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)...

A recent study led by the University of Mississippi has made significant strides in understanding animal emotions through an innovative approach.&nbsp;



Partnering with researchers from the United Kingdom, the experts focused on how vocalizations from domestic chicks can indicate stress levels, potentially offering new ways to improve animal welfare in the poultry industry.&nbsp;



The findings reveal insights that could benefit not only animals but also human mental health research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chick-vocalizations-and-animal-welfare">Chick vocalizations and animal welfare</h2>



The study's core experiment was simple yet revealing: placing one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicks-can-identify-an-object-just-by-touching-it-even-in-the-dark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chick</a> in a box by itself and another in a box with a mirror. 



The chick that could see its reflection believed it was not alone and emitted calm calls, while the solitary chick produced louder, higher-pitched sounds - an indicator of anxiety-like states.&nbsp;



The team used advanced acoustic equipment to measure the changes in the quality of these vocalizations, aiming to link them to stress levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-animal-welfare-practices">Improving animal welfare practices </h2>



The results of this study have broader implications for improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-welfare-biggest-concern-people-making-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">welfare</a> practices in the meat and egg production industry. 



According to co-author Kenneth Sufka, a professor of psychology and pharmacology at the <a href="https://olemiss.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mississippi</a>, monitoring the stress of animals like chickens, swine, and cattle through their vocalizations could be a valuable tool for ensuring humane conditions in commercial facilities. 



“Is this a worthwhile thing, to be thinking about using acoustics to monitor animal welfare in these production facilities? I think so,” Sufka said, highlighting the potential for this method to be applied in practical settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-emotions-in-animals">Studying emotions in animals</h2>



Lead author Sarah Collins, an associate professor of animal behavior at the <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a>, emphasized the importance of the findings in understanding animal sentience.



“This is more evidence of animal sentience - the ability to experience feelings,” she said. The ability to assess how stressed an animal is through vocal cues could allow for more precise measures of their welfare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-stress-in-chick-peeps">Measuring stress in chick peeps</h2>



Beyond animal welfare, this research offers a noninvasive and cost-effective method for studying anxiety-like states in animals other than chicks. 



Traditional methods of assessing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> involve capturing animals, taking blood samples, and measuring corticosterone, a stress hormone - a process that can itself induce stress. 



Sufka points out the advantage of their method: “That itself is stressful - to capture, restrain, collect, release. This, we think, is a better way.”



This approach is particularly relevant for testing medications intended for human use.&nbsp;



Since chicks are often used in early stages of research for anxiety and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-adult-depression-linked-to-worse-memory-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a> medications, being able to accurately measure their stress levels could lead to more effective treatments. 



“To claim that an anti-anxiety drug is alleviating an anxiety-like state, this chick or mouse or rat has to have an anxiety state similar to yours,” Sufka said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-questions-about-animal-welfare-nbsp">Ethical questions about animal welfare&nbsp;</h2>



The research also touches on deeper ethical questions regarding the emotional capacities of animals and their rights.&nbsp;



Historically, animals have been considered less emotionally complex than humans, leading to a perception that they have fewer needs.&nbsp;



However, the recent findings suggest that animals like chickens do experience negative emotional states.&nbsp;



“My argument is that all of the work that we have done to-date shows the similarities between this avian model and human anxiety and depressive states makes a very strong argument that these animals do have negative emotional states,” Sufka explained.



“If that's true, then ethically it follows that we are absolutely obligated to be worried about animal welfare and provide for the best living conditions possible.”&nbsp;



This perspective underscores the importance of ensuring that animals under human care live in conditions that support their well-being.



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



Sufka’s research opens the door to new methods of understanding and improving the lives of animals, both in agricultural settings and in research environments.&nbsp;



By providing a clearer picture of how animals like chicks experience stress, this study could shape future standards of care and deepen our understanding of the emotional lives of animals.&nbsp;



The implications extend beyond barns and laboratories, touching on the fundamental ways we relate to the animals around us and the ethical responsibilities that follow.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106359" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Behaviour Science</a>.



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Chick emotions shed new light on animal welfare

A recent study led by the University of Mississippi has...

A team of researchers led by MIT has discovered a significant amount of pyrene, a large carbon-rich molecule known as a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), within a distant interstellar cloud.&nbsp;



This finding provides new insights into the origins of carbon in our solar system and supports theories about the molecular building blocks that contributed to its formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-clouds-and-solar-system-origins-nbsp">Interstellar clouds and solar system origins&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-collided-with-an-interstellar-cloud-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interstellar cloud</a> in question, known as TMC-1, contains a mix of dust and gas similar to what eventually formed our own solar system. Pyrene's discovery in this environment suggests it may have played a crucial role in seeding our solar system with carbon. 



This idea is further supported by recent findings that pyrene is abundant in samples from the near-Earth asteroid Ryugu, returned by Japan's Hayabusa2 mission.



“One of the big questions in star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a> is: How much of the chemical inventory from that early molecular cloud is inherited and forms the base components of the solar system?” said senior author Brett McGuire, an assistant professor of chemistry at <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>. 



“What we’re looking at is the start and the end, and they’re showing the same thing. That’s pretty strong evidence that this material from the early molecular cloud finds its way into the ice, dust, and rocky bodies that make up our solar system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-pyrene-with-radio-astronomy">Detecting pyrene with radio astronomy</h2>



Detecting pyrene in space is a complex process, as its symmetrical structure makes it invisible to conventional radio astronomy methods. To overcome this, the researchers focused on an isomer called cyanopyrene, a version of pyrene modified by cyanide.&nbsp;



This alteration breaks the molecule's symmetry, allowing it to be detected through its unique rotational spectra - patterns of light emitted as the molecule rotates in space.



The team used the 100-meter Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in West Virginia to identify these signals within TMC-1. This discovery builds on earlier work by McGuire and others, who had identified smaller PAHs in the same region, such as benzonitrile and cyanonaphthalene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-massive-carbon-sink-in-space">A massive carbon sink in space</h2>



The researchers found that cyanopyrene accounts for approximately 0.1 percent of all the carbon present in TMC-1.&nbsp;



McGuire noted that while 0.1 percent doesn’t sound like a large number, most carbon is trapped in carbon monoxide (CO), the second-most abundant molecule in the universe besides molecular hydrogen.&nbsp;



“If we set CO aside, one in every few hundred or so remaining carbon atoms is in pyrene. Imagine the thousands of different molecules that are out there, nearly all of them with many different carbon atoms in them, and one in a few hundred is in pyrene,” said McGuire.



