This,Man-made,Vehicle,Reached,A,Record,Speed,Of,635,Thousand

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most dangerous feat yet tomorrow, December 24, 2024. After a six-year journey of spiraling closer to the star at the heart of our solar system, the spacecraft is expected to come within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface. 



This tiny distance in cosmic terms lets scientists capture a new type of information, revealing secrets about solar winds, extreme heat, and magnetic fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-on-the-sun-s-doorstep">Solar probe on the Sun's doorstep</h2>



Engineers have spent years carefully adjusting <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/parkersolarprobe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker’s flight path</a> using multiple Venus gravity assists. These flybys reshape the spacecraft’s orbit and tighten its looping path around the Sun. “This is one example of NASA’s bold missions, doing something that no one else has ever done before to answer longstanding questions about our universe,” explained <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-arik-posner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arik Posner</a>, Parker Solar Probe program scientist at NASA Headquarters, describing this mission’s significance.



Ever since the launch in 2018, Parker’s main goal has been to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Tomorrow’s approach, often called <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/glossary/perihelion.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perihelion</a>, marks a new milestone in that quest. The probe moves at speeds around 430,000 miles per hour, faster than any other spacecraft. At such high velocity, it can swing around our star without getting swallowed. Even so, mission managers won’t receive immediate updates once Parker hits its closest point because signals cannot travel through the intense solar environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-heat-and-lasting-protection">Extreme heat and lasting protection</h2>



What sets Parker apart is its resilient heat shield. This 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite barrier enables the spacecraft’s instruments to continue functioning in an environment where temperatures can reach roughly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the harsh surroundings, the precious science instruments remain near room temperature, thanks to expert engineering by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>).



During every close approach, Parker is pelted by gusts of solar wind and bathed in radiation. Still, it keeps sending back readings about magnetic fields, <a href="https://www.plasmacoalition.org/plasma_writeups/solar_plasmas.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma</a> behavior, and energetic <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/solar-radiation-storm#:~:text=Solar%20radiation%20storms%20occur%20when,of%20the%20speed%20of%20light." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>. The probe’s data illuminates reasons behind the corona’s blazing heat, which can climb into the millions of degrees, significantly hotter than the visible surface of the Sun. Such puzzling behavior has fascinated scientists for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-the-solar-wind-s-origins">Chasing the solar wind’s origins</h2>



Solar wind, a stream of charged particles flowing away from the Sun at speeds topping one million miles per hour, plays a major role in <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/">space weather</a>. 



By skimming through the corona, Parker records fresh evidence of how these particles speed up and scatter across the solar system. The answers may help experts forecast disturbances that affect satellites and astronaut safety. Surges of these charged particles can disable communication systems or even disrupt power grids on Earth.



For researchers, big questions remain. How does the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/">solar wind</a> pick up its pace so dramatically? Is there a specific region in the corona that triggers bursts of fast-moving particles? 



Parker’s measurements bring us closer to unraveling these mysteries. Officials at NASA say that by tomorrow’s approach, new layers of data will help them see patterns not possible to detect from a greater distance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-and-the-sun-s-active-cycle">Solar probe and the Sun's active cycle</h2>



The Sun moves through an 11-year activity cycle. Right now, it is in an active phase, meaning increased sunspots, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secondary-peak-extreme-geomagnetic-solar-storm-expected-today/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a>, and <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/coronal-mass-ejections" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections</a>. 



Researchers are tracking not only Parker’s journey but also the Sun’s changing patterns. Sometimes these outbursts interact with Earth’s magnetosphere and spark colorful auroras, even in places unused to such displays. And although most solar weather events are harmless for life on Earth, severe storms can interfere with GPS systems or satellites.



This is why Parker’s findings are so relevant. Gaining a better understanding of how energetic solar events begin could lead to timelier warnings, giving operators on Earth a heads-up to power down sensitive instruments or adjust satellite orbits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paying-tribute-to-eugene-parker">Paying tribute to Eugene Parker</h2>



In 2017, NASA renamed the probe after <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022">Dr. Eugene N. Parker</a>, the first person to predict the solar wind in the 1950s. He introduced key ideas about how stars interact with their surroundings. The mission’s name honors his influential work. Dr. Parker passed away in 2022, but his legacy continues. 



The data this spacecraft is sending back not only expands knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracing-solar-wind-directly-to-its-source-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar physics</a> but also shows how correct Dr. Parker’s early theories were.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-setting-solar-probe-flyby">Record-setting Solar Probe flyby</h2>



Mission operations expect Parker to reach perihelion at 6:53 a.m. EST on December 24. 



At that time, the spacecraft will run autonomously, and engineers at APL will wait until December 27 for a beacon tone confirming a safe passage around the Sun. “No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory. We’re excited to hear back from the spacecraft when it swings back around the Sun,” explained <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=205" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Pinkine</a>, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager. 



When that update arrives, scientists will study Parker’s recent measurements to identify potential clues about solar wind origins and coronal heating. Each orbit is another chance to witness the scorching conditions near our star. At the same time, the probe helps refine predictions about solar eruptions that might drive future storms toward Earth.



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



Beyond the scientific breakthroughs, Parker’s success can have practical benefits for technology we rely on every day. Our society depends on GPS signals and stable power systems, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">major solar events</a> can disrupt both. By learning how to anticipate strong solar winds or flares, experts might one day keep satellites out of harm’s way or shield power grids from unexpected surges.



Tomorrow’s close approach continues a streak of remarkable achievements for NASA. As Parker zips through the corona, it gathers observations that no other mission could obtain. The craft appears ready for another sizzling pass, thanks to the robust thermal design and careful planning. 



Whether it’s helping forecast solar tempers or refining our knowledge of basic astrophysical processes, Parker remains on track to change the way we see the Sun.



Learn more about <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Parker Solar Probe here...</a>



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Spacecraft flew through the Sun's atmosphere today for the first time ever

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most dangerous feat yet tomorrow, December 24, 2024. After a six-year journey of spiraling closer to the star at the heart of our solar system, the spacecraft is expected to come within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface. This tiny distance in cosmic terms lets scientists capture a new type of information, revealing secrets about solar winds, extreme heat, and magnetic fields. Solar probe on the Sun's doorstep Engineers have spent years carefully adjusting Parker’s flight path...

Most of the plastic that pollutes our oceans comes from an unexpected source: rivers. Strangely enough, research on plastic pollution has been primarily focused on ocean environments - leaving freshwater sources a bit neglected.



Enter a team of innovative scientists from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, who are turning the tide with their novel research.



Published in the journal Nature, the study explores the use of remote sensing technology to monitor and remove plastic debris from rivers like the Mississippi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-concern-of-plastic-pollution">Growing concern of plastic pollution</h2>



Plastic pollution in oceans has become a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental crisis</a>. The United Nations Environment Program (<a href="https://www.unep.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a>) ranks it among the top pollution challenges of our time.



Yet, freshwater environments - rivers and lakes - have received far less attention, despite being the primary conduits for plastic waste flowing into oceans. Recognizing this gap, the researchers set out to find innovative solutions for freshwater plastic pollution.



Traditional methods of monitoring and removing plastic debris rely on manual sampling. These techniques, while effective, are time-consuming and expensive. 



The new study addresses these limitations with advanced remote sensing technology, offering a more cost-effective and scalable solution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remote-sensing-to-detect-plastic-pollution">Remote sensing to detect plastic pollution</h2>



The researchers utilized spectral reflectance properties - specific wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum - to detect different types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-this-breakthrough-finally-solve-the-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> debris.



