This week, the October sky is treating us to a brilliant display that you won't want to miss -- the Hunter's supermoon, a rare comet, and the Orionids meteor shower. 



Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a rare comet making its journey past Earth, offering a unique opportunity to witness its tail of icy particles glistening against the dark canvas of space.



In addition, this week features the biggest supermoon of the year, Hunter's supermoon, which will illuminate the night with a breathtaking orangish glow.



Since Tuesday, the moon has looked larger than usual, and it’ll keep that appearance through Friday. By Thursday morning, as people head out for their morning commute. Depending on the weather in your area, Thursday night being the best time to see the full Hunter's supermoon..



And let's not forget the dazzling Orionids meteor shower, where you can catch glimpses of shooting stars streaking across the sky, resulting from debris left by Halley's Comet.



There's truly something for everyone in this celestial display. So, grab a warm jacket, perhaps a pair of binoculars for a closer look.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-80-000-year-old-time-traveler">80,000-year-old time traveler</h2>



Meet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-anticipated-comet-of-2024-returns-this-weekend-after-80000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS</a>, a celestial wanderer that's been on an 80,000-year long odyssey. 



From the outermost regions of our solar system, this comet embarks on an interminable journey around the sun. The last time it paid us a visit, our ancestors were just crafting civilizations.



Although its closest Earth pass was on October 12, it remains visible for the remainder of the month. 



So, how do you spot it? An hour into the sunset, turn your sight to where the sun has sunk and voila. The elusive comet, while difficult to sight with the naked eye, could be seen with a pair of binoculars. 



Don't miss this rare chance to witness a phenomenon that won't return for another 80,000 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunter-s-supermoon">Hunter's Supermoon</h2>



Next up...mark your calendars for October 17, 2024. The night sky is all set to parade the Hunter's Moon, but this year it's not just a full moon -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunters-supermoon-prepares-to-illuminate-the-october-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it's a supermoon</a>! 



This phenomenon occurs when the moon is at its closest to Earth during its full phase, making it larger and brighter.



The Hunter’s Moon got its name from the historical practice of hunters utilizing the bright moonlight to track game and gather food in preparation for winter. This full moon rises soon after sunset, extending the period of illumination more than usual.



As it ascends, the Hunter’s Moon appears particularly large and orange, a visual effect produced by its lower position on the horizon and the scattering of light in the atmosphere.



This lunar phase holds cultural significance across various traditions, representing a time for preparation and gathering, underscoring the importance of readiness for the impending colder months.



The Hunter’s Moon is generally in October -- although once every four years it makes an appearance in November.



While contemporary life may not depend on this extra light to hunt or complete outdoor tasks, the Hunter’s Moon remains a fascinating reminder of nature’s rhythms and the cyclical changes of the seasons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-puts-the-super-in-the-supermoon">What puts the 'super' in the supermoon?</h3>



So, you might ask, "What's so super about the supermoon?" As Anna Gammon-Ross, a seasoned astronomer from the <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Museums Greenwich</a> explains, a supermoon occurs when a full moon is nearest to Earth in its orbit. 



This cosmic alignment results in a moon that's roughly 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. On seeing the radiant orb hanging low in the sky, you'd agree that the supermoon does indeed earn its name.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shooting-stars-orionids-meteor-shower">Shooting stars: Orionids meteor shower</h2>



The Orionids meteor shower is one of the highlights of the October night sky. These meteors are actually tiny bits of dust left behind by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orionids-meteor-shower-peaks-this-weekend-heres-what-to-expect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halley's Comet</a> as it travels through the solar system. 



When Earth passes through this trail of debris, the particles slam into our atmosphere at incredible speeds -- up to 148,000 miles per hour! As they burn up, they create those bright streaks of light we love to watch.



What's cool about the Orionids is that they're known for their fast and bright meteors, often leaving glowing trails that last for a few seconds. 



The best time to catch them is in the early morning hours before dawn, when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/betelgeuse-one-of-our-brightest-stars-will-vanish-from-sight-next-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation Orion</a> (which gives the meteor shower its name) is high in the sky. 



Just find a comfy spot away from city lights, let your eyes adjust to the darkness, and enjoy the show -- no special equipment needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skywatching-101">Skywatching 101</h2>



All set to behold these cosmic spectacles? Here are some tips to enhance your experience:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Search for a location far from city lights to escape light pollution. </li>



<li>Always check the weather. Clear skies are your best pals for skywatching. </li>



<li>Bring your binoculars. For the supermoon, they are optional, but they'll help with the comet and make meteor watching more fun. </li>



<li>Comfort is key. Dress warmly and consider bringing a blanket or a chair. </li>



<li>Patience is a virtue. Allow around 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.</li>
</ul>



These celestial showstoppers make for some spectacular photography opportunities. 



For the supermoon, a camera with manual settings, plus a tripod for steadiness, can help capture stunning shots. 



For the meteors, a wide-angle lens with a long exposure setting can help you nab a shooting star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-wonders-to-watch">More wonders to watch</h2>



October's skywatching doesn't end with the comet, supermoon, and meteor shower. 



Throughout the month, Venus brightly greets morning risers, while Saturn and Jupiter are earlier night visitors. 



Mars is a bit elusive but worth seeking out. Several constellations, such as Cassiopeia and Perseus, also adorn the night sky. 



If you're a novice stargazer, a smartphone app can help you navigate the starry expanse.



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Hunter's supermoon, a comet, and Orionids meteors are sharing the sky tonight

This week, the October sky is treating us to a brilliant display that you won't want to miss -- the Hunter's supermoon, a rare comet, and the Orionids meteor shower. Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a rare comet making its journey past Earth, offering a unique opportunity to witness its tail of icy particles glistening against the dark canvas of space. In addition, this week features the biggest supermoon of the year, Hunter's supermoon, which will illuminate the night with a breathtaking orangish glow. Since Tuesday, the...