“That is an absolutely massive abundance. An almost unbelievable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concrete-becoming-great-carbon-sink-capturing-storing-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sink of carbon</a>. It’s an interstellar island of stability.”



The detection of pyrene marks the discovery of the third-largest molecule found in space and the largest yet identified using radio astronomy techniques.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-star-and-planet-formation">Implications for star and planet formation</h2>



Interstellar clouds like TMC-1 have the potential to birth stars and planetary systems as clumps of dust and gas come together, forming new celestial bodies.&nbsp;



The presence of pyrene in TMC-1 and similar molecules in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-ryugu-has-unexpected-family-ties-near-jupiter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryugu</a> asteroid suggests that such carbon-rich compounds might be directly inherited by forming planetary systems, including our own.



&nbsp;“We now have, I would venture to say, the strongest evidence ever of this direct molecular inheritance from the cold cloud all the way through to the actual rocks in the solar system,” McGuire explained.



The study’s findings have drawn attention from the broader scientific community.&nbsp;Ewine van Dishoeck, a professor of molecular astrophysics at Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands, highlighted the importance of the discovery.&nbsp;



“It builds on their earlier discoveries of smaller aromatic molecules, but to make the jump now to the pyrene family is huge,” said van Dishoeck.



“Not only does it demonstrate that a significant fraction of carbon is locked up in these molecules, but it also points to different formation routes of aromatics than have been considered so far.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probing-the-origins-of-pyrene">Probing the origins of pyrene</h2>



The research team now aims to explore whether even larger PAH molecules exist within TMC-1, providing further insights into the early chemical processes that shape star systems.&nbsp;



The experts are also investigating whether pyrene formed within TMC-1 itself or originated elsewhere in the universe, potentially carried across space by high-energy processes like those found near dying stars.



This study not only offers a deeper understanding of carbon’s role in the formation of planetary systems but also opens new avenues for exploring the molecular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of life</a> in the cosmos. 



As scientists continue to probe the mysteries of space, findings like this bring us closer to understanding the chemical connections between distant clouds and the evolution of our own solar system.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adq6391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Scientists detect molecules that store carbon in space

A team of researchers led by MIT has discovered a...

While insects like stink bugs and mosquitoes might not be liked by many people, they play an essential role in maintaining the balance of Earth's ecosystems. 



E.O. Wilson, a renowned biologist, once emphasized their importance by stating that if insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse. 



However, scientists have recently observed a decline in insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>, with numbers dropping by 2-3% annually, alongside shifts in their behavior. 



This decline has driven researchers to explore potential causes, including habitat loss, climate change, and the effects of chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-agrochemicals-on-insects">Effects of agrochemicals on insects</h2>



A study led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.embl.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Molecular Biology Laboratory</a> (EMBL) sought to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a>, herbicides, and other agrochemicals influence insect populations. 



Using more than 1,000 chemical compounds from EMBL’s unique chemical library, they systematically exposed fruit fly larvae to assess changes in their development, behavior, and survival throughout their life cycle.



The research revealed that 57% of the tested chemicals significantly altered fruit fly larvae behavior, even when the doses were not lethal. At higher exposure levels, the long-term survival of the flies was further compromised.&nbsp;



“We found that when we exposed larvae to very low doses of chemicals, the exposure caused widespread changes in physiological processes that are at the heart of how they develop and behave,” said lead author Lautaro Gandara, a postdoctoral fellow at EMBL.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-chemicals-and-insects-nbsp">Rising temperatures, chemicals, and insects&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also examined the effects of rising temperatures on these changes, simulating global warming trends.



To assess the influence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-size-shaped-by-predators-and-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a>, the team gradually increased the growing environment's temperature, starting at 25°C (77°F) and raising it to 29°C (84.2°F). At this higher temperature, they observed a more pronounced impact on the larvae. 



“Further, we mixed some of the most commonly detected airborne chemicals, at ecologically relevant doses, again exposing fruit flies from when they first hatched. We then saw a much stronger effect,” said senior author Justin Crocker, a biologist at EMBL.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurological-and-physiological-disruptions-nbsp">Neurological and physiological disruptions&nbsp;</h2>



These effects included a 60% reduction in egg-laying rates and the emergence of altered behaviors like “hunching.”



Hunching, where larvae curl their bodies excessively, can indicate stress or toxicity and may point to underlying neurological or physiological disruptions.&nbsp;



“On the surface, hunching may seem inconsequential, but even small changes in behavior can impact fitness if they adversely affect feeding, mating, and migration,” Crocker explained.&nbsp;



While the connection between hunching and reduced egg-laying remains unclear, it is likely that larvae preoccupied with such behaviors would struggle to thrive in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-impact-on-insect-behavior-nbsp">Chemical impact on insect behavior&nbsp;</h2>



The study involved collaboration with several scientists, including Jean-Baptiste Masson and François Laurent from the <a href="https://www.pasteur.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pasteur Institute</a>, who provided AI-based tools to analyze behavioral changes. 



Additional partners included <a href="https://www.heidelberg-university-hospital.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heidelberg University Hospital</a> and <a href="https://www.gwu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Washington University</a>, where the experiments were expanded to mosquitoes and Painted Lady butterflies. 



These efforts helped confirm that similar patterns emerged across different insect species, reinforcing the study’s conclusions.



“Insects - even those that can seem like pests - are critical to the planet. They pollinate the plants we eat and they’re an important part of the food web,” Gandara noted.&nbsp;



The research sheds light on how even low doses of chemicals can have significant impacts on insect behavior and survival. This deeper understanding provides a clearer picture of the challenges insects face and the factors contributing to their decline.



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



The study’s findings have significant implications for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a> and balance. 



As insect populations dwindle, genetic diversity decreases, making it harder for species to adapt to environmental changes. This threatens not only food webs but also the resilience of ecosystems against future challenges.



