond just one day. 



It is imperative to cultivate a culture of continuous commitment, whereby individuals and groups advocate for systemic changes throughout the year. 



Participation in local and international wildlife protection initiatives, supporting sanctuaries, rescues, and sustainably minded organizations, and influencing policy through informed dialogue, are all vital steps. 



Together, we hold the power to create a lasting legacy of compassion and action that respects the dignity and diversity of animal life globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-world-animal-day-important">Why is World Animal Day important?</h2>



World Animal Day is a beacon of hope for living creatures across the globe. It raises awareness about ecosystem protection - striving to sustain the delicate balance necessary for all lifeforms to thrive. It transcends boundaries, uniting minds and hearts across the globe in a shared mission to improve animal lives.



Over the years, World Animal Day has garnered significant victories for animals. In Egypt, the day’s events led to additional clauses in the Egyptian constitution offering rights to animals. Similarly, in Sudan, parliament introduced new legislation designed to protect animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-get-involved">How to get involved</h2>



So, are you ready to chip in and make this world a better place for our furry, feathery, or scaly friends? Here are some ways you can get involved:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Contribute to organizations focused on animal protection, wildlife conservation, or pet rescue. For example, PETA’s <a href="https://headlines.peta.org/peta-global-compassion-fund/?en_txn7=redirect::closed-id38547&amp;supporter.appealCode=IXXXWBXXGCF#donate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Compassion Fund</a> helps animals around the world. You could also donate food, toys, or volunteer at your local animal shelter.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Create habitats for local wildlife in your garden by planting native trees or flowers. Native plants provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and snail mammals. </li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Support wildlife friendly businesses that prioritize sustainable practices and avoid those that harm wildlife or their habitats.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Use social media to share information about animal welfare issues, endangered species, or the importance of responsible pet ownership.</li>
</ul>



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World Animal Day 2024: Building a legacy of compassion

Do you hear the call of the wild? That's Mother...

Flask,In,Scientist,Hand,With,Dropping,Liquid,To,Test,Tube

Have you ever wondered what it takes to generate water? Scientists have been at it for years. But now, it seems, we are really on to something.



For the first time ever, scientists have observed the birth of water right from its atomic constituents - hydrogen and oxygen -- joining hands to form tiny bubbles of water.



This all happened in a <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> lab where a team of scientists was trying to unravel the secret of how a metallic element, palladium, aids the gases in reacting to form water. 



The exciting part? They noticed all this at a nanoscale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimal-conditions-for-water-generation">Optimal conditions for water generation</h2>



What's even more astonishing is that this reaction doesn't require harsh conditions, making it a potentially useful tool to generate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-water-molecules-will-force-chemistry-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> quickly in dry areas, even including other planets.



The study is set to be published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. So, what's all the excitement about?



Study senior author Vinayak Dravid is a professor at Northwestern’s <a href="https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McCormick School of Engineering</a> and founding director of NUANCE Center.



"By directly visualizing nanoscale water generation, we were able to identify the optimal conditions for rapid water generation under ambient conditions," explained Dravid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-of-rapid-water-generation">Applications of rapid water generation </h2>



According to Dravid, the findings have significant implications for practical applications, enabling rapid water generation in deep space environments using gases and metal catalysts, without requiring extreme reaction conditions.



“Think of Matt Damon’s character, Mark Watney, in the movie ‘The Martian.’ He burned rocket fuel to extract hydrogen and then added oxygen from his oxygenator," said Dravid. 



"Our process is analogous, except we bypass the need for fire and other extreme conditions. We simply mixed palladium and gases together.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-secret-of-palladium">Hidden secret of palladium</h2>



In the early 1900s, scientists knew that palladium could help generate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collecting-water-from-the-air-to-tackle-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> quickly. However, the exact process remained a mystery, noted study first author Yukun Liu, a PhD candidate in Dravid’s laboratory.



“It’s a known phenomenon, but it was never fully understood,” said&nbsp;Liu. “Because you really need to be able to&nbsp;combine the direct visualization of water generation and the structure analysis&nbsp;at the atomic scale in order to figure out what’s happening with the reaction and how to optimize it.”



