The Universe contains many types of massive formations that shape our understanding of how stars and galaxies group together. Astronomers have long studied these sprawling patterns, which give valuable clues about where matter gathers and where it remains thinly spread. 



These features define how cosmic evolution unfolds and guide current theories of how the universe expands.



Recently, a team of experts announced a giant find. This collection of galaxy clusters surpasses previous giants by orders of magnitude.



This study adds fresh insights by demonstrating that our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic neighborhood</a> can still surprise us with unexpected details about how matter arranges itself across unimaginable distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-clusters-distribution">Galaxy clusters distribution</h2>



Hans Böhringer from the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (<a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/main" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPE</a>) coordinated the effort in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Physics (<a href="https://www.mpp.mpg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPP</a>) and teams in Spain and South Africa. 



Their work relied on the ROSAT X-ray satellite’s survey, which singled out clusters of galaxies by detecting the energetic radiation these huge clusters emit. 



These data allowed the researchers to build a three-dimensional map of our cosmic vicinity.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quipo_superstructure_3D-model_credit-MPE_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quipo_superstructure_3D-model_credit-MPE_1s.webp" alt="Three-dimensional representation of the Quipu superstructure. Credit: MPE" class="wp-image-1960534"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three-dimensional representation of the Quipu superstructure. Credit: MPE</figcaption></figure>



“If you look at the distribution of the galaxy clusters in the sky in a spherical shell with a distance of 416 to 826 million light-years, you immediately notice a huge structure that stretches from high northern latitudes to almost the southern end of the sky,” explains Böhringer.



By tracing each cluster’s position in space, his team pinpointed how matter spreads out in swirling patterns of galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-quipu-superstructure">The Quipu superstructure</h2>



The researchers named this discovery “Quipu,” taking inspiration from the knotted string recording system once used by the Incas. 



Observed as a long strand with smaller threads branching off, the Quipu superstructure contains 68 galaxy clusters with a combined mass of about 2.4 × 10^17 solar masses. 



Its size of roughly 1.4 billion light-years makes Quipu the largest superstructure ever accurately measured, surpassing the Sloan Great Wall’s 1.1 billion light-years.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quipo_superstructure_illustration_credit-MPE_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quipo_superstructure_illustration_credit-MPE_1s.webp" alt="Distribution of galaxies (color coding) and galaxy clusters (black dots) in a spherical shell with a distance of 416 to 826 million light years surrounding us. The five superstructures are marked: 1 Quipu, 2 Shapley, 3 Serpens-Corona Borealis and Hercules (overlapping in the sky), 4 Sculptor-Pegasus. The area enclosed by white lines is shadowed by the disk of the Milky Way. Credit: MPE" class="wp-image-1960536"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Distribution of galaxies (color coding) and galaxy clusters (black dots) in a spherical shell with a distance of 416 to 826 million light years surrounding us. The five superstructures are marked: 1 Quipu, 2 Shapley, 3 Serpens-Corona Borealis and Hercules (overlapping in the sky), 4 Sculptor-Pegasus. The area enclosed by white lines is shadowed by the disk of the Milky Way. Credit: MPE</figcaption></figure>



“This breaks the size record of all reliably measured cosmic structures,” note the researchers who compared the finding with other known formations. 



“The Quipu superstructure, end to end, is slightly longer than the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/SDSS-3D-Universe-Map-Credit-Sloan-Digital-Sky-Survey-Team-NASA-NSF-DOE_fig2_357328983" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sloan Great Wall</a>,” says J. Richard Gott III at Princeton University, who helped discover the Sloan Great Wall. “Congratulations to them for finding it.” 



The name also reflects a connection to Chile, where many distance measurements took place, and where ancient quipus are showcased in Santiago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quipu-and-cosmological-principle">Quipu and cosmological principle</h2>



Across extremely large distances, matter is believed to spread out nearly evenly. At smaller scales of about a billion light-years, it collects in superclusters and leaves behind voids. 



This balance underpins the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-order-or-chaos-universe-expansion-may-follow-a-hidden-pattern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmological principle</a>, which suggests that if we look far enough, the universe should appear uniform in every direction. 



Some experts argue these huge arrangements question that principle’s validity, with past findings triggering debates. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/great-sloan-wall_superstructure_SDSS_credit-MIT_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/great-sloan-wall_superstructure_SDSS_credit-MIT_1s.webp" alt="Sloan Great Wall of galaxies. SDSS 3D Universe Map Credit: Sloan Digital Sky Survey Team, NASA, NSF, DOE." class="wp-image-1960531"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sloan Great Wall of galaxies is 1.1 billion light years long. SDSS 3D Universe Map Credit: Sloan Digital Sky Survey Team, NASA, NSF, DOE.</figcaption></figure>



“Making observations in too small a part of the universe, which has been done earlier on, can be misleading,” says Böhringer. 



Another point comes from an ambiguous definition of the principle. “There is not yet one definition of the cosmological principle that every cosmologist agrees on,” says Alexia Lopez at the <a href="https://www.uclan.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Central Lancashire</a> in the UK. 



Meanwhile, Seshadri Nadathur at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> notes that “some of those galaxies may drift apart from each other instead of collapsing in on themselves, in which case, according to some interpretations, it’s not really a bound structure.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-measurements-and-consequences">Cosmic measurements and consequences</h2>



Quipu’s existence highlights how vast formations can shape calculations of cosmic expansion rates and the properties of primordial radiation left over from the early universe. 



Astronomers pay close attention to features like superclusters because they alter light paths and influence how we determine important parameters such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unknown-factors-are-accelerating-the-expansion-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble constant</a>. 



Small discrepancies can add up when researchers aim for precise numbers in modern cosmological studies.



“Even if these are only corrections of a few percent, they become increasingly important as the accuracy of cosmological observations increases,” emphasizes Gayoung Chon from the Max Planck Institute for Physics. 



This structure offers a reminder that the cosmos presents patterns on many scales. Those patterns appear to affect how we interpret data on the universe’s origin and shape the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of galaxies</a> in our vicinity and beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quipu-and-the-incas">Quipu and the Incas</h2>



The Incas once managed vast territories using quipus, a system of knotted strings that helped track resources and information. 



Each knot arrangement acted like a code, revealing essential data in a form that required no written script.



Quipu’s naming borrowed that image of intertwined threads. 



Researchers see it as a nod to humanity’s long history of gathering knowledge, whether through knotted strings or advanced telescopes that trace the distribution of galaxies across cosmic depths.



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



The discovery underscores how ongoing surveys might uncover more structures. 



Scientists are keen to see if similar patterns exist in parts of the sky that remain less charted, which could either confirm current theories or reveal new gaps in our understanding.



Future maps will rely on technology to gather clearer data from remote regions. 



These efforts reflect a human wish to capture our place in the universe, searching for the patterns that connect everything from particles to vast congregations of galaxies.



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Featured image: The open cluster Westerlund 1 is located roughly 12,000 light-years away in the southern constellation Ara (the Altar) where it resides behind a huge interstellar cloud of gas and dust. Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.19236" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.



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Largest structure ever found in the universe is 1.4 billion light years long

The Universe contains many types of massive formations that shape our understanding of how stars and galaxies group together. Astronomers have long studied these sprawling patterns, which give valuable clues about where matter gathers and where it remains thinly spread. These features define how cosmic evolution unfolds and guide current theories of how the universe expands. Recently, a team of experts announced a giant find. This collection of galaxy clusters surpasses previous giants by orders of magnitude. This study adds fresh insights by demonstrating that our cosmic...

Loneliness isn't just a fleeting feeling of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/depression-and-cardiovascular-diseases-are-genetically-linked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sadness</a>. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy labeled it a national epidemic, with health risks comparable to smoking or obesity. To combat this, Murthy urged Americans to strengthen social connections. New research suggests a simple solution: buy experiences, not things.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retail-therapy-experiences-and-social-connections">Retail therapy, experiences and social connections</h2>



Dr. Amit Kumar, a marketing and psychology researcher at the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a>, believes that experiences could be a key factor in combating the loneliness epidemic. 