“The positive aspect to this work is that we have new knowledge about which chemicals can cause certain molecular changes and associated behavioral and developmental changes,” Crocker said.&nbsp;



This knowledge could inform regulatory practices and industrial approaches that better protect both human health and the environment.&nbsp;



By understanding the subtle but crucial ways chemicals affect insects, scientists can help create a more balanced approach to pesticide use, aiming for practices that support the health of these vital creatures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.ado0251" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Chemicals are changing insects in subtle yet deadly ways

While insects like stink bugs and mosquitoes might not be...

When you think of devoted helpers in the bird kingdom, it's the females who are likely to nab the attention. It seems female birds are hard-wired to nurture and provide, not just for their own brood but also for their family groups. 



However, males take a different flight path - their focus often lies elsewhere; they are the seekers and explorers, busy scouting for opportunities to expand and create new homes, according to a new study on birds and their families.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-dynamics-of-birds">Family dynamics of birds</h2>



Did you know that the white-browed sparrow weavers, a species of bird residing in the arid Kalahari desert, live in family groups where only a dominant pair breeds? 



The offspring, more so the female ones, help feed the young nestlings. This extraordinary family dynamic led scientists at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> to investigate why one sex would invest more in family care than the other.



“Female sparrow-weaver helpers contribute more to cooperative nestling care than males and also stay for longer in their family groups than males,” said Dr Pablo Capilla-Lasheras, who led the study during his PhD at Exeter and now works at the Swiss Ornithological Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-behavior-and-family-care">Bird behavior and family care </h2>



The scientists wanted to get to the bottom of why such discrepancies in cooperation arose across the animal kingdom. The prevailing hypothesis was simple - the sex that lives longer within its family group cooperates more since they benefit more from mutual aid over time. 



For instance, the sex residing the longest in the family group might receive more assistance from the family members they have cared for previously. The sex that departs sooner may not get the same support.



However, after extensive research spanning over a decade, which included monitoring the birds' cooperative behaviors and tracking their movements, the team learned that this might not be the case.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-birds-abandon-families">Male birds abandon families</h2>



“Our findings point instead to an alternative explanation that has attracted much less attention,” said Dr. Andrew Young, who leads the Kalahari sparrow-weaver project.



“Instead, males appear to help less because they spend more time prospecting for opportunities to live and breed elsewhere, and these efforts trade-off against their investments in cooperation at home.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-through-trade-offs">Evolving through trade-offs</h2>



According to the findings, the team proposes this "dispersal trade-off hypothesis" might be a more universal explanation for the evolution of sex differences in cooperation across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-need-a-male-hormone-for-sexual-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal societies</a>.



This contradicts the more widely acknowledged view that the longer you stay, the more you'll benefit from having helped out.



It seems that the fundamental challenge that all organisms face is a simple one – there is never enough time or energy to do everything well at once. However, overcoming these trade-offs is what propels evolution forward.



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



The insights from this study offer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">valuable implications for conservationists</a> aiming to protect social bird species. Understanding the innate behaviors that drive males and females differently can aid in crafting strategies to maintain and support sustainable populations. 



For example, if certain male birds are particularly prone to dispersal, creating corridors or safe passes to facilitate their movement may prevent habitat fragmentation and ensure genetic diversity in families. 



Concurrently, supporting the female role in nurturing and resource distribution within the group could enhance the survival odds for new generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-of-bird-families">Behavior of bird families</h2>



The findings of this research open avenues for broader applications beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-are-moving-north-and-breeding-earlier-in-a-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian world</a>, offering a foundational perspective on how sex-specific roles could influence social structures in diverse animal societies. 



The dispersal trade-off hypothesis can prompt new investigations into species where familial cooperation and individual dispersion play pivotal roles in survival and reproduction.



By analyzing these patterns, biologists can better comprehend the balance between cooperation and independence required for thriving animal communities, with potential lessons applicable to human social dynamics as well. 



Insight into these mechanisms of cooperation and dispersal can provide profound understanding into the strategies animals employ in the natural world, guiding future studies on evolutionary biology and ecology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-acts-in-birds">Balancing acts in birds</h2>



As we fly to the end of our discussion, we see that in the bird world, as in ours, there are fascinating balances between family duties, ambition, and opportunity. 



Female birds lean towards nurturing their family, while males are driven to explore and seek out new breeding opportunities. In the end, it is a balancing act that keeps life diverse and species evolving.



It makes us wonder, are these differences merely the result of bird instincts, or could they be part of a broader spectrum of survival strategies shared across the animal kingdom?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002859" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



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Female birds commit to caring for young; males abandon family life

When you think of devoted helpers in the bird kingdom,...

Our battle against wildfires is becoming a race against time. Researchers discovered that nearly 90 percent of the damages caused by wildfires in the United States, from 2001 to 2020, were due to quick-burning fires. That's right, the speedsters of the fire world are causing some serious damage.



These so-called "fast fires" are the Usain Bolts of the fire kingdom - shooting embers into the air and quickly encroaching on whatever lies in their path. And before emergency responders can even get their boots on, these fires could have already ignited neighborhoods. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-wildfires-picking-up-speed">Fast wildfires picking up speed</h2>



Fast fires are gaining even more speed, especially in the Western U.S., posing a growing risk for millions of people.



The U.S. does a fantastic job at prepping for many hazards. Yet, when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-from-forest-fires-have-surged-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire speed</a>, our national-level risk assessments seem to have a blind spot. 



These assessments don't take into account the speed of fires or offer insight into how communities can better prepare for these rapid-fire events. It's a bit like going on a road trip and not considering the speed bumps on the highway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-speed-matters-more-than-size">Wildfire speed matters more than size</h2>



The study was led by Jennifer Balch, a CIRES fellow and associate professor of Geography at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado</a> Boulder. 



“We hear a lot about megafires because of their size, but if we want to protect our homes and communities, we really need to appreciate and prepare for how fast fires move," said Balch. "Speed matters more for keeping people safe.”



Jennifer and her team felt a personal connection to this issue after the Marshall Fire tore through over 1,000 homes in Boulder County, Colorado, in December 2021. The fire consumed less than 6,100 acres, but the combination of dry conditions and furious winds made it swiftly destructive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-rate-of-fast-wildfires">Growth rate of fast wildfires</h2>



The researchers sifted through satellite data, analyzed growth rates of over 60,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-season-of-2023-redefined-what-is-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> in the U.S. from 2001 to 2020, and applied a set of calculations to each satellite pixel. They identified and recorded the perimeter of each fire for each day it was active.