And that was impossible until nine months ago when Dravid’s team introduced a method to analyze gas molecules in real time. They essentially created a super-thin glassy membrane with a honeycomb design to hold gas molecules so they could be viewed within high-vacuum transmission electron microscopes.



The result was remarkable. Researchers could now look at samples in atmospheric pressure gas at a resolution of just 0.102 nanometers - a significant leap from the 0.236-nanometer resolution offered by other leading tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-the-smallest-bubble">Breakthrough: The smallest bubble!</h2>



Using their new technique, the team observed the reaction on palladium. As hydrogen atoms entered the palladium, expanding its square lattice, they saw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planets-are-hiding-much-more-water-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny water bubbles</a> forming at the metal's surface.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Iem4jt7h9m-3889533-12187" type="single"]</div>



"We think it might be the smallest bubble ever formed that has been viewed directly. It's not what we were expecting. Luckily, we were recording it, so we could prove to other people that we weren't crazy," said Liu.



"We were skeptical. We needed to investigate it further to prove that it was actually water that formed," another researcher, Kunmo Koo, points out.



The researchers used electron energy loss spectroscopy to analyze these bubbles. By examining the energy loss of scattered electrons, they detected oxygen-bonding characteristics unique to water. 



To confirm that the bubbles were indeed water, they were heated to evaluate the boiling point.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fastest-way-to-generate-water">Fastest way to generate water</h2>



After the experts confirmed that the palladium reaction was generating water, the next challenge was to optimize the process. They tried different combinations of hydrogen and oxygen to determine the quickest rate of water generation.



The team discovered that adding hydrogen first, followed by oxygen, led to the fastest reaction rate. After filling the palladium with hydrogen, they then introduced oxygen gas - resulting in a swift reaction.



"When we stored hydrogen in the palladium first, and then added oxygen, the reaction started. Hydrogen comes out of the palladium to react with the oxygen, and the palladium shrinks and returns to its initial state," explained Liu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-system-for-space-exploration">Sustainable system for space exploration</h2>



The Northwestern team envisions a future where this process could be put to good use. The idea is to prepare hydrogen-filled palladium before traveling into space and then add oxygen to generate water for drinking or watering plants.



Although the study focused on studying bubble generation at nanoscale, larger sheets of palladium would generate much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-a-focus-on-prosperity-and-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger quantities of water</a>.



"Palladium might seem expensive, but it's recyclable," said Liu. "Our process doesn't consume it. The only thing consumed is gas, and hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the universe. After the reaction, we can reuse the palladium platform over and over."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2408277121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Video Credit: Vinayak Dravid/Northwestern University



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Water captured on video forming out of thin air for the first time

Have you ever wondered what it takes to generate water?...

Picture this: astronauts landing on Mars or the Moon, growing their own homes using mycelium bricks made from fungi. Straight out of a science fiction novel, right? Wrong. 



This concept is currently being investigated by NASA, and it might not be as far-fetched as it initially seems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-s-fungi-frontier">NASA's fungi frontier</h2>



Steering this unique research is Lynn Rothschild, a senior scientist at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/ames/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ames Research Center</a>, found in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. 



Rothschild and her team have been pushing the envelope on space habitat construction with their project, lovingly dubbed "<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/ames/could-future-homes-on-the-moon-and-mars-be-made-of-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mycotecture Off Planet</a>." 



The project has recently been given a financial fillip through the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/stmd-the-nasa-innovative-advanced-concepts-niac/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIAC</a>) program.



As Walt Engelund, associate administrator for Programs in the NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/space-technology-mission-directorate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Technology Mission Directorate</a>, puts it, "We are committed to advancing technologies to transport our astronauts, house our explorers, and facilitate valuable research." 



This commitment is reflected in the $2 million Phase III NIAC award that Rothschild's team has garnered, which will support their research for the next couple of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-not-building-moon-homes">Growing, not building, Moon homes</h2>



Interested in how this concept works? It's quite simple really. Instead of lugging hefty building materials from Earth, astronauts would bring along lightweight structures imbued with dormant fungi. 



