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)...

In the world of scientific discovery, some of the most exciting breakthroughs happen by accident. Researchers often begin with a clear plan, only to find that nature has its own surprises, such as viruses that look like a sunflower. 



This was exactly the case for a group of scientists, who, while working with bacteriophages - viruses that target and eat bacteria - stumbled upon something unexpected. What they discovered were tiny, sunflower-like viruses that could transform the way we approach disease detection and treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-that-look-like-a-sunflower">Viruses that look like a sunflower?</h2>



It seems that even the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-can-hide-in-lung-cells-and-cause-chronic-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiniest of lifeforms</a> enjoy getting a little creative sometimes. The McMaster team was left stunned at their lab slides when they observed the bacteriophages, often referred to as phages, forming into 3D configurations closely resembling sunflowers.



But these tiny "flowers" were not your average garden variety. They were just two-tenths of a millimeter across.



Isn't it surprising how sometimes, momentous discoveries can pop up in the most unexpected places?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-formation-of-phages">Unexpected formation of phages</h2>



What sparked this peculiar metamorphosis? The answer lies in the process the researchers had used to prepare the phages for viewing. 



In order to keep the viruses alive, the researchers decided on the path less traveled by using high-pressure carbon dioxide instead of the standard and more lethal heat or solvent-based methods.



And the result? An unexpected yet promising microstructure that they had been aiming to synthesize for years. 



Study lead author Lei Tian, who led the research during his time as a PhD student and subsequently, a postdoctoral research fellow at <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMaster</a>, said his initial intention was only to preserve the virus structure. But nature, as always, had other plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-sunflower-formations">Significance of the sunflower formations</h2>



What makes this haphazard structure so important? Well, it turns out to be 100 times more capable than unlinked phages at locating their bacterial targets.



This means that these sunflower-like formations could open up a world of opportunities in detecting and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-a-virus-capable-of-causing-a-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">combating numerous diseases</a>. And the best part - all of this is achieved via natural materials and processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-insight-on-sunflower-like-viruses">Incredible insight on sunflower-like viruses</h2>



“It was an accidental discovery,” said study co-author and mechanical engineer Tohid Didar. "When we took them out of the high-pressure chamber and saw these beautiful flowers, it completely blew our minds." 



"It took us two years to discover how and why this happened and opened the door to being able to create similar structures with other protein-based materials.”



Zeinab Hosseinidoust, senior author of the study, has been exploring the potential of phages in her lab for years now.



The team has made significant strides, such as prompting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-use-gps-to-move-precisely-within-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> to interlink, forming a microscopic living fabric, and even developing a gel visible to the naked eye.



In the past, it hasn't been possible to give this material any form of depth or shape. But with the arrival of the sunflower-like structures of viruses with all their wrinkles, peaks, and crevices, it seems that barrier has been broken down. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-masterpiece-sunflower-like-viruses">Nature's masterpiece: Sunflower-like viruses</h2>



“This is really about building with nature,” said Hosseinidoust. “This kind of beautiful, wrinkled structure is ubiquitous in nature." 



"The mechanical, optical and biological properties of this kind of structure have inspired engineers over decades to build these kinds of structures artificially, in the hope of getting the same kind of properties out of them.”



The discovery has opened doors to shaping phages in a variety of ways, enhancing their efficiency and creating opportunities for innovative biological applications. 



For instance, the team was able to blend these flower-like structures with DNAzymes, enabling them to detect low concentrations of Legionella bacteria in water from commercial cooling towers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endless-source-of-inspiration">Endless source of inspiration</h2>



As antibiotic resistance continues to be a major concern, a rekindled interest in bacteriophages as a treatment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influenza-is-considered-the-biggest-pandemic-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various infections</a> has arisen.



 With their ability to specifically target certain bacteria while leaving others unharmed, the potential for these tiny viruses holds a lot more promise than we might have believed.



“Nature is so powerful and so intelligent. As engineers, it’s our job to learn how it works, so we can harness processes like this and put them to use,” said Hosseinidoust.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202414375" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Functional Materials</a>.



Image Credit: McMaster University



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Tiny viruses link up and bloom into amazing sunflower structures

In the world of scientific discovery, some of the most...

Air pollution, the invisible enemy, is not just a threat to our lungs but also holds detrimental implications for our brain.



Fine particulate matter or PM2.5, a complex medley of microscopic particles and droplets suspended in the air, has been the culprit behind lung tissue damage and inflammation for years. 



However, recent developments have turned our attention toward another potential victim of this insidious enemy - our cognitive health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollutions-impact-on-brain">Air pollutions impact on brain</h2>



In a recent study, researchers from the Universities of <a href="https://www.uni-rostock.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rostock</a>, Bonn, and <a href="https://www.uni.lu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luxembourg</a> have shed light on an alarming correlation.



The experts suggest systemic inflammation, spurred by an upsurge in monocytes (a type of white blood cells), could be a significant conduit for the effects of PM2.5 exposure on cognitive impairment.



This study, published in the journal Alzheimer's &amp; Dementia, could indeed change the way we perceive air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-a-surge-in-hospital-emergency-visits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposing-the-invisible-health-risks">Exposing the invisible health risks</h2>



PM2.5, impossibly small airborne particles, can effortlessly infiltrate our lungs and potentially our bloodstream, thereby posing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-fueling-more-intense-and-dangerous-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant health risks</a>. 



Perpetual exposure to poor air quality has been connected to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, prompting air pollution to be recorded as a modifiable risk factor in the Lancet Commission's <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent report</a> on dementia prevention, intervention, and care.



However, the complex mechanisms explaining how PM2.5 affects cognitive function remain elusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-air-quality-and-cognitive-decline">Poor air quality and cognitive decline</h2>



Contrary to the majority of studies focusing on cognitive decline in older people, emerging evidence indicates that even younger adults could be affected by chronic low-level exposure to PM2.5. 



This broader demographic exploration could potentially unravel how early and mid-life exposure may impact long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive outcomes</a>. Intrigued by this, the researchers examined data from more than 66,000 participants in the Dutch Lifelines cohort.



The experts integrated adult participants' blood profiles and cognitive testing results spanning a decade (2006-2015) with air pollution data at their homes. This analysis led to fresh insights regarding the unexplored mechanisms linking PM2.5 exposure and brain health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-air-pollution-impact-brain">How does air pollution impact brain?</h2>



The researchers discovered that PM2.5 exposure correlates with a decline in cognitive processing time (CPT) - how swiftly our brains can react.