Kumar posits that the act of purchasing and engaging in experiences can foster "social capital," the network of relationships and connections that contribute to our well-being.



"What this work suggests is that we might actually be able to build social capital from what we buy. That, in turn, could lead to more health and happiness," Kumar says. 



This concept might seem counterintuitive, especially considering the common association of retail therapy with material goods. However, Kumar's research suggests a nuanced perspective. 



While traditional retail therapy might offer temporary relief, the satisfaction derived from material possessions tends to fade quickly. Experiences, on the other hand, can have a more enduring impact on our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-body-connection-wounds-heal-faster-if-we-think-more-time-has-passed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">happiness</a> and our connections with others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experiences-for-social-connections">Experiences for social connections</h2>



Kumar's prior research established that experiences, such as concerts or travel, tend to provide a more enduring sense of satisfaction compared to the fleeting pleasure derived from acquiring material possessions like luxury cars or designer clothing. 



However, his latest findings delve deeper into the impact of experiences on our lives, revealing that they don't merely enhance personal happiness but also significantly contribute to our social connections.



"All of our buying habits are, to some extent, part of who we are, and they can connect us to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-less-time-on-social-media-improves-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">other people</a>," Kumar says. "But that’s much more likely to be true of experiences we buy than material items we buy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-better-social-connections-come-from-experiences">Why do better social connections come from experiences?</h2>



To validate their hypotheses, Kumar and his research team conducted seven distinct experiments involving over 1,400 participants. 



The results of these experiments provided compelling evidence to support the idea that experiences foster stronger social connections compared to material goods.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-sense-of-similarity">Increased sense of similarity</h3>



Participants consistently reported a heightened sense of similarity and connection with others who had partaken in the same experience. 



This finding suggests that shared experiences create a common ground that transcends material possessions, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-identity-link">Stronger identity link </h3>



The research also revealed that beyond social connections, experiences play a significant role in shaping our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-posts-are-not-a-good-representation-of-our-true-selves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal identities</a>. 



Participants reported a stronger association between their experiences and their sense of self compared to material possessions. 



This implies that experiences contribute to a deeper understanding of who we are and what we value, which in turn can enhance our connections with others who share similar values.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-envy">Reduced Envy</h3>



Interestingly, the research found that even when faced with disparities in the quality or intensity of an experience (such as front-row seats versus nosebleed seats at a concert), individuals still felt a sense of social connection with others who shared the same experience. 



This suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-over-social-media-less-stress-more-life-satisfaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared nature</a> of the experience itself outweighs any differences in individual circumstances, promoting a sense of community and belonging.



"You feel a significantly stronger sense of connectedness when you find out that you just saw the same band in concert, than when you learn you have the same shoes as someone else," Kumar says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-to-humanity">Connection to humanity</h2>



You might think it's obvious that experiences make us feel more socially connected because they often involve other people. However, Kumar's research reveals a deeper insight. 



Experiences don't just increase our connection to the people we share them with; they enhance our sense of connection to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-humanity-can-work-together-to-solve-global-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humanity</a> as a whole. 



People feel a greater "sense of connection to humanity" after reflecting on experiential purchases compared to material purchases. 



Experiences foster more empathy and kinship towards others, beyond just those we directly interact with.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



This research is immediately actionable and offers practical applications for both individuals and businesses.



For individuals, if you're feeling lonely or disconnected, consider investing in experiences. Engaging in activities like attending concerts, going on weekend getaways, or taking cooking classes can significantly enhance your social well-being. 



For businesses, this research suggests that emphasizing the experiential aspects of products can be highly beneficial. Companies can tap into this by creating and promoting experiences associated with their offerings. 



For instance, Apple’s Genius Bar provides a personalized, interactive experience, while Nike’s running clubs offer a sense of community and shared activity. 



Highlighting these experiential elements can enhance customer satisfaction, increase brand loyalty, and drive long-term success. 



In sum, loneliness is a real problem, but it's not insurmountable. By choosing experiences over things, we can not only enjoy life more but also forge meaningful connections that enrich our lives and boost our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-teddy-bears-so-special-its-an-emotional-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a>. 



So next time you're contemplating a purchase, remember: experiences might just be the social glue we've all been missing.



The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bdm.2376" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Behavioral Decision Making</a>.



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Experiences, not things, are the key to deeper social connection

Loneliness isn't just a fleeting feeling of sadness. Last year,...

Researchers have uncovered the fascinating and widespread phenomenon of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cell-in-cell events</a>, where one cell engulfs and sometimes consumes another in a type of cellular cannibalism. 



This study, led by scientists from <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>, challenges the long-held belief that such behavior is unique to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/micro-nanoplastics-mnps-help-cancer-cells-spread/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer cells</a>. Instead, these interactions are common across diverse life forms, from single-celled organisms to complex multicellular animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-occurrence-of-cellular-cannibalism">Widespread occurrence of cellular cannibalism</h2>



The research reveals that cell-in-cell events are not restricted to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-fingerprint-of-cancer-cells-revealed-in-hydrogen-atoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancerous behavior</a>. These interactions are prevalent in non-cancer cells, suggesting that they play vital roles in normal development, homeostasis, and stress response. 



The researchers argue that targeting cell-in-cell events as a cancer treatment strategy should be reconsidered, as these behaviors are deeply embedded in the genetic makeup of a wide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-egg-cells-have-a-swirl-pattern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">array of organisms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-conventional-views-on-cellular-behavior">Challenging conventional views on cellular behavior</h2>



Published in the renowned scientific journal Scientific Reports, the study is the first to systematically investigate cell-in-cell phenomena across the tree of life. 



By demonstrating that these occurrences span numerous life forms, the research encourages a reevaluation of fundamental concepts of cellular cooperation, competition, and the complexity of multicellularity. This discovery opens new avenues for research in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phospholipids-tiny-bubbles-that-may-have-been-earths-first-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary biology</a>, oncology, and regenerative medicine.



“We first got into this work because we learned that cells don’t just compete for resources -- they actively kill and eat each other,” says <a href="https://newsroom.asu.edu/expert/carlo-maley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carlo Maley</a> of ASU. 



“That’s a fascinating aspect of the ecology of cancer cells. But further exploration revealed that these phenomena happen in normal cells, and sometimes neither cell dies, resulting in an entirely new type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anthrobots-scientists-create-tiny-biological-robots-from-human-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybrid cell</a>," he continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-significance-of-cell-in-cell-events">Evolutionary significance of cell-in-cell events</h2>



The earliest genes responsible for cell-in-cell behavior date back over 2 billion years, indicating that these phenomena play an important, though not yet fully understood, role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">living organisms</a>. 



Understanding the diverse functions of cell-in-cell events in both normal physiology and disease is crucial for developing more effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer therapies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cataloging-the-diversity-of-cellular-cannibalism">Cataloging the diversity of cellular cannibalism</h2>



The review delves into the occurrence, genetic underpinnings, and evolutionary history of cell-in-cell phenomena. The researchers reviewed more than 500 articles to catalog various forms of these interactions across the tree of life. 



They identified 16 different taxonomic groups where cell-in-cell behavior occurs and classified these events into six distinct categories based on the relationship between the host and prey cells and the outcome of the interaction.



A spectrum of cell-in-cell behaviors is highlighted in the study, ranging from selfish acts, where one cell kills and consumes another, to cooperative interactions, where both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mitochondria-cells-batteries-leaking-causes-inflammation-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells remain alive</a>. 



For instance, "heterospecific killing," where a cell engulfs and kills a cell of a different species, was observed across a wide range of organisms. In contrast, "conspecific killing," where a cell consumes another cell of the same species, was less common.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-biological-functions-beyond-competition">Important biological functions beyond competition</h2>



The team also documented cases where both the host and prey cells remained alive after the interaction, suggesting that these events may serve significant biological functions beyond just killing competitors. 



