Every living organism relies on a genetic blueprint encoded in its DNA, yet the amount of DNA - or genome size - varies dramatically across the tree of life.&nbsp;



In animals alone, genome sizes range from the minuscule genome of Intoshia variabili, a marine parasite - which is about 200 times smaller than the human genome - to the massive genome of the marbled lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) - which is over 40 times larger than ours.&nbsp;



Plants exhibit a similar range, with the fork fern (Tmesipteris oblanceolata) setting the record with a genome size over 50 times larger than that of humans.



This diversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> size reveals the vast variety of life forms on Earth, but it also raises a fascinating question: If smaller genomes lead to faster, more efficient growth, why do some species have larger genomes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-smaller-genome-sizes">Advantages of smaller genome sizes</h2>



The replication of DNA is essential for cell production and growth, making smaller genomes more efficient as they require fewer resources and time to replicate.&nbsp;



Smaller genomes demand fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrients</a>, especially the DNA-building elements nitrogen and phosphorus, making them ideal for rapid growth and reproduction.



Because of these advantages, it’s not surprising that most species have evolved with relatively small genomes.&nbsp;



However, large genomes persist in some organisms, suggesting that these genomes may confer certain benefits in specific environments, where the costs of carrying extra DNA are outweighed by unique growth advantages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-large-genome-benefits-in-grasses">Exploring large genome benefits in grasses</h2>



A research team led by the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a> has recently studied the potential benefits of large genomes in grass species. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fairy-circles-kill-all-newly-planted-grasses-deepening-their-mystery/">Grasses</a>, a vast plant family found worldwide from arctic tundras to tropical savannas, vary in genome size, making them an ideal group to examine how genome size affects growth in different conditions.



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20150" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>, examined the growth of various grass species under conditions mimicking their natural environments - high temperatures, low nutrients, and drought. 



The scientists compared growth rates to each species’ genome size and observed that while grasses with smaller genomes generally grew better across most conditions, larger genomes provided advantages in two specific scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-genomes-thrive-in-nutrient-rich-environments">Large genomes thrive in nutrient-rich environments</h2>



The first scenario where larger genomes proved beneficial was in nutrient-rich soils. While low nutrient levels slowed down large-genome grasses, those with large genomes thrived in high-nutrient environments.&nbsp;



Here, the extra DNA content meant larger cells that produced more biomass, such as leaves, which allowed these plants to outgrow and overshadow neighbors with smaller genomes.&nbsp;



In nutrient-poor areas, however, the demands of replicating additional DNA outweighed these benefits, making smaller genomes more favorable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-seasons-and-genome-sizes">Growing seasons and genome sizes</h2>



The second advantage for large-genome grasses occurred in cooler environments, such as temperate regions with lower growing season temperatures.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-grow-more-branches-and-become-bushy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant growth</a> typically has two stages: cell division, where new cells are generated, and cell expansion, where cells swell with water to help the plant grow taller or spread. 



Cool temperatures significantly slow down cell division, but they have less impact on cell expansion.&nbsp;



Consequently, grasses with larger cells, which accompany large genomes, can expand more rapidly by cell enlargement even in cooler weather, outpacing smaller-genome plants that rely on faster cell division in warmer temperatures.



This cell expansion process explains the early spring growth of plants like daffodils and bluebells, which also have large genomes.&nbsp;



These plants perform much of their cell division in warmer months, allowing them to use cell expansion to grow quickly in early spring, well before smaller-genome plants begin to compete for light and nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-size-diversity">Genome size diversity</h2>



The diversity in genome sizes among grasses may be one reason for their global success, as it allows them to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.&nbsp;



While smaller genomes typically support efficient growth, larger genomes offer unique advantages in specific environments, enabling certain species to thrive where others cannot.&nbsp;



This genetic diversity in grasses underscores the importance of variation in supporting species’ survival and adaptability across ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-size-and-evolutionary-success">Genome size and evolutionary success</h2>



The relationship between genome size and survival is not limited to plants. Our own medium-sized genome has supported humanity’s adaptability, though we don’t face the same nutrient limitations as stationary plants.&nbsp;



Unlike grasses, humans can move to seek out food and resources, which may allow us to bear the metabolic costs associated with our DNA without significant limitation.&nbsp;



This mobility highlights how different species leverage their genetic make-up in conjunction with unique behaviors and environmental interactions to thrive across diverse habitats.



In summary, the role of genome size in evolutionary success is nuanced and complex.&nbsp;



From the efficient replication of small genomes to the adaptability enabled by larger ones, genome size continues to shape the ecological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-forests-proving-resilient-both-climate-change-human-actions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a> and global distribution of life on Earth.



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How does genome size impact evolutionary success?

Every living organism relies on a genetic blueprint encoded in its DNA, yet the amount of DNA - or genome size - varies dramatically across the tree of life.&nbsp; In animals alone, genome sizes range from the minuscule genome of Intoshia variabili, a marine parasite - which is about 200 times smaller than the human genome - to the massive genome of the marbled lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) - which is over 40 times larger than ours.&nbsp; Plants exhibit a similar range, with the fork fern (Tmesipteris oblanceolata)...

Tropical,Jungle,With,Small,Waterfall

Tropical forests – our verdant guardiansl against climate change, our shelters of unmatched biodiversity – are paying a higher price for human activity than we previously understood.



Eberhard Fritz from Max Planck Society and his team of global scientists have connected the dots between human activity and the ongoing degradation of these vital spaces, and their findings suggest we must rethink our understanding of the situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-footprint-on-tropical-forests">Human footprint on tropical forests</h2>



Fritz and his team embarked on a challenging quest, leveraging multiple remote sensing data streams and cutting-edge data analysis tools to survey the landscape of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical moist forests</a> and assess the long-term impacts of our activities.



The result is a perspective rarely seen before – the unfiltered reality of human-driven forest degradation, its long-lasting effects, and the urgency of the situation.



Their study reveals surprisingly high levels of degradation and fragmentation directly caused by human activities. 



But the team didn't stop at the boundaries of the forest; they dug deeper, exploring the intricacies of forest ecosystem dynamics and the consequences of our actions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ramifications-of-degradation">Ramifications of degradation</h2>



Fritz and his team used Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (<a href="https://gedi.umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEDI</a>) technology from the International Space Station (ISS) to observe forest cover changes from 1990–2022. Their findings were illuminating.



They found that human activities like road and agricultural expansion or selective logging often reduce the height and biomass of the forest canopy by 20–30%. 



These "edge effects" can also extend deep into the forest, leading to smaller canopy heights and reduced biomass even 1,500 meters inside what seems to be intact forest.



The impact is not only limited to the physical structure of the forest but also affects the biodiversity within these areas. 



Species that depend on tall canopies and dense biomass for survival may find their habitats increasingly fragmented and inhospitable, creating further ecological imbalances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-forest-climate">Human activities and forest climate</h2>



Furthermore, the disruption caused by these activities can significantly alter microclimates, leading to potential changes in temperature and humidity levels within the forest. 