Intriguingly, an upswing in white blood cell counts, especially monocytes - the linchpin in our body’s immunity responses - mediated a significant part of this effect.



“Systemic inflammation may act as a key intermediary, linking PM2.5&nbsp;exposure to impaired cognitive function,” explained Dr. Benjamin Aretz, research scientist at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukbonn.de/patient_innen/international/english/information-for-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Hospital Bonn</a>&nbsp;and first author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-missing-link">Unraveling the missing link</h2>



While PM2.5 can directly infiltrate the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier, sparking local inflammation, this research emphasizes a wider, systemic inflammation occurring from exposure. 



“We hypothesise that the number of white blood cells rise in response to pollutants,” said Professor Gabriele Doblhammer, group leader at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dzne.de/en/research/research-areas/population-health-sciences/forschungsgruppen/doblhammer/research-areasfocus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DZNE in Rostock</a>.



“Inflammation was already shown to play an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, the inflammation we see in response to air polution may disrupt immune functions in the brain, thereby indirectly impairing cognitive health.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-is-the-best-cure">Prevention is the best cure</h2>



As we approach an era marked by aging populations and rapid urbanization, understanding and addressing the role of air pollution in brain diseases is becoming important. 



“Given the strong correlation between air pollution and cognitive deficits, further studies are essential to pinpoint which pollutants and cellular mechanisms mediate this effect,” said&nbsp;Professor Michael Heneka, director of the&nbsp;Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LCSB</a>) at the University of Luxembourg and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



In the end, the invisible enemy is not invincible. By unveiling the mysteries of PM2.5, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge to combat the ecological threats that loom over our cognitive health.



We find ourselves at the fascinating confluence of science, health, and environment, and it is our collective responsibility to champion the cause of cleaner air for better cognitive futures. 



So, the next time you think about air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-air-quality-trends-revealed-in-new-images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, remember it is not just impacting our lungs, but also our brain.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14320" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer s &amp; Dementia</a>.



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Air pollution exposure slows down the brain's processing speed

Air pollution, the invisible enemy, is not just a threat...

Scientists have pinpointed the age of the moon's oldest and largest impact basin, the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, to over 4.32 billion years ago.



The research is shedding new light on the early history of asteroid and comet impacts on the moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basin-on-the-far-side-of-the-moon">Basin on the far side of the moon</h2>



Both the Earth and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-moon-a-new-theory-has-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> have been bombarded by space objects since their formation, leaving behind craters and basins. 



However, the exact timing of some of the earliest and largest of these impact events has remained a mystery - until now.&nbsp;



A team of scientists led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> believes they have dated the formation of the massive South Pole-Aitken basin, located on the far side of the moon and stretching over 2,000 kilometers, through analysis of a lunar meteorite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oldest-impact-basin-on-the-moon">Oldest impact basin on the moon</h2>



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02380-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>, focused on the analysis of a lunar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorite</a> called Northwest Africa 2995, found in Algeria in 2005. 



This meteorite is classified as a regolith breccia, which is a type of rock formed by fragments fused together under heat and pressure. It contains key clues about the age of the South Pole-Aitken basin.



Study co-author Joshua Snape is a research fellow at the University of Manchester.



“Over many years, scientists across the globe have been studying rocks collected during the Apollo, Luna, and Chang'e 5 missions, as well as lunar meteorites, and have built up a picture of when these impact events occurred,” explained Snape.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-bombardment-on-the-moon">Impact bombardment on the moon </h2>



According to Snape, the long-held consensus has been that the moon experienced a period of intense bombardment between 4.2 and 3.8 billion years ago.



However, by analyzing the uranium and lead levels in mineral and rock fragments within the Northwest Africa 2995 meteorite, the team concluded that the SPA basin likely formed 120 million years earlier than previously thought - around 4.32 to 4.33 billion years ago.&nbsp;



This finding weakens the argument that the moon's bombardment was concentrated within a narrow period and instead suggests a more gradual process of impacts over a longer span of time.



“Constraining the age of the South-Pole Aitken basin to 120 million years earlier weakens the argument for this narrow period of impact bombardment on the moon and instead indicates there was a more gradual process of impacts over a longer period,” Snape said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-the-moon-s-oldest-impact-basin-nbsp">Dating the moon's oldest impact basin&nbsp;</h2>



To determine the basin's age, the researchers compared the data gathered from the meteorite to findings from NASA's Lunar Prospector mission, which orbited the moon between 1998 and 1999.&nbsp;



The mission studied the moon's surface composition, allowing the team to identify chemical similarities between the meteorite and rocks within the SPA basin. This comparison confirmed their link, supporting the new age estimate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-earth-s-early-history">Understanding Earth’s early history</h2>



Study senior author Romain Tartese, an astrophysicist at the University of Manchester, noted that the implications of this research extend far beyond the moon.&nbsp;



“We know that the Earth and the moon likely experienced similar impacts during their early history, but rock records from the Earth have been lost,” said Tartese.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“We can use what we have learned about the moon to provide us with clues about the conditions on Earth during the same period of time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-exploration-of-the-moon">Future exploration of the moon</h2>



While this study presents a major breakthrough, there is more work to be done. Lead author Katherine Joy, an astronomer at the University of Manchester highlighted the need for further investigation.&nbsp;



“The proposed ancient 4.32 billion year old age of the South Pole-Aitken basin now needs to be tested by sample return missions collecting rocks from known localities within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/man-in-the-moon-craters-are-200-million-years-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crater</a> itself,” she said.



Such future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-new-lunar-fss-mission-will-explore-moon-far-side-moonquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">missions</a> could provide additional data to verify the proposed age of the South Pole-Aitken basin, further advancing our understanding of the early impact history of both the moon and the Earth. 



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Moon’s biggest impact basin is millions of years older than we thought

Scientists have pinpointed the age of the moon's oldest and...

While reading a children's book about insects with his daughter, Matt Shipman came across an interesting fact: bees perceive colors differently than humans do.&nbsp;



His daughter, filled with curiosity, immediately wanted to know more about this fascinating phenomenon.  