“Our categorization of cell-in-cell phenomena across the tree of life is important for better understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-living-creature-on-earth-identified-emerging-700-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution and mechanism</a> of these phenomena,” says first author Stefania E. Kapsetaki. 



“Why and how exactly do they happen? This is a question that requires further investigation across millions of living organisms, including organisms where cell-in-cell phenomena may not yet have been searched for," she continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-origins-of-cellular-cannibalism">Evolutionary origins of cellular cannibalism</h2>



The researchers investigated the evolutionary origins of the genes involved in cell-in-cell processes. They found that many key genes emerged long before the evolution of obligate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organisms-called-protosterol-biota-lived-1-6-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellularity</a>. 



“When we look at genes associated with known cell-in-cell mechanisms in species that diverged from the human lineage a very long time ago, it turns out that the human orthologs are typically associated with normal functions of multicellularity, like immune surveillance,” explains  <a href="https://search.asu.edu/profile/1669300" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luis Cisneros</a>, formerly with ASU and currently a researcher at <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayo Clinic</a>.



In total, 38 genes associated with cell-in-cell phenomena were identified, with 14 of these originating over 2.2 billion years ago, predating the common ancestor of some multicellular organisms. This suggests that the molecular machinery for cell cannibalism evolved before the major transitions to complex multicellularity.



The ancient cell-in-cell genes are involved in various cellular processes, including cell–cell adhesion, phagocytosis, intracellular killing of pathogens, and regulation of energy metabolism. 



This diversity of functions indicates that cell-in-cell events likely played important roles even in single-celled and simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-early-animal-evolution-start-with-predatory-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular organisms</a> well before the emergence of complex multicellular life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-cannibalism-and-the-future-of-medicine">Cellular cannibalism and the future of medicine</h2>



In summary, this study revolutionizes our understanding of cell-in-cell phenomena, cellular cannibalism, revealing their widespread occurrence across the tree of life and challenging the notion that these events are unique to cancer cells. 



By demonstrating the ancient evolutionary origins of cell-in-cell genes and the diverse roles these interactions may play in normal development, homeostasis, and stress response, the research highlights new areas for investigation in evolutionary biology, oncology, and regenerative medicine. 



As we continue to unravel the complexities of cellular behavior and its implications for the evolution of multicellularity, this study serves as a catalyst for further exploration, inviting us to reconsider fundamental concepts of cellular cooperation, competition, and the intricate dance of life at the cellular level.



Carlo Maley is a researcher with the <a href="https://biodesign.asu.edu/biocomputing-security-and-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society</a>; professor in the <a href="https://sols.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Life Sciences</a> at ASU; and director of the <a href="https://cancer-insights.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cancer Evolution Center</a>.



The study was conducted in collaboration with first author Stefania E. Kapsetaki, formerly with ASU and now a researcher at Tufts University, and <a href="https://search.asu.edu/profile/1669300" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luis Cisneros</a>, formerly with ASU and currently a researcher at Mayo Clinic.  



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-57528-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Cannibalism at the cellular level is common across most life forms

Researchers have uncovered the fascinating and widespread phenomenon of cell-in-cell...

Flowers brighten our gardens, fill our vases, and inspire countless poets. But have you ever wondered about the drama unfolding within their petals? It turns out, plants have a fascinating (and surprisingly complex) way of choosing their fertilization partners. 



Scientists at <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> in Japan have just pulled back the curtain on this hidden world, and what they've found could change the way we think about agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-fertilization">Flower fertilization</h2>



Flowering plants, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/angiosperms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">angiosperms</a>, have male and female parts. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-family-tree-explains-evolution-of-flower-symmetry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reproduction</a> kicks off when a pollen grain (carrying male genetic material) lands on the stigma of a flower (the female part). 



This triggers the growth of a pollen tube, a microscopic tunnel that delivers sperm cells to the ovule for fertilization. It's like a tiny, botanical version of a sperm whale diving to the depths of the ocean.



But how does a flower choose which pollen grain gets to fertilize it? To answer this, the Nagoya University team developed a technique using a two-photon microscope, allowing them to <a href="https://www.embopress.org/doi/suppl/10.1038/s44319-024-00151-4/suppl_file/44319_2024_151_moesm13_esm.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peer deep inside a living flower</a> for the first time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attraction-and-repulsion-in-flower-fertilization">Attraction and repulsion in flower fertilization</h2>



What they saw was a captivating pattern of attraction and rejection in flower fertilization. The female tissue of the flower emits a signal that lures a single <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-twist-in-the-evolution-of-plant-pollinator-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen</a> tube towards it. It's like a siren song, guiding the pollen tube along the precise path towards fertilization.



Once the lucky pollen tube has been chosen, the female tissue releases a second signal, this one designed to repel any other suitors. It's as if the flower says, "Thanks, but I'm taken!" This dual mechanism ensures that only one pollen tube gets to fertilize the ovule.



Lead researcher Yoko Mizuta described this repulsion system as "fascinating," noting the complex interplay of different cell types involved in this intricate process of attraction and repulsion. It's like a botanical soap opera, complete with love triangles and dramatic rejections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



This discovery goes beyond mere scientific curiosity about flower fertilization. It has significant implications for agriculture. By understanding how plants regulate fertilization, we can potentially optimize seed production and improve crop yields. 



The precise mechanism of one-to-one pollen tube guidance ensures successful fertilization and efficient seed production. This knowledge can help develop methods to enhance these natural processes. 



By mimicking or enhancing the signals that attract and repel pollen tubes, agricultural scientists could increase seed production and improve germination rates. This could lead to more efficient crop production, especially under challenging environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urbanization-alters-the-dynamics-of-plant-pollinator-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. 



Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights that could benefit agricultural breeding practices, leading to higher yields and more robust crops. This could play a crucial role in addressing food security issues by making agricultural practices more efficient and productive.



"By precisely orchestrating the behavior of pollen tubes, plants have evolved a mechanism to ensure successful fertilization and efficient seed production on dry land with a limited number of suitors," Mizuta explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-plant-breeding">Future of plant breeding</h2>



This research opens up a whole new world of possibilities for plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-does-a-lotus-flower-grow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a>. 



By manipulating the signals that attract and repel pollen tubes, scientists could potentially develop crops that are more resistant to environmental stressors, produce higher yields, and have better germination rates. 



Understanding the precise mechanisms of one-to-one pollen tube guidance allows for targeted interventions in plant reproduction processes. 



By enhancing the attraction signals, we can ensure that more pollen tubes reach the ovules, leading to successful fertilization and increased seed production. 



Conversely, by optimizing the repulsion signals in flowers, we can prevent multiple pollen tubes from fertilizing the same ovule, improving the efficiency of fertilization. 



This could lead to the development of crops that thrive in challenging environmental conditions, such as drought or poor soil quality. Overall, this research provides a foundation for innovative plant breeding techniques that could significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.



So, the next time you see a flower, remember, there's more going on than meets the eye. It's not just a pretty face, but a complex organism with a fascinating reproductive strategy – one that could help us feed a growing planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44319-024-00151-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMBO Reports</a>.



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Flowers are picky when choosing their mate for fertilization

Flowers brighten our gardens, fill our vases, and inspire countless...

Corn,Close-up

Climate change is significantly impacting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-prevents-nighttime-pollinators-from-finding-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator activity</a>, leading to a decrease in plant pollen production and diversity. This could have serious implications for global food production. 



Researchers from several institutions have meticulously examined the long-term effects of global warming on plant-pollinator interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-pollinators-and-food-production">Climate change, pollinators, and food production</h2>



The study, conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.uta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Arlington</a>, the <a href="https://www.unr.edu/">University of Nevada, Reno</a>, and <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, investigates how shifts in flowering times and extreme weather events affect the availability of essential food sources for insect pollinators. 



The lead author of the study, Behnaz Balmaki, is an assistant professor of research in biology at UTA. “This research is crucial as it examines the long-term impacts of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions,” Balmaki emphasized.