By isolating the unique spectral signatures of plastics, the technology can distinguish them from natural materials commonly found in freshwater - such as sediments, driftwood, and algae.



Study lead author Mohammadali Olyaei is a Ph.D. student in the <a href="https://cse.umn.edu/cege" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering</a>.



“We could use this technology to identify different types of plastics in the water simultaneously. This is key information that we need when employing other technology, like drones, to capture and remove plastic debris in natural environments,” explained Olyaei.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-in-real-world-conditions">Testing in real-world conditions</h2>



The research team conducted their experiments at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, where the Mississippi River flows through the facility. 



This setting allowed the team to test their theories in real river conditions. They combined a remote sensing platform, called a spectroradiometer, with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera to classify and monitor various types of debris based on their spectral signatures.



This approach not only helps identify plastic debris but also lays the foundation for deploying technologies, like drones, for cleanup efforts. This dual capability of monitoring and removing debris makes remote sensing a promising tool in the fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-we-combat-the-escalating-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-environmental-impact">Broader environmental impact</h2>



Study co-author Ardeshir Ebtehaj is an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering.



“If we can develop technology at the Mississippi headwaters, in a place like Minnesota, to catch plastic debris, we can protect the downstream states and the entire ocean from plastic pollution," said Professor Ebtehaj.



"As soon as these plastics begin to spread more and more, their control becomes more and more challenging.” 



By stopping plastics at the source, the researchers hope to mitigate the downstream effects of pollution. 



The study emphasizes the importance of addressing freshwater systems to prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-still-possible-to-save-the-ocean-from-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> from reaching oceans, where it becomes far more difficult to manage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-scaling-up-the-research">Next steps: Scaling up the research</h2>



The team plans to expand their research to larger river systems in order to understand the movement of plastic debris across freshwater networks and to refine removal strategies.



This broader scope will also shed light on the origins of <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">plastic</a> pollution, which will enable more targeted interventions.



In addition to Olyaei and Professor Ebtehaj, the research team included Christopher R. Ellis, a senior research associate at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.



The work was funded by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (<a href="https://www.legacy.mn.gov/environment-natural-resources-trust-fund" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ENTRF</a>), a permanent fund dedicated to protecting Minnesota's natural resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-early-intervention">Importance of early intervention</h2>



The study represents a significant step forward in tackling the often-overlooked issue of freshwater plastic pollution with remote sensing.



By leveraging advanced remote sensing technology, the researchers offer a scalable, efficient solution that can benefit both local ecosystems and the global environment.



The research highlights the importance of early intervention in freshwater systems to prevent plastics from spreading uncontrollably. 



With continued research and development, this technology could become a critical tool in protecting rivers, lakes, and ultimately, the oceans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-024-03974-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Data</a>.



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Remote sensing can help prevent plastic from reaching the ocean

Most of the plastic that pollutes our oceans comes from...

California’s vibrant native wildflowers face a growing threat: invasive grasses that form dense, suffocating layers of debris and prevent seed germination. 



According to a new study by the University of California, Riverside (UCR), a simple solution could lie in raking away this “thatch” - a layer of dead leaves and debris that blankets the ground.



This technique not only encourages biodiversity but also helps reduce fire risk in these ecosystems.



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



Raking involves using a tool, like a rake, to physically remove surface debris, including leaves, dead grass, and other organic material, from the soil. This process, often part of gardening or land management, has the following applications beyond basic cleanup.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Prepares soil for planting: By exposing bare soil, raking allows better water infiltration and nutrient absorption for seeds.</li>



<li>Improves soil aeration: Removing dense organic layers lets air circulate, enhancing microbial activity that is essential for healthy soil.</li>



<li>Prevents pest build-up: Thatch and debris can harbor pests and diseases; raking removes these potential threats.</li>



<li>Aids erosion control: By managing debris strategically, raking can prevent water runoff from eroding topsoil.</li>



<li>Enhances aesthetic appeal: In landscaped areas, raking maintains a neat, manicured appearance.</li>
</ol>



It’s a versatile, low-tech method that benefits both small-scale gardens and larger ecological restoration projects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raking-for-grass-management">Raking for grass management </h2>



The study, published in the journal Restoration Ecology, compared raking with other invasive grass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/">mana</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gement</a> techniques like controlled burns, hand weeding, and herbicide application.



The results? Raking stands out as a low-cost, less labor-intensive, and ecologically friendly alternative.



“In these ecosystems, native seeds often fall on thick layers of thatch and can’t germinate. Raking the thatch lets light in and gives native plants a chance to grow,” explained <a href="https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/markos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marko Spasojevic</a>, the study's lead author and UCR associate professor of plant ecology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-native-wildflowers">The return of native wildflowers</h2>



The research was conducted on grasslands near the UCR campus. The team used a grid of paired plots - one raked and one left untouched - to observe changes in plant communities over three years.



The findings revealed that raking significantly increased overall plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>. Invasive grasses like ripgut brome declined, while native and exotic wildflowers, collectively known as forbs, thrived.



Ripgut brome, one of the dominant invasive species, is notorious for its sharp bristles that can injure grazing animals. 



“It’s super nasty for sheep and cattle to eat,” said Spasojevic. On the other hand, native flowers like the common fiddleneck, a species prevalent in Riverside, showed modest improvement when raking was applied.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-of-exotic-flowers">Growth of exotic flowers</h2>



However, the study revealed a trade-off. While raking reduced invasive grasses, it also encouraged the growth of certain exotic wildflowers, such as mustard, which can be highly invasive.



“Raking boosted native wildflowers by about 5% and exotic forbs by 7 to 10%,” said Advyth Ramachandran, co-leader of the project. 



“This doesn’t mean raking isn’t worthwhile. It’s a simple, low-cost method that could be a first step for restoring these systems,” noted Ramachandran, a former UCR undergraduate who is now studying plant ecology at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado, Boulder</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-seeds-initiative">The SEEDS initiative </h2>



This study represents more than just ecological research; it’s a proof of student-led innovation. The project traces its origins to the 1980s, when the study plots were created for an introductory biology class and later abandoned. 



During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramachandran and fellow UCR students revived the site through the university’s SEEDS club, a grassroots research initiative.



“We built this project from scratch, writing protocols, identifying species, and involving over 25 undergraduates,” Ramachandran said. “It’s rare for undergraduates to initiate and lead publishable research like this.”



Spasojevic credited the project’s success to its accessibility. “The research site is on campus, so students could sample between classes. It lowered barriers for involvement and became a rich mentorship opportunity,” he said.



The SEEDS initiative continues to thrive, with students now collecting data for a fifth consecutive year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-implications-for-land-managers">Practical implications for land managers</h2>



The findings offer a practical, low-cost method for land managers seeking to restore <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> in California’s grasslands and coastal sage ecosystems. 



Native plants play a critical role in these ecosystems by providing food and habitat for local wildlife, supporting pollinators like bees, and preventing soil erosion. Meanwhile, invasive grasses pose multiple threats: outcompeting native plants, reducing biodiversity, and increasing wildfire risk with their dense, flammable layers.



“This project shows how small actions - like raking - can make meaningful differences in our ecosystems,” Ramachandran said. “It’s a promising step toward restoring California’s native landscapes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-california-s-native-wildflowers">Restoring California’s native wildflowers</h2>



The UCR team’s research highlights the importance of simple yet effective interventions in combating ecological challenges. As California continues to face threats from invasive grass species and wildfires, methods like raking could play a key role in preserving the state’s natural heritage.



Land managers and conservationists alike can take inspiration from the study’s findings, and apply this technique to boost native biodiversity while promoting community involvement in ecological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration</a> efforts.