Digging deeper into the science of bee vision, Shipman - who is a research communicator at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> - found that bees see flowers in a way that is truly unique - and arguably even more beautiful than how we see them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color-vision-of-bees">Color vision of bees</h2>



Humans are capable of seeing light in wavelengths ranging from about 390 to 750 nanometers. This range encompasses the spectrum of colors we perceive, from violet through to red.&nbsp;



Bees, like many other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>, have a visual range of approximately 300 to 650 nm. This difference means that while bees cannot see red, they can see ultraviolet light, a part of the spectrum that is invisible to human eyes.



Bees' ability to distinguish between light and dark allows them to detect edges with ease. This skill helps them recognize different shapes, although they might struggle with shapes that have smooth lines, like circles and ovals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-vision-matters-for-bees">Why vision matters for bees</h2>



For bees, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blinking-plays-crucial-role-vision-human-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision</a> plays a crucial role in their daily activities, particularly when it comes to finding nectar and pollen. 



While they can use their sense of smell to locate flowers, this only works when they are already close to their target. Vision is essential for spotting flowers from a distance, guiding them towards potential food sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-vision-and-ultraviolet-colors">Bee vision and ultraviolet colors</h2>



There is an ongoing debate about whether bees' vision evolved to better detect flowers or if flowers evolved to become more visible to bees.&nbsp;



Most likely, it is the latter: flowers have evolved specifically to attract insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-an-alarming-decline-in-pollinator-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>, such as bees, by developing vivid ultraviolet color patterns. These patterns are invisible to humans but serve as bright, enticing signals for bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultraviolet-patterns-nature-s-guide-for-bees">Ultraviolet patterns: Nature’s guide for bees</h2>



Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> display intricate ultraviolet patterns that act as beacons for bees. These patterns often highlight “landing zones,” directing bees toward the parts of the flower that contain nectar and pollen. 



For the bees, this guidance means an easier time locating food, while for the flower, it increases the likelihood that pollen will cling to a bee and be carried to another flower, aiding in reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-we-know-what-bees-can-see">How do we know what bees can see?</h2>



Understanding what bees see has been a subject of scientific curiosity for years. One of the methods researchers have used involves training bees to respond to specific colors through behavioral experiments.&nbsp;



For example, scientists would set up feeders containing sugar water near colored targets - such as a yellow one.&nbsp;



Over time, the bees learned to associate the yellow target with the food, returning to it even when the sugar water was removed.&nbsp;



The bees would still choose the yellow target over others, even when presented with gray options, indicating that they could distinguish the color.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photoreceptors-and-the-visual-spectrum-nbsp">Photoreceptors and the visual spectrum&nbsp;</h2>



Another way scientists have uncovered what bees can see is by examining the photoreceptors in their eyes.&nbsp;



By exposing bees to various wavelengths of light, researchers have been able to identify which wavelengths trigger signals in the bees' photoreceptors.&nbsp;



A lack of response to a particular wavelength suggests that the light is outside of the bee’s visual spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unique-perspective-on-flowers">A unique perspective on flowers</h2>



Bees, with their ability to perceive ultraviolet light, experience a world that is quite different from ours - especially when it comes to flowers.&nbsp;



The intricate patterns that guide them to nectar and pollen are invisible to us, making their world rich in hidden beauty. And if you are interested in seeing some of this hidden world, you can find impressive collections of ultraviolet flower <a href="http://www.naturfotograf.com/UV_flowers_list.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">images</a> online. 



It’s a reminder that nature holds many surprises, some of which can only be appreciated through a bee’s eye view.



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Bee vision reveals a hidden world that we cannot see

While reading a children's book about insects with his daughter,...

Over a century ago, on a quiet morning in an area of Siberia called Tunguska, the sky erupted with a flash brighter than the sun. An explosion shook the ground, leaving those who witnessed it both awestruck and terrified. They had just seen Earth's most recent major asteroid impact event.



“A collision of a NEO with Earth is the only natural disaster we now know how humanity could completely prevent” said NASA Planetary Defense Officer Lindley Johnson. 



“We must keep searching for what we know is still out there, and we must continue to research and test Planetary Defense technologies and capabilities that could one day protect our planet’s inhabitants from a devastating event.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tunguska-asteroid-impact-event">The Tunguska asteroid impact event</h2>



The morning of June 30, 1908, began like any other day, but was soon abruptly disrupted by a brilliant fireball that streaked across the sky.



A thunderous boom followed, marking the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catastrophic collision</a> of an asteroid with Earth's atmosphere. This event, christened the Tunguska event, left an indelible imprint on human history and underscored the dangers that lurk in our cosmic vicinity.



In 1927, the first scientific expedition to the Tunguska site was led by the well-known geologist Dr. Leonid A. Kulik from the Soviet Academy of Sciences.



His work, albeit 20 years later, documented the massive destruction caused by the asteroid's explosion in the air.



The asteroid impact event at Tunguska wiped out around 80 million trees across a vast area of 830 square miles, hitting the Evenki people hard, as their livelihoods relied on their reindeer herds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-explosion-or-direct-impact">Atmospheric explosion or direct impact?</h2>



Dr. Kulik's analysis showed that the object, a bolide about 130 feet wide, entered Earth's atmosphere at a 30-degree angle.



He thinks the asteroid blew up in mid-air at around six miles high, creating a powerful shock wave and heat blast that could flatten forests and send seismic waves felt hundreds of miles away.



Further investigations found microparticles that suggested the bolide was likely an asteroid from space.



The Tunguska event wasn't just a one-off; archaeologists have discovered signs of other airburst events throughout history.



While smaller asteroids usually break apart harmlessly in the atmosphere, bigger ones like the Tunguska asteroid can pose a real risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-defense-coordination-office-pdco">Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO)</h2>



Fast forward to today, and we definitely haven’t forgotten the lessons from Tunguska. The launch of <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-science/programs/planetarydefense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's PDCO</a> in 2016 was a big step forward in protecting Earth from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-equivalent-of-a-blindfolded-full-court-shot-caused-the-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential asteroid hits</a>.



The PDCO focuses on spotting Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), sending out warnings, and coordinating global defense plans.



Now, let’s talk about an impressive achievement: the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/dart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DART</a>) mission. Launched on November 23, 2021, DART set out to show off a technique called kinetic impact.



DART hit its target -- the binary asteroid system of Didymos and its smaller buddy, Dimorphos -- at a staggering speed of 14,000 miles per hour, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">successfully changing its path</a>.



On September 26, 2022, DART's impact even slowed Dimorphos' orbit around Didymos by 32 minutes, way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-impact-sent-dimorphos-didymos-asteroid-into-chaotic-unpredictable-tumble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more than anyone expected</a>!



