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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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How does genome size impact evolutionary success?

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

Scientists have always been fascinated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, the cosmic behemoths that devour everything in their path. But a specific subset of black holes has posed a particular puzzle. This mystery involves supermassive black holes found in distant quasars - blazing beacons marking the very early universe.



How did these monstrous black holes become so massive in the relatively short time since the universe was born? Thanks to a groundbreaking study by <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> astronomers and the powerful James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), we may finally be inching closer to an explanation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasars-and-supermassive-black-holes">Quasars and supermassive black holes</h2>



Quasars are energetic giants that reside at the hearts of galaxies. These celestial powerhouses outshine all the combined light emitted by the billions of stars within their host galaxies. The source of this phenomenal luminosity lies in a supermassive black hole lurking at the quasar's core. 



This monstrous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> isn't passive; it actively devours a colossal amount of surrounding gas and dust. As this material falls towards the black hole's immense gravity, it gets crushed and heated to unimaginable temperatures. 



This extreme environment triggers the release of tremendous energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, making quasars some of the brightest objects in the observable universe.



The immense distances across the cosmos act as a natural time machine. Since light travels at a finite speed, the farther we look into space, the further back in time we see. This makes quasars invaluable tools for astronomers. 



Because of their incredible brightness, quasars are visible from vast cosmic distances, allowing us to observe them as they existed billions of years ago, during the very early stages of the universe's formation. Studying these distant beacons offers unique insights into the processes that shaped galaxies and the universe as we know it today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-searchlight">Cosmic searchlight</h2>



The fundamental challenge in studying quasars lies in the overwhelming brilliance emitted by the central supermassive black hole. This intense light completely washes out any subtler signals, effectively masking the presence of other objects within the quasar's host galaxy. 



The surrounding stars, despite numbering in the billions, become virtually invisible. Efforts to study the properties of these host galaxies have been largely unsuccessful - until now.



MIT astronomers have leveraged the unparalleled capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This revolutionary instrument offers extraordinary sensitivity and resolution. It allows scientists to dissect celestial light sources with unprecedented detail. 



With meticulous analysis of JWST data, the researchers pierced through the quasar's blinding glare. In a recent achievement, they've started to detect the faint traces of starlight from the ancient galaxies hosting these early supermassive black holes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-traveling-discovery">Time-traveling discovery</h2>



The latest findings from MIT astronomers completely upend our previous understanding of supermassive black holes. By meticulously studying three extremely distant quasars, they've peered back in time over 13 billion years. 



These ancient quasars harbor supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-closest-black-hole-has-been-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> that are significantly more massive in comparison to their host galaxies, compared to what we observe in present-day galaxies within our own observable universe. 



This striking difference suggests a crucial fact: in the very first stages of the universe's existence, supermassive black holes must have grown at an extraordinarily rapid rate. This discovery throws open new questions about the formation and early growth mechanisms of these cosmic giants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-hole-s-monster-seeds-of-quasar">Black hole's monster seeds of quasar</h2>



So, how did these titans get so big so fast? "After the universe came into existence, there were seed black holes that then consumed material and grew in a very short time," noted study co-author Minghao Yue.



The key might lie in the size of these "seed" black holes. Think of it like this: to build a skyscraper, you need a strong foundation. Likewise, perhaps early supermassive black holes may have started out from more massive and denser seeds than what exists later in the universe's history.



"These black holes are billions of times more massive than the sun, at a time when the universe is still in its infancy," explained study co-author Anna-Christina Eilers. "Our results imply that in the early universe, supermassive black holes might have gained their mass before their host galaxies did, and the initial black hole seeds could have been more massive than today."



The James Webb Space Telescope is transforming how we view the cosmos. It allows us to see fainter and further back in time than ever before. This study is just one example of how the JWST promises to shift our understanding of the universe's earliest years and illuminate the mysteries swirling around the cosmic giants that reside within them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad3914" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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Ancient black holes and quasars grew faster than their galaxies

Scientists have always been fascinated by black holes, the cosmic...

In the digital age, understanding how teenagers interact with technology is crucial for fostering positive development and online success. A new study provides insights into the myriad ways <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-media-use-affects-children-in-different-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">media</a> influences adolescents, ranging from character development to overall well-being. 



By exploring the nuanced roles of both new and traditional media, the research illuminates how these platforms impact emotions, prosocial behavior, and happiness in teenagers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-digital-communication-landscape">Exploring the digital communication landscape</h2>



The study focuses on how adolescents perceive and interact with digital communication platforms.



The researchers examined various aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-where-do-you-fall-on-the-spectrum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online behavior</a>, including feelings of connectedness, positive social comparisons, authenticity in self-presentation, civic participation, and self-control. 



Through its comprehensive approach, the research aims to unravel the complex computer-based landscape that today's youth navigate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-parental-involvement-in-online-success">The role of parental involvement in online success</h2>



One of the study's key findings is the crucial role of parental mediation. Teenagers who experience positive online interactions typically have parents who are not only technologically savvy but also actively involved in guiding their online activities. 



This support is instrumental in helping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-issues-have-increased-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young individuals</a> use digital media to enhance their communication skills and emotional well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-digital-engagement">Challenges in digital engagement</h2>



However, not all adolescents are thriving online. The researchers found that those who struggle with digital engagement often lack sufficient self-control in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-you-use-social-media-affects-your-sense-of-happiness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online interactions</a>. 



This can lead to less positive experiences and reduced well-being over time. To address these challenges, the experts suggest targeted interventions that focus on boosting adolescents' control over their online interactions. 



Encouraging active parental involvement can also play a significant role in enhancing online success. By fostering a supportive environment, parents can help their teens navigate the complexities of digital communication more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-digital-impact-on-youth">Exploring digital impact on youth</h2>



Sophie Janicke-Bowles, an associate professor in the School of Communication at <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chapman University</a>, reflected on the significance of the study. "This was such an amazing research study to be part of as we all are craving more nuanced answers on how digital technologies affect our children."



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



Looking ahead, Sophie Janicke-Bowles and her research team are set to deepen their investigation into interventions that promote digital flourishing among youth. 



With the sustained backing of academic institutions and funding bodies, including a significant $1.9 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation, they are well-equipped to expand their pivotal work on enhancing digital experiences for adolescents.



This study not only progresses our comprehension of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-media-distract-drain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital media</a>'s role in youth development but also underscores the critical role of supportive parenting in aiding adolescents to effectively navigate their online environments. 