The success of the SEEDS initiative also underscores the power of student-driven research to address real-world environmental issues.



Restoring California’s wildflowers may not require monumental efforts. Sometimes, it’s as simple as picking up a rake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rec.14340" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restoration Ecology</a>.



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California’s native wildflowers can be restored by raking dead grass

California’s vibrant native wildflowers face a growing threat: invasive grasses...

Carrying too much visible fat around the waist and hips is a well-known health risk. However, unseen fat around the heart also poses significant dangers. 



Scientists at the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System are developing a non-invasive method to assess these risks, potentially transforming how doctors diagnose and treat heart disease.



Led by Dr. Frederick H. Epstein of UVA’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, the researchers are using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze the composition of epicardial adipose tissue - the fat surrounding the heart.



This technique could help doctors pinpoint patients who are at risk for severe heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. It may also help predict patient responses to treatments, which would enhance care strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-in-heart-imaging">Progress in heart imaging</h2>



Initial testing has shown promising results. The new MRI technique offers insights that were previously unavailable.



“Using this new MRI technique, we now for the very first time have the ability to know the composition of the fat that accumulates around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-patients-have-a-unique-vulnerability-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a>,” said Dr. Amit R. Patel, a cardiologist at <a href="https://uvahealth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UVA Health</a>.



“This is important because, depending on its makeup, the fat which surrounds the heart has the potential to release damaging substances directly into the heart muscle, leading to serious heart problems.”



Dr. Patel noted that the research could enable patients to convert unhealthy fat into healthier forms using lifestyle changes or medications.



“We believe that by doing so, we will be able to reduce some of the complications associated with heart disease,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-nature-of-epicardial-fat">Dual nature of epicardial fat</h2>



Epicardial adipose tissue is a type of fat that surrounds the heart. In healthy individuals, this fat plays an important protective role, helping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-more-plant-protein-lowers-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart function</a> properly.



However, in people with conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or unhealthy habits like smoking and poor diets, this fat can accumulate excessively. In this case, it may become inflamed and undergo changes that can harm the heart instead of protecting it.



Scientists can now study the composition of this fat by analyzing the types of fatty acids it contains - saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.



These insights help doctors identify people at risk of heart disease before symptoms appear. Finding and addressing these risks early can slow down the progression of heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-challenges-of-heart-scans">Tackling the challenges of heart scans</h2>



Capturing clear images of heart fat posed significant technical challenges due to constant heart and lung motion. To overcome this, the team developed advanced computational methods and innovative imaging approaches.



“The ability to make these measurements in epicardial adipose tissue required the use of advanced computational methods that can extract the unique signature of saturated fatty acids from an overall noisy signal,” said Dr. Epstein.



He commended&nbsp;Jack Echols, a biomedical engineering graduate student, for his pivotal contributions.



With these advances, the team can now obtain precise images in a single breath hold, paving the way for real-world applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-findings-from-heart-scans">Early findings from heart scans</h2>



Tests revealed that the fat surrounding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-accurately-predicts-cardiovascular-heart-disease-risk-30-years-into-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> in obese patients with prior heart attacks contained excessive saturated fatty acids. 



This discovery suggests that the new MRI technique could help identify at-risk individuals and improve patient outcomes.



“Being able to see the composition of the fat that surrounds the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> will improve our understanding of heart disease and may lead to the development of new treatment strategies in the future,” noted Dr. Patel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-scans-and-early-interventions">Heart scans and early interventions</h2>



The new MRI technique represents a significant leap in heart disease care. 



"Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the adipose depot positioned between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium, has emerged as an important contributor to cardiovascular disease, particularly in obesity and metabolic heart disease," explained the researchers.



By providing a clearer picture of this fat composition around the heart, the new imaging technique could empower doctors to intervene earlier and more effectively, reducing the burden of heart disease worldwide.



The findings were published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mrm.30285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magnetic Resonance in Medicine</a>. 



The study received funding from the&nbsp;National Institutes of Health,&nbsp;National Institute on Aging,&nbsp;American Heart Association, and other organizations.



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Simple scan can predict risks of serious heart problems

Carrying too much visible fat around the waist and hips...

New research is offering unprecedented insights into the icy planetesimals of the early solar system, such as trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and centaurs.



Planetesimals are small, celestial objects that form during the early stages of planetary system development. 



They are made up of dust and gas particles that coalesce in a protoplanetary disk surrounding a young star.



The study, which has revealed the distribution and evolution of these intriguing celestial bodies, is giving scientists an entirely new perspective on the formation of the outer solar system.



These new findings enhance our understanding of these distant objects while providing clues about the processes that shaped the solar system's architecture billions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-tnos-the-basics">Understanding TNOs -- the basics</h2>



Trans-Neptunian objects are small bodies that orbit the Sun beyond Neptune, hanging out in regions like the Kuiper Belt and possibly much farther in the Oort Cloud. 



They come in a range of sizes, with some as large as dwarf planets and others no bigger than chunks of rock and ice. 



Pluto, once called the ninth planet, is one of the most famous trans-Neptunian objects, but there are many others like Eris, which is roughly the same size, and Haumea, known for its elongated shape.



These objects often have reddish or darker surfaces because of chemical compounds called tholins, formed when ultraviolet light interacts with their icy makeup. 



Because they’re so far from the Sun, trans-Neptunian objects stay extremely cold and move slowly along their distant orbits.



These icy objects, with orbits comparable to or larger than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-dark-spot-on-neptune-detected-from-earth-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a>'s, remain untouched by collisions -- preserving vital clues about the solar system's ancient past.



Astronomers value trans-Neptunian objects because they act like time capsules from the Solar System’s early days. Their orbits and compositions can clue us in on how planets and smaller bodies formed billions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-groups-of-tnos">Distinct groups of TNOs</h2>



Researchers at the University of Central Florida (<a href="https://www.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCF</a>) conducted comprehensive analyses of trans-Neptunian objects (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-carbon-ices-discovered-objects-beyond-neptune-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TNOs</a>) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-objects-called-centaurs-29p-continue-to-perplex-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">centaurs</a>.



With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), the scientists discovered three distinct compositional groups of TNOs. 



These were defined by ice retention lines that existed when the solar system was formed, billions of years ago.



Thanks to the advanced capabilities of the JWST, a clearer, more holistic picture of the solar system's early formation and evolution can be ascertained.



The telescope made it possible to identify the specific molecules responsible for the remarkable variety of spectra, colors, and albedo observed in TNOs. 



The research presents a direct connection between the spectral features of TNOs and their chemical compositions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-composition-of-planetesimals">Formation and composition of planetesimals </h2>



The ice retention lines are identified as regions where temperatures were cold enough for specific ices to form and survive within the protoplanetary disk.



These areas, determined by their distance from the sun, serve as markers in the early solar system's temperature gradient, linking the formation conditions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetesimals</a> and their present-day compositions.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/trans-neptunian-object_tno_distribution-map_planetesimals_JWST_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/trans-neptunian-object_tno_distribution-map_planetesimals_JWST_1s.webp" alt="Artistic representation of the distribution of trans-Neptunian objects in the planetesimal disk, with overlaid representative spectra of each compositional group highlighting the dominant molecules on their surfaces. Credit: Graphic art by William D. González Sierra for the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida" class="wp-image-1955116"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artistic representation of the distribution of trans-Neptunian objects in the planetesimal disk, with overlaid representative spectra of each compositional group highlighting the dominant molecules on their surfaces. Credit: Graphic art by William D. González Sierra for the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida</figcaption></figure>



One of the major outcomes of the research was the discovery that there is a clear connection between the formation of planetesimals in the protoplanetary disk and their later evolution.