Upon reaching their final destination, a touch of water is all it takes to wake up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> and stimulate it to grow, forming a robust habitat around the framework. 



This ingenious method could potentially save a ton of resources and lighten the load for space missions.



The mycelia, the thread-like structures that form the bulk of fungi, are the MVPs here. They can grow into robust, intricate shapes that are just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mycocrete-new-material-made-of-fungi-hopes-to-replace-concrete-in-construction-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perfect for constructing habitats</a>. 



They can also be safely contained to avoid any contamination of the alien environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-will-keep-the-moon-green">Fungi will keep the Moon "green"</h2>



NASA Administrator Bill Nelson sums it up, "As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist." 



The Mycotecture Off Planet project imbibes this forward-thinking approach. How do you live sustainably off-Earth? Grow your habitats!



But it's not just about building homes; it's about developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-leather-mycelium-latest-eco-friendly-fashion-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multi-purpose materials</a> that can perform various functions in space. 



For example, mycelia could be utilized for water filtration and even for extracting minerals from waste water, vital for supporting astronauts' life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



So, where are we now? The team has already made massive leaps. 



Through previous NIAC funding, they've demonstrated the feasibility of the concept, creating <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/a-beginners-guide-to-mycology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungal-based biocomposites</a>, testing prototypes, and even contemplating enhancements like radiation protection.



NASA's commitment to innovative thinking shines through in this project. 



"NASA's space technology team and the NIAC program unlock visionary ideas -- ideas that make the impossible, possible," Bill Nelson says.



With the recently secured funding, Rothschild and her team can focus on improving the material properties of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungal habitats</a> and move onto testing in low Earth orbit, a vital step before potential application in Moon or Mars missions.



John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive, highlights the value of these projects, "Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how advanced concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions." 



As NASA preps for Artemis, aiming for the moon and beyond to Mars, projects like these could have an instrumental role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-homes-aren-t-just-for-astronauts">Fungi homes aren't just for astronauts</h2>



Why should you care about growing fungi in space? Beyond<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the "wow" factor</a>, this research can impact us right here on Earth. 



With our eyes set on sustainable building materials, the technology being developed for space could trigger eco-friendly practices at home.



Moreover, the success of such projects fuels inspiration and ignites scientific interest in the next generation. It's about pushing boundaries, reimagining possibilities, and finding solutions that profit all.



Could mycelia-based construction be our future, in space and on Earth? These are intriguing times for space exploration, and what once seemed outrageous is now within reach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-and-the-future-of-growing-homes-0">Fungi and the future of growing homes</h2>



To sum it all up, NASA's investment in this unprecedented research into the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/understanding-fungi-characteristics-and-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi and mycelium</a> to build bricks for space homes underscores the agency's commitment to developing technologies that could make long-term space living a reality. 



By "growing the box," scientists like Lynn Rothschild are morphing visionary ideas into tangible solutions.



So the next time you spot a mushroom popping up in your backyard, think about its distant cousin possibly helping humans live on the Moon or Mars.



 The fusion of biology and technology is unlocking doors we never thought possible, and the journey is only just beginning.



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NASA will use mushrooms to ‘grow homes’ on Mars and the Moon

Picture this: astronauts landing on Mars or the Moon, growing...

Fans of Clementine, the cat whose rare eye color recently took TikTok by storm, may be intrigued to learn the results of a new study.&nbsp;



The striking eye colors found in many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/european-wildcats-avoided-breeding-with-domestic-cats-for-2000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild cats</a>, such as the piercing gold of cheetahs, the vivid blue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-leopards-the-carnivores-that-eat-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow leopards</a>, and the glowing green of leopards, can all be traced back to one single ancestor. 



This feline progenitor, similar to an ocelot, roamed the Earth over 30 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variety-of-cat-eye-colors">Variety of cat eye colors</h2>



<a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> researchers suggest that this ancient cat population likely had both brown- and gray-eyed individuals, the latter of which set the stage for the wide variety of iris colors seen in cat species today.



Study lead author Julius Tabin is a student at the Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in Harvard's Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology.