These shifts may have cascading effects on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-tree-species-are-moving-to-colder-and-wetter-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse flora and fauna</a> that thrive there.



Understanding these impacts is crucial, as it highlights the intricate balance of ecosystems and the profound influence human activities can have on our natural world. 



Unsurprisingly, these activities result in significant carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. Yet, our policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gases often overlook forest degradation, focusing instead on the more obvious signs of deforestation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-of-humans-on-tropical-forests">Domino effect of humans on tropical forests</h2>



"Cumulative human disturbances, e.g. due to unsustainable logging, fire, and edge effects are particularly important," says Gregory Duveiller, co-author and project group leader at the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a> for Biogeochemistry in Jena, Germany.



Such disturbances increase the likelihood of complete deforestation once 50% of the canopy height is lost. This significant reduction in canopy height disrupts the ecosystem, leading to a cascade of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative effects</a> on biodiversity and soil health.



Moreover, degraded forests are more vulnerable to additional disturbances. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> extremes, including severe droughts and intense storms, threaten their potential resilience and long-term future. 



The compounded effects of these disturbances can lead to a vicious cycle of degradation. This makes recovery increasingly difficult.



"Taken together, the study shows that the degradation impacts on canopy structure are greater than previously reported," adds Duveiller.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-call-for-forest-protection">Urgent call for forest protection</h2>



In response to these alarming findings, Fritz and his team have called for a surge in efforts to prevent further degradation and protect our already degraded forests.



Their study serves as a clarifying lens, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to meet the conservation pledges made at the recent <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-solutions/biodiversity-and-nature-based-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Climate Change and Biodiversity</a> conferences.



Can we rise to this challenge? Can we redefine our relationship with tropical forests and implement measures that will ensure their survival? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the clock is ticking. 



So let's roll up our sleeves, put our heads together, and work to protect these crucial ecosystems for the sake of our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07629-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Human destruction of tropical forests is much worse than believed

Tropical forests – our verdant guardiansl against climate change, our...

Picture Japan in the year 1181, just as the Genpei War (1180-85) was taking root. As political power was being redefined, an unexpected guest star, SN 1181, appeared in the sky. 



How do we know? The Azuma Kagami, an ancient diary, recounted not just the details of daily human lives and key events but also these celestial sightings, including the supernova.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guest-star-sn-1181">Guest star (SN) 1181</h2>



Fast forward to the present day, and that once temporary guest star, now known as supernova (SN) 1181, is back in the spotlight. 



But not because it shone brightly in the sky, but rather because Takatoshi Ko, a doctoral student from the Department of Astronomy at the <a href="https://www.ioa.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, and his team of researchers have pieced together a mystery that has lasted for centuries.



"There are many accounts of this temporary guest star in historical records from Japan, China and Korea. At its peak, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star's brightness</a> was comparable to Saturn's," explained Ko.



"It remained visible to the naked eye for about 180 days, until it gradually dimmed out of sight. The remnant of the SN 1181 explosion is now very old, so it is dark and difficult to find."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-dwarf-stars-created-sn-1181">Two dwarf stars created SN 1181</h2>



SN 1181 may have faded from view around 840 years ago, but it's leaving a big impression today. It's the result of a rare and dramatic event - two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf stars</a> collided, leading to a supernova.



The remnant of this supernova was then left behind as a single, bright, and fast-rotating white dwarf, a cosmic wonder that has piqued the interest of modern astrophysicists.



The SN 1181 remnant presented a perplexing puzzle. Its remnant has two shock regions, but how did they form? 



Enter the power of computer modeling and observational analysis. With this tech, the University of Tokyo research team was able to recreate the remnant's structure and solve this cosmic conundrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-stars-and-supernova">Tale of stars and supernova</h2>



Traditional wisdom led them to believe that when two white dwarfs crash into each other, they should explode and vanish. 



But this collision left a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-blaze-star-explosion-visible-one-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf spinning</a> in space. Was there a stellar wind involved, and if so, when did it start? Their adventurous exploration of space led them to fascinating findings.



According to their calculations, the wind might have started blowing within the last 20-30 years.



"If the wind had started blowing immediately after SNR 1181's formation, we couldn't reproduce the observed size of the inner shock region," said Ko.



"However, by treating the wind's onset time as variable, we succeeded in explaining all of the observed features of SNR 1181 accurately and unraveling the mysterious properties of this high-speed wind. 



The astronomers were also able to simultaneously track the time evolution of each shock region, using numerical calculations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-meets-astronomy">History meets astronomy</h2>



The tale of the SN 1181 is more than just a scientific discovery. It represents a fascinating blend of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-travels-back-in-time-to-better-understand-supernovae-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">historical records</a> and modern astronomical techniques. But how does this work?



To begin with, the Azuma Kagami provided invaluable observational data. By analyzing these historical records, astronomers were able to gather crucial information about the appearance and timing of the supernova SN 1181.



In modern times, researchers used this historical data in conjunction with advanced astronomical tools and methods. They could cross-reference the ancient observations with current astronomical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data</a>. 



As a result, studies successfully pinpointed the exact location of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pillars-of-creation-new-3d-video-nasa-created-as-never-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova remnant</a> within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cassiopeia-a-resembles-a-shiny-christmas-ornament-in-this-webb-telescope-photo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation Cassiopeia</a>.



This fusion of history and modern science showcases the importance of preserving and studying historical texts. Through such collaborative efforts, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the universe and its history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-to-the-next-chapter">On to the next chapter</h2>



"The ability to determine the age of supernova remnants or the brightness at the time of their explosion through archaeological perspectives is a rare and invaluable asset to modern astronomy," said Ko. 



"Such interdisciplinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> is both exciting and highlights the immense potential for combining diverse fields to uncover new dimensions of astronomical phenomena."



This exploration not only furthers our understanding of white dwarf collisions but also sets the stage for unraveling other historical celestial events. 



The interdisciplinary nature of this research underscores the importance of preserving ancient records, which serve as invaluable assets in modern scientific inquiries.



But the tale of the guest star (now known as supernova) isn't over yet. 



The team is now gearing up for more observations using the <a href="https://public.nrao.edu/telescopes/vla/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Very Large Array radio telescope</a> and the 8.2 meter-class <a href="https://subarutelescope.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subaru Telescope</a>. They're ready to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe and hold the cosmos up to a mirror of the past.



Is there more to the tale of SN 1181? Time will tell.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad4d99" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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Bright star documented in the year 1181 was actually a supernova

Picture Japan in the year 1181, just as the Genpei...

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered if humans are the only intelligent life in this vast universe? The twinkling stars, distant galaxies, and the sheer expanse above us evoke a sense of mystery and awe.



It's a question that has intrigued humanity for centuries, driving scientists, philosophers, and dreamers to explore the cosmos and seek answers to one of our most profound questions. 



What lies beyond Earth in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>? Are there other forms of life out there, sharing the same curiosity and wonder?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-intelligent-life-need">What does intelligent life need?</h2>



New research brings us closer to understanding why we lack evidence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. 