The NTO composition groups are not uniformly scattered among objects with similar orbits. This insight helps explain how today's observed distributions emerged in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-six-planet-star-system-moves-in-strange-perfect-synchrony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary system</a> shaped by complex, dynamical evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centaurs-pulled-to-the-inner-solar-system">Centaurs pulled to the inner solar system</h2>



The UCF team didn’t stop with TNOs. They also explored the world of centaurs, which are TNOs that have shifted their orbits into the region of the giant planets following a close gravitational encounter with Neptune.



TNOs transform into centaurs as they warm while approaching the Sun; sometimes they also grow comet-like tails.



Centaurs are often unstable in their current positions and may eventually become comets. They are intriguing objects for studying the transition between the icy bodies of the outer solar system and the more rocky, volatile-depleted bodies closer to the Sun.



Unique spectral signatures were observed from centaurs, revealing the presence of dusty regolith mantles on their surfaces. 



These surfaces showed unique characteristics when compared with the surfaces of TNOs, suggesting that adaptations occurred as a result of their journey into the inner solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bodies-of-the-outer-solar-system">Bodies of the outer solar system</h2>



Though considerable progress has been made in understanding TNOs and centaurs, there is always more to learn. 



The researchers identified three distinct groups based on their surface compositions. These groups show properties that hint at the protoplanetary disk's compositional structure.



The research provides a broader understanding of the material that helped form outer solar system bodies like the gas giants, their moons, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pluto-may-not-be-real-planet-but-has-real-big-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pluto</a>.



Consequently, the findings have opened new horizons for further exploration and discovery. Now that scientists have some general information about the identified compositional groups, more detailed investigation will now take place to understand how these groups came into existence.



The future promises even more exciting revelations about TNOs, centaurs, and the roots of our solar system.



The research was supported by a grant from the Space Telescope Science Institute.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02433-2">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Webb captures best view ever of icy objects from the early solar system

New research is offering unprecedented insights into the icy planetesimals...

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a severe threat to global health, with potentially catastrophic consequences. 



New research led by Northern Arizona University (NAU) reveals that infection-related deaths could surge due to multidrug-resistant and pan-resistant bacteria. This isn’t a question of if, but when, warns the study’s lead author, Benjamin Koch.



Published in&nbsp;the journal Communications Medicine, the study highlights the growing danger of antibiotic resistance. As antibiotic usage increases worldwide, bacteria are evolving to resist multiple antibiotics, leading to multidrug-resistance.



What's even more troubling is that pan-resistant bacteria could emerge, marking a turning point in global health. Pan-resistant bacteria are immune to all known antibiotics. 



“Multidrug-resistance is bad, but once a pathogen gains resistance to all known antibiotics, known as pan-resistance, a dramatically rapid shift, rather than a gradual rise in public health impacts, can be expected,” said Koch, a senior research scientist at <a href="https://nau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NAU</a>’s Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-antibiotic-resistance">What is antibiotic resistance?</h2>



Antibiotic resistance is when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria evolve</a> to survive treatments meant to kill them. Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Over time, certain bacteria adapt and develop defenses against these drugs.



This resistance often arises from improper or excessive use of antibiotics. For example, taking antibiotics for viral infections, not completing prescribed doses, or overusing them in farming can all contribute. 



When bacteria become resistant, they continue to grow and spread despite antibiotic treatment, making infections harder or even impossible to cure.



This problem isn’t limited to just one country or region. Resistant bacteria can spread globally, threatening public health and making previously treatable illnesses - like pneumonia or urinary tract infections - more dangerous.



To address this, we need better antibiotic use, policies, and the development of new medicines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-when-pan-resistance-strikes">What happens when pan-resistance strikes</h2>



Using hypothetical models, researchers studied the potential impact of a pan-resistant strain of E. coli on sepsis deaths in the United States. By analyzing long-term data on sepsis incidence, mortality rates, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-could-cause-39-million-deaths-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment outcomes</a>, they found shocking results.



Their models predict that sepsis deaths could increase by 18 to 46 times within just five years after the introduction of a pan-resistant strain. This hypothetical strain doesn’t exist yet, but the rapid evolution of bacteria suggests it may be inevitable.



“With the available data, researchers aren’t able to predict the timing of pan-resistance with any accuracy; it could be in a year, or it could be in a century,” Koch noted.



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



Antibiotic resistance doesn’t discriminate. Unlike other health crises that disproportionately affect lower-income populations, pan-resistance would erase advantages like access to superior health care or varied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic options</a>.



People in both high-income and low-income countries would face the same grim outcomes from infections that were once easily treatable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done-about-antibiotic-resistance">What can be done about antibiotic resistance?</h2>



The researchers emphasize that while the threat is grave, steps can be taken to reduce the risk. Governments, industries, and individuals have crucial roles to play.



Governments must enforce stricter policies around the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> in both human and veterinary medicine. They must also incentivize the development of new antibiotics - an area of research that has slowed in recent years.



“There are technologies that could monitor the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance,” said Koch. Investments in these innovations could provide early warnings and help contain outbreaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responsible-antibiotic-use">Responsible antibiotic use</h2>



On an individual level, the proper use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-increases-threat-antimicrobial-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> is critical. Koch advises using antibiotics only when prescribed by a health care provider and avoiding unnecessary usage. 



Supporting policies that promote antibiotic stewardship can help curb the spread of resistance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-urgent-action">Need for urgent action</h2>



The rise of pan-resistant bacteria could redefine global public health challenges. 



“We must reduce the forces that currently promote the evolution and dissemination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic</a>-resistant pathogens. Globally, this means improving antibiotic stewardship in human and veterinary medicine and in food-animal production,” Koch concluded.



The findings highlight the urgency of tackling antibiotic resistance before it spirals out of control. With coordinated action, the global community can slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and potentially save millions of lives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43856-024-00693-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Medicine</a>.



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Antibiotic resistance could cause a global health crisis

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a severe threat to global health,...

Peeling back the layers of history, we find ourselves in the heart of the ancient copper industry in the time of King Solomon’s mines.



The tale of this legendary biblical king and his mines has been passed down through generations, with many people assuming that the mining process of ancient copper production left rampant pollution and environmental destruction.



But what if that ominous narrative isn't as factual as we’ve been led to believe?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-copper-production">New perspective on copper production </h2>



Researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) have recently challenged this story. Their study delivers a new perspective on the industrial history of these legendary mines.



Their findings not only rewrite the story of ancient copper smelting but also invite a reexamination of how we interpret environmental impacts in historical contexts.



The research, published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, reveals that the environmental pollution generated by ancient copper production was far less severe than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveys-at-copper-production-sites">Surveys at copper production sites</h2>



The study was led by Professor Erez Ben-Yosef, Dr. Omri Yagel, Willy Ondricek, and Dr. Aaron Greener from the Chaim Rosenberg School of Jewish Studies and Archaeology at <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>.



To investigate, the team conducted comprehensive geochemical surveys at copper production sites in the Timna Valley near Eilat, Israel.



The sites dated back to the 10th century BCE - an era that echoes with the names of the biblical Kings David and Solomon.



"We inspected two major copper production sites in the Timna Valley, one from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hazelnut-shells-offer-clues-ancient-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iron Age</a> and King Solomon’s era and another nearby that is about 1,500 years older,” said Professor Ben-Yosef.



“Our study was very extensive. We took hundreds of soil samples from both sites for chemical analyses, creating high-resolution maps of heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-was-lifes-first-essential-metal-and-shaped-early-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metal</a> presence in the region,” he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extremely-low-pollution-levels">Extremely low pollution levels</h2>



The results of the study were rather surprising. According to Professor Ben-Yosef, the team found that pollution levels at the Timna copper mining sites are extremely low and confined to the locations of the ancient smelting furnaces.