“When I started this study I asked, ‘What do we know about eye color?’ And the truth is, very little, as there are basically almost no phylogenetic evolutionary studies on eye color,” said Tabin.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-eye-color-diversity-in-cats">Studying eye color diversity in cats</h2>



Previous research has mostly focused on eye color distribution within a species or the genes involved in determining eye color in humans and domesticated animals. 



However, studying eye color across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-system-takes-photos-in-the-same-colors-that-different-animals-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild animal populations</a> is rare due to the challenges of preservation and a general lack of diversity - most animals have brown eyes.



While eye color in humans may be shaped by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sexual-selection-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual selection</a>, and in domestic animals by artificial selection, Tabin wanted to explore the reasons behind the eye color diversity in wild cats.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-approach-to-mapping-eye-color">Creative approach to mapping eye color</h2>



Lacking fossil evidence, Tabin and co-author Katherine Chiasson, a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University, took a creative approach. 



They analyzed digital images from online databases to categorize and study the eye colors of 52 species of wild cats.



Tabin and Chiasson used an algorithm to map these colors onto a phylogenetic tree of the Felidae family. “We found a lot of variability of color between species, but shockingly, we also found a lot of intraspecific variability,” said Tabin.&nbsp;



“Most species have a singular eye color with no variation. So, it's really surprising that once you get into the cats - lions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-captive-tigers-help-restore-wild-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tigers</a>, panthers, etc. -- we see all these different eye colors. There are actually very few Felidae species that have only a singular eye color in their population.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-color-of-early-cats">Eye color of early cats</h2>



With their findings mapped onto the family tree, the researchers set out to reconstruct the ancestral eye color of early cat species.&nbsp;



They discovered that the pre-felid lineages, including the ancestor of modern cats and their closest relatives (linsangs), had only brown eyes. 



However, after the linsangs diverged, felines with gray eyes emerged alongside those with brown eyes.



“It's likely this happened due to a genetic mutation that drastically decreased the pigment in the eye,” Tabin explained.&nbsp;



Melanin, the pigment responsible for color, can be either eumelanin (which is brown) or pheomelanin (which is yellow). 



A decrease in eumelanin could lead to eyes that are neither fully brown nor gray but a mixture of both, which the researchers found in their analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-significance-of-gray-eyes">Evolutionary significance of gray eyes</h2>



The appearance of gray-eyed cats, according to the study, paved the way for the evolution of more colors, including greens, yellows, and blues. 



These gray eyes acted as a transition between the original brown eyes and the development of new shades.



“Blue eyes require carefully balanced low levels of pigment and are likely recessive in felids. A wild population would probably not be able to maintain blue eyes in a population with only one blue-eyed individual among a sea of brown eyes,” Tabin said.&nbsp;



“It's probable that you would need something lighter than brown, but not as light as blue, to be the mediator. And that's what you see: In every single cat species with blue eyes, they also have gray eyes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-questions-remain">Many questions remain</h2>



The researchers also found that brown and yellow eyes rarely coexist within the same species. Additionally, they observed a surprising correlation between yellow eyes and round pupils, as well as a negative correlation between brown eyes and round pupils.



Despite these intriguing correlations, the researchers did not find any significant connections between eye color and factors such as activity patterns, habitat, or geographical region. 



This leaves the question of why eye color evolved to be so varied in wild cats an open field for future study.



Not only did the team reconstruct general eye color types for each evolutionary ancestor, but they were also able to predict the exact color of these ancient felines’ eyes.&nbsp;



“Being able to reconstruct color quantitatively is one of the paper's greatest strengths, because it means we are the first animals to see the color of these eyes since these felids were alive millions of years ago,” Tabin said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-accessibility-of-science">Increasing accessibility of science</h2>



For Chiasson, part of the excitement of the study came from using publicly available resources for their research.&nbsp;



“The fact that rigorous studies like ours can be done by anyone with an internet connection and some curiosity is indicative of a field-wide revolution that is increasing the accessibility of science around the world.”



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



Looking ahead, Tabin hopes this study will inspire further research into the evolutionary significance of gray eyes and the broader patterns of eye color evolution in natural populations.&nbsp;



“I'm still riding high on the excitement of knowing that the felid ancestor had both brown and gray eyes, because that's something I didn't go in expecting or even thinking about,” he said.