Dr. Robert Stern, a geoscientist at the <a href="https://nsm.utdallas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Dallas</a>, and Dr. Taras Gerya from the <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html">Swiss Federal Institute of Technology</a> in Zurich, led the study.



“Life has been around on Earth for about 4 billion years, but complex organisms like animals didn’t appear until about 600 million years ago, which is not long after the modern episode of plate tectonics began,” said Stern. “Plate tectonics really jump-starts the evolution machine, and we think we understand why.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-drake-equation">Understanding the Drake Equation</h2>



In the 1960s, Dr. Frank Drake, a pioneer in the search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aliens-dont-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial intelligence</a>, developed an equation to estimate the number of intelligent civilizations in our galaxy capable of communication.



N = R*&nbsp;x&nbsp;fp&nbsp;x&nbsp;ne&nbsp;x&nbsp;fl&nbsp;x&nbsp;fi&nbsp;x&nbsp;fc&nbsp;x&nbsp;L



N:&nbsp;The number of civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy whose electromagnetic emissions (radio waves, etc.) are detectable.



R*:&nbsp;The number of stars formed annually.



fp: The fraction of those stars with planetary systems.



ne: The number of planets per solar system with an environment suitable for life.



fl: The fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears.



fi: The fraction of life-bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges.



fc: The fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that produces detectable signs of their existence.



L: The average length of time (years) such civilizations produce such signs.



The above equation is known as the Drake Equation. Now famous in both scholastic and scientific circles, it considers variables like the rate of star formation and the fraction of stars with life-supporting planets.



Despite its optimistic predictions, we still have no contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. This mystery is called the Fermi Paradox. Named after nuclear physicist Dr. Enrico Fermi, it asks, "Where is everyone?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prerequisites-for-intelligent-life">Prerequisites for intelligent life</h2>



Dr. Stern and Dr. Gerya suggest that the Drake Equation may have overlooked the vital role that large oceans and continents play in fostering intelligent life.



According to their research, active, communicative civilizations (ACCs) not only need a stable environment but also long-term geological processes that shape and sustain their planet's surface.



Specifically, they argue that plate tectonics, the slow but powerful movement of a planet's outer shell, is crucial for the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-life-could-reside-in-dyson-spheres-across-1000-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex life forms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deconstructing-plate-tectonics">Deconstructing plate tectonics</h2>



Plates aren’t just for dinner. In the realm of geosciences, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-lost-mega-plate-pontus-resurfaces-after-160-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plate tectonics</a> refers to the Earth's crust and upper mantle, which are fragmented into pieces that move ever-so-slowly over geological time scales.



Imagine continents as colossal rafts, floating and colliding, causing mountains to rise and oceans to form.



“It is much more common for planets to have an outer solid shell that is not fragmented, which is known as single-lid tectonics,” Stern said.



“But plate tectonics is much more effective than single-lid tectonics for driving the emergence of advanced life-forms.”



Without such dynamic processes, life may struggle to evolve beyond simple, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-thats-8-billion-years-old-may-exist-on-nearby-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial forms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refurbishing-the-drake-equation">Refurbishing the Drake Equation</h2>



In their study, Stern and Gerya suggest refining a Drake equation factor, fi. This factor represents the fraction of life-bearing planets where intelligent life emerges.



They argue it should consider the necessity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-hints-at-the-possibility-of-life-on-an-ancient-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large oceans</a>, continents, and plate tectonics for over 500 million years on those planets.



“In the original formulation, this factor was thought to be nearly 1, or 100% - that is, evolution on all planets with life would march forward and, with enough time, turn into an intelligent civilization,” Stern said. “Our perspective is: That’s not true.”



To put it simply, not every planet with life will necessarily develop an intelligent civilization. They suggest that the factor should consider the presence of significant continents, oceans, and long-lived plate tectonics.



This adjustment could drastically alter our estimates of the number of planets where advanced civilizations might arise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intelligent-life-and-galactic-conditions">Intelligent life and galactic conditions</h2>



Their revised formula starkly shrinks the potential fraction of exoplanets with optimal conditions for advanced life.



According to Stern, the fraction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets with enough water</a> and prolonged plate tectonics is likely much tinier than previously thought.



How tiny? Well, they estimate the values range from as low as 0.0002 to 0.01 for the volume of water and less than 0.17 for the duration of lasting plate tectonics.



“When we multiply these factors together, we get a refined estimate of fi&nbsp;that is very small, between 0.003% and 0.2%, instead of 100%,” Stern said.



“This explains the extreme rareness of favorable planetary conditions for the development of intelligent life in our galaxy and resolves the Fermi paradox.”



These numbers imply that the conditions necessary for the emergence of intelligent life are exceedingly rare.



Our role in the cosmos might just be a stroke of extraordinary luck. Stern's research suggests that the perfect alignment of geographical and geological factors required to birth intelligent life forms like us is more of a rare cosmic jackpot than a universal rule.



This understanding could potentially solve the Fermi Paradox by explaining why we haven't encountered other advanced civilizations despite the vast number of stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pluto-may-not-be-real-planet-but-has-real-big-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets in the universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-the-galaxy-for-intelligent-life">Searching the galaxy for intelligent life</h2>



NASA has confirmed well <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over 5,000 exoplanets</a> in the Milky Way alone, but currently, we aren't equipped to detect plate tectonics on these alien worlds.



Despite this limitation, scientists, including UT Dallas planet hunter Dr. Kaloyan Penev, continue their relentless pursuit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable planets</a>.



The findings of Stern and Gerya might just shine a new light on their search, offering new parameters and considerations for identifying planets that could host advanced life.



“Biogeochemistry posits that the solid Earth, particularly plate tectonics, speeds up the evolution of species,” Stern said. 



“Studies like ours are useful because they stimulate thinking broadly about larger mysteries and provide an example of how we can apply our knowledge of Earth systems to interesting questions about our universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-our-cosmic-comprehension">Expanding our cosmic comprehension</h2>



This research reminds us how much we still have to learn about the universe. It encourages us to think beyond Earth and consider how our planet's geological systems can offer insights into cosmic mysteries. 



Earth's history, with its tectonic movements, volcanic eruptions, and changing atmosphere, reflects processes that might happen on faraway worlds. 



By studying our planet, we learn about the potential for life and the workings of other planets.



The next time you look at the stars, remember that each one might have its own world, full of stories to tell. 



Picture the possibilities: planets with unique landscapes, climates, and maybe even life forms different from ours. The universe is vast and full of wonders. 



Our journey to understand it has just begun. As we learn more, we find more questions and discover that the cosmos is more complex and beautiful than we ever imagined.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54700-x">Scientifi</a><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54700-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">c</a><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54700-x"> Reports</a>.



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New theory claims humans are 'probably' the only intelligent life in our galaxy

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and...

The saying "you are what you eat" is more relevant than ever. New research reveals the health benefits of reducing processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/12-of-americans-are-responsible-for-over-half-of-all-u-s-beef-consumption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat consumption</a>. 