By cultivating better digital habits, there is hope to improve the digital well-being of future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Online success in the work force</h2>



The rise of the internet has opened up many opportunities for teenagers to achieve online success. Here are a few areas where teens have been particularly successful:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Social media</h3>



Many teenagers have become influential on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, gaining large followings by creating content that resonates with their peers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Entrepreneurship</h3>



The digital world allows teens to start their own businesses with relatively low startup costs. This includes selling products, services, or digital content online.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creative arts</h3>



Platforms like Etsy and DeviantArt provide spaces for teens to sell artwork, crafts, and other creative projects.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Technology development</h3>



Some tech-savvy teens develop apps or software, either as a hobby or a business venture, which can sometimes lead to significant opportunities and recognition.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Educational content creation</h3>



Teens also contribute to educational platforms, helping others learn through tutorials and study guides.



These avenues not only help teenagers earn money but also build skills, confidence, and a professional network from an early age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Online challenges for teens</h2>



However, achieving online success also presents significant challenges. Excessive screen time, for instance, can lead to negative health outcomes such as poor sleep and stress, making it crucial for teens to manage their time online effectively.&nbsp;



Additionally, they must navigate risks such as cyberbullying and privacy issues, which can pose serious barriers to their success and well-being.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the pressure to succeed and maintain a certain image online can profoundly affect mental health. Overall, while the internet opens up many avenues for success, it's vital for teens to approach these opportunities with knowledge and support.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/cdev.14101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD)</a>



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Digital success: How teenagers thrive online

In the digital age, understanding how teenagers interact with technology...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> and <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> have used a unique tool to detect the tell-tale signs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> – and it's all about tiny atoms. In this research, medicine and Earth science have collided, revealing that the fingerprint of cancer cells looks different from healthy tissue. 



This could open up exciting possibilities in our fight against this complex disease, including new ways to understand cancer behavior and potentially even detect it earlier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogen-atoms">Hydrogen atoms</h2>



The key to this discovery lies in hydrogen, one of the most fundamental elements in the universe. Hydrogen exists in two naturally occurring forms called isotopes: the common hydrogen and a slightly heavier version known as deuterium. 



Though less abundant, deuterium plays a crucial role in scientific investigations. By analyzing the varying ratios of these hydrogen isotopes, scientists gain valuable insights into a wide range of phenomena, including the Earth's past climates and complex biological processes.



Inspired by the diverse applications of isotope analysis, a team led by CU Boulder geochemist Ashley Maloney explored a novel idea: studying hydrogen isotopes may illuminate the inner workings of cells and potentially distinguish between healthy and diseased states.



The focus was on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>, a disease characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth, and the unique ways in which cancer cells may use hydrogen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-turns-metabolism-upside-down">Cancer turns metabolism upside down</h2>



Cells, the fundamental units of life, constantly require energy to carry out their functions. The primary method for generating this energy is cellular respiration, a process that utilizes oxygen to efficiently break down fuel sources like glucose.



However, certain cells – particularly rapidly dividing cancer cells – exhibit a remarkable metabolic flexibility. To sustain their uncontrolled growth, they can switch to a different energy-generating pathway called fermentation. Unlike respiration, fermentation does not require oxygen. This alternative pathway provides a quick energy boost but is less efficient overall.



Scientists have long been intrigued by the metabolic adaptations of cancer cells. Understanding how these shifts in energy production occur could offer valuable insights into the mechanisms driving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/you-can-reduce-your-risk-of-cancer-with-just-4-5-minutes-of-daily-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> growth. This is where the research on hydrogen tracking comes in – it aims to uncover whether the metabolic changes characteristic of cancer leave a traceable signature at the atomic level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atomic-fingerprints-of-cancer">Atomic fingerprints of cancer</h2>



To investigate their hypothesis, Maloney and her team conducted a series of experiments. They cultured yeast and mouse liver cells in a laboratory setting. These cell cultures included both healthy and cancerous samples. 



The researchers specifically targeted fatty acids, which are essential building blocks within cells. Following this, they employed a technique to analyze the specific composition of hydrogen isotopes present within these fatty acids.



The results were indeed striking. “When we started the study, I thought, ‘Ooh, we have a chance to see something cool.' It ended up creating a huge signal, which I didn’t expect,” said Maloney.



The analysis revealed a significant difference in the ratio of hydrogen isotopes between fermenting yeast cells, which mimicked rapid cancerous growth, and regular yeast cells. 



The fermenting yeast cells exhibited a roughly 50% depletion of deuterium atoms compared to their healthy counterparts. This remarkable change suggested a potential cancer fingerprint at the atomic level, potentially linked to the altered metabolic state associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-type-of-sugar-that-kills-honeybees-could-help-fight-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancerous</a> or fast-growing cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fingerprints-for-fight-against-cancer">Fingerprints for fight against cancer</h2>



"This study adds a whole new layer to medicine, giving us the chance to look at cancer at the atomic level," said Maloney.



It's crucial to remember that these findings represent the initial stages of a promising new line of research. While the results are undeniably exciting, further investigation is needed to fully understand the implications of this discovery.



The potential impact, however, is significant. If this distinctive atomic signal, linked to altered cellular metabolism, can be reliably detected through a simple blood test, it has the potential to revolutionize how we approach early cancer detection. 



It could provide physicians with a valuable tool to identify potential abnormalities, prompting further investigation and ultimately leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. "Your chances of survival are so much higher if you catch cancer early on," said study co-author Sebastian Kopf.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-and-inspiration">Collaboration and inspiration</h2>



The genesis of this work underscores the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Maloney's expertise in analyzing isotopes within algae, coupled with her father's clinical experience as a dermatologist treating skin cancer, ignited an intriguing question: could the tools used to study natural systems provide insights into disease processes within the human body? 



This exemplifies how diverse scientific fields can intersect, driving innovation and potentially leading to significant breakthroughs.



While further studies are essential to validate these initial findings, this discovery offers a promising avenue for understanding the complex mechanisms underlying cancer development. The potential applications extend beyond early detection; this research could contribute to designing new therapeutic strategies targeted at the unique metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells. 



The team remains optimistic about the future, recognizing the far-reaching impact their work could have on countless lives touched by cancer. "Cancer, and other illnesses, are a huge theme in many people's lives. I hope to see this area expand," said Zhang.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2310771121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Unique atomic fingerprint of cancer cells discovered in hydrogen atoms

Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder and Princeton University...

A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> (CU Boulder) has found why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-hellish-planet-venus-can-help-us-find-alien-life/">Venus</a>, Earth's nearest planetary neighbor, is so devoid of moisture. The experts delved deep into what they term “the water story on Venus,” revealing that Venus loses about twice as much water into space each day than previously thought.