This study investigates how shifts in flowering times and extreme weather events affect the availability of critical food sources for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-can-help-monitor-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect pollinators</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-basin-living-laboratory-for-pollinators">Great Basin: Living laboratory for pollinators</h2>



The research team, which included UTA's Masoud A. Rostami, focused their efforts on the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada mountains. 



The Great Basin, spanning across 95% of Nevada and parts of California, Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming, serves as an ideal location for this type of research due to its unique geographical features. The mountains act as a shield, protecting the region from Pacific storms, rain, and snow.



Home to over 200 butterfly species, many of which act as pollinators, the Great Basin region plays a vital role in agriculture. 



Pollinators are essential for the fertilization of flowers, enabling them to produce fruit. The research team established 19 sampling sites throughout the region, collecting a diverse sample of butterflies to study their role in pollen distribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warmer-climate-no-pollination-no-food">Warmer climate, no pollination, no food</h2>



To gain a comprehensive understanding of the changes in pollination dynamics over time, the research team collected new samples and examined previously captured butterfly specimens stored at the University of Nevada, Reno <a href="https://www.unr.edu/natural-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of Natural History</a>. These samples, dating back to 2000, provided a wealth of historical data spanning 21 years.



Balmaki emphasized the significance of the study's extensive historical data analysis, spanning an impressive 21 years. She noted that this long period provides a clear and comprehensive view of the changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination services</a> over time. 



"By analyzing 21 years of historical data, a very long period that provides clear views, the research offers detailed perspectives on the consequences of habitat loss, fragmented landscapes and changes in plant assemblages on pollination services," Balmaki stated. 



The study delves into the intricate relationships between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-pollinators-wild-bees-boosts-food-supply-income/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators and their environment</a>, shedding light on how factors such as habitat loss, landscape fragmentation, and shifts in plant communities can have profound effects on the ability of pollinators to carry out their crucial role in ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Museum specimens reveal alarming trends</h2>



Balmaki highlighted the innovative approach employed in the research, which involved utilizing museum specimens to track changes in pollen over time. 



This novel methodology provides a unique perspective on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hornets-are-the-most-important-pollinators-for-some-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamic nature</a> of pollination and offers valuable insights into the long-term trends and patterns that may have gone unnoticed in shorter-term studies. 



By leveraging the wealth of information stored in museum collections, the researchers were able to uncover a new dimension in understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex interplay</a> between pollinators, plants, and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-imperative-of-pollinator-conservation">The imperative of pollinator conservation</h2>



One of the key takeaways from this study is the critical importance of pollinators in maintaining food production essential for human survival. 



Without effective pollination, many crops crucial to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-heat-is-threatening-wheat-and-the-global-food-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food supply</a> could fail.



"Our research underscores the necessity of developing targeted conservation policies to protect pollinators and maintain essential pollination services during global warming, thereby addressing some of the most significant environmental challenges of our time," Balmaki concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-pollinators-for-sustainable-food-production">Protecting pollinators for sustainable food production</h2>



The findings of this research serve as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted conservation policies to safeguard pollinators and preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems. 



By addressing the challenges posed by climate change and implementing effective measures to protect pollinators, we can ensure the sustainability of natural ecosystems and secure the future of human agriculture and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-production-is-one-of-the-biggest-drivers-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production</a>.



As we face the mounting pressures of global warming, studies like this provide invaluable insights into the complex dynamics of plant-pollinator interactions and the far-reaching consequences of climate change. 



By understanding these intricate relationships and taking proactive steps to conserve pollinators, we can work towards mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving the vital services that pollinators provide for our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00442-024-05533-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oecologia</a>.



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Food production is becoming much more difficult due to climate change

Climate change is significantly impacting pollinator activity, leading to a...

Why is the warm gas-giant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-class-of-exoplanets-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a> WASP-107 b so puffy? With a moderate temperature and an extremely low density similar to a microwaved marshmallow, it seems to defy standard theories of planet formation and evolution. Now, two independent teams of researchers have provided an answer.



Data collected using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, combined with prior observations from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, show surprisingly little methane (CH4) in the planet’s atmosphere, indicating that the interior of WASP-107 b must be significantly hotter and the core much more massive than previously estimated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-puffy-exoplanets">The mystery of puffy exoplanets</h2>



The unexpectedly high temperature is thought to be a result of tidal heating caused by the planet’s slightly non-circular orbit, and can explain how WASP-107 b can be so inflated without resorting to extreme theories of how it formed.



The results, which were made possible by Webb’s extraordinary sensitivity and accompanying ability to measure light passing through exoplanet atmospheres, may explain why dozens of low-density exoplanets are puffy, helping to solve a long-standing mystery in science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-of-the-least-dense-planets">One of the least dense planets</h2>



At more than three-quarters the volume of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a> but less than one-tenth the mass, the “warm Neptune” exoplanet WASP-107 b is one of the least dense planets known. While puffy planets are not uncommon, most are hotter and more massive, and therefore easier to explain.



“Based on its radius, mass, age, and assumed internal temperature, we thought WASP-107 b had a very small, rocky core surrounded by a huge mass of hydrogen and helium,” explained Luis Welbanks from <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> (ASU), the lead author of a paper published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07514-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



“But it was hard to understand how such a small core could sweep up so much gas, and then stop short of growing fully into a Jupiter-mass planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chemistry-of-wasp-107-b">The chemistry of WASP-107 b</h2>



If WASP-107 b instead has more of its mass in the core, the atmosphere should have contracted as the planet cooled over time since it formed. Without a source of heat to re-expand the gas, the planet should be much smaller.&nbsp;



Although WASP-107 b has an orbital distance of just 5 million miles (one-seventh the distance between Mercury and the Sun), it doesn’t receive enough energy from its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> to be so inflated.



“WASP-107 b is such an interesting target for Webb because it’s significantly cooler and more Neptune-like in mass than many of the other low-density planets, the hot Jupiters, we’ve been studying,” said David Sing from Johns Hopkins University (JHU), lead author of a parallel study also published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07395-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.&nbsp;



“As a result, we should be able to detect methane and other molecules that can give us information about its chemistry and internal dynamics that we can’t get from a hotter planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-puffy-exoplanets">Studying puffy exoplanets</h2>



WASP-107 b’s giant radius, extended <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-finds-a-water-rich-planet-with-a-steamy-atmosphere-named-gj-9827d/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>, and edge-on orbit make it ideal for transmission spectroscopy, a method used to identify the various gasses in an exoplanet atmosphere based on how they affect starlight.



Combining observations from Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera), Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument), and Hubble’s WFC3 (Wide Field Camera 3), Welbanks’ team was able to build a broad spectrum of 0.8- to 12.2-micron light absorbed by WASP-107 b’s atmosphere. Using Webb’s NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph), Sing’s team built an independent spectrum covering 2.7 to 5.2 microns.



The precision of the data makes it possible to not just detect, but actually measure the abundances of a wealth of molecules, including water vapor (H2O), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3).



Both spectra show a surprising lack of methane in WASP-107 b’s atmosphere: one-thousandth the amount expected based on its assumed temperature.



“This is evidence that hot gas from deep in the planet must be mixing vigorously with the cooler layers higher up,” explained Sing. “Methane is unstable at high temperatures. The fact that we detected so little, even though we did detect other carbon-bearing molecules, tells us that the interior of the planet must be significantly hotter than we thought.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tidal-heating-and-puffiness-nbsp">Tidal heating and puffiness&nbsp;</h2>



A likely source of WASP-107 b’s extra internal energy is tidal heating caused by its slightly elliptical orbit. With the distance between the star and planet changing continuously over the 5.7-day orbit, the gravitational pull is also changing, stretching the planet and heating it up.



Researchers had previously proposed that tidal heating could be the cause of WASP-107 b’s puffiness, but until the Webb results were in, there was no evidence.