In the United States alone, a reduction in the consumption of processed meat could potentially prevent hundreds of thousands of cases of chronic disease within a decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-meat-and-health">Processed meat and health</h2>



In a recent study, experts designed an innovative simulation tool that projects the health impacts of lowering processed meat and red meat consumption.



The research team, hailing from the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/global-agriculture-food-systems" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh's Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems</a> and the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill</a>, used the tool to predict multiple health outcomes.



The team's microsimulation, the first of its kind, utilized data from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national health survey. 



The simulation estimated the health effects of a range of meat consumption reduction -from five to 100 percent - on the U.S. adult population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



“Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most common causes of death in the USA, including during the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“High processed meat consumption is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.”&nbsp;



The researchers noted that in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified consumption of processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans,” the same classification as tobacco and asbestos.&nbsp;



“The association of processed meat consumption with these chronic diseases is thought to be due to high haem iron, sodium, nitrites, nitrates, and saturated fat.”



“Compounds generated from high-temperature cooking - namely advanced glycation-end products, heterocyclic aromatic amines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - have also been implicated in chronic disease outcomes.”



Despite these findings, intake of processed meat in the United States has not been reduced over the past 20 years, said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-benefits">Potential benefits</h2>



The findings of the study are nothing short of impressive. The experts found that a 30 percent reduction in processed meat intake would have significant health benefits over a decade. 



This level of change would prevent more than 350,000 cases of diabetes. Additionally, it would result in 92,500 fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-meat-consumption-linked-with-poorer-heart-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> cases. There would also be 53,300 fewer colorectal cancer cases.



The microsimulation suggests that the health benefits of this scenario are very significant. White males would experience the most considerable benefits. Individuals with an annual household income of $25,000 to $55,000 would also see substantial health improvements.



Furthermore, the researchers considered the impact of cutting unprocessed red meat consumption alone, as well as reducing both processed and unprocessed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red meat intake</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-processed-meat-reduction">Impact of processed meat reduction</h2>



The study shows that empowering the public to reduce red meat consumption by 30 percent could have significant health benefits. 



A reduction in both processed and unprocessed red meat could result in 1,073,400 fewer diabetes cases. There would also be 382,400 fewer cardiovascular disease cases. Additionally, it could lead to 84,400 fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seven-major-risk-factors-predict-colorectal-cancer-in-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colorectal cancer</a> cases.



Moreover, reducing unprocessed red meat intake by 30 percent has a simple implication. It would mean eating around one less quarter-pound beef burger each week.



Interestingly, more disease cases were prevented by reducing unprocessed red meat compared to processed meat. This observation is attributed to the higher daily consumption of unprocessed red meat at 47g a day, compared to the 29g a day of processed meat.



The researchers caution that less is known about the effect of eating unprocessed red meat on chronic disease risk. They recommend interpreting these estimates with care and advocate for more research on the subject.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-climate-and-meat-consumption">Health, climate, and meat consumption</h2>



This research goes beyond the realm of public health, according to Professor Lindsay Jaacks, Personal Chair of Global Health and Nutrition at the University of Edinburgh.



"Cutting consumption of meat has been recommended by national and international organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the Climate Change Committee here in the UK and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC," said Professor Jaacks.



"Our research finds that these changes in diets could also have significant health benefits in the U.S., and so this is a clear win-win for people and planet."



This study presents a compelling case for individuals to consider less meat in their diets. The potential rewards are two-fold, promising a healthier population and a healthier planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-healthier-dietary-choices">Encouraging healthier dietary choices</h2>



Beyond individual efforts, public policy can play a crucial role in guiding healthier dietary choices. Implementing educational campaigns about the benefits of reducing meat consumption, along with incentives for choosing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-lower-the-risk-of-major-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> alternatives, could amplify the positive health outcomes detailed in the study.



Governments should consider adopting policies like meat taxes and subsidies for healthier food options. These measures can make it easier for people to make beneficial dietary changes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(24)00118-9/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Diseases linked to processed meat could easily be prevented

The saying "you are what you eat" is more relevant...

Ever been caught in a web of confusion when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-usually-end-up-with-partners-who-look-as-attractive-as-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deciding on a date</a> for Friday night? You're not alone! A recently surfaced sociological study suggests that the majority of young adults feel perplexed about their dating decisions due to social media influence.



Over half of our youth are scratching their heads when it comes to choosing a life-partner. Surprisingly, women seem to be more baffled than men.



The primary suspect causing all this hullabaloo? It's the omnipresent social media and the myriad of digital dating platforms. With a plethora of potential suitors at your fingertips, courtesy of popular dating apps, the line between reality and illusion in the dating world has never been blurrier.



The study was led by Chayan Munshi, founder and executive director of the Ethophilia Research Foundation in Santiniketan, India.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-and-dating-choices">Social media and dating choices</h2>



"Human mate selection is a complicated psychological process, which is effectively influenced by multiple societal factors including appearance, personality and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-is-more-important-than-finances-when-it-comes-to-dating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">financial situation</a>," said Munshi.



"More recently, this has become significantly influenced by&nbsp;social media, where constant exposure to sexually stimulating or attractive content creates certain perceptions of reality in the young mindset, which ultimately creates confusion in terms of selecting potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/having-a-sense-of-purpose-makes-you-more-likely-to-find-love/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mating partners</a>."



Taking the digital bull by the horns, the Ethophilia Research Foundation is now researching how our increasingly digitized society is sculpting human behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-romantic-partner-selection">Romantic partner selection</h2>



The initial findings emerging from this ongoing project are based on a survey of young adults in India, most of whom are between 18 and 30 years old. 



The questionnaire delved into the nitty-gritty of romantic partner selection, asking questions like, "Do you feel confused when selecting a life-partner?" and "Do you like to switch to a 'better option' when selecting a life-partner?"



The preliminary results bring to light a potentially significant trend. People's perception of potential mate availability, influenced by the omnipresence of social media and dating platforms such as Tinder, Bumble, and Match.com, seems to be skewing how they judge their life-partner options.



The shift in perception might lead individuals to hold unrealistic expectations about relationships. This change can result in people continuously searching for better options. Consequently, this behavior affects long-term relationship satisfaction and stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-and-dating-apps">Social media and dating apps</h2>



Constant exposure to endless choices might influence how people make decisions. This exposure could impact their decision-making processes. As a result, the dynamics of modern romantic relationships might undergo significant changes.&nbsp;



This altered decision-making can lead to difficulties in maintaining stable, satisfying long-term relationships. For example, when someone is constantly exposed to a variety of potential partners through dating apps, they may struggle to commit to one person, always thinking there might be someone better out there.



Therefore, the abundance of choices and heightened expectations might negatively affect modern romantic relationships by causing individuals to be less satisfied with their current partners and more prone to looking for alternatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-price-of-impulsiveness">Price of impulsiveness</h2>



Interestingly, young people are increasingly showing impulsive behavior, with a drop in face-to-face social interactions.



"Our hypothesis strongly indicates that the 'pleasure index' or 'adrenaline rush' of relationships is taking more prime importance in the younger generation over long-term stability," noted Munshi.&nbsp;



"It is alarming that impulsiveness or confusion can lead to instability in the human relation-maintaining behavior, which is actually affecting the normal social behavior in humans."