People often apply the “dog years” concept when talking about their pet dogs’ ages in comparison to humans, but how does this translate to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-on-vegan-diets-are-equally-healthy-as-those-that-eat-meat/">cats</a>?&nbsp;



The commonly used 7:1 ratio used for dogs - meaning one year in a dog’s life is equivalent to seven in humans - doesn’t quite fit our feline friends. Unlike dogs, cats age at varying rates throughout their lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-aging-nbsp">Swift aging&nbsp;</h2>



In the initial stages of a cat’s life, aging occurs rapidly. For instance, a one-month-old kitten is approximately equivalent to a six-month-old human baby. By the time the kitten is two months old, its age in human years jumps to that of a four-year-old child.&nbsp;



This swift aging process continues, with a kitten reaching the equivalent of 5.5 human years at four months, 8.5 years at five months, and 11.5 years at six months.&nbsp;



However, the aging process significantly slows down thereafter, with a one-year-old cat being akin to a 16-year-old human. This pattern means that in the first six months of life, a cat ages 11.5 years, but only ages an additional 4.5 years in the following six months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-in-human-years">Cats in human years</h2>



An alternative method for calculating a cat’s age presents a slightly different perspective. This method equates a one-year-old cat to a 16-year-old human and a two-year-old cat to a 21-year-old human.&nbsp;



Beyond the two-year mark, each human year is considered equivalent to four cat years. For instance, a three-year-old cat is likened to a 25-year-old human, and so on.



Using this formula - established by experts at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/">Cornell University</a> - a cat’s age can be easily “translated” into human years throughout its lifespan.



There is a slight variation in the first method, where a three-year-old cat is considered 31 in human years, a four-year-old cat is 35, and a five-year-old cat is equivalent to 38.5 human years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-lifespan-nbsp">Average lifespan&nbsp;</h2>



Today, the average lifespan of a domestic cat is around 14 years, although the oldest recorded cat, Creme Puff, lived to an astounding 38 years.&nbsp;



This increased lifespan, up from an average of seven years in the early 1980s, reflects advancements in cat care and veterinary medicine.



Vets typically determine a cat’s age by examining its teeth, looking at growth in kittens and wear and tear in older cats. However, other factors, such as changes in fur texture and physical condition, also play a role in assessing a cat’s age.&nbsp;



Despite the challenges in determining a cat’s exact age, these age-calculating methods provide a more precise estimate than the simplistic 7:1 ratio.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-and-aging-nbsp">Cats and aging&nbsp;</h2>



As cats age, their care needs, behavior, and health can change.&nbsp;Physical changes you might notice as your cat gets older are graying fur (especially around the muzzle), decreased mobility or arthritis, weight changes, declining vision or heating, and dental issues.&nbsp;



As far as behavioral changes, senior cats tend to sleep more, play less, and become more irritable or less tolerant of disruptions. They may also exhibit signs of cognitive dysfunction, which is similar to dementia in humans (e.g., disorientation, altered sleep patterns).



Older cats are more susceptible to certain health issues such as kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer, and heart disease. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection of health issues.



Here are some other care considerations for an aging cat:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li>A diet tailored for senior cats might be beneficial.</li>



<li>Comfortable bedding and easy access to favorite spots can help ease arthritis pain.</li>



<li>Toys and interactive play can help keep them mentally stimulated.</li>



<li>Gentle grooming can help manage any changes in skin or coat health.</li>
</ul>



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How old is your cat in human years?

People often apply the “dog years” concept when talking about...

Bitcoin,,Crypto,Currency,,Electronic,Money,,Virtual,Currency,,Transitions.,Printed,Circuit

The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in cryptocurrency values, sparking significant investments in digital currencies. These advanced elements of modern finance, backed by breakthrough technologies like blockchain, have captured the interest of diverse investors worldwide. However, amidst this digital gold rush, a concerning aspect lurks in the shadows -- the environmental toll of cryptocurrency mining, particularly Bitcoin. 



Recent findings by <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a> scientists underscore the substantial environmental footprints associated with these technological marvels, highlighting an urgent need for regulatory and technological reforms.



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



Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized investment trends over the past decade. It has attracted an eclectic mix of stakeholders, from corporate giants to individual tech enthusiasts, and even including entities operating on the fringes of legality. Their integration into the global financial landscape speaks volumes about their potential, igniting discussions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-costs-of-bitcoin-are-getting-worse-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital currencies</a> overshadowing traditional monetary powerhouses.



However, akin to the bygone era of the gold rush, this digital currency frenzy brings with it significant environmental repercussions. The process of mining cryptocurrencies, especially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bitcoin-carbon-footprint-small-country/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin</a>, is energy-intensive. Bitcoin mining has drawn criticism and concern from environmentalists and sparked debates among investors and policymakers alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-side-of-bitcoin-mining">Dark side of bitcoin mining</h2>



A new study spearheaded by Professor Kaveh Madani at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (<a href="https://inweh.unu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNU-INWEH</a>) delved into the environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining. Scrutinizing the activities across 76 nations in the 2020–2021 period, the research unveiled startling <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bitcoin-mining_environmental-impact_chart_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental consequences</a>, including considerable carbon, water, and land footprints.



"Technological innovations often come with unintended consequences, and Bitcoin is no exception," remarked Professor Madani. He emphasized the findings' implications on future digital currency policies and environmental sustainability initiatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-environment-and-bitcoin-mining">The environment and bitcoin mining</h2>



Bitcoin mining globally consumed 173.42 Terawatt hours of electricity during 2020–2021, placing Bitcoin's hypothetical energy consumption above nations like Pakistan. 



The associated carbon footprint equated to burning 84 billion pounds of coal or the operation of 190 gas-fired power plants. Mitigating this environmental impact would necessitate planting 3.9 billion trees. Even if possible, this would cover an area comparable to entire countries.