Once they established that the planet has enough internal heat to thoroughly churn up the atmosphere, the teams realized that the spectra could also provide a new way to estimate the size of the core.



“If we know how much energy is in the planet, and we know what proportion of the planet is heavier elements like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, versus how much is hydrogen and helium, we can calculate how much mass must be in the core,” explained Daniel Thorngren from JHU.



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



It turns out that the core is at least twice as massive as originally estimated, which makes more sense in terms of how planets form. Thus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potential-signs-of-life-found-on-nearby-exoplanet-wasp-107b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WASP-107 b</a> is not as mysterious as it once appeared.



“The Webb data tells us that planets like WASP-107 b didn’t have to form in some odd way with a super small core and a huge gassy envelope. Instead, we can take something more like Neptune, with a lot of rock and not as much gas, just dial up the temperature, and poof it up to look the way it does,” said Mike Line, an astrophysicist at ASU.



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Puffy exoplanets have the density of a marshmallow, but how is it possible?

Why is the warm gas-giant exoplanet WASP-107 b so puffy?...

Mars, a planet often associated with a lifeless, dusty expanse, holds a puzzling amount of organic matter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-explores-mars-ridge-with-intriguing-watery-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on its surface</a>. Despite the absence of visible signs of life, the Red Planet's geological features, such as deltas, lakebeds, and river valleys, strongly suggest a past where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-vanishing-water-mystery-new-insights-curiosity-rover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water once flowed</a> abundantly. 



To unravel the mysteries of Mars' history, scientists have been diligently examining sediments preserved near these formations, hoping to find clues about the early environmental conditions and the processes that shaped the planet over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curiosity-rover-s-unexpected-discovery">Curiosity rover's unexpected discovery</h2>



A new and intriguing study led by Professor Yuichiro Ueno from <a href="https://www.titech.ac.jp/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Institute of Technology</a> and Professor Matthew Johnson from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> shed light on a peculiar finding made by NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-records-a-martian-day-from-dawn-to-dusk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosity rover</a>. 



The rover collected sediments from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gale-crater-reveals-secrets-of-water-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gale Crater</a>, believed to be an ancient lake formed approximately 3.8 billion years ago due to an asteroid impact. 



Analysis of these sediments revealed the presence of organic matter, but with a significantly lower amount of the carbon-13 isotope (13C) relative to carbon-12 isotopes (12C) compared to what is found on Earth.



"On measuring the stable isotope ratio between 13C and 12C, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-may-have-once-been-a-cradle-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> organic matter has a 13C abundance of 0.92% to 0.99% of the carbon that makes it up," explains Ueno.



"This is extremely low compared to Earth's sedimentary organic matter, which is about 1.04%, and atmospheric CO2, around 1.07%, both of which are biological remnants, and are not similar to the organic matter in meteorites, which is about 1.05%," Ueno continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-isotope-conundrum">Carbon isotope conundrum</h2>



To understand the discrepancy in carbon isotope ratios, the researchers conducted laboratory experiments simulating different conditions of the Martian atmosphere's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-martian-sky-often-has-an-eerie-green-glow-at-night-called-nightglow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">composition and temperature</a>. 



They discovered that when 12CO2 is exposed to solar ultraviolet (UV) light, it preferentially absorbs UV radiation, leading to its dissociation into CO depleted in 13C, leaving behind CO2 enriched in 13C.



This phenomenon, known as isotopic fractionation, is also observed in the upper atmospheres of Mars and Earth, where UV irradiation from the sun causes CO2 to dissociate into CO with depleted 13C content. 



In a reducing Martian atmosphere, CO transforms into simple organic compounds such as formaldehyde and carboxylic acids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recreating-mars-organic-matter-in-the-lab">Recreating Mars organic matter in the lab</h2>



Using model calculations, the researchers found that in an atmosphere with a CO2 to CO ratio of 90:10, a 20% conversion of CO2 to CO would lead to sedimentary organic matter with δ13CVPDB values of -135‰. 



Also, the remaining CO2 would be enriched in 13C with δ13CVPDB values of +20‰. 



These values closely match those seen in sediments analyzed by the Curiosity rover and estimated from a Martian meteorite, indicating that the main source of organic matter formation on early Mars was an atmospheric process rather than a biological one.



"If the estimation in this research is correct, there may be an unexpected amount of organic material present in Martian sediments. This suggests that future explorations of Mars might uncover large quantities of organic matter," says Professor Ueno.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-organic-matter-and-future-exploration">Mars organic matter and future exploration</h2>



The findings of this study have significant implications for our understanding of Mars' past and the potential for future discoveries. 



As scientists continue to explore the Red Planet, they may uncover even more evidence of organic matter, shedding light on the complex processes that shaped the Martian environment billions of years ago.



While the presence of organic matter alone does not confirm the existence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-mars-rover-finds-more-compelling-evidence-for-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past life on Mars</a>, it serves as a tantalizing clue, urging us to delve deeper into the planet's history. 



As we continue to unravel the mysteries of Mars, we inch closer to answering the age-old question: Did life ever exist beyond Earth?



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01443-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Mars' surface contains more organic matter than previously believed

Mars, a planet often associated with a lifeless, dusty expanse,...

Ephemeral,Arc,Spans,Greenland,Fjord.,Scientists,Have,Some,Ideas,About

The fight against climate change has gained a powerful new ally in the form of an innovative GPS-based method designed to measure daily ice loss in Greenland. 



This breakthrough technology marks a significant step forward in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sentinel-satellites-give-major-support-to-environmental-monitoring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental monitoring</a>, developed by researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> (DTU). 



Unlike previous methods, which provided estimates of mass loss on a monthly or yearly basis, this new system offers unprecedented daily updates.



Senior researcher Valentina Barletta at DTU Space, who led the development, highlighted the impact of this advancement, stating, "This is the first time we can measure the entire mass loss of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-greenland-ice-sheet-is-teeming-with-microorganisms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a> day by day." 



This capability is crucial for tracking rapid changes often seen during the summer months, which were previously difficult to monitor effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insight-into-greenland-s-rapid-ice-loss">Insight into Greenland's rapid ice loss</h2>



The urgency of this development becomes clear against the backdrop of Greenland's dramatic ice loss --roughly equivalent to draining Denmark's largest lake, Arresø, 40 times a week. 



Over the past two decades, Greenland has consistently lost about 5 cubic kilometers of ice per week, a staggering figure that underscores the scale of the problem.



By leveraging data from the Danish state's GNET, which includes 61 GNSS stations scattered across Greenland, the method utilizes high-precision detection of bedrock movements. 



These movements are key indicators of ice mass changes, as the bedrock rises with the decreasing pressure from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-is-melting-faster-in-greenland-and-slower-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting ice</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-impact-of-ice-loss-monitoring">Real-world impact of ice loss monitoring</h2>



Beyond its scientific contributions, the new method holds significant practical implications for managing ice loss, particularly for the residents of Greenland.



"By calculating daily changes in the ice sheet's mass, we can monitor the melting season and warn the local population if there is a risk of flooded rivers," explained DTU Space professor Shfaqat Abbas Khan.



This was notably relevant in 2012, when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-melt-seasons-change-the-behavior-of-ice-sheets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme melting</a> led to the collapse of a bridge at Kangerlussuaq due to sudden floodwaters.



Furthermore, the data from this new method enhances the ability of organizations like the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) to generate more accurate forecasts for future ice sheet melting and its contributions to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-will-contribute-almost-a-foot-to-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-ice-loss-and-sea-level-rise">Greenland ice loss and sea level rise</h2>



When Greenland's ice melts, the water flows into the ocean, directly contributing to global sea level rise. As the ice sheet continues to melt at an increasing rate, it adds more water to the oceans, causing sea levels to rise faster. 



Scientists estimate that if the entire Greenland ice sheet were to melt, it would raise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global sea levels</a> by approximately 7.4 meters (24 feet).



Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to coastal communities worldwide. As sea levels rise, low-lying areas become more vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and storm surges. 