This study opens new avenues for understanding how the mesmerizing eyes of wild cats came to be, adding yet another layer of mystery and fascination to these majestic creatures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110903" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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How wild cats got their striking eye colors

Fans of Clementine, the cat whose rare eye color recently...

In a new study, experts have used artificial intelligence (AI) to investigate the world of infant learning. The researchers were specifically focused on when babies make the transition from random movements to purposeful exploration.



When infants kick their tiny feet in the air, it might just seem like random flailing. But what if there's a science to it?



Early movements might appear chaotic but believe it or not, these seemingly wild movements reveal patterns of interaction with the world around them. 



Yet, the understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dads-can-recognize-the-scent-of-their-child/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infants</a> intentionally engage with their surroundings remains somewhat cloudy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infants-control-their-feet-movements">Infants control their feet movements</h2>



Enter the baby-mobile experiment. What's that? Think of a colorful mobile gently tethered to an infant's foot. 



As our little hero kicks, the mobile moves – a cause-and-effect scenario that's music to the ears of researchers. This experiment, used since the swinging sixties, helps researchers understand babies' control over their movements and their quest to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disappearance-of-bats-linked-to-a-rise-in-infant-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influence their environment</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-infant-movement-with-ai">Decoding infant movement with AI</h2>



Now, what happens if we add a sprinkle of AI to this mix? At <a href="https://www.fau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a>, a team of researchers launched an investigation to see if AI tools could decode the intricate patterns of infant movement. 



They used a handy device called the Vicon 3D motion capture system to analyze infants’ actions, especially their reactions when the mobile moved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infant-movements-in-different-stages">Infant movements in different stages</h2>



The results? A resounding success! Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the study confirms the potential for AI to help us understand early infant development and interaction.



The machine and deep learning methods accurately classified five-second clips of infant movements as belonging to different stages of the experiment. Among these methods, one emerged as the star: the deep learning model named 2D-CapsNet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foot-movement-patterns">Foot movement patterns</h2>



The most fascinating part of this discovery was that feet movements scored the highest accuracy rates. What does this mean?



Compared to other parts of the body, the foot movement patterns changed most dramatically across the experiment's stages.



Study co-author Dr. Scott Kelso is a Glenwood and Martha Creech Eminent Scholar in Science at the Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences in FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.



“Feet, as end effectors, are most impacted by interaction with the mobile. In other words, the way infants connect with their environment is most significant at the points of contact,” said Dr. Kelso. In plain English, we can say it all starts "feet first."



The study revealed that the 2D-CapsNet model achieved an impressive 86% accuracy when analyzing foot movements and could even capture detailed relationships between different body parts during movement.



Plus, foot movements proved to be the most accurate - about 20% higher than movements of the hands, knees, or the entire body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eager-to-engage-with-the-world">Eager to engage with the world</h2>



What else did the study uncover? Well, it seems losing the ability to control the mobile made <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-immune-systems-have-hidden-and-surprising-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">babies</a> more eager to interact with the world. 



“However, some infants showed movement patterns during this disconnected phase that contained hints of their earlier interactions. This suggests that only certain infants understood their relationship with the mobile well enough to hang onto those movement patterns,” explained Dr. Aliza Sloan.



Dr. Nancy Aaron Jones, a professor at FAU's Department of Psychology, emphasized the role of AI in studying infants - who, unlike adults, can't explain their actions.



“AI can help researchers analyze subtle changes in infant movements to gain insights into how they think and learn, even before they can speak,” said Dr. Jones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-infant-behavior">Understanding infant behavior </h2>



In the words of Dr. Scott Kelso, this study not only enhances our understanding of infant behavior but also opens up new possibilities.



Combining theory-based experiments with AI could lead to comprehensive assessments that take specific contexts into account, thus improving our ability to identify risks and treat disorders effectively.



So, the next time you see a baby's tiny toes kicking, remember this: There's a fascinating world of science behind those cute little feet!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-66312-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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How do infants connect with the world? It all starts with the feet

In a new study, experts have used artificial intelligence (AI)...