 “For instance, the concentration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/151-million-americans-have-mental-health-disorders-linked-to-leaded-gasoline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead</a> - the primary pollutant in metal industries - drops to less than 200 parts per million just a few meters from the furnace," said Professor Ben-Yosef.



"By comparison, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines industrial areas as safe for workers at 1,200 parts per million and residential areas as safe for children at 200 parts per million.”



The experts noted that this finding directly contradicts a series of papers published since the 1990s alleging pollution caused by the ancient copper industry.



"We demonstrate that this is not true. Pollution in Timna is very restricted spatially, and it’s likely that only those working directly at the furnace suffered from inhaling toxic fumes, while just a short distance away, the soil is entirely safe," said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debunking-old-theories">Debunking old theories </h2>



Seeking to understand the bigger picture, the TAU archaeologists also conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on ancient industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-in-six-deaths-in-2019-was-caused-by-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>.



Their review unveiled a recurring assumption: traces of ancient metallurgical activity were labeled as "pollution." 



As a result, the inference was drawn that metal industries, from their earliest beginnings, were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/car-tires-shed-pollutants-that-are-especially-toxic-for-humans-and-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful to humans</a>. This standpoint, the researchers argue, is far from the truth.



"Even when metal production was large-scale, becoming integral to human civilization, it was the toxic lead industry that caused global pollution, not necessarily other metals," the team noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projecting-our-pollution-problems">Projecting our pollution problems </h2>



The experts emphasized that in dealing with the severe environmental challenges of our time, we must be cautious not to project modern pollution problems onto the past.



“While we might label a few pieces of slag on the ground as 'pollution,' we should not confuse this localized waste with regional or global environmental pollution,” they cautioned.



Taking us on a journey through time, the researchers at TAU help us see the past in a new light - one that challenges our preconceived notions about an ancient copper industry. 



The findings provide a crucial reminder that we need to view the past without the lens of our current environmental anxieties.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80939-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Copper industry of King Solomon’s era didn't harm the environment

Peeling back the layers of history, we find ourselves in...

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the world. Masks, lockdowns, travel bans, and public health mandates became the norm in 2020, as virus cases surged.



The World Health Organization estimates that over three million lives were lost to the virus in its first year alone, marking a profound impact on health systems and economies worldwide.



Now, half a decade later, researchers continue to explore how we can better prepare for future respiratory diseases. A study from the University of Surrey, led by Dr. Richard Sear, sheds light on the effectiveness of combined public health measures in mitigating airborne viral transmission.



These findings offer valuable insights for managing not just future pandemics but also seasonal illnesses like flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-viral-transmission">Understanding viral transmission</h2>



Dr. Sear, an associate professor at Surrey’s School of Mathematics and Physics, examined how COVID-19 spreads through airborne transmission.



His work combined data modeling with information from the UK’s NHS COVID-19 app to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies like mask-wearing and improved ventilation.



“I’ve tried to measure how effective strategies, such as mask-wearing, are for the transmission of airborne viruses. This is both for any future pandemic, and for seasonal flu,“ said Dr. Sear.



“I combined modeling with data from the UK’s NHS COVID-19 app. While these estimates are highly approximate, they provide guidance on the value of measures such as face masks, social distancing and improved indoor air quality, which could be tested in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-quality-face-masks">High quality face masks</h2>



Among the protective measures studied, high-quality face masks stood out as particularly effective. Masks like N95/FFP2 reduced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/virus-lifespan-and-transmission-boosted-by-high-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 transmission</a> rate by approximately ninefold when worn universally. 



Even when used individually, these masks cut transmission risk by threefold, regardless of the contact duration. However, surgical and cloth masks were found to be much less effective by comparison.



The study highlights the importance of prioritizing high-quality masks in future public health strategies, not just for pandemics but also for managing seasonal respiratory illnesses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-indoor-ventilation-a-key-strategy">Improving indoor ventilation: A key strategy</h2>



Beyond high-quality masks, ventilation plays a crucial role in reducing virus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-use-gps-to-move-precisely-within-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transmission</a>. Viral particles tend to accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces, especially during close-contact interactions, speaking, or coughing. 



Dr. Sear’s study found that doubling indoor air turnover rates - whether through open windows, increased airflow from air conditioning systems, or improved mechanical ventilation - can lower transmission risk by as much as 30%.



Coupling better ventilation with physical distancing further enhances protection, creating a multi-layered approach to airborne transmission prevention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-behavioral-factors">Environmental and behavioral factors</h2>



The variability in COVID-19 transmission rates can be influenced by multiple factors, including viral load, individual susceptibility, and environmental conditions. 



Some contacts pose a significantly higher risk than others, emphasizing the need for public health strategies that address both environmental and behavioral aspects.



“The COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-covid-19-virus-travels-deep-inside-our-lungs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic</a> was terrible for many of us, which is why it’s important that we learn from our experiences. It also demonstrated how quickly we can develop and roll out vaccines when faced with a global health crisis,“ noted Dr. Sear.



“Moving forward, both we as individuals and our leaders have an opportunity to apply these lessons to better control respiratory diseases - not only to head off any future pandemics, but to also manage seasonal diseases such as flu and RSV.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-to-reduce-viral-transmission">Strategies to reduce viral transmission </h2>



The lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the value of preventive measures in controlling airborne diseases. 



Investing in high-quality masks, improving indoor air quality, and promoting behavioral changes like distancing and masking during outbreaks can significantly reduce viral transmission risks. These strategies will not only help in preventing future pandemics but also improve management of seasonal respiratory illnesses.



By understanding and applying these findings, society can better protect itself from the health and economic impacts of airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-infection-equips-the-body-to-fight-off-the-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a>. 



As Dr. Sear’s study demonstrates, simple yet effective measures like wearing N95 masks and enhancing ventilation can make a substantial difference in reducing virus transmission and saving lives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/pre/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevE.110.064302" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review E</a>.



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Preparing for the next pandemic: Lessons about viral transmission

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the world. Masks, lockdowns, travel...

You’ve likely heard of the Great Wall of China, that stone and brick marvel of fortifications that stretches vast distances across the historical border of northern China. But have you heard of the Great Green Wall of China?



Unlike its ancient counterpart, this is a living, breathing wall of greenery -- a massive tree-planting initiative aimed at combating desertification on the edge of the Gobi Desert.



Recently, the Great Green Wall reached a pivotal milestone, marking over four decades of relentless effort to transform arid landscapes into thriving ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-green-wall-encircles-the-desert">Great Green Wall encircles the desert</h2>



Late last year, dedicated workers in the northwest autonomous region of Xinjiang triumphantly finished a roughly 2,000-mile "green belt" that encircles the infamous Taklimakan Desert.



Often referred to as the "Sea of Death," the Taklimakan is the nation's largest desert, and this initiative is a component of the bigger Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program -- also known as the Great Green Wall of China.



Since its inception in 1978, this effort symbolizes one of the globe's most comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting</a> missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-taklimakan-desert-the-basics">Understanding the Taklimakan Desert -- the basics</h2>



The Taklimakan Desert sits in the Tarim Basin in northwest China, and it’s often called one of the largest shifting-sand deserts in the world. This place is enormous, covering over 130,000 square miles. 



Most of its surface is made up of constantly moving sand dunes, which can sometimes reach heights of several hundred feet. 



The region gets very little rain, so it’s incredibly dry, but it can still experience temperature swings with scorching summers and chilly winters.