“Until now, we had scattered information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-forest-fires-leave-scorched-earth-heating-the-planet-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire speed</a>,” said Virginia Iglesias, interim director of Earth Lab and co-author of the study. “We harnessed Earth observations and remote sensing data to learn about fire growth across the nation in a systematic manner.”



The team then studied the fastest fires, which grew more than 4,003 acres in a single day, and observed how the highest growth rates changed over time. They found a striking 250 percent increase in the average maximum growth rate of the fastest wildfires over the last two decades in the Western U.S.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-fast-fires">Impact of fast fires</h2>



When the researchers compared the growth rates of the fastest fires to the number of structures damaged or destroyed per fire event, they found that fast fires were responsible for 88 percent of the homes destroyed between 2001 and 2020, although they only represented 2.7 percent of fires in the record.



Climate change has undeniably amplified the conditions conducive to these rapid wildfires. Rising global temperatures result in prolonged droughts and parched vegetation, creating an ideal fuel source for fast fires. 



Moreover, the escalation of extreme weather patterns, such as high winds and heatwaves, intensifies the speed and ferocity of these blazes. Researchers emphasize that understanding this climate-fire nexus is critical for predicting future fire behavior and implementing effective mitigation strategies.



By addressing the root causes of climate change, we might hope to slow down the fire juggernaut threatening our landscapes and communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressing-challenges-of-wildfire-management">Pressing challenges of wildfire management </h2>



The pressing challenge posed by fast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-fire-risk-has-grown-exponentially-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> necessitates innovative approaches in fire management and prevention. 



Strategies such as employing advanced technology, predictive modeling, and real-time data analysis are becoming quintessential in fire mitigation efforts.



These tools allow for more accurate forecasting and faster response times, thus safeguarding vulnerable areas. 



Communities are also turning towards adaptive land management practices, such as strategic firebreaks and prescribed burns, to reduce fuel availability and wildfire severity.



By integrating cutting-edge science with traditional knowledge, the pathway towards more resilient ecosystems and communities becomes attainable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-a-shift-in-perspective">Need for a shift in perspective</h2>



“When it comes to safeguarding infrastructure and orchestrating efficient evacuations, the speed of a fire's growth is arguably more critical than its sheer size,” Iglesias said.



Incorporating growth rate or other measures of fire speed into government agencies and insurance companies' models could provide homeowners with crucial information on how fires spread and what they can do to protect themselves and their communities.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk5737" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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'Fast' wildfires are gaining even more speed

Our battle against wildfires is becoming a race against time....

Have you ever wondered why animals engage in group hunting only to divide the spoils later? Turns out, there's more to it than just the thrill of the chase.



A research team from the Cluster of Excellence Science of Intelligence (SCIoI) embarked on an aquatic adventure to answer this question.



In collaboration with experts at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), the team dived into the ocean off the coast of Mexico to observe the striped marlin's hunting strategies in nature's wildest theater.



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



Interestingly enough, it all boils down to the speed of the prey. The faster the prey school flees, the higher the capture rate.



Why? Because as the school scurries away at a high pace, individual fish are more likely to break away from the pack. And these lonesome <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-discovery-large-sharks-are-hunting-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> are nothing less than easy pickings for the non-attacking marlins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantage-of-group-hunting">Advantage of group hunting</h2>



On dry land, there is evidence showing that predators have a higher success rate when they chase groups of prey - targeting the slower, weaker animals that fall behind. The question was whether this strategy applies to the open ocean.



“Little is known on this topic for predators that hunt in groups in the open sea, as it is difficult to record the attack and capture rates of several predators together with the positions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators and prey</a>,” explained&nbsp;Professor Jens Krause, a behavioral ecologist and co-first author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-speed-in-group-hunting">Need for speed in group hunting</h2>



Meet the striped marlin (Kajikia audax), one of the ocean's most epic hunters. These behemoths, armed with spear-like mouth appendages, are renowned for their cooperative hunting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orcas-have-hunting-and-eating-habits-that-we-never-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategy</a> to round up schools of small fish.



Using intricate underwater and aerial photography, the research team took to the seas, observing the marlins' movements while hunting approximately 30 kilometers off the coast of northern Mexico.



The experts collected data on the attack and capture rates during different states of the prey school's movements.



The researchers found that chasing schools of prey at high speed resulted in a greater number of isolated targets for the marlins. The likelihood of a fish breaking away from the school was directly associated with the speed of the school.



An increase of just 0.1 meters per second in the school's speed boosted the probability of isolation by a whopping 18 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-group-cohesion-among-prey">Group cohesion among prey</h2>



Understanding the dynamics of group cohesion among prey is crucial to comprehending the hunting success of predators like the striped marlin. 



In schools of fish, cohesion serves as a defense mechanism, decreasing the likelihood of any individual being singled out. This collective movement disrupts predator-promoting strategies, creating a bewildering spectacle of flashes and turns. 



However, as marlins capitalized on disorder within the ranks, it raises intriguing questions about the nexus of cooperation and competition within both predator and prey communities. 



The marlin's ability to exploit breaks in cohesion demonstrates nature's intricate checks and balances, where equilibrium often dictates survival and success.



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



The work led by <a href="https://www.scienceofintelligence.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SCIoI</a>, <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HU Berlin</a>, and <a href="https://www.igb-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IGB</a> delivers vital implications for understanding marine ecosystems and the role of apex predators like the striped marlin. 



By highlighting the importance of water dynamics and prey behavior in shaping predator-prey interactions, this research sheds light on the delicate balance of aquatic food webs. 



The findings emphasize the interconnectedness within marine ecosystems and highlight the potential impacts of environmental changes on predator efficacy and prey vulnerability. 



As climate change alters ocean temperatures and currents, continued exploration of these dynamics is essential to predict and mitigate future ecological shifts, ensuring the health and resilience of marine biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantage-of-rapid-group-hunting">Advantage of rapid group hunting </h2>



The marlins' group hunting strategy doesn't necessarily mean every marlin has to actively chase the school. Fish that become isolated from the school are quickly snapped up by nearby marlins. 



According to Korbinian Pacher, a behavioral biologist and co-first author of the study, the research clearly shows the advantage of rapid group hunting for predatory fish.



“The rapid movement of the swarm of prey makes it easier to isolate and catch individual fish. This significantly increases the hunting success of the group of marlins,” noted Pacher. 