The phenomenon occurs through a process known as “dissociative recombination,” in which hydrogen atoms from Venus’s atmosphere are lost to space.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-retention-and-loss-across-planets">Water retention and loss across planets</h2>



By using computer simulations, the experts hope to shed light on water retention and loss across many planets in the galaxy, enhancing our understanding of planetary climates and their capability to support life.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-finds-a-water-rich-planet-with-a-steamy-atmosphere-named-gj-9827d/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water</a> is really important for life,” said co-lead author Eryn Cangi, a research scientist at the <a href="https://lasp.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics</a> (LASP) at CU Boulder. “We need to understand the conditions that support liquid water in the universe, and that may have produced the very dry state of Venus today.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-versus-venus">Earth versus Venus</h2>



Contrasting Venus with Earth highlights the stark differences in water abundance. “Venus has 100,000 times less water than the Earth, even though it’s basically the same size and mass,” explained co-lead author Michael Chaffin, a research scientist at LASP.&nbsp;



If Earth's water were evenly distributed across its surface, it would form a layer about three kilometers deep. In contrast, Venus would have a shallow pool of just three centimeters deep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-water-loss-from-venus-nbsp">Rapid water loss from Venus&nbsp;</h2>



The team utilized advanced computer models to simulate the complex chemical processes occurring in Venus's dense and turbulent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-is-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>. 



The research pointed to a molecule known as HCO+, an ion consisting of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, as a key player in the rapid loss of water from Venus. This molecule forms high in the atmosphere and facilitates the escape of hydrogen atoms into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-changes-and-their-outcomes-nbsp">Planetary changes and their outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



For Cangi, who completed her doctorate in astrophysical and planetary sciences at CU Boulder in 2023, the study not only fills a significant gap in our understanding of Venus's climate history but also illustrates how minor planetary changes can lead to dramatic environmental outcomes.&nbsp;



“We’re trying to figure out what little changes occurred on each planet to drive them into these vastly different states,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-water-loss-on-venus">Ancient water loss on Venus</h2>



Reflecting on Venus’s past, the researchers suggest that it once harbored as much water as Earth. However, a catastrophic escalation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-greenhouse-effect-could-turn-earth-into-an-uninhabitable-hell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gasses</a> led to runaway temperatures, vaporizing all its water, which then was lost to space. 



This ancient water loss does not fully account for Venus's current dryness, which led the scientists to explore ongoing atmospheric processes.



“As an analogy, say I dumped out the water in my water bottle. There would still be a few droplets left,” Chaffin said. On Venus, even those residual droplets have disappeared, a mystery that the study attributes to the elusive HCO+ molecule.



Chaffin and Cangi pointed out that while many missions have explored Mars, Venus has seen fewer scientific visitors, which has limited our understanding of its atmospheric composition.&nbsp;



“One of the surprising conclusions of this work is that HCO+ should actually be among the most abundant ions in the Venus atmosphere,” Chaffin remarked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-missions-to-venus">Future missions to Venus</h2>



Looking ahead, the researchers are enthusiastic about upcoming missions to Venus, such as <a href="https://ssed.gsfc.nasa.gov/davinci/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gasses, Chemistry, and Imaging</a> (DAVINCI) mission, which will probe the planet's atmosphere down to the surface. Although DAVINCI won't detect HCO+ directly, it represents a step forward in collecting data that could confirm their findings and enhance our understanding of Venus.



“There haven’t been many missions to Venus. But newly planned missions will leverage decades of collective experience and a flourishing interest in Venus to explore the extremes of planetary atmospheres, evolution, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-habitability-of-a-planet-is-affected-by-the-location-of-its-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitability</a>,” Cangi concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07261-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Venus has lost almost all of its water, but why did it disappear?

A team of researchers led by the University of Colorado...

Algae,Research,In,Laboratories,,Biotechnology,Science,Concept

Approximately 550 million years ago, the first terrestrial plants evolved from algae and began to transform the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/terrestrial-plants-changed-how-earth-regulates-its-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's landscape</a>, drastically altering the planet's surface and atmosphere..



A significant breakthrough in understanding these origins has been achieved through the collaborative efforts of an international research team, which includes a computational biologist from the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska–Lincoln</a>. 



This team has successfully decoded the genomic sequence of Zygnema algae, the closest living relatives to these pioneering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-algae-genes-chlorophyll-boost-crop-yields-land-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land plants</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-genomic-code">Cracking the genomic code</h2>



The recent research published in Nature Genetics brought together approximately 50 scientists from eight different countries. This collaboration led to a significant achievement: the first complete genomic sequencing of four different strains of Zygnema algae. 



By accomplishing this, the team has provided crucial insights into the evolutionary adaptations that enabled aquatic plants to transition and thrive on land, marking a pivotal development in our understanding of plant evolution.



“This is an evolutionary story,” explained Yanbin Yin, the lead researcher from Nebraska. “It answers the fundamental question of how the earliest land plants evolved from aquatic freshwater algae.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-zygnema-algae-in-plant-evolution">Significance of Zygnema algae in plant evolution</h2>



Zygnema algae are not just another type of plant; they represent a crucial link between aquatic and terrestrial life. The four strains studied -- two from a culture collection in the United States and two from Germany -- have revealed significant insights into the genomic adaptations necessary for life on land.



Furthermore, advanced DNA sequencing technologies allowed the team to map out the entire genomes, achieving a level of detail previously unattainable for this group. A standout feature identified through this genomic research is the thick, sticky mucilage layer outside the cell walls of the algae.



"It is fascinating that the genetic building blocks, whose origins predate land plants by millions of years, duplicated and diversified in the ancestors of plants and algae, enabling the evolution of more specialized molecular machinery," noted Iker Irisarri, co-first author of the paper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-genome-insights-from-zygnema-algae">Plant genome insights from Zygnema algae</h2>



The findings from this study do not just expand our understanding of plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-species-holds-valuable-evidence-of-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>; they also provide a robust resource for the scientific community at large. 



Researchers can now delve into these genomic data to explore further connections between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/these-plants-have-maintained-genetic-stability-for-350-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant genetics</a> and environmental responses.



“The entire plant scientific community now has a valuable, high-quality resource to explore these genome data. Our analyses uncovered intricate connections between environmental responses,” said Jan de Vries, another co-leader of the research team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundation-for-future-discoveries">Foundation for future discoveries</h2>



The research aligns with the National Science Foundation’s "<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/big_ideas/life.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Understanding the Rules of Life</a>" initiative, which aims to tackle societal challenges such as climate resilience and clean water. 



The gene network analyses from this study reveal that co-expression of genes related to cell wall synthesis and modifications played a crucial role in the evolutionary success of these organisms.