You’ll find a handful of oases around the desert’s edges. These oases historically served as crucial pit stops for traders passing through on the ancient Silk Road. Because the desert’s interior is so harsh, people stuck to the perimeter. 



As a result, communities sprang up where water was more accessible and trade routes were established. Those settlements often became hubs of cultural exchange, bringing in traders from distant lands.



Wind plays a big role in shaping the Taklimakan’s sand dunes. Strong gusts blow the sand from one place to another, which means the dunes are constantly rearranging themselves. 



On top of that, the overall dryness makes it tough for vegetation to grow, so there isn’t much stopping the sand’s movement... until the Great Green Wall was built.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-s-great-green-wall-expansion">China's Great Green Wall expansion</h2>



China's verdant endeavor is on track to span 13 provinces, covering a whopping 1.5 million square miles (3.9 million square kilometers) and a hefty 42% of the country's land area by mid-century, according to government resources.



The program's aspirations include protecting China from the northern sandstorms and halting the encroachment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts</a> such as the one in Xinjiang.



Upon completion of the Taklimakan section, an impressive 116,000 square miles (300,000 square kilometers) of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> had been planted, significantly boosting China's forest coverage from a mere 10% in 1949 to an expected 25% by 2023. Particularly in Xinjiang, forest coverage has leaped from 1% to 5% in 40 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-economic-stability">Improving economic stability </h2>



Distinct from the similarly ambitious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-great-green-wall-is-economically-worthwhile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Green Wall in Africa</a>, China's program has already gained considerable success, with government sources stating that it is "improving ecological stability and supporting the local communities."



Farmers in the dry northern regions have reaped visible benefits. Wang Yinji, a farmer in the northwest Gansu province, has seen significant improvements since 1999 when the tree-planting efforts escalated.



"Our corn grew taller. The sand that used to blow in from the east and northeast was stopped," said Wang.



Through the years, the campaign has skilfully rallied workers and volunteers. The project has also explored the plant species best suited to desert conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-the-great-green-wall">Challenges of the Great Green Wall</h2>



However, the initiative isn't without its critics. Some have argued that the program hasn't curtailed sandstorms in Beijing, and others have scrutinized the low survival rates of the planted trees.



Critics have also argued that the planted trees compete with agricultural activities for the use of water and land. Yet, many believe in the value of tree-planting amidst increasing global warming and erratic weather patterns.



"The completion of the Taklimakan Desert control project is not an end to desert control but a new beginning," said Jiang Donghui, an official in Xinjiang. "We will continue to expand the green belt … to ensure sustainable development through desert control."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blueprint-for-global-reforestation-efforts">A blueprint for global reforestation efforts</h2>



The success and challenges of the Great Green Wall of China offer valuable insights for other nations grappling with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a>. 



Similar initiatives, such as Africa’s Great Green Wall project, have drawn inspiration from China's approach, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies for local ecosystems.



China’s program demonstrates the significance of combining scientific research with community involvement to achieve long-term environmental sustainability. 



The use of drought-resistant tree species, soil stabilization techniques, and advanced irrigation systems have been key to transforming barren landscapes into fertile ecosystems.



As global climate change continues to exacerbate desertification and land degradation, the Great Green Wall serves as a reminder of the transformative power of reforestation - when backed by innovation, collaboration, and persistence.



The information for this article was published in <a href="https://english.news.cn/20241213/0073ff86fa9a4412860504c0c74f7b23/c.html">Xinhua</a>, the official news agency of the People's Republic of China



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China’s Great Green Wall has reached a new milestone

You’ve likely heard of the Great Wall of China, that...

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has achieved an incredible feat, venturing closer to the Sun than ever before. On December 24, 2024, the spacecraft made a record-breaking approach, flying just 3.8 million miles from the Sun’s surface.



The probe is the fastest human-made object in history. Its daring journey occurred at an astonishing speed of 430,000 miles per hour.



A beacon tone received on December 26 confirmed the spacecraft’s safety and functionality, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-achievement-of-parker-solar-probe">Historic achievement of Parker Solar Probe</h2>



The mission represents humanity’s first attempt to “touch” a star. 



"Flying this close to the Sun is a historic moment in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-parker-solar-probe-reaches-closest-approach-to-the-sun-perihelion-survival-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humanity’s first mission</a> to a star,” said Nicky Fox, Science Mission Directorate leader at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. 



By studying the Sun’s behavior up close, scientists hope to better understand its impact on the solar system, including effects on Earth’s technology and insights into stellar processes across the universe. 



This knowledge could aid in the search for habitable worlds beyond our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-the-parker-solar-probe">Journey of the Parker Solar Probe</h2>



Launched in 2018, Parker Solar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Probe</a> has spent six years preparing for this achievement. Seven Venus flybys adjusted its trajectory, bringing it closer to the Sun with each orbit. The spacecraft reached its optimal orbit after its final Venus flyby on November 6, 2024.



This unique path allows Parker Solar Probe to study the Sun’s enigmatic processes every three months while maintaining a safe distance to avoid excessive heat and radiation. This orbit will remain unchanged for the duration of the mission.



“Parker Solar Probe is braving one of the most extreme environments in space and exceeding all expectations,” said Nour Rawafi, project scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>). 



“This mission is ushering a new golden era of space exploration, bringing us closer than ever to unlocking the Sun’s deepest and most enduring mysteries.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineering-marvel-withstanding-extreme-heat">Engineering marvel: Withstanding extreme heat</h2>



Operating in the Sun’s corona, where temperatures exceed 1 million degrees Fahrenheit, Parker Solar Probe relies on a specially designed carbon foam shield. 



This shield endures temperatures up to 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit while keeping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-fastest-human-made-object-ever-nasas-parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft’s</a> instruments at room temperature. 



“It’s monumental to be able to get a spacecraft this close to the Sun,” said John Wirzburger, mission systems engineer at APL. 



Decades of technological advancement made this achievement possible, addressing challenges first identified in 1958.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-the-rules-of-solar-science">Rewriting the rules of solar science</h2>



Parker Solar Probe is rewriting the rules of solar science. By flying through the corona, it collects unprecedented data to answer longstanding questions about solar processes. 



Researchers aim to understand why the corona is so hot, how the solar wind originates, and how particles accelerate to incredible speeds.



“The data is so important for the science community because it gives us another vantage point,” said Kelly Korreck, a heliophysicist at NASA. 



Observations from Parker Solar Probe have already revealed unexpected features like spikes and valleys in the corona’s outer boundary and pinpointed the origins of switchbacks in the solar wind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-discoveries-in-the-solar-system">Broader discoveries in the solar system</h2>



Beyond studying the Sun, Parker Solar Probe has made important discoveries about the inner solar system. It showed that&nbsp;coronal mass ejections (CMEs) - massive eruptions from the Sun - act like giant vacuums, sweeping up dust particles as they move through space.



This process helps scientists understand how solar events influence the environment between planets.



The spacecraft also provided detailed information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar energetic particles</a>, which are high-energy particles ejected by the Sun. These particles play a critical role in space weather, affecting satellites, astronauts, and even communication systems on Earth.



During its flybys of Venus, Parker Solar Probe made remarkable observations. It detected natural radio emissions from Venus’s atmosphere, providing a better understanding of the planet’s atmospheric conditions.



Additionally, the probe captured the first-ever complete image of Venus’s orbital dust ring - a collection of fine particles that encircle the planet along its orbit. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-data-will-soon-reach-earth">Valuable data will soon reach Earth</h2>



The spacecraft’s recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-has-officially-reached-its-solar-maximum-period-in-this-solar-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> pass produced valuable data which will soon be transmitted to Earth.