Furthermore, the water and land resources strained by Bitcoin mining activities during this phase were enormous. The water footprint alone was analogous to filling over 660,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, highlighting the scale of environmental resources that cryptocurrency operations can deplete.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bitcoin-s-energy-conundrum">Bitcoin's energy conundrum</h2>



Delving into the energy sources underpinning Bitcoin's operations, the report uncovered a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas leading the pack. Although hydropower, a significant renewable contributor, satisfied a portion of Bitcoin's energy demands, its environmental impact was substantial. 



Moreover, other renewables like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-bitcoins-energy-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar and wind energy</a> constituted a minimal share of Bitcoin's energy consumption. This fact alone raises questions about the network's sustainability.



Particularly striking was China's dominance in the Bitcoin mining arena, necessitating massive reforestation to offset its coal-centric operations' carbon emissions. This revelation underscores the environmental disparities and challenges different nations face, reflecting the complex interplay of technological advancement, energy consumption, and environmental stewardship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-sustainable-practices">A call for sustainable practices</h2>



The study's authors, including Dr. Sanaz Chamanara, highlighted the varied environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining across countries. They suggest a nuanced approach to understanding and addressing these consequences. The insights gained call for comprehensive interventions, from governmental oversight to investments in environmentally efficient digital currencies.



"It's crucial to consider the equity and justice implications of Bitcoin mining," Professor Madani stated. 



Madani highlights the stark contrast between the entities reaping the benefits and those who will bear the environmental costs. This dichotomy serves as a clarion call for harmonizing the digital currency sector's growth with principles of environmental justice and sustainability.



The UN report paves the way for a critical reassessment of the cryptocurrency industry's environmental policies. Stakeholders are urged to consider the broader ecological and societal impacts. 



As digital currencies continue to shape the financial future, the need for a balanced, sustainable approach becomes increasingly imperative. The global community's response will not only influence the cryptocurrency market's trajectory, but also define the legacy of our generation's environmental stewardship.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023EF003871" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s Future</a>.



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The hidden and destructive environmental impact of Bitcoin mining

The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in cryptocurrency...

Emperor,Penguins,(aptenodytes,Forsteri)with,Chicks,In,The,Colony,On,The

Researchers led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> have uncovered a vast and ancient landscape hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. 



This remarkable finding, which reveals <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/east-antarctica_hidden-landscape_1big.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">valleys and ridges</a> formed by rivers millions of years ago, not only sheds light on the mysterious sub-ice terrain but also has significant implications for understanding the ice sheet's response to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beneath-the-east-antarctic-ice">Beneath the East Antarctic ice</h2>



Utilizing advanced technologies, the research team harnessed satellite data and radio-echo sounding techniques to map an extensive 32,000 km2 area beneath the ice sheet. Their findings uncovered a landscape that bears striking similarities to the glacially modified terrains seen in regions like North Wales, UK, but with a history that predates the inception of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-experienced-the-most-intense-heat-wave-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Antarctic</a> ice.



This ancient terrain, believed to have been shaped by river systems at least 14 million years ago, could even precede the initial growth of the East Antarctic ice, estimated to have begun around 34 million years ago. The revelation of such old geographical features under the ice has captivated scientists and highlighted the necessity of exploring these hidden realms to comprehend Antarctica's past, present, and future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-the-past">A window into the past</h2>



The existence of such a well-preserved subglacial landscape implies a notable long-term temperature stability within the region. The intricacies of this terrain play a significant role in dictating the ice flow and the ice sheet's overall resilience amidst climatic shifts.



Lead author, Professor Stewart Jamieson, from Durham University's Department of Geography, drew an astonishing comparison. He stated, “The land underneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet is less well known than the surface of Mars.” 



Jamieson emphasized the urgency in understanding this hidden landscape, as it significantly influences how the ice might respond to climate variations. The study marks a critical step forward in polar science. By offering insights into the ice sheet's ancient history, it helps scientists prepare for, and react to, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-shelves-are-dwindling-at-a-startling-pace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming scenarios</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-a-concealed-world">Insights from a concealed world</h2>



According to Professor Neil Ross, co-author of the study from <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a>, the discovery is remarkable in its implications for understanding the ice sheet's long-term history and potential future changes. The project, which he describes as having been a "slow burn," has ultimately led to an exciting publication that significantly contributes to the field of polar science.



Beyond its immediate findings, the study is part of a broader research initiative. The team has previously identified hidden mountain ranges, canyons, and subglacial lakes in Antarctica. These new findings will help them piece together the entire complex world existing beneath the icy façade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-through-the-east-antarctic-ice">Seeing through the East Antarctic ice</h2>



The investigation into this concealed world was not solely reliant on direct observation. Researchers employed satellite imagery capturing subtle undulations on the ice sheet’s surface, which offered clues about the landscape below. 



Additionally, radio-echo sounding technology enabled them to see through the ice and map the subglacial geography. This confirmed the ancient landscape's existence in several locations.



Their findings suggest the potential for other undiscovered landscapes within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-prevent-a-catastrophic-meltdown-of-the-worlds-largest-ice-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Antarctic</a> Ice Sheet, waiting to be revealed through further research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuing-the-subglacial-exploration">Continuing the subglacial exploration</h2>



Eager to build on their discoveries, the research team, supported by organizations such as the UK Research and Innovation’s Natural Environment Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NERC</a>), the US National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, plans ongoing exploration of this subglacial world.



Professor Jamieson expressed the team's commitment to this challenging endeavor. He acknowledged the need to explore unsurveyed regions in order to comprehend the extensive history of the ice sheet and its underlying landscape.



In summary, this research illuminates a realm hidden from human eyes, challenging assumptions about the Antarctic region's geological history and climate patterns. 



By revealing a landscape preserved for millions of years, the scientists underscore the importance of these subglacial explorations in predicting Antarctica's response to contemporary and future environmental challenges. The journey beneath the ice, it seems, is just beginning.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42152-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Ancient river landscape lies beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Researchers led by Durham University have uncovered a vast and...

Heated yoga sessions could provide significant relief from depressive symptoms, according to the results of a recent clinical trial conducted by researchers from the renowned <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/">Massachusetts General Hospital</a>.