“Our gene network analyses reveal co-expression of genes, especially those for cell wall synthesis and remodifications that were expanded and gained in the last common ancestor of land plants and Zygnematophyceae,” Yin remarked. “We shed light on the deep evolutionary roots of the mechanism for balancing environmental responses and multicellular cell growth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-advances-propel-plant-science-forward">Genomic advances propel plant science forward</h2>



This research on Zygnema algae marks a significant advance in our genomic understanding of plant life’s origins on land. 



The collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in scientific research, uniting diverse expertise to unravel complex biological puzzles. 



The genomic insights gained extend beyond academia, impacting fields such as bioenergy, water sustainability, and carbon sequestration. 



This work not only deepens our comprehension of our planet's ecological history but also equips us with the knowledge to better tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-024-01737-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Genetics</a>.



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Plants emerged from 'star algae' to conquer Earth's landmass

Approximately 550 million years ago, the first terrestrial plants evolved...

Ai,Ethics,And,Legal,Concepts,Artificial,Intelligence,Law,And,Online

We all crave a little validation now and then. A sincere "great job" can boost our spirits and even motivate us to try harder. But what if those well-intentioned compliments are actually getting in the way of our growth? A new study from the University of Portsmouth suggests that sometimes a sprinkle of praise, part of self-serving bias, can lead to some serious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-perception-bias/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-deception</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-self-serving-bias">Decoding self-serving bias</h2>



Let's be honest – we all have a tendency to give ourselves a bit more credit than we might deserve. Psychologists call this "self-serving bias." This means we instinctively emphasize our strengths and positive contributions, while minimizing our shortcomings. 



When things go well, we're likely to see it as proof of our own talents and efforts. On the flip side, when we stumble, it's tempting to chalk it up to bad luck, unfair circumstances, or factors beyond our control. This tendency helps us maintain a positive self-image and protect our feelings of self-worth. 



However, the Portsmouth study demonstrates the potential downside of self-serving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-perception-we-see-the-world-based-on-what-we-expect-to-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bias</a>: it can seriously cloud our judgment of others. We might overestimate the abilities of colleagues or teammates, making us overlook opportunities to work with people who could bring greater skills to the table.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-serving-bias-in-robots-and-humans">Self-serving bias in robots and humans</h2>



The <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portsmouth</a> researchers designed an insightful experiment to explore this self-serving bias. Students first took an online quiz. Then, they were assigned a partner for subsequent tasks -- either a fellow human student or a robot partner. 



When participants were paired with a real person, a pattern of overconfidence emerged. They tended to inflate both their own abilities and their partner's skills within their assessment. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bias-against-women-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skewed perception</a> led to less-than-ideal decision-making, with participants often choosing to continue working with underperforming teammates rather than potentially seeking a more skilled partner.



The fascinating twist lies in the trials where students were paired with a robot. Suddenly, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-dreams-influence-our-perceptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">judgment</a> became significantly more accurate. 



They were better able to evaluate their own performance more objectively, minimizing the self-serving bias that had previously influenced their views of their human partners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-we-bend-our-beliefs">Why do we bend our beliefs?</h2>



"You might find yourself overestimating a colleague's proficiency to justify delegating tasks, thereby avoiding the stress of extra work and the potential revelation of your own shortcomings," explains Dr. Zahra Murad, co-author of the study.



Essentially, by overestimating the skills of those around us, we create an environment where our own shortcomings feel less significant by comparison. It's a subtle, subconscious protective mechanism -- we shield our egos from potential discomfort. 



This might provide a temporary boost of confidence, but it ultimately leads to missed opportunities for growth and improvement. By settling for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/belief-god-human-cooperation-evolve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">illusion</a> of being surrounded by competent individuals, we risk overlooking chances to learn from those who could truly challenge and elevate us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compliments-gone-wrong">Compliments gone wrong</h2>



"Overconfident employees are in a way too content with their teammates and have little inclination to change teams," states co-author, Dr. Leonie Gerhards. 



When a self-serving bias becomes widespread, it creates a stagnant environment for teams. The exaggerated perception of everyone's abilities hinders the team's willingness to change, adapt, and seek out fresh perspectives. 



In this setting, individuals are likely to miss valuable opportunities to collaborate with people possessing different skills, new ideas, or a drive to push them beyond their comfort zones. 



Without those challenges and external influences, we essentially relegate ourselves to a place of limited growth, even if the current situation feels comfortable and safe. Our true potential may never be realized due to a reluctance to venture beyond what is familiar.



The strangest takeaway from this study is that a robot, devoid of the need for self-esteem, might actually make us better judges of our own abilities. Since we know a machine won't inflate its skills and can provide objective feedback, it seems to snap us out of our biased thinking. 



Who knows, maybe AI could play a role in delivering fairer, more effective feedback in workplaces and training programs?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-to-break-free-of-the-self-serving-bias">Tips to break free of the self-serving bias</h2>



So how do we make sure compliments boost us, not blind us? Here are a few strategies:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-develop-critical-self-awareness">Develop critical self-awareness</h3>



While it may feel counterintuitive, it's crucial to approach both praise and self-assessment with a healthy dose of skepticism. Before fully accepting a compliment, take a moment to consider if it aligns with your own evaluation. Were there external circumstances that contributed to the success, or was it truly down to your own individual effort?



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prioritize-specific-feedback">Prioritize specific feedback</h3>



Don't settle for generic praise or criticism. Actively seek detailed feedback that pinpoints your strengths and areas for improvement. Ask focused questions like, "Could you identify specific things I did well in this presentation?" or "What aspects of my proposal could be made stronger?"



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embrace-mistakes-as-learning-tools">Embrace mistakes as learning tools</h3>



It's natural to want to avoid failure, but mistakes can be transformative if viewed with the right mindset. Instead of attributing failures to outside factors, take ownership and see them as opportunities to identify where you can improve and refine your approach.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-openness-to-change">Openness to change</h3>



Actively seek out new challenges and collaborations. New partners and teams bring different perspectives, which can challenge your assumptions and expose you to different ways of working. Breaking out of your comfort zone allows for continuous growth and prevents stagnation.



 "Consider a scenario where you want to see yourself as the key player in a team project. The simple solution for ensuring success might seem to be monopolizing the workload," notes Dr. Alexander Coutts from <a href="https://schulich.yorku.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schulich School of Business</a>, York University.



"However, this approach comes with its risks -- overburdening yourself or facing the uncomfortable truth that you might not be the infallible expert you thought. Instead, our minds seek a simpler solution by reevaluating our partner's capabilities."



"Our findings suggest that overconfident employees are in a way too content with their teammates and have little inclination to change teams," added co-author, Dr. Leonie Gerhards from King's Business School at <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King's College London</a>.



"That means, where possible, organizations should deliberately re-shuffle their work teams from time to time, thereby allowing their employees to learn about their true strengths and weaknesses."