Our world is becoming increasingly familiar with massive wildfires, aptly termed "megafires," which ravage landscapes and ecosystems with unprecedented force.



These destructive forces of nature are known for their immediate devastation, but recent studies reveal that their impacts stretch far beyond the scorched earth, ash-filled air, and charred forests they leave in their wake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoke-drains-the-energy-reserves-of-trees">Smoke drains the energy reserves of trees</h2>



One of the less-observable effects of megafires is the long-lasting damage they impose on orchard trees. According to researchers, these effects can significantly disrupt future yields and agricultural stability.



In a game-changing study conducted at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, scientists discovered that the thick smoke produced by megafires can adversely affect the energy reserves of trees and result in a staggering 50% reduction of their nut harvest.



This startling fact places new importance on understanding the role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> and their smoke in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-megafire-smoke-and-orchard-trees">Megafire smoke and orchard trees </h2>



The team at UC Davis had initially embarked on an assessment of how trees, specifically almond, pistachio and walnut varieties, handle heat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drought-kills-trees-faster-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> by storing energy in the form of carbohydrates. 



While their research was ongoing between 2018 to 2022, megafires in 2020 swept over 4.2 million acres across California. The fires produced a dense cover of smoke, ash, and particulate matter that lingered for weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-prolonged-smoke">Effects of prolonged smoke</h2>



This unexpected development presented a unique opportunity to observe how the prolonged and pervasive smoky conditions might influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oak-trees-use-carbohydrate-reserves-to-survive-insect-invasions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbohydrate levels in trees</a> and ultimately affect their growth and productivity.



Study lead author Jessica Orozco from the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences elaborated on the potential impacts of megafire smoke on orchard trees. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photosynthesis</a> produces carbohydrates, which are critical elements for tree survival," Orozco explained. "Trees need carbohydrates not just to grow but to store energy for when they’re under stress or when photosynthesis isn’t happening."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-impacts-of-megafire-smoke">Lingering impacts of megafire smoke</h2>



The thick smoke altered light conditions, occluding some direct sunlight and casting a shadow over the orchards, while simultaneously creating a diffuse light effect that filtered through the smoke.



This diffusion could potentially aid trees in generating more carbohydrates. However, Orozco explained that the smoke was so dense that its increase probably didn't offset the loss of direct sunlight.



The researchers observed that megafire smoke didn't just diminish the carbohydrate reserves in trees but instigated lasting losses, which pressed on even after the fires had been extinguished. 



Notably, the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-wildfires-have-doubled-in-the-last-20-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe wildfire</a> activity often aligns with the period when trees begin to store carbohydrates to get through winter dormancy and fuel spring growth. The impact of smoke was far greater than anticipated. 



"We were expecting to see some impact especially in the months when the smoke was really dense, but we weren’t expecting the smoke to have such a lingering effect and result in a significant drop in yield,” said Orozco.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-megafire-smoke">Complexity of megafire smoke</h2>



The scientists are not yet sure which components of megafire smoke caused this drastic drop in tree carbohydrate levels, but the complexity of the smoke's composition presents several possibilities.



It's plausible that one or a combination of factors, such as reduced light availability, elevated ozone concentrations, and increased particulate matter levels - all known to interfere with photosynthesis - are to blame for the significant decline in energy storage within the trees.



The findings underline one thing very clearly; the risks posed by wildfires are not just immediate and visible - they have far-reaching and enduring consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-threat-to-agriculture">Growing threat to agriculture</h2>



The impact of megafires extends beyond the immediate damage to crops and soil. As climate change accelerates, scientists warn that the frequency and intensity of megafires will continue to rise, posing a growing threat to agricultural production.



Hotter temperatures and prolonged drought conditions create the perfect environment for these large-scale fires to ignite and spread. 



The increasing prevalence of megafires highlights the urgent need for solutions that can mitigate the long-term impacts of smoke on crops. 



Early-warning systems, innovative farming techniques, and fire-resistant plant varieties could become essential tools in preserving agriculture in fire-prone regions. 