“A collision of a NEO with Earth is the only natural disaster we now know how humanity could prevent," NASA Planetary Defense Officer Lindley Johnson explained.



"We must keep searching for what we know is still out there, and we must continue to research and test Planetary Defense technologies and capabilities that could one day protect our planet’s inhabitants from a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nadir-crater-second-massive-asteroid-impact-discovered-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devastating event</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-tunguska-to-today">From Tunguska to today</h2>



Tunguska is a pretty sobering chapter in Earth's history, but it's just part of a bigger story. Cosmic impacts, like the asteroid strike that created the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-chicxulub-caused-dinosaurs-extinction-event-traced-to-origin-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicxulub crater</a> in Mexico 65 million years ago, wiped out the dinosaurs and 75% of Earth's species.



Then there's the Meteor Crater in Arizona, which is about 50,000 years old and shows just how powerful these impacts can be.



Ancient cosmic events have also played a huge role in shaping human civilization. Take the 12,800-year-old comet impact in Syria during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-a-cosmic-airburst-set-the-world-on-fire-12800-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Younger Dryas period</a> or the airburst asteroid that devastated the ancient city of Tall el-Hamman in Jordan. These events show just how deep and lasting their effects can be on societies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-frontier-in-planetary-defense">Next frontier in planetary defense</h2>



While the Tunguska event stands as a stark reminder, our response capabilities have matured dramatically. NASA's PDCO continues to monitor NEOs that come within 30 million miles of our orbit.



The success of the DART mission offers a blueprint for future defense strategies and lays the groundwork for more sophisticated and reliable planetary defense methods.



Public awareness and involvement are crucial to an effective planetary defense strategy. With the United Nations declaring June 30 as <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/asteroid-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Asteroid Day</a>, there is an effort to educate and involve people worldwide in this crucial mission.



Moreover, fostering a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging aspiring scientists and engineers, and enabling international collaboration are all steps in the right direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-tunguska-into-the-future">From Tunguska into the future</h2>



The courage and determination of scientists like Dr. Leonid A. Kulik, way back in 1927, set the stage for our current vantage point.



Today, researchers and engineers carry forward this legacy, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve to safeguard our planet. 



The stories of those who lived through the Tunguska event serve as a poignant reminder of why this work is so crucial.



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Earth survived an asteroid impact in 1908 that most people don’t know about

Over a century ago, on a quiet morning in an...

Human,Brain,Neuron,Activity.,Brain,3d,Neural,Network.,Neurological,Functions,

If you've ever groaned at the notion of getting out of bed for an early morning workout, or grumbled at the thought of losing a night's sleep due to a late-night Netflix binge, your brain is echoing your sentiments to the activities.



In a remarkable and lengthy study, scientists embarked on a fascinating journey to understand this relationship. They closely monitored a single person's brain activity, physical activity, mood and lifestyle for a whopping five months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-after-daily-activities">Brain after daily activities</h2>



"We wanted to go beyond isolated events. Our behavior and mental states are constantly shaped by our environment and experiences," says research leader Ana Triana. 



Yet, we know little about the response of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-echoes-todays-activities-change-your-behavior-for-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain functional connectivity</a> to environmental, physiological, and behavioral changes on different timescales, from days to months.



"To truly understand the brain, we need to look at how it responds and evolves over time, influenced by our environment, experiences, and daily habits." 



Triana wasn't just leading the research; she was the subject, lending a unique, deeply personal perspective to the study.



Findings from this investigation unveil that our brains don't just react in knee-jerk, immediate responses to daily events. 



Indeed, the brain seems to have a 'memory' of sorts. It evolves according to sleep patterns, physical activity, mood, and even respiratory rate over several days.



If you thought a restless night or an intense workout only had immediate, short-term effects, think again. These experiences could still be impacting your brain -- and your attention, cognition, and memory -- well into the next week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-s-connectivity">Brain's connectivity</h2>



The research didn't stop at understanding the brain's behavioral response. It also shed light on fascinating connections between the heart and brain. 



Heart rate variability, a measure of the heart's adaptability, appears to have a strong link with brain connectivity, particularly during rest. 



So, taking a minute to focus on your breath, engage in mindfulness, or practice any stress management technique could be shaping your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-complete-map-of-every-neuron-in-the-brain-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>'s wiring even when you're not actively focused on a task.



Even physical activity positively influences how different regions of the brain interact, potentially impacting memory and cognitive flexibility -- the ability to switch between thinking about different concepts, or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously.



Intriguingly, even minor shifts in mood, and fluctuations in heart rate could leave lasting imprints for up to fifteen days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scanning-activities-in-brain">Scanning activities in brain</h2>



"At the beginning, it was exciting and a bit stressful. Then, routine settles in and you forget," says Triana. Data from the devices and twice-weekly brain scans were complemented by qualitative data from mood surveys.



The researchers from <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a> and the <a href="https://www.oulu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oulu</a> identified two distinct response patterns in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-divide-the-day-into-different-chapters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>: a short-term wave, lasting under seven days, and a long-term wave up to fifteen days. 



These waves reflected the brain's quick adaptability on one hand and more gradual, lasting effects on the other.



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



This study holds significant implications for our understanding of mental health and well-being. 



By appreciating that the brain's responses are not instantaneous but rather span several days to weeks, mental health professionals might develop more effective therapeutic interventions that align with these temporal patterns. 



It also encourages individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, recognizing that daily decisions have lasting effects on brain function and connectivity. 



Importantly, the research suggests that managing stress and maintaining regular physical activity can enhance cognitive flexibility, potentially improving mental health outcomes and overall quality of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-neuroscience">Personalized neuroscience</h2>



The pioneering nature of this research offers a framework for personalized neuroscience, where tailored interventions could be designed based on an individual's unique brain response patterns and lifestyle. 



With wearable technology and continuous monitoring becoming more accessible, it is feasible to integrate these insights into everyday life, allowing individuals to track their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-creativity-start-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a> in real-time. 



This prospect not only empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their mental and physical health but also opens avenues for further research to explore how external factors, such as nutrition and social interactions, contribute to the brain's long-term evolution. 



As this field progresses, the potential for more personalized, responsive approaches to brain health and well-being will only grow, paving the way for improved quality of life and a deeper understanding of the human brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-care-for-brain-activity">Personalized care for brain activity</h2>



The team hopes these findings will inspire future studies to merge brain data with everyday life considerations, driving personalization in mental health treatment. 