This can lead to the displacement of millions of people, damage to infrastructure, and the loss of valuable ecosystems such as wetlands and beaches. 



The impact of sea level rise from Greenland ice loss is not limited to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-sea-level-rise-found-along-u-s-coasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal areas</a>. It can also affect inland regions through increased flooding along rivers and changes in groundwater levels.



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



The implementation of this method is supported by the <a href="https://eng.gst.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danish Geodata Agency</a>'s diligent maintenance of the GNSS stations, ensuring high-quality, reliable data. 



Project manager Malte Nordmann Winther-Dahl emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, "We are pleased that data from the GNET stations is so widely used and gives us new opportunities to accurately monitor climate change in Greenland."



The study's success also stems from a collaborative effort between DTU Space and DTU Computing Center, the latter providing essential computing power and expertise necessary for managing large volumes of GPS data and running complex simulations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-new-tools-in-the-fight-against-climate-change">Embracing new tools in the fight against climate change</h2>



The development of this GPS-based method by DTU is not just a technical achievement; it is a vital tool in the global effort to combat climate change. 



By providing a detailed, daily account of ice loss, scientists and policymakers can better understand and react to the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highest-points-of-greenland-are-now-affected-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. 



This method stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of environmental preservation and a more sustainable future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL106891" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Greenland ice loss tracked by new GPS system on a daily basis

The fight against climate change has gained a powerful new...

Social media platforms can be potent tools for influencing behaviors, particularly among the youth. Recent research highlights a concerning trend: the more time children and young people spend on social media, the more likely they are to engage in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-at-any-age-brings-big-and-immediate-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoking</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaping-epidemic-half-of-students-who-try-e-cigs-get-hooked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaping</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-time-and-smoking-habits">Screen time and smoking habits</h2>



A study focusing on individuals aged 10 to 25 has revealed a strong correlation between the hours spent on social media during weekdays and the inclination to smoke or vape. 



Participants logging more than seven hours a day on these platforms were found to have more than double the risk of engaging in these habits compared to those who spent less time.



The <a href="https://www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Household Longitudinal Study</a>, conducted from 2015 to 2021, provided a dataset of 27,962 observations from 10,808 young participants. 



The findings were startling: 8.5% of the respondents reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoking cigarettes</a>, and 2.5% were into vaping, with just over 1% indulging in both. 



Notably, those who did not use social media at all reported significantly lower rates of smoking (2%) and vaping (less than 1%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incremental-risks-with-increased-social-media-use">Incremental risks with increased social media use</h2>



The research delineates a clear gradient in risk associated with increased social media use. For example, those who spent less than an hour per day on these platforms were 92% more likely to smoke compared to non-users. 



This risk escalated dramatically for heavy users, who were more than 3.5 times as likely to smoke if they spent over seven hours per day on social media.



Likewise, a similar pattern was observed with vaping. Moderate social media users (1–3 hours per day) were 92% more likely to vape, whereas heavy users (over seven hours) were nearly three times as likely to engage in vaping compared to those who abstained from social media.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-beyond-social-media">Factors beyond social media</h2>



The study also controlled for various demographic and socioeconomic factors such as age, sex, household income, and parental smoking habits. 



Although the core findings were consistent across different groups, certain nuances emerged. For instance, males and individuals from higher-income households were more likely to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teenagers-vape-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vape</a>, but no significant differences were found for smoking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corporate-influence-and-advertising-tactics">Corporate influence and advertising tactics</h2>



The researchers speculate that the increased risk of smoking and vaping among young people could be partly due to aggressive marketing strategies on social media. 



Many tobacco and vaping companies employ algorithmically targeted ads to reach specific users, ensuring their products are seen by those most likely to be influenced. 



These companies also invest in paid influencers, who promote smoking and vaping by showcasing these activities as trendy and desirable. Such influencers often have large followings, including many young and impressionable individuals.



The exposure to these targeted ads and influencer promotions is significantly higher among users who spend more time on social media. As a result, frequent social media users are more likely to encounter messages that normalize or glamorize smoking and vaping. 



This increased exposure can lead to higher rates of smoking and vaping initiation among young people, as they are continuously bombarded with persuasive marketing tactics designed to make these habits seem appealing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-social-media-companies">Role of social media companies</h2>



The implications of this study are significant, suggesting that social media companies hold considerable power to curb the promotion of tobacco and vaping products on their platforms. 



The researchers advocate for more stringent regulations and the implementation of bans on advertisements targeting underage users to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-people-who-smoke-or-vape-have-a-higher-risk-of-severe-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young people</a> from these harmful influences.



Dr. Kim Lavoie of the <a href="https://www.umontreal.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montreal</a> also points out the risks posed by the easy accessibility and addictive nature of nicotine products, exacerbated by clever marketing tactics on social media that target young people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safeguarding-youth-in-the-digital-age">Safeguarding youth in the digital age</h2>



The research makes a compelling case for the need for legislative action and stricter enforcement to address the corporate determinants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teen-vaping-rates-surge-despite-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risks</a> associated with social media use. 



As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ensuring the safety of young users remains a critical challenge that needs urgent attention.



This study serves as a crucial reminder of the impact of our digital environments on health behaviors and the need for comprehensive strategies to combat the influence of powerful corporate interests in the digital age.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2024/04/18/thorax-2023-220569" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thorax</a>.



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Social media use increases smoking and vaping risks among youth

Social media platforms can be potent tools for influencing behaviors,...

The human brain is constantly bombarded with a flood of sensory experiences, yet only a few of these experiences become memorable. What determines which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-waves-move-in-opposite-ways-to-make-memories-and-to-remember/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memories</a> stick and which fade away?



A recent study published in Nature Human Behavior by scientists from <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> provides new insights into this age-old question. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-human-brain-memory">Complexity of human brain memory</h2>



Led by Ilker Yildirim, an assistant professor of psychology, and John Lafferty, the John C. Malone Professor of Statistics and Data Science, the research indicates that the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creating-lasting-memories-damages-dna-brain-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> gives more importance to memories it cannot easily explain or interpret. 



The study proposes that if an experience is difficult to understand or unexpected, the brain is more likely to retain it. This suggests that the brain's ability to explain or predict an event plays a crucial role in determining which experiences become lasting memories.



"The mind prioritizes remembering things that it is not able to explain very well," says Yildirim. "If a scene is predictable and not surprising, it might be ignored."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-memories">Surprising memories</h2>



To illustrate this point, consider a scenario where you encounter a fire hydrant in a remote natural environment. 



The presence of the fire hydrant in such an unexpected setting makes the scene difficult to interpret, and thus, more memorable. 



This suggests that the human brain is wired to pay more attention to and remember unusual or complex experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-ai-with-behavioral-analysis">Combining AI with behavioral analysis</h2>



The study involved developing a computational model to explore the process of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-breathing-impacts-memory-formation-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory formation</a> in human brain, focusing on two key steps: the compression of visual signals and their reconstruction. 



The researchers then conducted a series of experiments where participants were shown a rapid sequence of natural images and later asked to recall specific ones.



The findings revealed that images which were harder for the computational model to reconstruct were more likely to be remembered by the participants. 



Moreover, this suggests that the complexity and unpredictability of a visual scene play significant roles in determining its memorability.



"We used an AI model to try to shed light on perception of scenes by people," says Lafferty, who is also the director of the Center for Neurocomputation and Machine Intelligence at the <a href="https://wti.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wu Tsai Institute at Yale</a>. "This understanding could help in the development of more efficient memory systems for AI in the future."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-ai-and-human-brain-memory">Implications for AI and human brain memory</h2>



The insights from this study not only advance our understanding of human memory but also have potential applications in the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-invent-computer-that-operates-just-like-the-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a>.



By mimicking the human brain's approach to memory, AI systems could be designed to prioritize and remember information more efficiently.



Our brains focus on experiences that are difficult to interpret, ensuring that the most significant and potentially useful memories are retained.