The study reveals that even just one session of heated yoga per week might provide therapeutic benefits to individuals struggling with moderate to severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/running-is-just-as-effective-as-drugs-for-treating-depression/">depression</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The trial involved a total of 80 participants, all of whom had been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe depression. They were divided into two groups: one practiced 90-minute sessions of Bikram yoga in a room heated to 105°F, while the second group was waitlisted and only took part in the yoga sessions after their waiting period.



The initial analysis included 33 participants from the yoga group and 32 from the waitlist group. Those in the yoga group were recommended to attend at least two classes each week, but on average, they participated in about 10.3 classes over the two-month period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key Findings</h2>



At the end of the eight weeks, yoga participants saw a notably greater drop in symptoms of depression compared to those on the waitlist. This was measured using the clinician-rated Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-CR) scale.



Overall, 59.3 percent of individuals in the yoga group experienced a reduction of 50 percent or more in their depressive symptoms. By contrast, only 6.3 percent of waitlist participants reported the same improvement.



Remarkably, 44 percent of the yoga participants achieved such low IDS-CR scores that they were considered to be in remission from their depression, compared to just 6.3 percent in the waitlist group. Even participants who took part in just one yoga session a week reported reduced symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-medication-based-approach-nbsp">Non-medication based approach&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Maren Nyer is the Director of Yoga Studies at MGH's Depression Clinical and Research Program and an assistant professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.



“Yoga and heat-based interventions could potentially change the course for treatment for patients with depression by providing a non-medication–based approach with additional physical benefits as a bonus,” said Dr. Nyer.



“We are currently developing new studies with the goal of determining the specific contributions of each element - heat and yoga - to the clinical effects we have observed in depression.”



However, senior author Dr. David Mischoulon emphasized the need for further studies. He suggests comparing heated and non-heated yoga to determine if the heat itself, especially considering the promising evidence for whole body hyperthermia, offers any added advantages in treating depression.



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



Heated yoga, commonly referred to as "hot yoga," is a style of yoga practiced in a room heated to temperatures between 85°F to 105°F (29°C to 40°C), with a humidity of 40 to 60 percent. The heat is believed to help practitioners sweat out toxins, increase flexibility, and improve circulation.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-popular-forms-of-hot-yoga-nbsp">Popular forms of hot yoga&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bikram-yoga">Bikram Yoga</h4>



This is a specific sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises practiced in a room set to 105°F (40°C) with 40% humidity. Classes last for 90 minutes.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moksha-modo-yoga">Moksha/Modo Yoga</h4>



This is a set sequence of postures practiced in a slightly cooler room than Bikram, around 95°F to 100°F (35°C to 37°C). The sequence and temperature can vary slightly depending on the studio.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-vinyasa">Hot Vinyasa</h4>



Unlike the set sequences of Bikram and Moksha, hot vinyasa classes can vary in their sequence. The room is usually heated, but temperatures can range depending on the studio.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits">Benefits</h3>



<ul>
<li>Increased flexibility: The heat can make it easier for muscles to stretch.</li>



<li>Detoxification: Sweating can help flush toxins from the body.</li>



<li>Improved circulation: The heat can enhance blood flow.</li>



<li>Mental focus: The challenging environment can help practitioners hone their concentration and mental discipline.</li>
</ul>



The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4088/JCP.22m14621)">Journal of Clinical Psychiatry</a>.



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Heated yoga shows promise as a treatment for depression

Heated yoga sessions could provide significant relief from depressive symptoms,...

In a surprising discovery, mummified remains of mice have been found on the summits of 20,000-foot volcanoes in the Andes mountains. The revelation raises new questions about the remarkable survival instincts of these small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-mice-dont-just-survive-but-thrive-with-physical-impairments/">rodents</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hostile-environment-nbsp">Hostile environment&nbsp;</h2>



The initial findings date back to expeditions in the 1970s and ’80s when archaeologists reported stumbling upon mouse cadavers atop towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mice-volcanoes-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andean volcanoes</a>.



These peaks, situated in the driest desert on Earth, present a hostile environment with freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and punishing gale-force winds.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sacred-pilgrimages-nbsp">Sacred pilgrimages&nbsp;</h2>



Given the daunting surroundings, researchers initially believed that these rodents might have been transported to such heights by the Incas, who considered these summits sacred and often made pilgrimages spanning over a thousand miles.&nbsp;



The peaks served as altars for Capacocha, a ritual wherein children were sacrificed to various Incan gods. It was theorized that mice might have accidentally found their way amidst the supplies or were deliberately brought as part of the animal sacrifices.



“You can’t fault the archaeologists for thinking this way, because what other explanation is there? Nothing could be living up there, so they had to have been brought there," said Professor Jay Storz of the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska–Lincoln</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astounding-discoveries">Astounding discoveries</h2>



However, Storz and his team inadvertently challenged this narrative in early 2020 when they captured a live leaf-eared mouse at an astounding altitude of 22,000 feet on Llullaillaco, a volcano on the Chile-Argentina boundary. This marked the first-ever instance of a mammal being discovered alive at such an altitude.



Furthermore, the team reported discovering 13 more mummified leaf-eared mice on the summits of nearby volcanoes - Salín, Púlar, and Copiapó.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-analyses-nbsp">Further analyses&nbsp;</h2>



Through carbon-14 analysis, the experts determined that most of these mummies were relatively recent, with some dating post-1955. This contradicted the earlier belief that these mice were brought by the Incas, especially since the Incas had fallen to Spanish invaders centuries before the mummies' dated time.



Compelling genetic evidence further validated the mice's natural presence at these heights. DNA analysis by collaborators from the <a href="https://www.umt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montana</a> revealed that the genetic variation of these high-altitude mice was consistent with those found in the lower regions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/salar-de-atacama-the-salt-flats-of-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atacama Desert</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skilled-mountaineers-nbsp">Skilled mountaineers&nbsp;</h2>



“Our genomic data indicate no: that the mice from the summits, and those from the flanks or the base of the volcanoes in the surrounding desert terrain, are all one big happy family,” said Storz. He said it was more evidence that the mummies were not hitchhikers but mountaineers.