"Data from daily life must come into the lab," insists study co-author, neuroscientist and physician Dr Nick Hayward. "Our approach provides essential context to neuroscience and offers granular understanding of the brain."



Could real-time tracking of brain changes revolutionize healthcare? Triana certainly thinks so, saying, "Linking brain activity with physiological and environmental data can transform personalized healthcare, paving the way for earlier interventions and improved results."



In conclusion, the way you sleep, the level of your physical activity, your mood, and even your heart rate variability could be influencing your brain in ways we are only beginning to understand. 



So next time you're grappling with the choice of an extra hour of sleep or an early morning jog, remember, your brain is keeping score.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Human brains literally "change" and adapt to our sleep patterns, activities, and overall lifestyle

If you've ever groaned at the notion of getting out...

In the vast, arid landscape of South Australia’s outback, a fossil record lies hidden beneath the soil, holding crucial clues to Earth’s early evolutionary history.&nbsp;



These fossils, found in Nilpena Ediacara National Park near South Australia's largest mountain range, document a pivotal moment in the emergence of complex life.&nbsp;



This recent discovery has provided new insights into how single-celled organisms evolved into complex animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-of-555-million-year-old-animal">Fossils of 555-million-year-old animal</h2>



A team led by Scott Evans, assistant professor of geology at <a href="https://www.fsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida State University</a>, has unearthed a significant fossil of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early marine animal</a> called Quaestio simpsonorum. 



This 555-million-year-old creature is the first known to exhibit left-right asymmetry, a crucial feature in the evolution of complex life.



“The animal is a little smaller than the size of your palm and has a question-mark shape in the middle of its body that distinguishes between the left and right side,” Evans explained.&nbsp;



“There aren't any other fossils from this time that have shown this type of organization so definitively. This is especially interesting as this is also one of the first animals that was capable of moving on its own.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-of-earth-s-earliest-animals-nbsp">Movement of Earth's earliest animals&nbsp;</h2>



Researchers believe Quaestio moved along the seafloor much like a “marine Roomba,” feeding on nutrients from microscopic organisms and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>. 



Evidence of this movement was preserved in fossilized rock slabs that display impressions of the animal along with its trace fossils.&nbsp;



The texture of the preserved mat, where Quaestio left its trails, reveals the organic richness of the early seafloor ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-discovery-in-nilpena-ediacara-national-park">Exciting discovery in Nilpena Ediacara National Park</h2>



While Nilpena Ediacara National Park is already famous for its fossil beds, the discovery of Quaestio marks a major milestone.&nbsp;



The excavation team, which included researchers from institutions like <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a>, and the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/front/international?adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D0538AE6BAFB85DBC-5DAAA905774B3C95%7CMCORGID%3DBA023B045D5A83160A495E49%40AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1728979378&amp;adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a>, made a critical discovery when they found clear evidence of the creature's movement. 



“One of the most exciting moments when excavating the bed where we found many Quaestio was when we flipped over a rock, brushed it off, and spotted what was obviously a trace fossil behind a Quaestio specimen - a clear sign that the organism was motile; it could move,” said co-author Ian Hughes, a Harvard University graduate student.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-animal-life-on-earth">Earliest animal life on Earth</h2>



For more than 20 years, the team has been guided by Mary Droser, distinguished professor of geology at UC Riverside. Droser has led excavations in the outback, and this latest discovery offers new insights into how animal life unfolded on Earth.&nbsp;



“It’s incredibly insightful in terms of telling us about the unfolding of animal life on Earth,” Droser remarked.&nbsp;



The Nilpena fossil record allows scientists to study the processes that shaped the origins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complex-life-emerged-1-5-billion-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex life</a>, from the earliest evolutionary developments to the events leading to species extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-programming-in-the-earliest-animals">Genetic programming in the earliest animals</h2>



The discovery of Quaestio simpsonorum is particularly important because it sheds light on early animal development.&nbsp;



Evans noted that determining the gene expressions needed to build these forms provides a new method for evaluating the mechanisms responsible for the beginnings of complex life on this planet.



The left-right asymmetry exhibited by Quaestio is mirrored in modern animals, suggesting that the same genetic programming has been at work for over half a billion years.



This finding is not only a major breakthrough in understanding early evolutionary processes but also provides a unique window into life during the Ediacaran period.&nbsp;



The team believes that studying these ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> will continue to yield new insights into how complex life evolved and adapted on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-legacy-and-ongoing-excavations">A growing legacy and ongoing excavations</h2>



Nilpena Ediacara National Park, which opened to the public in 2023, is in the process of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.&nbsp;



This recognition is largely due to the work and dedication of Mary Lou Simpson and Antony Simpson, founders of the <a href="https://ediacarafoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders Ranges Ediacara Foundation</a>. The discovery of Quaestio simpsonorum, named in their honor, is one of many exciting finds that have emerged from the park’s 150,000-acre fossil beds.



Although researchers have been studying this area for decades, new discoveries continue to be made.&nbsp;



“We’re still finding new things every time we dig,” Hughes said. This park, one of the world’s earliest ecosystems, continues to astonish scientists with its rich and diverse fossil record.&nbsp;



These ancient discoveries offer invaluable insights into the earliest chapters of animal evolution and continue to fuel the quest to understand the <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> on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ede.12491" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolution &amp; Development</a>.



Image Credit: Walker Weyland



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500-million-year-old purple blob may be Earth's earliest animal

In the vast, arid landscape of South Australia’s outback, a...

Are diamonds our best hope to save the planet from overheating? It seems unrealistic, right? Yet, a cross-disciplinary team composed of climatologists, meteorologists, and Earth scientists suggest that this may be the case. 



The researchers have explored the potential for using diamond dust, ejected from an airplane into the atmosphere, as a potential solution to reverse global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-to-cooling-the-planet">Key to cooling the planet</h2>



For years, scientists have warned that our planet is nearing or possibly even past a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic tipping point</a> - a point of no return. They caution that our warming planet has disrupted and continues to influence global weather patterns, a situation that could worsen as temperatures continue to rise.



Experts agree that something drastic needs to be done, and quickly. Simply curbing greenhouse gas emissions or removing carbon from the atmosphere, while critically important, might not be enough. 