Dr Matthew J. Hansen, who led the study, said that another interesting aspect of group hunting at high speed is that in this form of hunting, prey also falls to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> that are not actively attacking the prey school.



"This effect probably favors group hunting in striped marlins and may be a principle that applies to many large predatory fish in the open sea that join together to hunt schooling fish," concluded Dr. Hansen. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.14638" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Ecology</a>.



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Striped marlin demonstrate the advantages of group hunting

Have you ever wondered why animals engage in group hunting...

Struggling with the bathroom scale or sighing into the mirror doesn't expose the hidden secrets of aging. What if standing on one leg to test your balance is a more accurate gauge of aging than changes in strength or walking style?



Balance, muscle strength, and gait are essential to independence and well-being as people age. Improving leg balance is crucial in maintaining these aspects.



Scientists studied how these factors change and at what pace to develop effective programs for healthy aging. The good news? People can train their balance without special equipment and maintain it over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-on-one-leg">Balancing on one leg</h2>



40 spry, independent individuals over 50 were central figures in a study measuring their walking ability, balance, grip strength, and knee strength.



They braced themselves on force plates under various situations. This included standing on both feet with eyes open and closed, and standing on their non-dominant and dominant leg with eyes open.



The most significant revelation? Standing on the non-dominant leg showed the highest rate of decline with age, highlighting the importance of consistent leg balance exercises.



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



"Balance is an important measure because, in addition to muscle strength, it requires input from vision, the vestibular system and the somatosensory systems," says <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/kaufman-kenton-r-ph-d/bio-20054278?mc_id=us&amp;utm_source=newsnetwork&amp;utm_medium=l&amp;utm_content=content&amp;utm_campaign=mayoclinic&amp;geo=national&amp;placementsite=enterprise&amp;invsrc=other&amp;cauid=100721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kenton Kaufman, Ph.D.</a>, senior author of the study and director of the <a href="https://www.mayo.edu/research/labs/motion-analysis/overview?mc_id=us&amp;utm_source=newsnetwork&amp;utm_medium=l&amp;utm_content=content&amp;utm_campaign=mayoclinic&amp;geo=national&amp;placementsite=enterprise&amp;invsrc=other&amp;cauid=100721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Motion Analysis Laboratory</a> at Mayo Clinic. "Changes in balance are noteworthy. If you have poor balance, you're at risk of falling, whether or not you're moving. Falls are a severe health risk with serious consequences."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-aspects-of-aging">Other aspects of aging</h2>



In addition to balance, the study measured participants' grip and knee strength using custom-made devices.



Both showed significant declines by decade, but not as much as balance. Grip strength decreased faster than knee strength making it another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monthly-aging-treatment-helps-you-live-long-die-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potent predictor</a> of aging.



Gait parameters didn't change with age, and there were no substantial age-related declines in strength tests tied to gender. This suggests age impacted male and female subjects alike.



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



Understanding the nuances of the research has implications for everyday practice including those endeavoring to sustain functional independence as they age. Maintaining good leg balance significantly helps.



Engaging in exercises that enhance balance seamlessly incorporate into daily routines without requiring complex equipment or specialized training environments.



Simple practices such as standing on one leg while brushing teeth or incorporating tai chi and yoga into weekly activities positively influence balance and reduce the risk of falls.



Emphasizing balance-enhancing activities is the cornerstone of a robust <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-undergo-very-rapid-change-aging-at-two-very-specific-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approach to aging healthily</a>, aligning with the study’s insights into maintaining physical autonomy.



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



The study's findings signal new horizons in gerontological research, highlighting the necessity to explore the multifaceted nature of aging including leg balance.



Future studies will delve deeper into the interplay between neural feedback and physical performance over time. They could consider psychological and lifestyle factors that might mitigate or accelerate age-related declines in balance and strength.



Longitudinal studies involving diverse populations help craft personalized intervention programs tailored to individual strengths and limitations.



By advancing the understanding of these dynamics, researchers better equip societies with the tools to support aging communities to maintain their quality of life and well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-long-should-we-balance-on-one-leg">How long should we balance on one leg?</h2>



So, where do researchers go from here? Dr. Kaufman believes people can take steps to train their balance such as standing on one leg.



Coordinating the muscle responses required for leg balance helps maintain overall stability. If a person can stand on one leg for 30 seconds, they're doing well.



"If you don't use it, you lose it. If you use it, you maintain it," Kaufman said. "It's easy to do. It doesn't require special equipment, and you can do it every day."



As people <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-very-precise-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age</a>, staying active becomes more crucial, and this research highlights the importance of balance in daily routines.



Balance isn't just about standing up straight. It's about embracing a healthier, more dynamic way of aging.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0310764" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Leg balance is a key indicator of healthy aging

Struggling with the bathroom scale or sighing into the mirror...

Enigmas of life are often hidden in unexpected places, and the python offers a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of human physiology. Surprisingly, we can find answers to human intestinal regeneration by studying the remarkable pythons.



Let's unravel the intriguing connection between the regenerative abilities of boas, pythons, and the human digestive system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intestinal-regeneration-humans-and-pythons">Intestinal regeneration, humans, and pythons</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-chemicals-from-food-production-pass-into-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human body</a> is a marvel of nature, constantly replenishing itself. A prime example of this is the lining of our intestines. Our bodies regularly repair and replace it to keep up with our dietary needs. 



This turnover of cells is driven by stem cells that originate in the tiny pits scattered throughout our intestine known as intestinal crypts.



However, the same mechanism doesn't apply to all creatures. A case in point is infrequently feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/move-over-burmese-pythons-these-snakes-are-the-true-eating-champions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snakes</a> like boas and pythons. These creatures don't have intestinal crypts but display a considerable degree of intestinal regeneration.



Without a meal for weeks, their intestines shrink and become practically non-functional. Within 48 hours of feeding, though, their intestines radically regenerate, more than doubling in mass and reforming the cells and structures necessary for food digestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regeneration-ability-of-pythons">Regeneration ability of pythons</h2>



A team of scientists from <a href="https://www.uta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Arlington</a>, <a href="https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UT Southwestern Medical Center</a>, and <a href="https://www.ua.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the University of Alabama</a> embarked on an intriguing journey to uncover how these massive snakes accomplish this feat. 