Intriguingly, observations also reveal an equal gender ratio among the mummies and evidence of local mouse burrows. This suggests that these rodents have not only ventured to these heights but are also sustaining a life high up on the volcanoes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-lived-in-extreme-mountains">Mice lived in extreme mountains</h2>



The Puna de Atacama, where these mice reside, is so extreme that it has served as a practice ground for NASA’s Mars missions.&nbsp;



“Even at the base of the volcanoes, the mice are living in an extreme, Martian environment,” said Storz. “And then, on the summits of the volcanoes, it’s even more so. It feels like outer space.



“It just boggles the mind that any kind of animal, let alone a warm-blooded mammal, could be surviving and functioning in that environment. When you experience it all firsthand, it even further impresses upon you: How in God’s name is anything living up there?”



Yet, many questions remain. While the high altitudes offer refuge from predators like foxes, mountain lions, and birds of prey, what drives these mice to endure the harsh conditions of these summits remains a mystery.



Image Credit: Jay Storz, University of Nebraska–Lincoln



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Mummified mice lived in Mars-like conditions in the Andes mountains

In a surprising discovery, mummified remains of mice have been...

In an extraordinary revelation, researchers from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> have shed light on how a fragment of the moon could have transitioned to becoming a near-Earth asteroid. 



The study is focused on the asteroid Kamo`oalewa, which was proposed by a UArizona team in 2021 to be a fragment of the moon.&nbsp;



Now, after two years, another research group at the same university has provided further insight, suggesting a unique trajectory that could have made such a transformation possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-fragments-nbsp">Lunar fragments&nbsp;</h2>



Study senior author Professor Renu Malhotra noted that so far, only distant asteroids from beyond the orbit of Mars have been considered a source of near-Earth asteroids. "We are now establishing that the moon is a more likely source of Kamo`oalewa."



This raises intriguing prospects of the presence of many undiscovered lunar fragments within the near-Earth asteroid population.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



The researchers were particularly interested in two unique aspects of Kamo'oalewa. First, it is designated as Earth's quasi-satellite. This term is reserved for asteroids that have orbits resembling Earth's so closely that they give the illusion of orbiting the Earth, even though their actual path is around the sun. 



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="ORIAumVsss-3108364-12187" type="single"]</div>



The other peculiar aspect of Kamo`oalewa is its longevity, said Jose Daniel Castro-Cisneros, the study's lead author and a graduate student in the Department of Physics.&nbsp;



Unlike other celestial objects that occupy Earth-like orbits temporarily, Kamooalewa is expected to remain Earth's companion for millions of years.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteoroid-impact">Meteoroid impact</h2>



Interestingly, a 2021 study had already hinted at Kamo`oalewa's lunar origins. The asteroid's spectrum was distinctly different from other near-Earth asteroids but closely mirrored that of the moon. This led to the theory that a meteoroid impact might have ejected this fragment from the lunar surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-like-orbits-nbsp">Earth-like orbits&nbsp;</h2>



In the current study, the researchers set out to investigate the feasibility of a lunar fragment adopting a quasi-satellite orbit. The challenge is that moon fragments capable of escaping the gravitational pull of both Earth and the moon usually don't end up in Earth-like orbits.&nbsp;



However, using precise numerical simulations which accounted for gravitational impacts from all planets, the team found that certain lunar fragments can land in such orbits. Kamo`oalewa might just be one of these fragments, a result of a lunar impact occurring in the last few million years.



Throughout its history, the moon has been bombarded by asteroids, which is evident in the numerous impact craters preserved on its surface, explained Malhotra. Impacts cause lunar material to be ejected from the moon's surface, but most of that material usually falls back on the moon, she said.



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



According to the researchers, the study's findings could help understand more about near-Earth asteroids, which are considered a hazard to Earth. Malhotra noted that more detailed studies of Kamo`oalewa and determining this asteroid's origin in a specific impact crater on the moon will provide useful insights on impact mechanics.



Castro-Cisneros said the team is planning to identify the specific conditions that allowed the orbital pathway of Kamo`oalewa.&nbsp;



"We looked at Kamo`oalewa's spectrum only because it was in an unusual orbit," said Malhotra. "If it had been a typical near-Earth asteroid, no one would have thought to find its spectrum and we wouldn't have known Kamo`oalewa could be a lunar fragment."



Video Credit: Jose Daniel Castro-Cisneros/University of Arizona



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8339513" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Near-Earth asteroid may be a fragment of the moon

In an extraordinary revelation, researchers from the University of Arizona...

Bicolor,Pink,And,Blue,Heads,Of,Hydrangea,Flowers

In a fascinating study that seems straight out of science fiction, researchers at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> have engineered a house plant that signals contamination by turning a vivid beet red in the presence of certain toxic chemicals. 



This innovation, led by a team of scientists seeking a more interactive form of environmental monitoring, could revolutionize how we detect unsafe substances in our surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sentinel-plants-and-chemicals">Sentinel plants and chemicals</h2>



The project was spearheaded by associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering Ian Wheeldon, and involved a delicate balancing act. The team needed to create a plant capable of identifying specific environmental toxins without hindering its natural growth processes or survival mechanisms.



"Our goal was to integrate a responsive sensor without disrupting the plant's inherent functions," Wheeldon explained. "Earlier approaches often interfered with vital processes like phototropism or water conservation during stress. Our technique maintains these essential functions intact."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-behind-the-response">Mechanism behind the response</h2>



Central to this feat was manipulating a biological pathway involving abscisic acid (ABA), a plant hormone that adapts plant behavior to stressful scenarios such as drought. Under such conditions, plants synthesize ABA. This acid then binds to specific receptor proteins, initiating a survival response from the plants -- closing their stomata to prevent water loss, for instance.