Let's not let fear of inadequacy trick us into settling for less. By learning to accept constructive feedback, even when it stings a little, we unlock the door to real improvement.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ej/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ej/ueae005/7619130?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Economic Journal</a>.



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Self-serving bias: How we distort our beliefs about others to feel better

We all crave a little validation now and then. A...

In many American homes, the familiar hiss of a gas stove ignites more than just family meals - it sparks a series of health concerns due to the emission of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/tracking-nitrogen-dioxide-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen dioxide</a> (NO2).



Recent research highlights the significant impact this gas can have on indoor air quality, revealing that even bedrooms can become saturated with harmful levels of pollutants shortly after cooking, and these levels can linger for hours.



"I didn’t expect to see pollutant concentrations breach health benchmarks in bedrooms within an hour of gas stove use, and stay there for hours after the stove is turned off," noted Professor Rob Jackson, a senior researcher at the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>. 



This revelation confirms that the issue extends beyond the kitchen, affecting the air quality throughout the entire home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-gas-stoves-and-nitrogen-dioxide-exposure">Health risks of gas stoves and nitrogen dioxide exposure</h2>



The health implications of prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves are severe and multifaceted. Consistent inhalation of NO2 can exacerbate asthma symptoms, hinder lung development in children, and even contribute to premature mortality. 



The study, which also included insights from researchers at the Central California Asthma Collaborative, PSE Healthy Energy, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, estimates that up to 200,000 cases of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-asthma-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">childhood asthma</a> may be linked to gas stove emissions. A significant portion of these asthma cases are directly attributable to nitrogen dioxide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quantifying nitrogen dioxide exposure levels</h2>



Study lead author Yannai Kashtan, a PhD student specializing in Earth System Science, pointed out that the quantity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gas-stoves-release-more-harmful-nanoparticles-than-vehicle-exhaust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas</a> used during cooking is the predominant factor influencing NO2 exposure levels in homes.



Kashtan noted that the effectiveness and usage of range hoods play crucial roles in mitigating exposure. "We found that just how much gas you burn in your stove is by far the biggest factor affecting how much you’re exposed. And then, after that, do you have an effective range hood – and do you use it?" 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mortality-rates-associated-with-no2-exposure">Mortality rates associated with NO2 exposure </h2>



The research team employed advanced sensors and modeling techniques to measure and analyze NO2 levels in over 100 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-gas-stoves-in-homes-is-worse-for-your-health-than-secondhand-smoke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homes</a> of varying sizes and layouts. 



The findings indicate that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide in homes with gas stoves may cause thousands of deaths each year - comparable to the mortality rates associated with secondhand smoke.



“Assuming that meta-analyses of outdoor NO2 and all-cause adult mortality may be applied to long-term exposure to indoor NO2, our analysis suggests that long-term NO2 exposure from gas and propane stoves in the United States may be responsible for up to 19,000 deaths annually,” wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationwide-consequences-of-indoor-air-pollution">Nationwide consequences of indoor air pollution</h2>



On a broader scale, the typical use of propane or gas stoves in the U.S. is likely to increase household NO2 levels significantly, nearly reaching unsafe limits set by the World Health Organization for outdoor air. 



"That’s excluding all outdoor sources combined, so it makes it much more likely you’re going to exceed the limit," said Kashtan, highlighting the gravity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/gas-stoves-create-dangerous-levels-of-indoor-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indoor pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-socioeconomic-and-demographic-disparities">Socioeconomic and demographic disparities</h2>



The study also sheds light on disparities in NO2 exposure based on household size and demographic factors. Smaller homes, often less than 800 square feet, and those in poorer or minority communities face disproportionately higher levels of indoor pollution. 



"People in poorer communities can't always afford to change their appliances, or perhaps they rent and can't replace appliances because they don't own them," noted Jackson. This issue is compounded in smaller homes, where residents breathe in more pollution for the same amount of stove use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-home-energy-solutions">Cleaner home energy solutions</h2>



This research not only advances our understanding of indoor air pollution from gas stoves but also emphasizes the need for effective ventilation and perhaps a reconsideration of fuel sources in homes. 



Electric stoves, for instance, offer a cleaner alternative, emitting no NO2 or other harmful pollutants like benzene. 



"It’s the fuel, not the food. Electric stoves emit no nitrogen dioxide or benzene. If you own a gas or propane stove, you need to reduce pollutant exposures using ventilation," said Jackson.



The findings from this comprehensive study illustrate the critical need for awareness and action in addressing indoor air pollution. They also call for a reassessment of household energy choices to safeguard public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adm8680" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>. 



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Gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide

In many American homes, the familiar hiss of a gas...

In the ever-evolving landscape of personalized medicine, there is an increasing demand for advanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-blood-pressure-devices-for-home-monitoring-are-not-validated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wearable devices</a> that can monitor everything from heartbeats to glucose levels. 



Despite this progress, there remains a significant challenge in creating devices that seamlessly integrate with the human body, particularly for long-term and invasive monitoring. Scientists at USC have turned their attention to a new prospect for health monitoring: microneedles inspired by sea slugs. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-from-the-deep-sea">Innovative solutions from the deep sea </h2>



<a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a> researcher Hangbo Zhao, an expert in advanced manufacturing and flexible electronics, is helping close a significant gap in health monitoring. 



Zhao's research is dedicated to developing more adaptable and less invasive health monitoring technologies. His latest innovation is a revolutionary type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-surgery-no-incision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microneedle electrode</a>. This new development promises to transform the way we monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-health-deterioration-in-hospital-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> metrics.



The microneedle electrodes are crafted to be "soft" and highly flexible, making them perfect for use with muscle and skin tissues that often change shape. 



Unlike traditional microneedle electrodes that are rigid and can be uncomfortable, Zhao’s design is flexible, allowing these electrodes to adapt to movements and changes in the tissue. This ensures better contact and reduces the risk of tissue damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybrid-fabrication-method">Hybrid fabrication method</h2>



Central to this innovation is a hybrid fabrication method developed in the researcher's lab. This method blends laser micromachining, microfabrication, and transfer printing to produce microelectrode arrays that can stretch by 60 to 90 percent - the highest ever reported in the field. 



This process not only enhances the flexibility of the microneedles but also allows for the customization of their geometric and functional properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-sea-slugs-to-microneedles">From sea slugs to microneedles </h2>



The idea for these microneedle electrodes was inspired by research on sea slugs. The initial tests involved recording electrical activities in the muscles of sea slugs, proving the feasibility of the electrodes for dynamic and moving tissues.