This new understanding could pave the way for advancements in both neuroscience and artificial intelligence, offering a deeper appreciation of how we remember and why some memories stand out more than others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-understanding-human-brain-memory">Potential of understanding human brain memory</h2>



Understanding how the human brain forms and retains memories can significantly impact various fields. The potential applications include:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Enhancing educational methods</h3>



Understanding memory mechanisms can lead to the development of personalized learning strategies that make information more memorable. 



Educators can design curricula that leverage memory retention principles, ensuring that complex and unexpected information is presented in an engaging way to enhance student retention.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improving mental health treatments</h3>



Knowledge of memory formation in human brain can aid in developing therapies for conditions like PTSD, where traumatic memories are overly vivid. Techniques could be devised to help reframe or diminish the impact of these memories. 



Additionally, cognitive rehabilitation programs can be designed for individuals with memory impairments due to injury or disease, using principles derived from this research to strengthen memory retention.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Enhancing user experience in technology</h3>



Personalized content delivery algorithms can be developed to deliver content that is more likely to be remembered by users, improving engagement and satisfaction. 



Virtual and augmented reality technologies can use principles of memory retention to create more impactful and memorable experiences, whether for entertainment, education, or training purposes.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01870-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.



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How the human brain decides which memories to remember

The human brain is constantly bombarded with a flood of...

By documenting and sampling 75 locations across Alaska’s Brooks Range, researchers have found that dozens of Alaska’s remote streams and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> have turned from crystal clear blue to cloudy orange, likely due to minerals exposed by thawing permafrost.&nbsp;



This significant transformation of Alaska’s rivers could impact drinking water and fisheries in Arctic watersheds as the climate changes, according to a team of experts led by the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Park Service</a> (NPS), the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color-changes-in-alaska-s-rivers">Color changes in Alaska’s rivers</h2>



“The more we flew around, we started noticing more and more orange rivers and streams,” said lead author Jon O’Donnell, an ecologist at the NPS’ Arctic Inventory and Monitoring Network. 



“There are certain sites that look almost like a milky orange juice. Those orange streams can be problematic both in terms of being toxic but might also prevent migration of fish to spawning areas.”



O’Donnell first noticed the issue in 2018 when he saw a river that appeared rusty, despite being clear the previous year. He began compiling locations and collecting water samples from the remote region, where helicopters are often the only way to access these rivers and streams. 



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="sMz4krAm5b-3633602-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-changes-are-visible-from-space">River changes are visible from space</h2>



“The stained rivers are so big we can see them from space,” said senior author Brett Poulin, an assistant professor of environmental toxicology at UC Davis. “These have to be stained a lot to pick them up from space.” While&nbsp; the staining resembled acid mine drainage, no mines are near the impaired rivers.



One hypothesis is that thawing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-from-melting-permafrost-pose-great-risk-to-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost</a>, which stores minerals, releases metal ores when exposed to water and oxygen, causing acid and metal release. “Chemistry tells us minerals are weathering,” Poulin explained. “Understanding what’s in the water is a fingerprint as to what occurred.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metals-are-changing-the-colors-of-alaska-s-rivers">Metals are changing the colors of Alaska’s rivers</h2>



The affected rivers are on federal lands managed by the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bureau of Land Management</a>, <a href="https://www.fws.gov/">Fish and Wildlife Service</a>, and NPS, including Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley national parks. Poulin and Ph.D. candidate Taylor Evinger analyzed initial samples and collected more in August, with additional samples taken in June and July. This year, they will conduct three more sampling trips during the summer.



Some water samples had a pH of 2.3, compared to an average pH of 8, indicating highly acidic conditions that release metals such as iron, zinc, nickel, copper, and cadmium. “We see a lot of different types of metals in these waters,” Evinger said. “One of the most dominant metals is iron. That’s what is causing the color change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-water-changes-nbsp">Implications of the water changes&nbsp;</h2>



While O’Donnell first noticed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-colors-are-shifting-from-blue-to-yellow-and-green/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a> in 2018, satellite images have shown stained waters dating back to 2008. “The issue is slowly propagating from small headwaters into bigger rivers over time,” he said. “When emergent issues or threats come about, we need to be able to understand them.”



The researchers are in the second year of a three-year grant aimed at understanding the water changes across Alaska's rivers, modeling other at-risk areas, and assessing implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking water</a> and fisheries.&nbsp;



The problem affects habitat, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water quality</a>, and ecological systems, turning healthy areas into degraded habitats with fewer fish and invertebrates. If rural communities rely on these rivers for drinking water, they may eventually need treatment, and local fishing stocks could be impacted.



“There’s a lot of implications,” said O’Donnell. “As the climate continues to warm, we would expect permafrost to continue to thaw and so wherever there are these types of minerals, there’s potential for streams to be turning orange and becoming degraded in terms of water quality.”



More research is needed to understand whether rivers and streams can recover, possibly after cold weather promotes permafrost recovery. “I think there will be a lot more detailed work to follow up to address some of the uncertainties that we currently have,” O’Donnell concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01446-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications: Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



Image Credit: Ken Hill / National Park Service



Video Credit: UC Davis CAES



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Alaska’s rivers are rusting and the changes are visible from space

By documenting and sampling 75 locations across Alaska’s Brooks Range,...

We all know that feeling of being mentally drained, cooped up indoors, staring at screens with the walls closing in. Maybe it's a long workday, a rainy weekend, or just the modern malaise of too much time inside. But what if the solution to better mental health was as simple as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-biodiversity-areas-have-greater-mental-health-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stepping</a> outdoors?



A new survey suggests that spending just 67 minutes outdoors each day can work wonders for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental</a> health. That's roughly the length of a good movie, a solid workout, or even just puttering around in the garden. And the benefits? Think of it as a refresh button for your brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indoors-vs-outdoors-impact-on-mental-health">Indoors vs. outdoors impact on mental health</h2>



Nearly 60% of Americans admit to feeling restless and agitated after spending too much time inside. The average breaking point is about 10.5 hours.



What happens when we’re stuck inside too long? Research reveals the following:



<ul>
<li>Depression: Prolonged indoor time leads 38% of people to report feelings of depression. The lack of sunlight and fresh air can significantly impact our mental state.</li>



<li>Anxiety: About 33% experience increased anxiety. The confinement and lack of physical activity can heighten stress and worry.</li>



<li>Loneliness: Another 32% feel lonely. Being isolated from others can create a sense of disconnection and isolation.</li>
</ul>



The good news is that stepping outside can quickly reverse these negative feelings. The positive effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-improves-life-quality-of-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">being outdoors</a> include:



<ul>
<li>Relaxation: 68% of people say that spending time in nature helps them relax. The sights and sounds of the outdoors can significantly reduce stress levels.</li>



<li>Mood boost: 66% of people report feeling happier and more positive after being outside. Exposure to natural light and fresh air can lift our spirits and improve our mood.</li>



<li>Mental clarity: 64% experience improved mental clarity. Nature provides a calming environment that helps clear our minds and improve cognitive function.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-as-self-care">Nature as self-care</h2>



“From enhanced mood to feelings of relaxation and well-being, there are so many physical and mental benefits that come from breaking through the four walls and <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/camping-and-rv-travel-the-great-american-adventure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploring open-air adventures</a> and activities,” says <a href="https://rvshare.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RVshare</a>’s CEO Jon Gray.



“During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we are encouraged to be mindful of how we’re spending our time and factor outdoor experiences into our everyday lives, including our travel plans.”