As megafires become more frequent, understanding their effects will be crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-024-01819-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>.



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Megafire smoke has long-lasting impacts on orchard trees

Our world is becoming increasingly familiar with massive wildfires, aptly...

Over the past 130,000 years, human activities have led to the extinction of hundreds of bird species. This has resulted in substantial reductions in avian functional diversity - the range of different roles and functions that birds perform in the environment.&nbsp;



While humans have been contributing to the global loss of species diversity for thousands of years, the impacts on other dimensions of biodiversity are not yet clear.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinctions-impact-ecological-functions-nbsp">Extinctions impact ecological functions&nbsp;</h2>



New research led by the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> highlights the severe implications of the ongoing biodiversity crisis and emphasizes the urgent need to identify the ecological functions being lost through extinction.



From the well-documented demise of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-the-dodo-bird-be-brought-back-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dodo</a> to the recent extinction of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō songbird declared in 2023, scientists have evidence of at least 600 bird species having become extinct due to human activities since the Late Pleistocene, when modern humans began spreading across the world. 



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



Utilizing the most comprehensive dataset to date of all known bird extinctions during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene, the study examines the broader implications of these losses on the planet.



“Humans have been driving a global erosion of species richness for millennia, but the consequences of past extinctions for other dimensions of biodiversity - functional and phylogenetic diversity - are poorly understood,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“In this work, we show that, since the Late Pleistocene, the extinction of 610 bird species has caused a disproportionate loss of the global avian functional space along with more than 3 billion years of unique evolutionary history.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chopping-off-a-branch-of-the-tree-of-life">Chopping off a branch of the tree of life</h2>



Study lead author Tom Matthews is an expert in global environmental change at the University of Birmingham.&nbsp;



Matthews noted that while the sheer number of bird species lost is a big part of the extinction crisis, what we also need to focus on is that every <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-100-bird-species-have-been-lost-for-over-a-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> has a job or function within the environment and therefore plays a really important role in its ecosystem.



“Some birds control <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a> by eating insects, scavenger birds recycle dead matter, others eat fruit and disperse the seeds enabling more plants and trees to grow, and some, like hummingbirds, are very important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-pollination-can-be-advantageous-for-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>. When those species die out, the important role that they play (the functional diversity) dies with them,” said Matthews. 



“In addition to functional diversity each species also carries a certain amount of evolutionary history, therefore when that species becomes extinct, it’s basically like chopping off a branch of the tree of life and all of that associated phylogenetic diversity is also lost.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-billion-years-of-evolutionary-history-lost">Three billion years of evolutionary history lost</h2>



The researchers found that the extent of human-induced bird extinctions to date has resulted in the loss of approximately three billion years of unique evolutionary history and a 7% reduction in global avian functional diversity.



This is a significantly larger amount than expected based on the number of extinctions alone.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-post-extinction-aftershocks">Post-extinction aftershocks</h2>



Given the wide range of crucial ecological roles performed by birds, the loss of avian functional diversity likely has far-reaching implications.&nbsp;



These post-extinction aftershocks include reduced flower pollination, diminished seed dispersal, the breakdown of natural control over insect populations - including many pests and disease carriers - and increased disease outbreaks due to decreased consumption of carrion.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-extinctions-and-plant-diversity">Species extinctions and plant diversity</h2>



Moreover, the reduction in global bird populations documented in the research may affect the ability of many plant species to adapt to current and future climate change.



According to Matthews, these results are a timely reminder that the current extinction crisis is not just about species numbers.&nbsp;



“By identifying declines in avian functional and phylogenetic diversity driven by human actions, our findings highlight the urgent need to understand and predict the impacts of past anthropogenic extinctions on ecosystem function.”



This is needed, said Matthews,&nbsp; in order to prepare for the magnitude of expected future loss from the projected 1,000 bird species that are expected to die out completely over the next two centuries.



“This information is vital for setting effective targets for global conservation strategies, as well as ecosystem restoration and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-of-rewilding-efforts-depends-on-the-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rewilding</a> efforts.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk7898" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Bird species extinctions are far more impactful than we realized

Over the past 130,000 years, human activities have led to...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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