The breakthrough came when they discovered that these ABA receptors could be re-engineered to recognize other chemicals beyond ABA. For demonstration purposes, they chose azinphos-ethyl, a pesticide known for its toxicity and consequent ban in multiple jurisdictions.



"Reprogramming the ABA receptors was crucial. We essentially taught the plant to respond to a contaminant with a visual cue," said Sean Cutler, UCR professor of plant cell biology. "Imagine a field of plants suddenly turning red, flagging the presence of a harmful substance. The implications for real-time environmental monitoring are profound."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-can-do-more-than-identify-chemicals">Plants can do more than identify chemicals</h2>



The team's vision extends far beyond pesticides. They aim to create living sensors capable of detecting a spectrum of substances. These would include pharmaceuticals that have found their way into water supplies.



"Our current success is just the beginning. We're exploring the plant's potential to detect an array of chemicals," noted Cutler. "Concerns are growing over pollutants like residual medications in our water. Our research is a leap toward addressing these issues effectively."



However, the technology is still in its infancy and not without its challenges. The ambition to engineer plants that can detect multiple substances simultaneously, for instance, has yet to be realized. The team did manage this feat in yeast, demonstrating its potential. However, replicating this in plants requires more complex biotechnological advancements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulatory-hurdles-and-future-applications">Regulatory hurdles and future applications</h2>



Despite its promise, this botanical innovation won't appear in commercial applications anytime soon. Regulatory approval for such genetically engineered organisms is a lengthy and complex process, ensuring they are safe for larger ecosystems.



Moreover, practical issues need addressing before these sentinel plants can be part of everyday environmental health or defense mechanisms. These include understanding the plants' responses under different conditions, and ensuring they can be effectively deployed in varied environments.



While it may be years before these red-alert plants are part of our home gardens or community spaces, the study marks a significant step forward in the realm of environmental science and bioengineering. 



With further research and refinement, sentinel plants offer a visually striking, immediate method for identifying risks in our surroundings. They will soon contribute significantly to public health and safety initiatives worldwide.



As science continues to bridge the gap between the natural and technological worlds, it's not hard to imagine a future where our own gardens contribute to a healthier, safer planet for all.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41589-023-01447-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Chemical Biology</a>.



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Scientists create plants that change colors when toxic chemicals are present

In a fascinating study that seems straight out of science...

World,Map,,Earth,Flat,View.,Detailed,World,Physical,Map,In

Geologists have long been intrigued by a missing piece of Earth's history - a lost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-rift-massive-crack-could-split-the-continent-in-half/">continent</a> called Argoland. Around 155 million years ago, a 5,000-kilometer chunk broke off of western Australia and began its solitary drift.&nbsp;



The void that was left behind is marked by a basin deep below the ocean known as the Argo Abyssal Plain. But, where did Argoland actually go?



A new study from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> reveals that while Argoland might not exist as a singular mass today, it has not vanished entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-of-argoland">The journey of Argoland</h2>



Scientists have relied on the underwater Argo Abyssal Plain as evidence of Argoland's past existence. The seabed structure suggests that the detached continent drifted northwestward, potentially towards present-day Southeast Asia.&nbsp;



But the mystery deepens, as the vast continent-sized footprint of Argoland is conspicuously absent beneath Southeast Asian islands. Instead, these islands sit atop smaller continental fragments, encircled by significantly older oceanic basins.



This led geologists to dive deeper into the fate of Argoland. They found that the lost continent hasn't completely disappeared - it has simply shattered into fragments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-hidden-tales">Earth's hidden tales</h2>



Earth's crust varies in weight, comprising heavier oceanic sections and lighter continental chunks. Interestingly, these lighter portions might be lurking below sea level, much like Greater Adria, another lost continent.&nbsp;



Greater Adria's journey ended when it submerged into the Earth's mantle, leaving its top layer behind, which later morphed into the mountains of Southern Europe. Argoland, by contrast, left no evidence in the form of folded rocks.



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



Utrecht University geologist Douwe van Hinsbergen emphasized the significance of tracing these continents.&nbsp;



“If continents can dive into the mantle and disappear entirely, without leaving a geological trace at the Earth’s surface, then we wouldn’t have much of an idea of what the Earth could have looked in the geological past. It would be almost impossible to create reliable reconstructions of former supercontinents and the Earth’s geography in foregone eras," said van Hinsbergen.



“Those reconstructions are vital for our understanding of processes like the evolution of biodiversity and climate, or for finding raw materials. And at a more fundamental level: for understanding how mountains are formed or for working out the driving forces behind plate tectonics; two phenomena that are closely related.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-islands-of-information-nbsp">Islands of information&nbsp;</h2>



Van Hinsbergen and his colleague Eldert Advokaat were curious about what the geology of Southeast Asia may reveal about Argoland.&nbsp;



“But we were literally dealing with islands of information, which is why our research took so long. We spent seven years putting the puzzle together," said Advokaat.&nbsp;



“The situation in Southeast Asia is very different from places like Africa and South America, where a continent broke neatly into two pieces. Argoland splintered into many different shards. That obstructed our view of the continent’s journey.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragmented-continent-nbsp">Fragmented continent&nbsp;</h2>



But then, Advokaat realized that these fragments converged at their current locations simultaneously, painting a once cohesive picture. Today, the remnants of Argoland can be found beneath the jungles of Indonesia and Myanmar.



This fragmentation was characteristic. Argoland was never a single, solid landmass. Instead, it was an 'Argopelago,' a collection of microcontinental chunks interspersed with older oceanic basins. This aspect aligns with other known entities like Greater Adria and Zeelandia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-evolving-planet">An evolving planet</h2>



The investigation by Advokaat and Van Hinsbergen seamlessly links the geological systems between the Himalayas and the Philippines. Their explorations unravel why Argoland fragmented so intensely.&nbsp;



Around 215 million years ago, the continent underwent rapid fracturing, breaking into slender splinters. This theory was further supported through field studies on islands such as Sumatra, Borneo, and Timor.