"The data that will come down from the spacecraft will be fresh information about a place that we, as humanity, have never been,” said Joe Westlake, NASA’s Heliophysics Division director.



With upcoming close approaches scheduled for March 22 and June 19, 2025, Parker Solar Probe promises to deepen our understanding of the Sun and its influence on the solar system. 



These efforts mark a significant step forward in humanity’s quest to unlock the secrets of the cosmos.



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Parker Solar Probe completes closest-ever approach to the Sun

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has achieved an incredible feat, venturing...

We’ve come a long way from viewing robots merely as tools. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-enabled robots play increasing roles in human lives - from assisting us in mundane everyday tasks to aiding in complex scientific research.



They’re becoming our partners and social entities, blurring the boundaries between human and machine.



And this transition is not without its pitfalls. This transformation challenges existing legal and ethical frameworks, raising pressing concerns about privacy, safety, and regulation. 



A new publication,&nbsp;The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Policy, and Regulation for Human-Robot Interaction, addresses these issues. The book provides a roadmap for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexities-of-human-robot-interactions">Complexities of human-robot interactions </h2>



Edited by Woodrow Barfield, Yueh-Hsuan Weng, and Ugo Pagallo, the handbook gathers insights from social sciences, computer science, and engineering. 



It stands as the first book to focus on the legal, policy, and regulatory aspects of human-robot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-robots-the-future-of-human-robot-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interaction</a>.



“Humanities are crucial to AI development,” said Yueh-Hsuan Weng, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyushu University</a> and <a href="https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tohoku University</a>.



“Tech professionals can create cutting-edge systems, but without input from legal and humanities perspectives, these systems may struggle to coexist with humans. We hope this book serves as a compass for developers, ensuring AI systems better benefit our society.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-core-issues-of-human-robot-interaction">Core issues of human-robot interaction </h2>



The handbook’s 46 chapters are organized into four parts, each tackling a critical dimension of human-robot interaction:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Legal and ethical challenges: This section introduces foundational issues like trust in robots and anthropomorphism - where humans attribute emotions or intentions to non-human entities.</li>



<li>Societal impacts: This part explores whether AI entities should have legal personhood and the societal adjustments needed for greater human-robot integration.</li>



<li>Ethical and cultural values: Value alignment between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-feel-emotions-for-robots-especially-those-in-distress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI systems and human societies</a> is examined, highlighting regional and cultural differences. Topics include robots in long-term assistance and religious settings.</li>



<li>Legal evolution: The final section delves into how consumer, criminal, and constitutional laws must adapt to accommodate intelligent systems.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-ai-pacing-problem">Addressing the AI pacing problem</h2>



“A major issue I addressed in the book is the AI pacing problem,” noted Professor Weng.



This concept highlights the gap between rapid AI advancements and slower legislative responses. While efforts to regulate AI are underway globally, comprehensive laws often lag behind technological progress.



Professor Weng proposes solutions like global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-deception-how-do-humans-respond-to-lying-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> ethics standards developed by the IEEE, where he leads a working group. 



This initiative aims to modularize core issues and region-specific concerns, helping developers apply ethical guidelines effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-privacy-anthropomorphism-and-boundaries">Privacy, anthropomorphism, and boundaries</h2>



The handbook delves into key issues like anthropomorphism, robots in healthcare, and privacy protection, which are becoming increasingly relevant as robots integrate into human society. 



Anthropomorphism, where robots are designed to exhibit human-like behaviors or emotions, can enhance interaction but raises ethical concerns about trust and potential manipulation. 



In healthcare, robots play vital roles as caregivers, especially for older adults, assisting with tasks like mobility and medication reminders. 



However, these interactions can lead to emotional complexities, as individuals may perceive robotic caregivers as true companions, resulting in dependency or confusion. 



Privacy protection emerges as another critical concern, as robots collect vast amounts of personal data to deliver high-quality services. 



Without proper safeguards, this data could be misused, making robust and innovative regulatory solutions essential to address these challenges responsibly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-perspective-on-human-robot-interaction">Global perspective on human-robot interaction</h2>



The handbook brings together experts from various countries and presents case studies from across the globe, promoting a global dialogue on ethical dilemmas in human-robot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-humans-react-to-coexisting-with-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interaction</a>. 



“As human-AI interactions become more common, I hope designers, manufacturers, and users of robots will engage with our book. Responsible research and innovation are crucial for the development of AI and robots, and this requires input from people across various societal sectors,” said Professor Weng.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-the-future-of-ai-and-robotics">Shaping the future of AI and robotics</h2>



The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Policy, and Regulation for Human-Robot Interaction&nbsp;offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the complexities of AI-enabled robots. 



By sparking discussions across disciplines, it aims to guide the responsible integration of robots into society. 



“We warmly invite everyone to explore this book and join us in creating IEEE’s global standards for AI ethics,” said Professor Weng.



The <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-handbook-of-the-law-policy-and-regulation-for-humanrobot-interaction/5740D8AEA42968E6A195BEDF5CBD0E5C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book</a> is now available online, providing essential insights for navigating the future of human-robot interaction.



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Human-robot interaction: Are we prepared for the ethical challenges?

We’ve come a long way from viewing robots merely as...

Plans to revisit the Moon by the end of this decade promise an exciting step for space exploration. Experts now caution that our arrival could bring unexpected hazards by creating thin, short-lived, toxic atmospheres made of moon dust right above the lunar surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-footprints-new-frontiers">Human footprints, new frontiers</h2>



Our natural satellite has little more than an extremely sparse layer of gas around it at any given moment, which scientists call an exosphere. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-house-on-the-moon-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In the near future</a>, astronaut activities, mining efforts, and rocket launches may change that fragile environment and kick up large amounts of <a href="https://curator.jsc.nasa.gov/lunar/letss/regolith.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regolith</a> that jeopardize missions and equipment.



<a href="https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sci/bio/rosemary.killen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosemary Killen</a>, a planetary scientist at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, has voiced concerns about tiny dust particles swirling into the air and endangering explorers. “One thing that really worries us is that the dust raised by the explorers and so on will be loaded,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-moon-dust-clouds">Tiny moon dust clouds</h2>



Moon dust, or regolith, has formed over billions of years from space rock impacts and solar wind effects. 



The fine grains <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273117724008615" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pose health risks</a> when stirred up by rocket boosters and rovers, and their static-like buildup may affect visibility, respiratory health, and electronic instruments.



Exhaled vapors, leakages from spacecraft, and even little bits of water from life support systems can also add gas to the surrounding area. 



Although these additions may be short-lived, they can spread across miles before settling and freezing in the Moon’s shaded regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-science-at-stake">Lunar science at stake</h2>



Researchers intend to unlock ancient secrets by analyzing pristine ice in permanently shadowed craters, where water may have existed for ages. 



But human-introduced <a href="https://baas.aas.org/pub/2024i009/release/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a> can confuse those findings, since it can freeze in the same dark spots and obscure chemical clues about the Moon’s past.



Many instruments and experiments depend on analyzing dust and gases with as little contamination as possible. 



Equipment set up to measure local atmospheric makeup might be thrown off by unwanted clouds of exhaust or recycling byproducts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spaceships-and-moon-dust-blasts">Spaceships and moon dust blasts</h2>



NASA has partnered with commercial groups to ferry astronauts and cargo to the Moon in an effort often referred to collectively as the Artemis missions (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Artemis</a>). Large vehicles, including Starship variants, might cause forceful landings that fling moon dust up at high altitudes and create brief “atmospheric” pockets of gas and tiny particles.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-nasa-plans-to-keep-people-in-space-after-the-iss-is-gone/">Space agencies</a> say they will try to minimize these effects by choosing suitable landing sites and carefully planning flight paths. 