"The pattern now is notable enough to indicate that this might modify the social norms of partner choice behavior in young humans, which might have significant effect on the brain-behavior circuit."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-love">The future of love</h2>



As these new social norms evolve, we may observe changes in relationship dynamics, communication styles, and emotional connections among the younger generation. 



Understanding these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trends</a> is crucial for comprehending the broader implications on societal and individual levels.



"In the long-run, this may eventually alter the fundamental protocol of evolutionary mating strategies," said Munshi.



So, the next time your fingers itch to swipe right on that dating app, remember that a moment's decision could have more far-reaching implications than you ever imagined.



The research was presented at the annual meeting of the <a href="https://www.sebiology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for Experimental Biology</a>.



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Dating apps make it difficult to find true love

Ever been caught in a web of confusion when deciding...

Ever wondered where your favorite chocolate comes from? A consortium of scientists from around the globe have discovered three new species closely linked to the cherished chocolate plant, Theobroma cacao.



This research not only broadens our understanding of plant biodiversity but could also swing open the door to climate-resistant cocoa - a vital ingredient for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthier-chocolate-created-by-using-the-entire-cocoa-fruit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a> lovers.



This operation has been spearheaded by Dr. James Richardson from the <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Cork</a> School of Biological, Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences and the Environmental Research Institute, along with other notable experts from the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> and the <a href="https://www.nybg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Botanical Garden</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cacao-plant-species">Cacao plant species</h2>



The newly unveiled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cacao-trees-5000-year-odyssey-global-domestication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> - T. globosum, T. nervosum, and T. schultesii - are residents of the lush South American rainforests. They belong to the section Herrania, closely related to the Theobroma cacao, the cocoa-bearing tree revered for its economic impact.



"These new species were discovered as a result of studying specimens in herbaria and demonstrate the importance of maintaining these natural history collections as many more species remain to be discovered within them,” said Dr. Richardson.



"That there were recently unknown species closely related to Theobroma cacao, which is of huge importance for the production of chocolate and other products, shows how much more work there is to be done to catalog the vast amount of unknown biodiversity across our planet."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-silver-lining-for-the-chocolate-lining">A silver lining for the chocolate lining</h2>



With climate change looming like a dark cloud over global industries, the cocoa sector is no exception. However, each silver cloud has a chocolate lining. 



This scientific breakthrough could lead to the development of more climate-resilient cocoa trees, promising a more sustainable future for our beloved chocolate production.



"Cacao prices have trebled in recent months due to low production as a result of a prolonged period of drought in West Africa, which is the area of greatest production," noted Dr. Richardson.



"The discovery of new species, in addition to those already known, expands the genetic resources available to us that might allow us to produce drought-tolerant or disease-resistant cocoa trees."



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



The discovery of these new species opens numerous avenues for future research. Scientists are now keen to sequence the genomes of T. globosum, T. nervosum, and T. schultesii to uncover genetic markers for traits such as drought resistance and disease tolerance.



The research team conducted meticulous examinations of leaves, flowers, and fruits and liaised with multiple botanical institutions on their quest to uncover these new species. 



Like detectives leafing through a case file, they scanned through samples, cross-reference data, and eventually hit the jackpot.



Such knowledge and techniques could be instrumental in breeding programs aimed at developing robust cocoa varieties. 



Collaborative projects are expected to spring up between institutions worldwide, driven by a collective goal: to secure the future of chocolate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-virus-threatens-global-chocolate-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production</a> in the face of climatic and environmental changes.



The journey of these new species from the hidden depths of herbaria to the forefront of scientific progress exemplifies the limitless potential of human curiosity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chocolate-with-less-sugar-still-tastes-great-with-a-secret-ingredient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">innovation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-on-theobroma-cacao-species">More on Theobroma Cacao species</h2>



Theobroma cacao, often hailed as the "food of the gods," is more than just a plant. It's a cornerstone of global agriculture and culture. 



Native to tropical regions of Central and South America, this evergreen tree produces cacao beans. These beans are the heart of the chocolate-making process. 



They undergo a fascinating journey of fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding to become the chocolate we love.



Botanically, Theobroma cacao is a marvel. Its flowers bloom directly on the trunk and branches, a rare phenomenon called cauliflory. This leads to pods filled with prized seeds. 



With a diverse range of flavors and pest resistances, cacao presents exciting opportunities and challenges. Researchers aim to unlock its full potential.



So, what's next for the team? There's plenty more to explore in this green-and-brown world of chocolate. Who knows, maybe next time you bite into a chocolate bar, you'll be tasting the sweet success of scientific discovery. After all, science is a lot like chocolate – the more you know, the more you enjoy it!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12225-024-10171-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kew Bulletin</a>.



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New discovery will help 'climate-proof' chocolate

Ever wondered where your favorite chocolate comes from? A consortium...

As we navigate life, our habits and lifestyle choices in early adulthood, including those that affect inflammation, may have more bearing on future health than once believed. 



In particular, decisions made during our 20s could play a significant role in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-keeps-the-brain-sharp-even-in-old-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental acuity</a> during middle age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-consequences-of-inflammation">The hidden consequences of inflammation</h2>



Obesity, physical inactivity, chronic illness, stress, and smoking in our youth do not just affect our physical health, they are also linked with inflammation. 



What's more, a recent study out of <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Francisco</a> has discovered a connection between higher levels of inflammation in young adulthood and reduced cognitive function in midlife.



Historically, scientific research has connected higher inflammation in older adults with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anti-inflammatory-foods-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>. However, this groundbreaking study is one of the earliest to draw a link between early-adult inflammation and middle-aged cognitive abilities.



"Late-life inflammation has been linked to dementia risk and preclinical cognitive decline, but less is known about early adult inflammation and whether this could influence cognition in midlife," wrote the researchers.



"We aimed to identify inflammation levels through early adulthood and determine association of these trajectories with midlife cognition."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-slow-march-of-cognitive-decline">The slow march of cognitive decline</h2>



"Brain changes leading to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias may take decades to develop," noted study first author Dr. Amber Bahorik of the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences



It is suggested that health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifespan-is-influenced-more-by-lifestyle-than-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyle habits</a> formed in early adulthood could potentially affect cognitive skills in midlife that may later influence the incidence of dementia in one's senior years.



The study revealed that only 10% of participants with low inflammation performed poorly on tests measuring processing speed and memory. Comparatively, about 20% of participants with moderate or higher levels of inflammation scored poorly on the same tests.



Even when the researchers factored in variables such as age, physical activity, and total cholesterol, the disparities in processing speed remained. They also discovered differences in executive functioning, which includes capabilities like working memory, problem-solving, and impulse control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-study-a-long-term-view">The study: A long-term view</h2>



The study followed 2,364 adults in the CARDIA study, which focuses on identifying factors in young adulthood that could lead to cardiovascular disease later in life. 



Participants were aged between 18 to 30 years old at the start of the study and tested four times over an 18-year period for the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP). 