The story of Argoland is not one of complete disappearance but of transformation. As the world continues to evolve, this lost continent serves as a compelling reminder of the ever-shifting nature of our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2023.10.005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gondwana Research</a>.



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Argoland: Unraveling the mysteries of a lost continent

Geologists have long been intrigued by a missing piece of...

Children infected with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omicron-is-much-more-deadly-than-the-seasonal-flu/">Omicron</a> variant of COVID-19 remain infectious for an average of three days after testing positive, according to a new study led by <a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a> and Stanford University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school-policies">School policies</h2>



The research suggests that the prevalent school policy mandating a five-day isolation period for infected children is more than sufficient, and should be reevaluated.



“We're basically saying five days is more than sufficient; public-health and education leaders may consider shorter durations,” said co-author Neeraj Sood, Director of the COVID-19 Initiative and a senior fellow at the USC Schaeffer Center.



The analysis showed that by day five, 18.4 percent of the infected children remained contagious. By day ten, this number dropped significantly to 3.9 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccination-status-nbsp">Vaccination status&nbsp;</h2>



In a noteworthy observation, the researchers found no significant link between the duration of infectivity and vaccination status. This indicates that school re-entry guidelines may not need to distinguish between vaccinated and non-vaccinated students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-s-isolation-nbsp">Children's isolation&nbsp;</h2>



The topic of children's isolation, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a matter of significant concern for parents, educators, health professionals, and policymakers.



Isolation is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. By ensuring that children who have contracted the virus stay away from others during their infectious period, it reduces the risk of community transmission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-impact-nbsp">Educational impact&nbsp;</h2>



Extended periods of isolation can disrupt children's education. Especially given the educational interruptions children have already faced during the pandemic, it's essential to find a balance between health safety and educational continuity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-well-being-nbsp">Mental well-being&nbsp;</h2>



Apart from the educational impact, prolonged isolation can also affect children's mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.&nbsp;



Thus, it's crucial to ensure that kids have the necessary support during these times, whether it's through virtual interactions, engaging activities, or counseling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-isolation-protocols-nbsp">Self-isolation protocols&nbsp;</h2>



The findings of the USC study may ultimately lead to a more informed approach to self-isolation protocols for children.



These protocols – which have been implemented in school districts from New York City to Los Angeles – have been guided by little data so far, said the researchers.



“We want to protect the other children in the school who could potentially get infected, but at the same time, we don't want to disrupt education for the child who is infected, given the amount of disruption that's already happened,” said Sood. “The duration of infectivity is an important parameter into figuring out what the optimal duration of self-isolation should be.”



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



For the study, the researchers partnered with a virus testing enterprise, examining nasal swabs from 76 children aged 7-18 from Los Angeles County who tested positive for the Omicron variant.&nbsp;



Nikhilesh Kumar, lead author and a Medicine student at the USC Keck School of Medicine, emphasized the goal was to "capture how infectivity changed over the 10-day window."



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



The results are in line with prior research on Omicron-infected adults, which found no correlation between vaccination and infectivity duration. However, adults exhibited slightly prolonged infection durations, with a median of five days.



But as Sood noted, with the virus’s propensity to mutate, ongoing research will be necessary. “We need to continue doing studies like this because the next variant may have a longer or shorter duration of infectivity.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4511" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Pediatrics</a>.



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Children may be isolating too long for COVID-19 infection

Children infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 remain infectious...

Over four billion years ago, during the early days of our Solar System, a catastrophic collision occurred between Earth and an object the size of Mars, leading to the formation of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/days-are-getting-longer-as-the-moon-drifts-away-from-earth/">moon</a>. The exact timing of this momentous event has long eluded scientists.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-crystals">Moon crystals</h2>



In a recent publication in <a href="https://www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org/">Geochemical Perspectives Letters</a>, researchers have shed light on this mystery, utilizing crystals from the moon, brought back by Apollo astronauts in 1972. Their findings suggest that the moon is at least 4.46 billion years old, pushing back previous estimates by 40 million years.



“These crystals are the oldest known solids that formed after the giant impact. And because we know how old these crystals are, they serve as an anchor for the lunar chronology,” said senior author Philipp Heck, a professor of Astronomy at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en">University of Chicago</a> and curator for Meteoritics and Polar Studies at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/">Field Museum</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-dust-samples-nbsp">Lunar dust samples&nbsp;</h2>



“We were approached by our coauthors, Bidong Zhang and Audrey Bouvier, who needed a nanoscale look at these samples in order to understand them fully,” added lead author Jennika Greer, a former doctoral candidate at the Field Museum and the University of Chicago, who is now a research associate at the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1CJIkN4KDPuC6XaAC8snzQi1QVKxha4_Z7NKMoIRWu-c/edit">University of Glasgow</a>.&nbsp;



The lunar dust samples used in the study were collected by astronauts during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. These samples contain tiny crystals that formed billions of years ago, providing insights into the moon’s formation.&nbsp;



“When the surface was molten like that, zircon crystals couldn’t form and survive. So any crystals on the moon’s surface must have formed after this lunar magma ocean cooled. Otherwise, they would have been melted and their chemical signatures would be erased,” Heck explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimum-age-for-the-moon-nbsp">Minimum age for the moon&nbsp;</h2>



Determining the age of the zircon crystals has allowed scientists to establish a minimum age for the moon. A previous study by co-author Bidong Zhang had suggested this age, but the current study employs atom probe tomography to conclusively determine the age of the oldest known lunar crystal.&nbsp;



“In atom probe tomography, we start by sharpening a piece of the lunar sample into a very sharp tip, using a focused ion beam microscope, almost like a very fancy pencil sharpener. Then, we use UV lasers to evaporate atoms from the surface of that tip. The atoms travel through a mass spectrometer, and how fast they move tells us how heavy they are, which in turn tells us what they’re made of,” Greer said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radioactive-decay-nbsp">Radioactive decay&nbsp;</h2>



This detailed analysis revealed the extent of radioactive decay within the zircon crystals, allowing the researchers to determine their age.&nbsp;



Heck has likened radiometric dating to an hourglass: “In an hourglass, sand flows from one glass bulb to another, with the passage of time indicated by the accumulation of sand in the lower bulb. Radiometric dating works similarly by counting the number of parent atoms and the number of daughter atoms they have transformed to. The passage of time can then be calculated because the transformation rate is known.”