Yet observers warn that a few seconds of rocket thrust could hurl moon dust long distances and deposit fresh contaminants in remote locations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-moon-dust-causes-concern">Why moon dust causes concern</h2>



Moon dust is not just an irritant: it can damage lungs, scratch surfaces on suits, and clog machinery. 



Some analysts compare it to the harm that soot or coal dust causes to miners if inhaled over time, which might reduce the safety margin for extended <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-new-lunar-fss-mission-will-explore-moon-far-side-moonquakes/">Moon missions</a>.



Astronauts also risk tracking moon dust back inside their living quarters. Dirty suits, tools, and rovers can transport the debris into airlocks and the interiors of space craft, which raises concerns about health impacts and mechanical damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-scientific-treasures">Protecting scientific treasures</h2>



High-priority research targets include regions that have barely changed in billions of years. Certain <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0019103517307340?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shadowy craters</a> may hold ice that could reveal how water arrived on Earth and the Moon, and offer clues about our planet’s beginnings.



Adding even a small amount of new water or gas can make existing data hard to interpret. Some scientists recommend carefully planned operations and restricted zones to preserve these ancient substances until samples can be taken under controlled conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-exploration-with-caution">Balancing exploration with caution</h2>



No one wants to halt progress in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-has-unexpected-effects-on-gut-health/">space travel</a>. But specialists suggest that mindful mission designs, gentle landing technologies, and well-managed mining or drilling are necessary to keep the lunar surface intact.



<a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> aims to collect enough data to separate what is truly native to the Moon from anything brought by humans. 



Such efforts will help us learn the limits of lunar resources, the dangers of moon dust, and the best ways to safeguard explorers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-dust-and-lunar-exploration">Moon dust and lunar exploration</h2>



Our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lunar-glass-may-rewrite-the-geological-history-of-the-moon/">renewed presence on the Moon</a> introduces a host of fascinating possibilities. Yet it also places the spotlight on how fragile the lunar environment can be, reminding us that every footprint, launch, or sample has an impact.



From potential dust hazards to artificial atmospheric bursts, new lunar developments call for cooperation among space agencies, scientists, and private companies.&nbsp;



If handled wisely, tomorrow’s Moon missions will open a window to incredible discoveries while preserving our cosmic neighbor for future generations.



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NASA alert: Humans risk creating a toxic atmosphere on the Moon

Plans to revisit the Moon by the end of this...

Picture the majestic Angel Falls or the thundering Niagara Falls -- waterfalls so powerful they draw millions of admirers each year.



Yet, there exists another overflow so vast and awe-inspiring that it renders these iconic cascades almost insignificant by comparison. 



This hidden titan is not a waterfall that plunges down a mountainside or roars over a cliff edge.



Instead, it plunges slowly and invisibly, deep beneath the icy waters of the Arctic, claiming the prestigious title of Earth's largest waterfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-waterfalls-the-basics">Understanding waterfalls -- the basics</h2>



Most waterfalls are found on land and form when a river or stream flows over a sudden drop in the landscape. Essentially, the water takes a dive off a cliff or steep ledge, creating that classic cascading effect. 



Over time, the constant rush of water erodes the rock beneath, which can cause the drop to become even steeper. 



In some places, softer rock wears away faster than harder rock, which is why waterfalls can develop interesting shapes or even recede upstream.



Besides looking spectacular, waterfalls also impact their surroundings in noticeable ways. The turbulent water at the base can carve out deep pools, and the constant spray fosters lush plant growth around the area. 



Many waterfalls also support unique ecosystems because of the cooler temperatures and higher humidity near their misty spray. 



Then, you have underwater waterfalls. Although they’re not quite the same as the roaring, above-ground versions you see all around the world, they are equally spectacular in their own way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-marvel-of-the-largest-waterfall">The marvel of the largest waterfall</h2>



Somewhere between Iceland and Greenland, concealed beneath the chilly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-and-arctic-mixing-is-crucial-for-earths-climate-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic waters</a>, the Denmark Strait cataract lies submerged.



Standing tall with a vertical drop of an astonishing 11,500 feet (3,500 meters), it's over three times the height of the tallest land waterfall -- the Angel Falls in Venezuela.



With an extraordinary width of around 300 miles (480 kilometers), this unseen giant is a critical player in our planet's ocean circulation.



This gigantic waterfall only exists due to the convergence of icy water from the Nordic Seas and warmer water from the Atlantic Ocean. 



Here, the stark contrast in temperature and salinity (saltiness) fuels a cascade powerful enough to move colossal volumes of water across the ocean floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-from-human-sight">Hidden from human sight</h2>



And yet, despite this massive scale, the waterfall stays hidden from human sight, and is only detectable using advanced oceanographic tools.



"If you were down there, you probably wouldn't notice a whole heap going on," said Mike Clare, who leads marine geosystems at the <a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK's National Oceanography Centre</a>.



However, beneath the calm surface, powerful natural processes are at work, driving global ocean currents and regulating the planet's climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creation-of-the-largest-waterfall">Creation of the largest waterfall</h2>



The Denmark Strait cataract didn't just appear out of nowhere. It's an ancient relic, formed between 17,500 and 11,500 years ago during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last Ice Age</a>.



As immense glaciers reshaped the landscape, the unique structure of this immense waterfall was sculpted.



Unlike its land-based counterparts, this hidden marvel exists in a dynamic environment, shaped and preserved by a thousand-year-old combination of shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a>, temperature fluctuations, and geological processes.



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



This awe-inspiring underwater waterfall does more than just defy our sense of size and power. It has a critical role in regulating some of the Earth's most crucial processes.



As part of a global system, the Denmark Strait cataract helps distribute heat, nutrients, and energy across the globe.



The colossal cascade is a key driver of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-current-system-may-collapse-by-2037/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean's conveyor belt</a>, which is a crucial part of the thermohaline circulation. This global water movement pattern significantly impacts weather, sea levels, and the livelihood of marine ecosystems.



"What happens here is felt everywhere. The flow creates a ripple effect that connects ecosystems and climates around the globe," explained marine scientist Anna Sanchez Vidal, 



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



Compared to popular land-based attractions like Niagara Falls and Angel Falls, the Denmark Strait cataract surpasses them in size. 



Around 3.2 million cubic meters of water flow over the cataract each second, which is far more than the Amazon River discharges into the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, its flow doesn't roar or bubble with the same visual spectacle.



Despite its serene demeanor and invisibility to the naked eye, its influence reaches far beyond its location, proving that nature's power often operates in the most subtle ways. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-extraordinary-denmark-strait-cataract">The extraordinary Denmark Strait cataract </h2>



The Denmark Strait cataract stands alone in its scale and significance, but it also represents a broader category of rare natural phenomena: submarine waterfalls.



These underwater cascades are distinct from the more familiar terrestrial waterfalls, as they rely on oceanographic conditions such as differences in temperature, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>, and water density.



What makes the Denmark Strait cataract truly extraordinary is the stark contrast between the icy Nordic Seas and the warmer Atlantic waters. These conditions create a gravity-driven flow that surpasses any similar processes found in the deep ocean.



While smaller density flows occur in other regions, such as near ocean ridges or in certain straits, none match the width or vertical drop of the Denmark Strait overflow.



It’s a reminder that even in the largely unexplored depths of the ocean, natural wonders abound, and shape the world in unseen ways.



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Earth’s largest waterfall is hidden in the ocean

Picture the majestic Angel Falls or the thundering Niagara Falls...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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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...