We are forced to consider more radical solutions to not just slow the warming, but to actively cool the Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-injecting-aerosols-into-the-atmosphere">Injecting aerosols into the atmosphere</h2>



The scientific community seems to favor one particular strategy for this active cooling approach: injecting aerosols into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-expected-to-exceed-the-1-5c-warming-limit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excess heat</a> back into space.&nbsp;



The current frontrunner for this job has been sulfur dioxide, largely due its natural occurrence in our atmosphere from volcanic eruptions.&nbsp;



We understand to a degree how sulfur dioxide behaves in our atmosphere, but there's a downside - it could instigate worldwide acid rain, damage the ozone layer, and likely cause unpredictable weather changes in the lower atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diamond-dust-a-shimmering-solution">Diamond dust: A shimmering solution</h2>



Considering the potential risks of sulfur dioxide, the researchers pondered: What if there's a better aerosol choice? 



To satisfy this curiosity, the experts created a 3D climate model to assess the impacts of adding different types of aerosols to our atmosphere. The study was conducted in the <a href="https://iac.ethz.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science</a> at ETH Zurich.



The researchers evaluated how these particles would interact with light and heat, their longevity in the air, their potential to group together, and how they would eventually fall back to Earth.



Seven potential candidates, including calcite, diamond, aluminum, silicon carbide, anatase, rutile, and sulfur dioxide, were put to the test. This large-scale experiment revealed a surprising winner: diamond dust.



The team concluded that diamond dust particles would reflect the most light and heat, remain aloft for suitable lengths of time, and are less likely to clump together to retain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a>. 



An important bonus is that they are chemically inert, reducing the potential to create acid rain - a significant problem with sulfur dioxide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-diamond-dust">Cost of diamond dust</h2>



The idea of reflecting sunlight with diamond dust seems almost whimsically futuristic. Don’t put your sunglasses on just yet.&nbsp;



The team's model recommends injecting about 5 million tons of synthetic diamond dust into the atmosphere each year to cool the Earth by approximately 1.6°C in 45 years. This may sound manageable until we talk about the price tag - an estimated $200 trillion. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-and-logistical-challenges">Technological and logistical challenges</h2>



Despite its promise, implementing the diamond dust approach presents significant technological and logistical challenges. 



The process of creating and synthesizing diamond dust on such a massive scale requires advancements in current manufacturing technologies and infrastructure. 



Furthermore, the operational aspect of deploying 5 million tons of diamond dust annually involves developing specialized aircraft or spacecraft capable of dispersing these particles at the requisite altitude on a global scale. 



It's a complex endeavor that demands international cooperation, extensive research and development, and a robust framework for governance to oversee and manage potential geopolitical tensions that could arise from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unilateral climate interventions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-best-climate-solution">Finding the best climate solution</h2>



While diamond dust may not be the immediate answer to our warming crisis due to its exorbitant cost, this highlights the wide-ranging and creative solutions scientists are currently exploring. 



As we inch closer to the precipice of irreversible climate change, every option should be on the table.



Now, the question to ponder is how much are we willing to pay to preserve the only planet we call home? What's the price tag on Earth's survival?



Ultimately, it's not just about finding the most effective solution, but the most sustainable one. Until then, the search goes on. Because, after all, diamonds may be forever, but so are the consequences of our choices.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL110575" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Sprinkle diamond dust across Earth to cool the temperature? Don't laugh, it's possible

Are diamonds our best hope to save the planet from...

Broadening access to highly effective weight-loss drugs could prevent more than 40,000 deaths each year in the United States.



This is the conclusion of a new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and the University of Florida.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-barriers-to-weight-loss-drugs">Removing barriers to weight-loss drugs</h2>



The findings highlight the urgent necessity to eliminate existing obstacles that hinder people's access to effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-health-benefits-of-weight-loss-persist-for-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight-loss</a> treatments, thereby impeding public health efforts to combat the national obesity crisis. 



According to the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>, about 74% of Americans are considered overweight, with approximately 43% of those individuals classified as obese.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-are-surging-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obesity</a> has a well-documented widespread impact on health, exacerbating conditions such as type 2 diabetes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and certain cancers. Despite its severe consequences, the development and deployment of highly effective treatments for obesity have been lacking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advances-in-pharmaceutical-interventions">Advances in pharmaceutical interventions</h2>



Recent advancements in pharmaceutical interventions, particularly the introduction of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide and GLP-1 (GIP/GLP-1) receptor agonists such as tirzepatide, have demonstrated substantial efficacy in weight loss.&nbsp;



These medications have shown promise in clinical trials and are increasingly being used for weight management.



In conducting their study, the researchers aimed to quantify the potential mortality impact of increased access to these weight-loss drugs.&nbsp;



The experts integrated data on mortality risk associated with different body mass index (BMI) categories, obesity prevalence, and the current limitations on drug access due to high costs and insurance restrictions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-lives-saved-by-weight-loss-drugs-nbsp">Potential lives saved by weight-loss drugs&nbsp;</h2>



According to the findings, if access to these new medications were expanded to include all eligible individuals, the U.S. could see up to 42,027 fewer deaths annually.&nbsp;



This estimate includes approximately 11,769 deaths among individuals with type 2 diabetes - a group particularly vulnerable to the complications of obesity.&nbsp;



Even under current conditions of limited access, the researchers project that around 8,592 lives are saved each year, primarily among those with private insurance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparity-in-weight-loss-drug-access-nbsp">Disparity in weight-loss drug access&nbsp;</h2>



The study highlights a critical disparity in drug access. Currently, the high cost of these medications, which can exceed $1,000 per month without insurance, limits their availability.&nbsp;



For example, Medicare - one of the largest insurance programs for older adults - does not cover these drugs for weight loss, impacting many who could benefit from them.&nbsp;



Medicaid coverage varies widely by state, and private insurance often imposes high deductibles and copays, further restricting access.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-financial-and-coverage-barriers">Addressing financial and coverage barriers</h2>



“Expanding access to these medications is not just a matter of improving treatment options but also a crucial public health intervention,” said senior author Alison P. Galvani, a professor of epidemiology at the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a>. “Our findings underscore the potential to reduce mortality significantly by addressing financial and coverage barriers.”