They focused on understanding the intestinal regeneration process in pythons hoping that this would provide valuable insights into human gastrointestinal diseases like diabetes, celiac disease, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-with-pet-dogs-have-a-lower-risk-of-crohns-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crohn's disease</a>, and cancer.



The researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate. The key discovery was that pythons use conserved pathways similar to those found in humans but trigger them uniquely.



The study further revealed that the signaling pathways directing python regeneration bear significant resemblance to the ones seen in humans after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-best4-cells">Shedding light on BEST4+ cells</h2>



The researchers also highlighted the significance of a particular intestinal cell type called BEST4+ cells.



These cells, present in both pythons and humans but absent in commonly studied mammals like mice, are powerful orchestrators of the initial phases of regeneration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zooming-out-to-the-bigger-picture">Zooming out to the bigger picture</h2>



The findings unearthed in this study have profound implications for understanding intestinal physiology across varied species, including humans. 



They offer a fresh perspective on the intersections between intestinal regeneration and the body's metabolic adjustments in response to changes like nutrient availability and stress. 



These insights may ultimately lead to novel therapeutic approaches for treating intestinal or metabolic diseases.



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



In the end, the question remains, can studying snakes boost our comprehension of human health? According to the scientists, the answer is a resounding "yes."



By expanding our knowledge about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-humans-have-shockingly-different-digestive-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive functions</a> in different creatures, we gain a broader understanding of the evolutionary design of these vital body functions. 



This knowledge will shape our perception of the human body with the ultimate aim of enhancing the treatment and prevention of many common human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive disorders</a>.



The world within us is intricate and incredibly dynamic. As we explore into it, aided by unexpected allies like pythons, we continue to unravel intriguing stories that could illuminate the path to healthier lives for millions around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-python-regeneration">Harnessing python regeneration </h2>



The potential for translating python intestinal regeneration into human medical treatments is an exciting frontier. 



By understanding how pythons regenerate their intestines so rapidly and efficiently, researchers believe this knowledge can be applied to develop new therapies for gastrointestinal disorders.



The unique pathways activated during python regeneration may hold the key to stimulating similar processes in humans, allowing for faster recovery from injuries or surgeries.



Furthermore, the discovery of BEST4+ cells, which play a critical role in both python and human regeneration, opens the door to targeted therapies that could harness these cells’ natural regenerative powers. 



By exploring these biological parallels, scientists hope to one day engineer treatments that can mimic the extraordinary healing abilities found in the animal kingdom, ultimately improving human health.



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Python gut regeneration offers clues for treating human diseases

Enigmas of life are often hidden in unexpected places, and...

Deep in the cosmos, quasars shine brightly. Their luminescent cores showcase the activity of supermassive black holes at the heart of a galaxy.



Tracking quasars back to the early days of the universe, several hundred million years after the Big Bang, a cosmic conundrum emerges. How did these luminous and massive quasars come to be?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outshining-entire-galaxies">Outshining entire galaxies </h2>



Quasars, short for "quasi-stellar objects," are incredibly bright and energetic regions found at the centers of some distant galaxies. They are powered by supermassive black holes that actively consume surrounding material.



As this material (often gas and dust) spirals into the black hole, it heats up and emits enormous amounts of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. 



This process makes quasars some of the brightest objects in the universe, often outshining entire galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasars-with-mysterious-origins">Quasars with mysterious origins</h2>



Attempting to unravel the mystery of early quasars' rapid growth, some experts have suggested they emerged from regions abundant with primordial matter. This results in smaller galaxies populating quasar fields. 



A study led by astronomers at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> is now challenging this theory. 



The researchers uncovered ancient quasars floating alone when the universe was relatively young - between 600 and 700 million years old.&nbsp;



The experts explained that luminous quasars are expected to reside in massive overdensities at early cosmic times, which implies that one should find a high number of companion galaxies in their vicinity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-challenge-prevailing-theories">Observations challenge prevailing theories</h2>



The team used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to peer back more than 13 billion years. They looked at five quasars and found a staggering diversity in the “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/merging-quasars-cosmic-dawn-reveal-how-early-universe-formed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasar fields</a>."



As predicted by original models, some quasars inhabit crowded fields with more than 50 neighboring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. However, some defy predictions, drifting in isolation with only a small number of galaxies nearby.



These solitary quasars raise questions. How could luminous objects form early in the universe without a significant reservoir of matter to fuel <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> growth?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasars-in-the-middle-of-nowhere">Quasars in the middle of nowhere</h2>



Anna-Christina Eilers, the lead scientist on the project and assistant professor of physics at MIT, elaborated on the study's findings.



“Contrary to previous belief, we find on average, these quasars are not necessarily in those highest-density regions of the early universe," noted Eilers. "Some of them seem to be sitting in the middle of nowhere.”



The quasars may not be as solitary as they seem. Galaxies could surround them but be concealed by dust and hidden from view.



The research team aims to fine-tune their observations and seek out clues on how these quasars grew so large (so quickly) in the early universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasar-neighborhoods-a-varied-landscape">Quasar neighborhoods: A varied landscape</h2>



For this study, the scientists used the JWST to investigate the environments of five of the earliest known&nbsp;quasars. Despite their age, the objects still manage to retain their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quasar-j0529-4351-brightest-object-ever-seen-eats-one-star-per-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luminosity</a>. 



Quasars cast their light across the expanse of the universe and JWST’s sensitive detectors find it.



“It’s just phenomenal that we now have a telescope that can capture light from 13 billion years ago in so much detail," said Eilers.



"For the first time, JWST enabled us to look at the environment of these quasars, where they grew up, and what their neighborhood was like."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lonely-quasars-and-our-understanding-of-the-universe">Lonely quasars and our understanding of the universe </h2>



Ultimately, the study creates more questions than answers. The isolation of some quasars goes against models predicting quasar formation in regions populated with smaller galaxies - a result of dark matter attracting gas and dust.



“Our results show that there’s still a significant piece of the puzzle missing of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-spots-two-supermassive-black-holes-spiraling-on-collision-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> grow," said Eilers. 



"If there’s not enough material around for some quasars to be able to grow continuously, that means there must be some other way that they can grow, that we have yet to figure out."



The enigma of lonely quasars challenges our understanding of the universe, particularly black hole growth, and pushes scientists to question and refine current models.