Fortunately, it seems Americans are catching on to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-residents-better-mental-health-access-green-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a> of spending time outdoors. The survey found that:



<ul>
<li>Increased priority: 57% of Americans are now prioritizing outdoor time more than ever before. This shift indicates a growing awareness of the importance of connecting with nature for overall well-being.</li>



<li>Mental health benefits: 59% of respondents say that engaging in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-play-is-a-vital-part-of-a-childs-upbringing-and-parents-play-a-critical-role/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outdoor activities</a> benefits their mental health. The positive impact on mood and mental clarity is becoming widely recognized.</li>



<li>Physical health benefits: 58% of people also report that outdoor activities benefit their physical health. Regular exposure to nature encourages physical activity, which is essential for maintaining good health.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Popular outdoor activities</h2>



The appreciation for the outdoors is not limited to simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birdwatching-can-significantly-improve-students-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activities</a>. People are embracing a variety of outdoor pursuits. Some of the most popular include:



<ul>
<li>Grilling or cooking outside: 23% of respondents enjoy grilling or cooking outside. This activity combines the pleasures of food with the benefits of being outdoors.</li>



<li>Hiking: 14% of people prefer hiking. This activity allows individuals to explore natural landscapes while getting exercise.</li>



<li>Camping: 11% of respondents find camping to be their preferred outdoor activity. Camping provides an immersive experience in nature, offering both relaxation and adventure.</li>
</ul>



These activities highlight the diverse ways people are incorporating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-walking-quantifiably-improves-brain-health-and-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outdoor time</a> into their lives, recognizing both the mental and physical health benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pandemic-shifts">Pandemic shifts</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/financial-losses-during-the-pandemic-took-a-toll-on-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> has undoubtedly changed how we view travel. Now, it's less about crowded cities and more about wide-open spaces:



<ul>
<li>16%&nbsp;are traveling to more nature-focused destinations.</li>



<li>15%&nbsp;are specifically seeking trips that boost their mental well-being.</li>



<li>67%&nbsp;consider travel itself a form of self-care.</li>
</ul>



Interestingly, road trips are making a comeback, with 57% preferring to drive over flying. This might be because 83% believe the journey is just as important as the destination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-benefits-being-outdoors">Mental health benefits being outdoors</h2>



For those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forest-bathing-fresh-breath-for-teen-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">venturing outdoors</a>, the benefits are clear and significant. A substantial 36% of people experience a notable reduction in stress when they spend time outside. 



Additionally, 33% report feeling mentally recharged and rejuvenated, highlighting the restorative power of nature on the mind. 



Furthermore, 23% of individuals develop a deeper sense of gratitude for their lives, finding that outdoor experiences help them appreciate their surroundings and personal well-being more profoundly. 



These statistics emphasize the profound positive impact that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-experiences-alter-time-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spending time in nature</a> can have on mental health and overall outlook on life.



“A key takeaway here is that spending time in nature and on the open road while traveling has both physical and mental benefits,” says Gray. 



“Whether soaking up the Sun, hiking a new trail, or gazing up at the starry sky, we’ve all experienced the invaluable renewal, mental clarity, and freeness that comes from being outdoors," he concluded.



It seems the prescription for a healthier mind might be simpler than we thought. So, lace up your hiking boots, fire up the grill, or just find a quiet spot to sit under a tree. Your brain will thank you.



This study was done by <a href="https://talkerresearch.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Talker Research</a>, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (<a href="https://www.mrs.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MRS</a>) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (<a href="https://esomar.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESOMAR</a>).



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Spending 67 minutes daily outdoors boosts mental health

We all know that feeling of being mentally drained, cooped...

They're the unwanted houseguests that seem to survive everything: the six-legged, skittering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pest-control-product-nemaslug-could-harm-beneficial-snails/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a> known as cockroaches. You've likely encountered them in your kitchen, bathroom, or scurrying across your floor in the middle of the night. 



Have you ever wondered how these resilient creatures became such a global nuisance? A fascinating new study reveals the surprising history of cockroaches, their epic journey across continents, and how they became the ultimate survivalists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cockroach-family-tree">Cockroach family tree</h2>



Scientists have long suspected that the German cockroach, the most common species found worldwide, actually originated in Southeast Asia. 



A recent study confirms this theory, tracing the German cockroach's lineage back to its ancestor, the Asian cockroach. By analyzing the genes of over 280 cockroaches from 17 countries and six continents, researchers pieced together a 2,000-year history of cockroach evolution and migration.



"It's not just an insect story," said Stephen Richards, an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.bcm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baylor College of Medicine</a> who studies insect genes and was not involved with the study. "It's an insect and humanity story."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hitchhiking-with-humans">Hitchhiking with humans</h2>



The study reveals that cockroaches embarked on a journey from their origins in Southeast Asia. They first traveled west to the Middle East around 1,200 years ago, likely hiding in soldiers' breadbaskets.



Then, about 270 years ago, they spread to Europe by traveling on Dutch and British East India Company trade routes. Once they arrived, inventions such as the steam engine and indoor plumbing helped them spread further and establish themselves in indoor environments, where they are commonly found today.



The cockroach's ability to adapt to new environments and thrive alongside humans demonstrates their remarkable resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-cockroach-s-spread-as-pests">Mapping the cockroach's spread as pests</h2>



Researchers identified two primary routes that cockroaches took to spread globally. The western route led them through the Middle East around 1,200 years ago, likely facilitated by their ability to stow away in soldiers' supplies. 



The eastern route, taken about 270 years ago, involved traveling on Dutch and British East India Company trade ships across vast oceans to Europe.



Once in Europe, technological advancements such as the steam engine and indoor plumbing helped cockroaches disperse further and thrive indoors. 



These routes allowed cockroaches to establish populations in diverse regions, adapting to various environments and becoming one of the most widespread and resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/save-a-spider-day-protecting-our-connection-with-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a>.



Their ability to travel with humans and quickly adapt to new surroundings has played a crucial role in their global dominance. Understanding these migration patterns not only highlights the cockroach's resilience but also provides insights for better pest control strategies in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-of-the-cockroach-as-indoor-pests">Rise of the cockroach as indoor pests</h2>



Initially, cockroaches thrived outdoors, inhabiting forests and fields. As humans developed cities and indoor environments, cockroaches seized the opportunity to move indoors. Warm homes with abundant food sources proved ideal for these resourceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-insects-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>.



The transition from outdoor to indoor life required cockroaches to adapt to new conditions. Over time, they evolved traits that helped them survive in human habitats. 



They became experts at hiding in small spaces, navigating dark areas, and reproducing quickly. This adaptability allowed them to thrive indoors, turning them into the persistent pests we know today.



Their ability to exploit human environments has made them successful in urban areas worldwide. This transition illustrates the cockroach's incredible resilience and adaptability, enabling them to persist despite human efforts to control them. 



Understanding this evolutionary journey helps us appreciate their tenacity and informs more effective pest management strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cockroach-resilience">Cockroach resilience</h2>



What makes cockroaches so difficult to eradicate? According to Qian Tang, a postdoctoral researcher studying insects at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, their rapid evolution is a key factor. 



Cockroaches can quickly develop resistance to pesticides, which makes them highly challenging to control. This rapid adaptation means that conventional pest control methods often become ineffective over time.



Understanding their evolutionary history and adaptive capabilities is crucial for developing more effective strategies to manage these persistent pests. By studying how cockroaches have evolved and adapted to different environments, researchers can identify potential weaknesses and target them more effectively. 



This knowledge can lead to the development of new pesticides or alternative control methods that are less likely to be resisted by cockroaches.



Overall, the ability of cockroaches to evolve quickly and adapt to various environments makes them a formidable challenge in pest control efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-cockroach-research">Future of cockroach research</h2>



The study of cockroach genetics and migration patterns not only sheds light on their past but also offers insights into their future. 



By unraveling the secrets of their resilience and adaptability, scientists hope to develop innovative pest control methods that can better manage these hardy insects. Perhaps one day, we'll finally be able to say goodbye to these unwanted houseguests for good.



The story of the cockroach is one of remarkable adaptability and resilience. From their origins in Southeast Asia to their global conquest, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-habitats-are-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> have demonstrated an uncanny ability to thrive in diverse environments. 



While they may be unwelcome guests in our homes, their fascinating history and evolutionary journey are a testament to the power of nature's ingenuity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401185121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Cockroaches became global pests by cleverly hitching rides with humans

They're the unwanted houseguests that seem to survive everything: the...

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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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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