Their cognitive tests were taken five years after their last CRP measurement when most participants were in their forties and fifties.



The experts concluded that inflammation plays a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-multivitamins-slow-cognitive-aging-and-improve-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive aging</a> and may begin in early adulthood.



It was also discovered that higher levels of inflammation were correlated with physical inactivity, high BMI, and current smoking habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-inflammation-for-a-healthier-future">Reducing inflammation for a healthier future</h2>



The silver lining in this study is the potential for prevention. By reducing inflammation through healthier lifestyle choices like increased physical activity and eliminating smoking, individuals may be able to protect their cognitive abilities later in life.



"Fortunately, there are ways to reduce inflammation that might be promising paths for prevention," said study senior author Dr. Kristine Yaffe, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, neurology, and epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF.



So even facing these findings, there's hope for us all to age with grace and mental clarity by making mindful decisions in our youth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-stimulation-and-social-engagement">Mental stimulation and social engagement</h2>



Mental stimulation and social interaction are other significant factors that contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a> as we age.



Engaging in intellectually challenging activities such as learning a new language, solving puzzles, or playing musical instruments can enhance cognitive reserve - the brain's ability to improvise and find alternative ways of completing tasks.



Social engagement acts as a protective barrier against cognitive decline by reducing stress, fostering emotional support, and promoting neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself.



Studies have found that individuals who maintain strong social ties and participate in community activities tend to exhibit better cognitive performance in midlife. 



Therefore, nurturing a socially active and mentally stimulating lifestyle in young adulthood could be a decisive factor in sustaining cognitive health in later years.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209526" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>.



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Lifestyle choices in young adulthood impact cognitive ability in midlife

As we navigate life, our habits and lifestyle choices in...

Ever noticed how birds fly south for the winter, or how your favorite sushi fish is harder to find during certain months? Shifting habitats and migration patterns of species is a common natural occurrence, but what if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2024-the-tide-may-finally-be-turning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these changes</a> are becoming more drastic and more unpredictable because of climate change? That's what a team of researchers at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> is investigating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-species-and-their-habitats">Climate, species, and their habitats</h2>



Leading the charge in this compelling research is Jake Lawlor, a Ph.D. student at McGill University. His recent study delves deep into the effects of climate change on species’ movements. Lawlor's focus is on the range shifts of species - how far and which direction they move in response to a changing environment.



Broadly speaking, there's a general anticipation that with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-deja-vu-oceans-may-slow-down-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming climate</a>, species might pack their bags and move towards cooler environments.&nbsp;



However, the results from Lawlor’s study, which tracked the movements of around 26,000 species through a global database called BioShifts, offers a fascinating perspective that challenges this assumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-not-just-about-temperature">Climate change: Not just about temperature</h2>



The McGill study revealed that 59% of species did indeed move towards cooler environments, consistent with the basic assumption about global warming. 



But that's not the entire story. What about the remaining 41%? These species exhibited movements that either didn't occur at all or were in directions inconsistent with expectations based on warming temperatures.



So, this begs the question – is temperature the only major player in the game of climate change? If not, what else could be influencing species to change their habitats? 



Lawlor and his team stepped up to this investigative challenge, trying to decipher the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underlying causes</a> behind these unexpected movements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-of-species-habitats">Shifting of species' habitats</h2>



The team dug deeper into species-specific and climate-specific factors to better understand this puzzle. Could the specific life cycle of a species affect its reaction to warming? Would the features of the landscape influence the routes they take? Such questions form the basis of Lawlor's research.



"Understanding these temperature-inconsistent shifts will be especially important in helping researchers create models that predict when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> is likely to lead to range shifts, as well as when it won't," noted Lawlor.



"For example, the type of life cycle of a particular species, or their sensitivity to warming, or the features of the landscape might help us to predict how likely the species in those habitats are to shift, and even the routes they might take."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cautionary-tale">A cautionary tale</h2>



While the study provides valuable insights into the shifting habitats of various species due to climate change, the researchers caution that significant data gaps remain. 



Most existing data on range shifts are concentrated in Europe and North America, leaving large portions of the globe underrepresented. Additionally, the data greatly overlook marine species, which are just as affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>. 



The researchers also point out that data collection has been uneven across different plant and animal groups, making it challenging to draw comprehensive conclusions.



This uneven distribution and lack of marine data highlight the need for more extensive, globally inclusive research to better understand the full impact of climate change on biodiversity.



"In other words, trends like averaged rates and directions of range shifts that we calculate based on observations of birds and insects might not tell us what to expect for shifts of kelp, or crops, or fish. Nor, as the climate changes, would they be sufficient to inform many conservation-management plans," noted study senior author Jennifer Sunday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-eyes-on-the-field">More eyes on the field</h2>



With the acknowledgment of these data disparities, the McGill team stresses the need for enhanced monitoring of species shifts. This can help improve our understanding of the factors at play, leading to better strategies to preserve biodiversity in the face of climate change.



Lawlor's study is a stark reminder that climate change isn't a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. It affects different regions and communities in distinct ways, presenting unique challenges that require tailored solutions. Addressing these issues demands our collective attention and action to ensure a sustainable future for all.



So, the next time you spot a new bird species in your backyard or notice a different kind of fish in your local market, remember – climate change doesn’t just affect humans; it's reshaping the entire natural world.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00527-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Earth and Environment</a>.



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Most species are shifting their habitats due to climate change

Ever noticed how birds fly south for the winter, or...

Imagine a world where gold is not just found on the surface, but also deep below the ocean floor. This idea may sound straight out of a fantasy novel, but recent research hints at this fascinating possibility. 



Scientists have discovered a vital role that seawater plays in the formation of gold, one of our planet's most precious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golds-glow-luminescence-caused-quantum-realm-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">materials</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-ocean-soil-gold-link">Exploring the ocean-soil-gold link</h2>



A team of scientists journeyed to the isolated Brucejack gold deposit in northwestern British Columbia, where they set out to gather and study ancient ore-bearing rocks. 



The deposit, now on land as a result of plate tectonic processes, originally formed in a submarine oceanic island arc about 183 million years ago. The rigorous analysis revealed that these valuable geological relics bore the mark of the mighty seas.



The team discovered that seawater had seeped into the Earth’s crust, mingling with ore fluids and eventually leading to the formation of gold.



Study co-author Anthony Williams-Jones is a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/eps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a>.



"These rocks, dating back to the Early Jurassic period, are hosted in volcanic and sedimentary formations," said Professor Williams-Jones.



"Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we decoded their unique chemical signatures. The finding of seawater-triggered gold deposition is novel and surprising."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-gold-in-curdled-milk">Finding gold in curdled milk</h2>



This discovery is not a standalone revelation. It builds upon earlier research that drew an unexpected parallel between gold formation and the everyday process of milk curdling. 



The researchers found that gold nanoparticles clump together, similar to proteins in milk, forming gold deposits.



The cause of this golden congregation, it turns out, can be traced to sodium ions present in seawater. The ions provoke the gold nanoparticles to merge, akin to the action of acid in souring milk.