The research carries far-reaching implications that go well beyond basic health monitoring. The technology crafted by Zhao and his USC team is also adept for applications such as analyzing brain and nerve activity, sensing skin interstitial fluids, diagnosing neuromuscular disorders, and facilitating targeted drug delivery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-health-monitoring">Innovative health monitoring</h2>



As the medical community seeks more precise and less intrusive health monitoring tools, the development of these soft microneedles represents a significant step forward. 



For patients apprehensive about traditional microneedle use, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-technology-uses-eye-scanner-to-measure-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new technology</a> could provide a much-needed alternative that offers high fidelity sensing with minimal discomfort.



The research conducted by the USC team is not just a technological achievement but a potential game-changer for healthcare professionals, biotechnology firms, and anyone interested in a healthier, longer life. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about sea slugs&nbsp;</h2>



Sea slugs, also known as nudibranchs, are fascinating marine creatures belonging to the mollusk class Gastropoda. These animals are noted for their extraordinary colors and striking forms, which make them a favorite among underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Appearance&nbsp;of sea slugs </h3>



Unlike their terrestrial relatives, the snails, sea slugs do not have a visible shell. This lack of a shell contributes to their varied and often flamboyant appearances, which are believed to serve as a deterrent to predators through aposematic coloration, signaling their potential toxicity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Distribution and diet</h3>



Sea slugs are found in oceans all over the world, from shallow reefs to deep ocean floors. They feed on a variety of food sources, including algae, sponges, and even other sea slugs.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Unique adaptations</h3>



Some species have developed remarkable adaptations, such as the ability to incorporate the photosynthetic capabilities of the algae they eat, allowing them to derive energy directly from sunlight, a process known as kleptoplasty.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



The reproduction of sea slugs also presents interesting aspects; they are hermaphrodites, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. After mating, both partners can lay eggs, increasing their chances of reproductive success.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense mechanisms</h3>



One of the most striking features of sea slugs is their defense mechanisms. Besides their bright colors, some species can produce toxins or incorporate toxins from the prey they consume into their own bodies, making them unpalatable or dangerous to predators. Additionally, some can even shed parts of their body to escape from threats.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn7202" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Inspired by sea slugs: Microneedles could transform health monitoring

In the ever-evolving landscape of personalized medicine, there is an...

A recent study has unveiled a concerning trend in the traditionally damp landscapes of Africa. Over an 18-year span, the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> has alarmingly doubled in Africa's wet forests, especially in the vast Congo Basin. 



The uptick in fire activity in these regions mirrors similar increases observed in other wet forests globally, including the U.S. Pacific Northwest and the Amazon. 



This pattern indicates a shift in the ecological dynamics of these areas, underscoring the urgent need to reevaluate the susceptibility of wet forests to fires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-trends-in-africa-s-wet-forests">Fire trends in Africa’s wet forests</h2>



The study represents the first extensive examination of fire incidents in West and Central Africa’s lush, tropical forests. 



Utilizing satellite imagery, the researchers tracked active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historic-fires-impact-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> from 2003 to 2021, discovering a clear rise in fire frequency, particularly in the Northwest Congolian Lowland Forests. By 2021, the number of fires per 10,000 square kilometers surged by 400 annually.



"There were several areas with strong trends of increasing fire, mainly in the Congo Basin. In contrast, there were almost no locations where fire was decreasing," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-human-activity-on-wet-forest-fires">Impact of human activity on wet forest fires</h2>



Traditionally, fires in Africa's wet forests were thought to be minor, especially when compared to those in drier woodlands and savannas. The lack of comprehensive research left many questions about the characteristics and drivers of these fires unanswered.



The escalation of fires in wet forests is deeply connected to human activities, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>. This not only reduces forest cover but also fragments the remaining forested areas, increasing their susceptibility to fires. 



Consequently, these human-driven changes foster drier conditions particularly at the forest edges, where the majority of fires tend to ignite. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-patterns-and-wet-forest-fires">Weather patterns and wet forest fires</h2>



Furthermore, the experts identified a pronounced correlation between the occurrence of fires in these wet forests and weather patterns, particularly high temperatures and vapor pressure deficits, which are indicative of elevated plant water stress levels.



A particularly compelling discovery was the impact of the 2015-2016 "super El Niño" event, which intensified heat and drought conditions in these regions, subsequently leading to a noticeable increase in fires. 



"I was surprised at how strong and clear the climate signal was," said Michael Wimberly, an ecologist at the University of Oklahoma who led the study.



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



The implications of these findings are profound. As global climate patterns continue to evolve, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forest-land-sometimes-gets-cleared-for-nothing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forest</a> fires are likely to increase in frequency and intensity, posing significant challenges to conservation efforts and biodiversity. 



Wimberly emphasized the necessity of rethinking how we view the relationship between climate change and fire in tropical forests. "Tropical forest fires have been long overlooked, but they're only going to become more important in the future. We can't ignore them any longer."



This pivotal study calls for an integrated approach to managing fire risks, particularly by controlling fires at the edges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-global-forest-loss-has-been-caused-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> to prevent the destructive feedback loops that increase vulnerability to further fires. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



The research underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and intervention strategies that can mitigate the impact of fires on some of the world’s most critical wet forest ecosystems.



The findings from the study not only expand our understanding of the ecological dynamics of wet forests but also serve as a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and conservationists worldwide to address the emerging threats posed by climate change and human influence on these vital habitats.



“Fires are likely to continue increasing as temperatures become hotter and human populations grow and expand, and they will have negative impacts on carbon storage as well as biodiversity and human livelihoods derived from forest resources,” wrote the study authors.



“To date there has been limited research on fire in African forests, and more work is needed to understand how ENSO and other climate modes influence regional patterns of fire risk; assess the impacts of increasing fire on carbon dynamics, biodiversity, and forest resources; and develop more effective strategies for predicting fire danger and preventing destructive wildfires.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL106240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Africa's wet forests have seen an alarming rise in wildfires

A recent study has unveiled a concerning trend in the...

To secure the future of crucial intertidal areas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-of-the-worlds-salt-marshes-may-be-underwater-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salt marshes</a> along our coastlines, increasing the turbidity of the water is vital, according to a recent study conducted by a team of Dutch and Chinese researchers. 



“These natural areas outside our dikes are essential for nature and coastal defense. But because of how we are now building in the Delta and the hinterland, coastal defense is endangered in the long term,” said Tim Grandjean, a postdoctoral fellow in estuarine and delta systems at the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a> (NIOZ). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-turbidity-and-intertidal-areas-nbsp">Water turbidity and intertidal areas&nbsp;</h2>



The experts utilized decades of satellite measurements of tidal regions globally, correlating them with turbidity data also obtained via satellite monitoring. This analysis helped them establish a critical minimum turbidity needed for delta waters worldwide.&nbsp;



The findings revealed a clear long-term relationship: intertidal growth is contingent on sufficient water turbidity. “After all, turbid water means more sand and silt particles in the water, which can allow the coast to grow,” Grandjean explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-tidal-flats-nbsp">Vulnerability of tidal flats&nbsp;</h2>



Globally, the clarity of many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-waters-bury-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal waters</a> has been improving for decades, which paradoxically leads to the vulnerability of tidal flats. Moreover, with sea levels rising, maintaining these flats requires even higher turbidity. 