The study also explored how expanded access could affect different regions and socioeconomic groups.&nbsp;



States with high obesity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-can-counteract-the-genetic-risk-for-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> rates, such as West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, stand to benefit the most from increased medication availability. In these areas, expanding access could lead to the largest per capita reductions in mortality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-challenges-for-widespread-availability">Overcoming challenges for widespread availability</h2>



However, the scientists caution that while the potential benefits are substantial, several challenges remain.&nbsp;



The high price of these medications is a significant barrier, and there are concerns about the pharmaceutical industry's profit margins.&nbsp;



Furthermore, supply constraints and production limitations continue to hamper widespread availability.



“Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach,” said co-author Burton H. Singer, an adjunct professor of mathematics at the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>. 



“We need to ensure that drug prices are more aligned with manufacturing costs and increase production capacity to meet demand. At the same time, we must tackle the insurance and accessibility issues that prevent many people from getting the treatment they need.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-access-to-weight-loss-drugs-nbsp">Expanding access to weight-loss drugs&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also considered the impact of socioeconomic factors on the effectiveness of expanded drug access.&nbsp;



They adjusted their estimates to account for income disparities, finding that even with these adjustments, the potential for lives saved remains significant.&nbsp;



The results suggest that improving access to these medications could reduce health care costs associated with obesity-related conditions and improve overall quality of life for many Americans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2412872121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Weight-loss drugs could save an enormous number of lives

Broadening access to highly effective weight-loss drugs could prevent more...

A team of Australian researchers has identified a new species of extinct sawfly from an exceptionally well-preserved fossil found in central New South Wales (NSW). 



This fossil, estimated to be between 11 and 16 million years old from the Miocene Period, is the first of its kind discovered in Australia and only the second globally.&nbsp;



The find was made in 2018 by a group of paleontologists exploring McGraths Flat, a fossil-rich site that has since yielded numerous other detailed fossils.



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



Despite their name, sawflies belong to the wasp family rather than the fly family. In Australia, spitfires are the most familiar group of sawflies.&nbsp;



The name “sawfly” comes from their saw-like ovipositor, which they use to lay eggs. While they might be mistaken for flies, they differ due to their lack of a characteristic “wasp waist.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naming-new-sawfly-species">Naming new sawfly species</h2>



With approval from the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council, the research team named the new species Baladi warru using Wiradjuri words. “Baladi” translates to “saw” and “warru” means “wasp,” a name that honors the Traditional Owners of the land where the fossil was discovered.



The research team, which included scientists from <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSIRO</a>, the <a href="https://www.canberra.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Canberra</a>, the Australian Museum, and the Queensland Museum, studied the fossil’s wing venation and other preserved features. 



The analysis allowed them to determine its place in the scientific classification of sawflies, describing it as a new species.&nbsp;



“We looked at the fossil and its morphology and then put this information together with molecular and morphological data from a wide sample of current sawfly species. This helped us decipher the fossil's placement in the sawfly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammalian-tree-of-life-traces-evolution-of-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree of life</a>,” explained lead author Juanita Rodriguez, a research scientist at CSIRO.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-sawfly-origins">Tracing sawfly origins</h2>



The study of this fossil provided critical insights into the evolutionary history of sawflies. Using the fossil’s age and position within the broader sawfly lineage, the researchers concluded that sawflies originated during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous</a> Period, about 100 million years ago. 



This timeline indicates that their ancient ancestors lived on the supercontinent Gondwana, which eventually split into present-day continents. As Gondwana broke apart, sawflies spread across regions that would become Australia and South America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollen-reveals-ancient-plant-interactions">Pollen reveals ancient plant interactions</h2>



The fossilized sawfly also revealed details about ancient ecosystems. The researchers identified pollen grains on the head of the sawfly, indicating it had visited a flowering Quintinia plant before fossilization.&nbsp;



This evidence allowed the team to reconstruct interactions between species in the Miocene environment of McGraths Flat.



“When we examined the fossil, we identified pollen grains on the sawfly's head which revealed it had visited a flowering Quintinia plant. This helped our team trace complex species interactions in the palaeoenvironment of McGraths Flat,” Rodriguez said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sawfly-diet-and-adaptations">Sawfly diet and adaptations</h2>



This fossil discovery also sheds light on the feeding habits and adaptability of ancient sawflies.&nbsp;



“This find has helped us in understanding the incredible ability of sawflies to feed on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-milkweed-beetle-safely-feed-on-a-toxic-plant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic plants</a>,” said co-author Michael Frese, a paleontologist at the University of Canberra. 



“They eat the leaves of Myrtaceae - a family of woody plants that includes eucalypts - because they have mouthparts with which they can separate toxic oils or a chemical detoxification system inside their gut when feeding on myrtaceous leaves. This enables the larvae, sometimes called spitfires, to use the oils as a defensive weapon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-past-and-present-ecosystems">Linking past and present ecosystems</h2>



Though Baladi warru has been extinct for millions of years, its discovery provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of sawflies and their role as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>. 



This ancient species helps explain how sawflies adapted to various environments and dietary sources over time, informing current understandings of their distribution across Australia and the Americas.



“In terms of the bigger picture, our work is helping researchers make sense of their current distribution across Australia and the Americas,” said Frese.&nbsp;



“Although this particular species, Baladi warru, has been extinct for millions of years, it provides information on native pollinators so we can understand their evolution and impact in the present.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/syen.12653" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Systematic Entomology.</a>



.



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Extinct sawfly reveals how insects have co-evolved with plants

A team of Australian researchers has identified a new species...

Reef fish are vital in maintaining the resilience of coral reefs. A new study from the University of Oxford sheds light on the essential role of reef fish and the factors affecting their abundance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-connectivity-and-fish-abundance">Ocean connectivity and fish abundance</h2>



The Oxford team has discovered that oceanographic connectivity is a significant determinant of fish abundance across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).



Oceanographic connectivity is the invisible thread that weaves the movement and exchange of water between different parts of the ocean.



According to the researchers, the distribution and abundance of herbivorous reef fish groups, in particular, are strongly impacted by this ocean connectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbivorous-reef-fish-are-strongly-impacted">Herbivorous reef fish are strongly impacted</h2>



"It was striking that herbivorous fish - which are critical to reef resilience - were particularly strongly impacted by ocean connectivity," said Laura Warmuth, from the Department of Biology, <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



"Efficient conservation area prioritisation should include connectivity for decision making regarding marine protected area management across country borders." 