The research is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad778b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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Lonely quasars in the early universe cannot be explained

Deep in the cosmos, quasars shine brightly. Their luminescent cores...

Imagine gazing into the endless cosmos and discovering a hidden population of brown dwarfs deep within a distant star cluster named NGC 602. 



Located in the outskirts of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way approximately 200,000 light-years from Earth, the brown dwarf cluster is unlike anything observed locally. 



Its environment mirrors the early universe with limited elements heavier than hydrogen and helium and dominated by dark clouds of dense dust. This unique setup coupled with a richness in ionized gas signals ongoing star formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-young-brown-dwarfs">Searching for young brown dwarfs </h2>



An international team of astronomers embarked on a quest to examine this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hyades-star-cluster-may-contain-the-closest-black-holes-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star cluster</a> using the James Webb Space Telescope.



The goal was to uncover young brown dwarf candidates outside of the Milky Way, a feat that has never been attempted before.



“Only thanks to the incredible sensitivity and resolution in the right wavelength range we are able to detect these objects at such great distances," said study lead author Peter Zeidler, an expert at the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>.



"This has never been possible before and also will remain impossible with telescopes on the ground for the foreseeable future.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-world-of-brown-dwarfs">The world of brown dwarfs</h2>



What exactly are brown dwarfs? Picture them as the more substantial siblings of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-gas-planets-are-cosmic-wrecking-balls-that-wreak-havoc-in-habitable-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant gas planets</a>. Their mass usually falls roughly 13 to 75 times that of Jupiter, and they are not gravitationally bound to any stars.



Brown dwarfs bear an uncanny resemblance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> and share similar atmospheric compositions and storm patterns.



“Until now, we’ve known of about 3,000 brown dwarfs, but they all live inside our own galaxy,” said Elena Manjavacas, an astronomer at the European Space Agency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-telescope-duo-hubble-and-webb">The dynamic telescope duo: Hubble and Webb</h2>



The discovery highlights the synergistic relationship between the Hubble and Webb telescopes in unraveling the mysteries of young stellar clusters.



Antonella Nota, executive director of the <a href="https://www.issibern.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Science Institute</a> in Switzerland and the previous Webb Project Scientist for ESA, emphasized the significance of this collaboration.



“Hubble showed that NGC602 harbors very young low mass stars, but only with Webb we can finally see the extent and the significance of the substellar mass formation in this cluster. Hubble and Webb are an amazingly powerful telescope duo!” Nota said.



“Brown dwarfs seem to form in the same way as stars, they just don’t capture enough mass to become a fully-fledged star. Our results fit well with this theory," noted Zeidler.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-image-of-a-star-cluster">Incredible image of a star cluster</h2>



The team’s data includes a new image from Webb’s Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam) of NGC 602. 



The image shows the cluster stars, young stellar objects, and surrounding gas and dust ridges. It captured many background galaxies and stars from the Small Magellanic Cloud.



This achievement represents the first detection of giant exoplanet analogs beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



“We need to be ready for groundbreaking discoveries in these new objects!” Manjavacas said.



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



This discovery marks the beginning of what could be a new chapter in brown dwarf research.



"Although further detailed work is required to quantitatively derive the initial mass function and confirm the true nature of the brown dwarf candidates, this discovery is particularly relevant in the effort to refine our understanding of the subsolar mass function at very low metallicities and young ages," wrote the researchers.



As astronomers push the boundaries of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space exploration</a>, the next steps involve studying the atmospheres and compositions of these enigmatic objects.



Brown dwarfs bridge the gap between stars and planets and help scientists better understand the formation of both.



With the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities, scientists can observe these objects in remarkable detail.



The power of the JWST will allow researchers to confirm the presence of brown dwarfs in the Small Magellanic Cloud and uncover additional substellar objects beyond the Milky Way. 



This research could greatly expand our knowledge of how stars, planets, and exoplanet analogs form and evolve across the universe.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad779e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, P. Zeidler, E. Sabbi, A. Nota, M. Zamani



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Brown dwarfs detected outside the Milky Way for the first time

Imagine gazing into the endless cosmos and discovering a hidden...

EarthCARE, a scientific endeavor by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has delivered the initial images from its cutting-edge onboard instruments.



These images confirm that the instruments can work together to accurately measure how clouds and aerosols influence the heating and cooling of our atmosphere.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enigma-of-earth-s-energy-balance">The enigma of Earth's energy balance</h2>



Earth's energy balance is a crucial aspect of the climate. It represents the total energy the Earth receives from the Sun, contrasted with the thermal radiation it pushes into space.



Regulated by various factors such as greenhouse gases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-clouds-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a>, aerosols, and more, this balance is vital in maintaining Earth's climate.



Even though clouds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> cool the atmosphere, there is an intricate interplay between them and heat exchange, and the process isn't completely understood.



With the launch of EarthCARE in May 2024, scientists inch closer to unraveling these mysteries and obtaining a detailed understanding of how clouds and aerosols deflect incoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/suns-fury-secrets-of-solar-energy-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar energy</a> back to space and trap outgoing infrared energy.



"Although we are still in the early stages of the mission and busy with the satellite’s commissioning phase, the results we present today are truly remarkable," said Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes.



She further emphasized the effectiveness of the combined measurements and their role in achieving mission objectives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-earthcare-s-instruments">Insights from EarthCARE's instruments</h2>



The preliminary data provided an extensive view from Central Europe to Sweden. It uncovered the signatures of a thunderstorm over northern Italy, near Milan. 



EarthCARE’s cloud profiling radar, supplied by JAXA, provided information on the vertical structure and internal dynamics of the clouds.



Simultaneously, the atmospheric lidar profiled aerosols and thin clouds, and the multispectral imager provided a broad-scene overview in multiple wavelengths.



The broadband radiometer measured the reflected solar radiation and outgoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-prefire-satellites-monitor-polar-heat-emissions-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infrared radiation</a> from Earth.



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



A detailed look at the synergy between EarthCARE's instruments reveals interesting findings. 



The multispectral imager provided an overall scene context, focusing initially on the recent thunderstorm over northern Italy and northern Corsica.



This storm led to severe flooding in Italy's Emilia Romagna region and was part of a larger system associated with Storm Boris wreaking havoc in parts of Central Europe.