"In our new study, we discovered that sodium ions in seawater cause gold nanoparticles to clump together, acting like the acid in souring milk and eventually forming gold veins," noted lead author Duncan McLeish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-golden-opportunities-below-the-sea-surface">Golden opportunities below the sea surface</h2>



This revolutionary research was carried out in collaboration with experts from the University of Alberta. The study offers new insights into how gold forms and opens up exhilarating prospects for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illegal-gold-mining-dumps-mercury-in-the-peruvian-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold mining</a>.



The work suggests that veins of gold could develop in the seabed, indicating that submarine island arcs and deep ocean trenches ideal for gold formation might be home to unexplored gold resources.



Gold holds immense value - not just for its age-old status as a precious metal - but also for its role in modern applications such as green-energy technologies, electronic devices, and medical equipment.



Land-based mines often offer low-grade ore that demands intensive processing, posing significant environmental costs. Discovering high-grade deposits in the ocean's depths could help mitigate the environmental effects of gold mining.



"Our findings suggest it may be easier to form the rare but spectacular concentrations of gold found in high-grade gold veins in sub-seafloor settings," said Professor Williams-Jones.



"With recent interest in mining submarine mineral deposits, our research suggests that Earth's oceanic crust may indeed contain resources, many of which are required for the green-energy transition, at a level never before appreciated."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-deep-sea-mining">Challenges of deep-sea mining</h2>



While the potential for discovering high-grade gold deposits under the sea is thrilling, it also comes with significant challenges and ethical considerations. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Deep%20sea%20mining%20&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep-sea mining</a> poses risks to marine ecosystems, which are often less understood than terrestrial ones. The disruption of the sea floor could affect the habitats of various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-has-deadly-consequences-for-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a>, many of which are yet to be studied.



Additionally, the logistics of extracting minerals from such remote and harsh environments present technical and financial hurdles.



Environmentalists urge caution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive impact assessments and stringent regulations to protect marine biodiversity. 



As we advance toward potential underwater mining, balancing technological progress with environmental stewardship will be crucial. 



The dialogue between scientists, environmentalists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders will shape the future of this burgeoning field, ensuring that the treasures of the deep are managed responsibly for generations to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2402116121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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The secret role of seawater in gold formation

Imagine a world where gold is not just found on...

Plastic pollution is a burgeoning global crisis that leaves no corner of our planet untouched. From the deepest corners of our oceans to the otherwise pristine Norwegian coastlines, traces of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a> are an unfortunate sight.



This waste not only marks the invasion of an unnerving pollutant but reflects a far-reaching systemic problem that demands global attention.



For many years, scientists worldwide have been sounding the alarm on the consequences of unrestrained plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention. Despite this, we've continued to witness a surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global plastic</a> production and consumption.



Norway, known for its rigorous environmental advocacy, has been pushing for a global agreement to halt the relentless flow of plastics into the environment.



However, it's essential to note that even Norway has a role to play in generating plastic pollution. 



Based on a high-resolution study conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)</a> along with the <a href="https://nilu.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian Air Research Institute (NILU)</a>, we now have a comprehensive mapping of the intricate plastic cycle within Norway, right down to individual product and polymer types.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-norway-s-plastic-footprint">Unraveling Norway's plastic footprint</h2>



Despite its green reputation, Norway discharges approximately 15,000 tons of plastic into the environment annually. 



The new study reveals that a staggering 758 kilotons (kt) of plastics find their way into the Norwegian market every year, with 632 kt ending up as waste.



While nearly half of this waste is incinerated, a seemingly minor 2.4% ends up in the environment. Yet, this "minor" percentage equates to a significant 15 kt, which translates to an average of 2.8 kg per capita.



To put this into perspective, Norwegians consume 21% more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-win-the-battle-of-planet-vs-plastic-drastic-changes-are-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> compared to Europeans and generate twice the amount of plastic pollution as their Swiss counterparts.



This level of plastic consumption corresponds to a concerning 1.5 billion plastic bottles reaching the environment annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumer-packaging-and-tire-wear-rubber">Consumer packaging and tire wear rubber</h2>



The researchers identified consumer packaging, including bottles and bags, as the most significant source of macroplastics. Moreover, tire wear, particularly from electric and hybrid vehicles, emerged as a leading contributor to microplastic pollution.



Despite efforts to limit the release of these products, high consumption rates prevail. We simply use more than we can collect. As such, it's essential to reduce plastic consumption to curb the pollution at its source.



Tire wear, on the other hand, poses a unique challenge due to the nature of these emissions.



Approximately 6 kt of tire wear rubber is released annually, calling for a rethinking of our mobility and transport choices. Public transport and designing lighter vehicles suggest possible solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-impact-of-marine-plastic-pollution">Devastating impact of marine plastic pollution</h2>



Given the high population concentration along fjords and long coastlines, land-based plastics in Norway easily find their way into the ocean.



While most of the plastic waste released to the environment ends up in the soil, nearly one-third infiltrates the marine environment, causing irreversible impacts on ecosystems.



Marine animals, for instance, often ingest or become entangled in plastic fragments. Moreover, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic debris</a> interferes with the marine carbon cycle, further exacerbating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxicity-of-plastic-pollution">Toxicity of plastic pollution</h2>



Adding to the growing list of concerns, plastic products often contain a myriad of toxic additives introduced during production, such as phthalate esters and organophosphate esters. 



Through field studies, high amounts of these toxic additives have been found in the livers of Norwegian herring gulls after ingesting plastics. Furthermore, these high additive amounts make their way into recycling processes.



This means recycled plastics can contain elevated levels of additives, posing an additional risk to human health and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward-urgent-action-needed">The path forward: Urgent action needed</h2>



The research underscores the urgent need to curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>, consumption, and the use of hazardous chemical additives.



Achieving this will require the implementation of stringent policies to mitigate the catastrophic environmental consequences of the plastic economy.



"We emphasize that upstream measures, such as consumption reduction and changes in product design, would result in the most positive impact for limiting plastic pollution," wrote the study authors. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c09176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Norway's battle against plastic pollution represents a global plague

Plastic pollution is a burgeoning global crisis that leaves no...

Life under the sea is filled with simple pleasures, free from the hustle and bustle of human life. Amidst the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, who would've thought that there would be an upside to the lockdowns for humpback <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/humpback-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>? 



A team from the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a>, led by the inquisitive Dr. Jake Linsky, stumbled upon a fascinating discovery: the calming effect on migrating humpback whales off Australia's east coast.



Dr. Linsky, part of UQ's School of Environment, has been studying the health of this species out of <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/moreton-bay-research-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moreton Bay Research Station</a>. When not cooped up in a lab, he's out taking drone photographs and collecting blubber samples to gauge the health of these freewheeling cetaceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-checking-up-on-whales">"Checking up" on whales </h2>



With their remarkable recovery from historical whaling, the health of these Australian humpback whales has been a topic of great interest. The team has been keen on using cutting-edge tools to check on their well-being.