Warmuth noted that this is particularly relevant in the human-pressured WIO region, where annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> is predicted on most coral reefs by mid-century, even under optimistic climate change scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-ocean-temperatures">Rising ocean temperatures </h2>



Ocean connectivity is not the only factor that influences reef fish distribution and abundance. The research also emphasizes the impact of fluctuating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperature</a> and levels of chlorophyll.



The protection of reefs in the Western Indian Ocean is of particular importance given the heavy dependence of rapidly growing local communities on these reefs amidst the looming threat of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-fish-diversity-and-resilience">Reef fish diversity and resilience</h2>



In this intricate ecological tapestry, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-use-edna-to-measure-reef-fish-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish diversity</a> is key in sustaining the resilience of reefs. Different fish species, owing to their varied feeding patterns, provide vital services to reefs. 



For instance, some fish species feed on algae that are in competition with corals, therefore maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.



The research team formulated a metric of proportional oceanographic connectivity to simplify complex oceanographic models. With this, they could integrate this element into ecological models. 



Interestingly, the experts found that medium connectivity levels were often associated with higher fish abundances, not the high levels.



High connectivity may aid larvae dispersal but can also result in unintended consequences - stronger wave exposure or increased dispersal of pollutants or invasive species.



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



“It is really imperative that decision-makers responsible for marine planning understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean patterns</a> and environmental factors affect reef fish across the food chain," said study co-author Professor Mike Bonsall.



"Our work emphasizes how crucial this link is between ocean currents and fish ecology for understanding the broader impact of environmental change and fishing regulations on sensitive coral reef fish systems.”



Going forward, the researchers will look more closely at the impacts of human activities, as well as how human population density and market distance impact reef fish abundance and biomass in the WIO.



The experts also aim to investigate how environmental and oceanographic factors are predicted to alter under different climate change scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-fish-and-coastal-communities">Reef fish and coastal communities</h2>



Reef fish not only play a crucial ecological role in maintaining the balance of coral reefs, but they are also a vital resource for coastal communities.



In many regions across the Western Indian Ocean, the local economy is deeply intertwined with fishing industries, which depend heavily on healthy fish populations.



However, as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-destroyed-14-percent-of-the-worlds-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and human activities such as overfishing continue to threaten reef ecosystems, the decline in fish populations could have devastating economic and social consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-conservation-strategies">Effective conservation strategies </h2>



By understanding the complex relationship between oceanographic connectivity, fish abundance, and environmental factors, researchers can guide more effective conservation strategies that protect both reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.



This highlights the urgent need for international collaboration in marine management, ensuring that local fisheries and marine protected areas are designed with connectivity in mind. 



Only by safeguarding reef fish populations can we hope to preserve the ecological and economic resilience of coastal regions for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsae125/7821003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICES Journal of Marine Science.</a>



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Reef fish populations are boosted by ocean connectivity

Reef fish are vital in maintaining the resilience of coral...

In our daily lives, we have a trusty companion that we often take for granted - water. Have you ever really thought about where it comes from or what unseen chemicals might be lurking within?



A recent study suggests that it's time we take a closer look at our trusty life-source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-chemicals-in-water">Unseen chemicals in water</h2>



Researchers have unveiled the presence of some unwelcome guests in our tap and bottled water.



These chemicals, known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are quite the stubborn type, refusing to break down in nature, opting instead to hang around causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-pfas-forever-chemicals-found-in-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential harm</a>. This issue is not limited to a single location - it is a global concern.



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



"The present study performed a comprehensive analysis on a group of high-concern PFAS in drinking water with samples taken from bottled water produced in 15 countries around the world, as well as tap water samples collected in two major cities," noted the researchers.



Tap and bottled waters from the UK to China were found to contain ten targeted PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).



If that's not disconcerting enough, almost all of the bottled water samples from 15 countries had detectable levels of these resilient chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-levels-in-water">PFAS levels in water</h2>



As the team investigated further, they unearthed some regional differences. Tap water from Shenzhen, China had markedly higher levels of PFAS compared to that from Birmingham, UK.



However, it's crucial to understand that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-trace-forever-chemicals-back-to-their-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> are not confined to a specific region; they are used globally in various industries and consumer goods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boiling-and-filtering-simple-solutions">Boiling and filtering: Simple solutions</h2>



Now, before you consider swearing off water altogether - there is also some good news.



The study revealed that basic practices, such as boiling water and using activated carbon filters (like your standard water filter jug), can significantly reduce PFAS concentrations. 



The decrease ranges from half to nearly all, depending on the specific PFAS and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment method</a> used.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-chemicals-in-water">Unveiling chemicals in water</h2>



This intriguing research was conducted by scientists from Southern University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.sustech.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUSTech</a>), <a href="https://en.hainanu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hainan University</a>, and the University of Birmingham.



"Our findings highlight the widespread presence of PFAS in drinking water and the effectiveness of simple treatment methods to reduce their levels. Either using a simple water filtration jug or boiling the water removes a substantial proportion of these substances," said study co-author Professor Stuart Harrad.



"While current PFAS levels in most water samples are not a major health concern, ongoing monitoring and regulation are crucial to protect&nbsp;public health. We provide valuable data on the presence of PFAS in drinking water alongside practical solutions to mitigate consumer exposure via drinking water."



According to Professor Harrad, this is a significant step towards ensuring safer drinking water for communities worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-chemicals-in-water">Journey of chemicals in water</h2>



PFAS have had a long and rather notorious history. They have become inescapable - used in everything from non-stick pans to waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, and even food packaging.



The trouble is, once they are released into the environment, PFAS are not only persistent but also travel long distances and accumulate in soil and water bodies. Virtually everyone is exposed to some level of these "forever chemicals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-public-health">Protecting public health </h2>



The need to phase out these hazardous substances, in order to protect public health, is more urgent than ever before.



There is no denying that steps are being taken to mitigate this global issue. Several countries are beginning to curb PFAS contamination with legislative measures and investment in alternative technologies.



There is also ongoing research aimed at finding more effective and affordable methods to remove PFAS from the environment and our bodies.



Water, as simple and basic as it may seem, has a story to tell – one that is entangled with chemical substances unknown to many. 



The discovery of PFAS in our water supply is a startling revelation, but it's not without a solution. The simple acts of boiling our water and using carbon filters can provide us with water that's safer to consume.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.4c00533" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS ES&amp;T Water</a>.



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Forever chemicals found in tap and bottled water worldwide

In our daily lives, we have a trusty companion that...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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