The current low turbidity levels pose a significant threat to critical biodiversity areas and coastal safety since tidal flats serve as vital foraging grounds for birds and contribute significantly to wave attenuation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-on-intertidal-areas-nbsp">Human impacts on intertidal areas&nbsp;</h2>



The study underscores the need for a reevaluation of human impacts on delta regions, stressing the importance of strategic planning in coastal development to safeguard these vital ecosystems. Thus, we have to think more carefully about how human activities affect the coast, on which we rely for our safety.&nbsp;



Large-scale infrastructural projects like the Three Gorges Dam on China’s Yangtze River have drastically reduced downstream sediment supply, essential for the nourishment and maintenance of tidal flats.&nbsp;



Similarly, in the Netherlands, constructions such as the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier have led to significant reductions in sand deposition, causing the water to become clearer and less capable of supporting intertidal zones, leading to erosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-nature-conservation-and-coastal-protection-nbsp">Balancing nature conservation and coastal protection&nbsp;</h2>



“In the long run, this is not sustainable. When too much intertidal area disappears outside the dikes of Zeeland, the safety of the complete coast is at stake. So not only for nature, but also for safety, we must begin to protect the areas outside the dikes much more effectively,” said Grandjean.



“The water has to become murkier, so we may have to consider dismantling the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier in the future. A careful balance between nature conservation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-improve-coastal-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal protection</a> is essential, ensuring that both goals strengthen rather than counteract each other.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-intertidal-coastal-areas-nbsp">Dynamics of intertidal coastal areas&nbsp;</h2>



The study also involves innovative techniques developed at NIOZ workshops for measuring the dynamics of intertidal zones, providing crucial insights into their short-term vulnerabilities.&nbsp;



“The dynamics of intertidal areas can be measured with very expensive sensors or with labor-intensive, manual measurements. However, this way, we could never collect data in many different places at the same time,” said Grandjean.



“The technicians at NIOZ developed sensors that were cheap enough to record the height of the bottom to the millimeter, several times a day, at different locations along the Western and Eastern Scheldt for several years now.”



The precise data collected shows that an intertidal zone's height can fluctuate by one or two centimeters within a single tidal cycle. “For you or me, a centimeter more or less under our boots may not matter, but if you are a worm or a mussel, or a seed of eelgrass, that is indeed too much dynamics,” he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spacing-between-groynes-nbsp">Spacing between groynes&nbsp;</h2>



Grandjean's further studies into the spacing between groynes - structures built out from coasts as part of coastal management or to protect against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-erosion-is-picking-up-speed-across-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a> - by the province of Zeeland show that these also enhance the habitat quality along the Westerschelde by reducing dynamic changes, allowing for better settlement of benthic animals. 



“Of course, we already knew that these groynes, along rivers and coasts, can protect, but our measurements show that benthic life along the Westerschelde also benefits from these measures. The dynamics decrease enough in time and space for benthic animals to settle better,” he said.&nbsp;



Moreover, the flow reduction between the groynes could help stabilize intertidal coastal areas over the long term and mitigate rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level</a> effects. However, continued research is crucial to fully understand these dynamics and their long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01431-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Water turbidity helps protect coastal ecosystems

To secure the future of crucial intertidal areas and salt...

White dwarfs, the remnants of stars like our Sun but only about the size of Earth, make up 97% of our galaxy's stars. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dead stars</a>, dense and compact, represent a common endpoint for stellar evolution, transforming the Milky Way into a sort of celestial necropolis.



One long standing puzzle has been the composition of these stars, particularly the unexpected presence of heavy metals like silicon, magnesium, and calcium on their surfaces. This phenomenon is at odds with the typical behavior expected from such dense objects, where heavy elements should sink rapidly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarfs-absorb-heavy-metals-nbsp">White dwarfs absorb heavy metals&nbsp;</h2>



“We know that if these heavy metals are present on the surface of the white dwarf, the white dwarf is dense enough that these heavy metals should very quickly sink toward the core. So, you shouldn't see any metals on the surface of a white dwarf unless the white dwarf is actively eating something,” said lead author Tatsuya Akib, a graduate student in planetary sciences at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> (CU Boulder).



This “eating” refers to the absorption of nearby objects such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comets</a> or asteroids, also known as planetesimals. This process has intrigued astronomers as a potential key to understanding the metallic surface composition of white dwarfs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natal-kick-may-be-responsible-nbsp">“Natal kick” may be responsible&nbsp;</h2>



In a recent publication, the experts offer a new explanation for this behavior. They propose that a “natal kick” - a displacement during formation due to asymmetric mass loss observed in white dwarfs - might be responsible for the dynamics that lead to these celestial bodies consuming nearby planetesimals.



The team's computer simulations showed that in 80% of scenarios, this kick resulted in the elongation and alignment of the orbits of comets and asteroids within 30 to 240 astronomical units of the white dwarf. Remarkably, about 40% of the consumed planetesimals originated from retrograde, or counter-rotating, orbits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-million-years-of-simulations-nbsp">100 million years of simulations&nbsp;</h2>



Extending their simulations over 100 million years, the team observed that the elongated orbits of nearby planetesimals persisted and moved in unison, a phenomenon previously undocumented.&nbsp;



“This is something I think is unique about our theory: we can explain why the accretion events are so long-lasting,” explained senior author Anne-Marie Madigan, an astrophysicist at CU Boulder. “While other mechanisms may explain an original accretion event, our simulations with the kick show why it still happens hundreds of millions of years later.”



These findings suggest that the presence of heavy metals on a white dwarf's surface can be attributed to the continuous accretion of smaller celestial bodies it encounters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarf-interactions-nbsp">White dwarf interactions&nbsp;</h2>



Madigan’s team, which specializes in gravitational dynamics, explored in more detail the interactions between white dwarfs and their gravitational environments.&nbsp;



“Simulations help us understand the dynamics of different astrophysical objects,” Akiba said. “So, in this simulation, we throw a bunch of asteroids and comets around the white dwarf, which is significantly bigger, and see how the simulation evolves and which of these asteroids and comets the white dwarf eats.”



The researchers plan to expand their simulations to include interactions with larger planetary bodies, anticipating that white dwarfs may also consume larger objects like planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarfs-are-a-lens-to-the-past-and-future-nbsp">White dwarfs are a lens to the past and future&nbsp;</h2>



These discoveries not only provide insights into the life cycle of white dwarfs but also illuminate the broader processes of solar system evolution and the chemical complexities involved. 