The synergy becomes more apparent when focusing near the top of the cloud. The cloud profiling radar and lidar provided complementary data, allowing for more detailed cloud characterization.



These initial synergistic results reveal cooling and warming effects at different altitudes, providing key insights into the role clouds and aerosols play in atmospheric temperature regulation.



The animation also highlighted cirrus clouds over Sweden, part of a high-altitude ice-cloud formation.



Despite the thin clouds allowing sunlight to pass through, they trapped thermal radiation emitted from Earth,creating an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-some-lakes-resist-the-heat-of-atmospheric-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric warming</a> effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cirrus-clouds-and-climate-science">Cirrus clouds and climate science</h2>



By studying a significant portion of the cirrus cloud, scientists observed how the cloud absorbed both solar radiation from above and thermal radiation from below.



This information helped scientists understand the overall heating effect of the climate and contributed to a broader understanding of climate science.



Even in regions where the cloud thickened and larger ice particles formed, which blocks the thermal radiation from Earth, the cloud top cooled by emitting thermal radiation into space.



Despite localized cooling effects, cirrus clouds contribute to the overall warming of the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-capability-of-earthcare">Unique capability of EarthCARE</h2>



According ESA EarthCARE mission scientist Thorsten Fehr, having the data available at this early stage is a testament to the outstanding work of his team, particularly the scientists who developed these data products.



"This highlights EarthCARE’s unique capability to simultaneously provide direct measurements of both clouds and aerosols, enabling an unprecedented assessment of their impact on climate," said Fehr.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-steps-in-earthcare-s-mission">Further steps in EarthCARE’s mission</h2>



Hitonori Maejima, senior chief officer on Earth observation missions at JAXA, believes EarthCARE's ability to capture different types of clouds and aerosols and their function symbolizes the collaboration between <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a> and <a href="https://global.jaxa.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAXA</a>.



As scientists continue to collect and analyze data, there will be more enlightening discoveries and a better understanding of our planet's climatic mechanisms.



Image Credit: ESA Earth Online



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EarthCARE reveals the power of clouds and aerosols

EarthCARE, a scientific endeavor by the European Space Agency (ESA)...

Coral reefs are the ocean's vibrant underwater cities, and they face a growing crisis. These ecosystems support countless marine species and over a billion human lives. 



Overfishing, irresponsible tourism, coastal construction, nutrient runoff, and climate change are all threats to coral reefs.



However, hope is not lost. In a recent study, scientists used the sounds of healthy reefs to coax new coral species into existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-sounds-and-coral-restoration">Reef sounds and coral restoration</h2>



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> discovered the sounds of a flourishing reef inspire a new generation of coral life. Their research focused on golfball <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-superhighway-connects-remote-coral-reefs-seychelles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral larvae</a>, tiny organisms that signal the birth of new corals.



The sounds of the reef draw the larvae and they choose to settle and grow in these areas.



“Acoustic enrichment is continuing to show promise as a technique to enhance coral settlement rates,” said Nadège Aoki, a doctoral candidate at the institution.



This technique worked on two coral species and indicates potential as a broad-based tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restored-coral-reefs-can-bounce-back-in-just-four-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef restoration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-language-of-corals">Decoding the language of corals</h2>



The underwater journey of a coral larvae is fascinating. Searching for the perfect place to mature into adulthood, the tiny organisms drift through the ocean. They use cues from chemicals, light, and sound to choose their new home.



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-coral-reefs-crackle-with-the-sounds-of-busy-inhabitants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy coral reef</a> is a symphony of purrs and grunts from fish, along with the persistent crackle of snapping shrimp. It is music to a coral larva's ears.



On the other hand, a sick, silent reef signals the organisms to keep searching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-draw-of-healthy-reef-sounds">The draw of healthy reef sounds </h2>



In an experiment in the summer of 2022, Aoki and her team collected golfball coral larvae from the U.S. Virgin Islands.



The scientists divided the larvae and placed them in two quiet, sandy bays. One bay had a solar-powered speaker playing the sounds of a nearby healthy reef. 



After 24 hours, about 30 percent of the larvae exposed to the sounds settled and began to grow. After 48 hours, the settlement rates were around 73 to 85 percent.



Despite the experiment's small scale, a similar tank-based experiment echoed the results. 



Golfball coral larvae showed significantly higher settlement rates when exposed to healthy reef sounds during their first 36 hours. After this window, the settling rate remained the same regardless of the sound cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crunch-time-for-coral-settlement">Crunch time for coral settlement</h2>



Senior author and marine biologist Aran Mooney explained the time-sensitivity of this process. “Acoustic enrichment worked for 36 hours or so. After that, they seem desperate to settle, and healthy cues become less important.”



Golfball corals have a short window of opportunity in their larval stage. Without the resources to float around for weeks, they settle within 8 to 36 hours of being released into the water.



Early on, sound cues play a crucial role. As time runs out, they settle anywhere.



“We’re getting at some of the nuances of coral biology,” Aoki said. “There’s a huge range of reproductive strategies that corals use, and different species have different larval periods. We’re opening up this broad range of questions about how responsiveness to sound will vary between species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-for-coral-reef-restoration">A symphony for coral reef restoration</h2>



The researchers also noted corals responded to auditory cues in tanks where sound reflections, aerators, and water filters make acoustics less ideal. This discovery simplified the process of getting corals to reproduce and settle in land-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-nurseries-need-protection-equal-to-that-of-established-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nurseries</a>.



There is no single solution suitable for all coral species worldwide. Aoki and her team believe acoustic enrichment combined with an understanding of local ecology and coral biology can be an effective tool for restoration.



“Finding a second species settling in response to sound shows that this isn’t just a one-off, and maybe we can really scale this up,” Mooney said. 



“But we can’t just throw a speaker over the side of a boat and think it’s going to work. We have to know the system and it has to be integrated with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-coral-adaptations-challenge-conservation-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> and restoration efforts.”



In the quest to protect and restore the ocean’s coral reefs, the solution might lie not in our hands, but in our ears as the tiny organisms listen to the symphony of life produced by reefs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jel/article/4/10/107701/3317630/Replayed-reef-sounds-induce-settlement-of-Favia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JASA Express Letters</a>.



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Healthy reef sounds inspire coral larvae growth

Coral reefs are the ocean's vibrant underwater cities, and they...

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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;



---



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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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...