"We used drone photographs and blubber samples to assess the health of eastern Australian humpback whales in the waters off Minjerribah - North Stradbroke Island - during their migration in 2020 and 2021," Dr. Linsky said.



"This&nbsp;population&nbsp;has made one of the most successful recoveries from historical whaling, so we wanted to use the latest tools at our disposal to provide a check-up on their health."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-humpback-whales-stress-levels">Decoding humpback whales stress levels</h2>



"We also used small boats to approach whales and collect small samples of skin and blubber from the whales' flanks," Dr. Linsky added.



Once collected, these blubber samples were examined for hormones and gene expressions related to stress, energy reserves, and immune health. A striking revelation was the significantly lower cortisol concentrations- a stress hormone - in 2021 when compared to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduction-in-environmental-stressors">Reduction in environmental stressors</h2>



This decrease in cortisol levels indicates a reduction in environmental stressors over the year. How did this happen? 



Dr. Linsky attributes the change to several factors, including a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shift in climate</a> and the drastic alteration of human activity during the pandemic.



"Several things happened during this period that likely contributed to our findings, including a shift in climate into La Niña and dramatic changes to human activity during the pandemic."



"Our gene expression results also raise a further hypothesis that the whales may have been responding to a decline in pollutants in their remote feeding waters."



"Previous studies have found similar changes to stress hormones in whales on the opposite side of the Antarctic continent - our findings support the idea that these changes occurred throughout the Southern Ocean."



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



The findings from Dr. Linsky's study have critical implications for conservation policies aimed at protecting humpback whales and other marine species. 



The observed decrease in cortisol levels during periods of reduced human activity supports the argument for establishing marine protected areas and enforcing stricter regulations on maritime traffic and pollution. 



By minimizing human-induced stressors, we can create safer and more conducive environments for these majestic creatures.



Additionally, the study underscores the importance of international collaboration in marine conservation, as migratory species like humpback whales traverse vast oceanic distances. 



Joint efforts are essential to ensure these animals encounter safe havens. This is crucial to enhance their chances of survival in an ever-changing global environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-big-picture">The big picture</h2>



What does this mean for the future? These findings shed light on the role of migratory whales as health indicators of Antarctic marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.



"Eastern Australian humpback whales have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to changes in their environment, but our study emphasizes the importance of mitigating human impacts so they can continue to thrive in our rapidly changing oceans," said Dr. Linsky.



"By continuing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-20-minute-conversation-with-a-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitor</a> and protect humpback whales off Australia's east coast, we can ensure their&nbsp;health&nbsp;and stability while also offering&nbsp;valuable insights&nbsp;into how other struggling whale populations might be conserved."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113624002575?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Environmental Research</a>.



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Humpback whales felt less stressed during the pandemic

Life under the sea is filled with simple pleasures, free...

Have you ever pondered how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wings-without-borders-the-significance-of-world-migratory-bird-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> figure out their way to warmer climates? Well, a team of researchers from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (<a href="https://nioo.knaw.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIOO-KNAW</a>) and the Swiss Ornithological Institute (<a href="https://www.vogelwarte.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vogelwarte Sempach</a>) have finally cracked a 70-year-old mystery revolving around starlings and the way they navigate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starling-and-their-patterns">Starling and their patterns</h2>



At the heart of this study is Albert Perdeck, a biologist from the Netherlands who embarked on a mission in the mid-20th century to decipher the migratory patterns of starlings.



He relocated thousands of these birds from the Netherlands to Switzerland and Spain, intent on discovering how young and adult starlings orient themselves on their migratory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">path</a>. 



The results of Perdeck's research, cloaked in ambiguity for decades, have at last been confirmed and clarified by the present-day team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-starlings">Navigating starlings</h2>



In their research, the scientists uniquely identified each starling using lightweight metal leg rings, a strategy still utilized today by the Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography, Vogelwarte Sempach and their partners across Europe. 



According to Morrison Pot from the NIOO-KNAW, relocated adult starlings altered their migratory path to return to their usual wintering sites. 



Meanwhile, the younglings continued in the direction they'd initially started, landing them in unexpected locations in southern France and Spain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-starlings-copycats">Are starlings copycats?</h2>



Perdeck's findings caused quite a stir among experts specializing in bird migration. The results led to a flurry of theories. A notable theory posited that young starlings, which are inherently social animals, might integrate into a group of local starlings. 



Once part of the flock, they could potentially mimic the migratory behaviors of these experienced birds. If this theory holds water, it could fundamentally alter our comprehension of starling migration. 



Specifically, it would imply that starlings acquire their migratory routes by learning from others, rather than possessing an innate knowledge of these paths from birth. This revelation would be significant, as it challenges the long-held assumption that migratory routes are instinctual.



To settle this debate, the team delved into Perdeck's historical data, comparing the relocated starlings' migratory patterns with those of local starlings in Switzerland and Spain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starlings-navigate-alone">Starlings navigate alone</h2>



The reanalysis of Perdeck's data brought forth a surprising revelation. Rather than being social migrants, starlings are independent navigators. 



"Starlings travel independently, and decisions about where to go are not overruled by the migratory behavior of others," Pot explains.



A recent study further backed this finding by revealing that starlings migrate at night. Logically, how could a bird possibly mimic another's path in the darkness of the night?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture-for-navigating-starlings">Bigger picture for navigating starlings</h2>



You might ask why this debate is essential. Our world is undergoing rapid changes, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> and land-use leading the charge. 



In this backdrop, understanding whether migratory behavior is learned or inherited could help us predict how birds can adapt to these alterations.



Henk van der Jeugd is the head of the Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography. He noted that despite their widespread presence and adaptability to human-influenced landscapes, starlings' inherited migratory behavior could make them less flexible to fast-paced changes.



This 70-year-old mystery turned revelation is no less than an ode to the intricacies of nature. It reminds us yet again that every creature, no matter how small, carries a world of secrets that is waiting to be uncovered.



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



With the mystery of how starlings navigate largely unraveled, the focus now shifts to the future research possibilities that this revelation opens. 



One of the pressing questions is how starlings might adjust their migratory paths in response to ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. Researchers aim to investigate if there are specific environmental cues that could influence migratory decisions in this rapidly evolving world. 



Additionally, advances in satellite tracking technology promise more precise data collection methods, enabling scientists to monitor individual birds throughout their migratory journey. Such innovations hold the potential to unveil even more detailed insights into the life of these fascinating birds.



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



The findings about starlings' migration offer significant implications for bird conservation efforts. Understanding that starlings rely on inherited migratory routes rather than social learning suggests that any disruptions to their traditional habitats could have long-term impacts on their populations. 



Conservationists could leverage this knowledge to develop more targeted strategies, such as creating protected migratory corridors and preserving critical habitats along their routes. 



Moreover, these insights could be applied to other migratory species facing similar challenges, thereby enhancing the broader efforts within the field of ornithological conservation. 



By safeguarding the natural environments that starlings and other migratory birds rely on, we can help ensure their survival amidst an ever-changing global landscape.



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Starlings are independent navigators, not copycats

Have you ever pondered how migratory birds figure out their...

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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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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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

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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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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