“The vast majority of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-planet-discovered-with-an-ocean-not-far-from-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> in the universe will end up orbiting a white dwarf. It could be that 50% of these systems get eaten by their star, including our own solar system. Now, we have a mechanism to explain why this would happen,” Madigan said.



“Planetesimals can give us insight into other solar systems and planetary compositions beyond where we live in our solar region. White dwarfs aren't just a lens into the past. They're also kind of a lens into the future,” concluded co-author Sarah McIntyre, an undergraduate student at CU Boulder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-white-dwarf-stars-nbsp">More about white dwarf stars&nbsp;</h2>



White dwarf stars are fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stellar-cannibalism-scientists-find-the-remnants-of-devoured-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnants of stars</a> similar to our Sun, found in the final stages of their stellar life cycle. When a star has exhausted the nuclear fuel at its core, it sheds its outer layers and leaves behind a dense core, which we observe as a white dwarf. 



These stars are incredibly dense and compact; despite being similar in size to Earth, they contain about as much mass as the Sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-process-nbsp">Cooling process&nbsp;</h3>



The surface of a white dwarf is characterized by its extreme temperatures, initially very hot but gradually cooling over billions of years. This cooling process is slow due to the star's small surface area relative to its mass, which makes it less efficient at radiating heat away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-dwarfs">Black dwarfs</h2>



White dwarfs are typically composed of carbon and oxygen, which were generated by the fusion of helium in the star's previous evolutionary stages. The fate of a white dwarf is to continue to cool and fade away, eventually becoming what is known as a "black dwarf," although the universe is not old enough for any white dwarfs to have reached this stage yet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-of-stars-nbsp">Life cycle of stars&nbsp;</h3>



These stars are also significant in the study of astrophysics because they serve as one of the possible endpoints of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-a-new-way-that-stars-die/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a> and play a key role in our understanding of the life cycle of stars. 



Additionally, white dwarfs are often involved in exotic phenomena such as type Ia supernovae, which occur when a white dwarf accretes matter from a companion star to the point where it undergoes a catastrophic explosion, playing a critical role in measuring cosmic distances.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad394c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.  



Image Credit: NASA and H. Richer (University of British Columbia)



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Hungry white dwarf stars eat heavy metals

White dwarfs, the remnants of stars like our Sun but...

The relatively obscure locations of Cowee Creek, Brabazon Range, and Upper Pederson Lagoon have recently become significant for their experience with lake tsunamis - a growing phenomenon primarily noted in Alaska and British Columbia, driven by the effects of climate change on mountain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-fueling-earthquakes-in-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>.



Lake tsunamis are typically triggered by landslides that plunge into small, often remote bodies of water. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">Potential for lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



While most lake tsunamis have occurred away from populous areas, geologist Bretwood Higman from <a href="https://groundtruthalaska.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ground Truth Alaska</a> warns of the potential for such events to impact more inhabited locations, particularly Portage Lake near Whittier.



According to Higman, places like Eklutna, Seward, Valdez, Juneau, Grewingk Lake in Kachemak Bay State Park, and Index Lake near Glacier View also carry significant tsunami risk with human activity and infrastructure.



During the <a href="https://meetings.seismosoc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seismological Society of America (SSA)’s 2024 Annual Meeting</a>, Higman highlighted the necessity of monitoring such locations for potential lake tsunamis, particularly through the lens of unique seismic signals that landslides often produce.



“There are some cases where there are dramatic and very distinctive precursory seismic signals that precede a catastrophic landslide, sometimes by as much as days,” Higman explained. “If we could get to the point where we understood these and knew how to detect them, they could be really useful.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-conditions-enhance-risks">Warming conditions enhance risks</h2>



Labeling lake tsunamis as an “emerging, climate-linked hazard,” Higman detailed how geological conditions that foster such events are generally consistent across different locales.&nbsp;



The melting of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>, exacerbated by rising temperatures, weakens the support they provide to adjacent valley walls, increasing their susceptibility to landslides into either existing water bodies or new lakes formed from the glacial melt. 



Additionally, warming conditions contribute to the degradation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-permafrost-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost</a> that stabilizes mountain slopes, further enhancing risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-frequent-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">More frequent lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



The phenomenon has been observed more frequently in recent years, with the 2020 Elliot Creek tsunami in a British Columbian glacial valley serving as a stark example.&nbsp;



This event involved a landslide that displaced 18 million cubic meters of earth and caused tsunami waves that ran up more than 100 meters, devastating local forest and salmon habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">Preparing for future lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



Although lake tsunamis currently affect less populated areas, Higman and his colleagues are using the data gathered from such incidents to develop preparedness strategies for potentially affected communities with significant infrastructure.&nbsp;



The researchers are studying geological instabilities similar to those that have led to past tsunamis, hoping to mitigate risks for densely populated regions.



Finally, Higman suggests that examining these massive landslide events could offer insights into tectonic fault behaviors, providing a smaller-scale model for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-music-will-yellowstones-seismic-activity-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic activities</a> more broadly. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">More about lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



Lake tsunamis, also known as seiches, are large waves or series of waves generated in enclosed or semi-enclosed bodies of water like lakes, bays, or reservoirs.&nbsp;



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



Unlike oceanic tsunamis that are commonly caused by seismic activity (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides), lake tsunamis often result from sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, strong winds, or rapid displacement of water caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fatal-landslides-human-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landslides</a> or large objects falling into the lake.



The phenomenon occurs when the water in a lake is pushed from one end to the other, piling up and then oscillating back and forth until it loses energy and stabilizes. 



These oscillations can be amplified by the shape of the lake, especially if it is long and narrow, which can cause the wave heights to increase significantly as they travel back and forth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-michigan-nbsp">Lake Michigan&nbsp;</h3>



One famous historical example of a seiche occurred in 1954 at Lake Michigan, where strong winds and rapid changes in atmospheric pressure resulted in waves that reached up to 10 feet high, causing substantial damage along the Chicago waterfront. 



Another notable instance happened in Switzerland's Lake Geneva in the 6th century, triggered by a massive rockfall.



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



Although lake tsunamis are less common and generally less destructive than their oceanic counterparts, they can still pose significant risks to those living near or on bodies of water, especially in regions prone to sudden meteorological changes or seismic activity. 



Precautions and early warning systems can help mitigate the impact of such events, enhancing safety for communities in vulnerable areas.



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Lake tsunamis are an emerging climate-linked hazard

The relatively obscure locations of Cowee Creek, Brabazon Range, and...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" 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> 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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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