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



The results indicated that the sample was approximately 4.46 billion years old, establishing a minimum age for the moon.&nbsp;



“It’s amazing being able to have proof that the rock you’re holding is the oldest bit of the moon we’ve found so far. It’s an anchor point for so many questions about the Earth. When you know how old something is, you can better understand what has happened to it in its history,” Greer explained.



Heck has highlighted the importance of understanding the moon’s age. “It’s a part of our natural system that we want to better understand, and our study provides a tiny puzzle piece in that whole picture.”&nbsp;



He concluded by emphasizing the moon’s crucial role in stabilizing Earth’s rotational axis, defining the length of our days, and influencing tidal patterns, thus ultimately shaping life on our planet.



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The moon is 40 million years older than previously thought

Over four billion years ago, during the early days of...

The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) has recently highlighted an alarming development. A tropical disease called leishmaniasis, once associated with Americans returning from overseas trips, now has a unique strain in the United States.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-genetic-fingerprint-nbsp">Distinct genetic fingerprint&nbsp;</h2>



“There have been previous indications of local transmission based on a small number of case reports, but now, for the first time, we have a distinct genetic fingerprint from a relatively large cluster, providing further evidence that leishmaniasis may be well-established in some parts of the United States,” said Dr. Mary Kamb, an expert in the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria at CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infections.&nbsp;



“While most of these infections were in people living in Texas, sand flies that can transmit leishmaniasis are found in many parts of the country and especially in the southern United States.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sand-flies-and-leishmaniasis">Sand flies and leishmaniasis</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasites-make-dogs-smell-enticing-to-infectious-sand-flies/">sand flies</a> are largely confined to tropical regions, they are expanding their range as temperatures rise. Climate change is predicted to expand the habitats of sand flies further north and increase the reach of leishmaniasis, which affects humans as well as other mammals like woodrats.



As the evidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in American sandfly populations grows, there's heightened concern about a more severe form of this disease surfacing in the country.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-are-the-primary-host">Dogs are the primary host</h2>



The experts report that the Leishmania parasite could go undetected in dogs that are brought into the United States. Currently, the country lacks sufficient screening measures for this parasite.



“Domestic dog imports from abroad, for breeding or via dog rescue organizations, have jumped sharply, to the point that about a million dogs enter the U.S. every year - most without receiving proper screening for infectious diseases,” explained Dr. Christine Petersen, director of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Iowa. Petersen.



“Dogs are the primary host for this disease, and there are dogs now regularly coming into the U.S. that have lived in areas where Leishmania parasites circulate in animals and people."



“That’s why we need a better system in the United States for guarding against the risk of introducing Leishmania infantum, one of the world’s deadliest tropical parasites, into U.S. sand fly populations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-parasitic-strain-of-leishmaniasis">New parasitic strain of leishmaniasis</h2>



The findings from the CDC show that the disease, specifically the milder form known as cutaneous leishmaniasis, has evolved from a slightly different American parasitic strain. The researchers found that this strain differs from the Leishmania mexicana typically found in Mexico and Central America.



The disease manifests as skin ulcers, which may appear weeks or even months after a sandfly bite. These ulcers can leave lasting scars that, in low-income nations, often come with a societal stigma.



Dr. Kamb said that in Texas there is growing awareness of leishmaniasis as a potential diagnosis for skin lesions - in part due to a history of cases in people returning from Mexico, but also due to increasing recognition of the possibility of locally acquired cases.



The World Health Organization has estimated that nearly a million people contract cutaneous leishmaniasis annually, mainly in warmer regions like the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Latin America.



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



The CDC recently presented its research at the <a href="https://www.astmh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene</a>’s annual conference in Chicago. The study spanned cases sent to CDC labs for testing between 2005 to 2019. Out of the over 2,000 cases, 86 of the individuals had not traveled overseas before contracting the disease.&nbsp;



Dr. Bridget McIlwee, while training in Texas, encountered a patient with no travel history who had contracted leishmaniasis. In a 2018 study, she discovered that a significant percentage of the cases in Texas over a decade had patients without a history of international travel in the previous 10 years.&nbsp;



However, very few of these diagnosed cases were reported to health officials, emphasizing the need for a national reporting mechanism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visceral-leishmaniasis">Visceral leishmaniasis</h2>



A major revelation from the study is the role of dogs in transmitting the disease. Visceral leishmaniasis, a more severe form, can spread within local insect populations from imported dogs.&nbsp;



Also transmitted through sandfly bites, Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with a related parasite (Leishmania infantum). This disease impacts the organs and kills thousands of people each year in regions where the parasite thrives.



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



While there is no human vaccine for leishmaniasis, dog vaccines are accessible in Europe and Brazil. The aim is to strengthen screenings at ports of entry.



Dr. Vitaliano Cama is a senior advisor with CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria who was closely involved with the study.&nbsp;



“A number of factors might be contributing to the increasing number of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases sent to CDC for testing," said Dr. Cama.&nbsp;



"Among these is the speculation that that changes in climate conditions may lead to suitable environments for sand fly survival and reproduction, and that could enable the transmission of leishmaniasis to emerge in new areas."&nbsp;



"There are still a lot of questions about where this disease is going and why.”



The research, led by CDC scientist Marcos de Almeida, is published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.&nbsp;



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Dogs are primary host of flesh-eating parasitic disease called leishmaniasis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently...

The sudden and dramatic disappearance of billions of snow crabs around Alaska is a disturbing indication of the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.&nbsp;



A study from the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) study has linked the disappearance of the snow crabs to marine heat waves in the eastern Bering Sea. The experts say that warmer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">ocean temperatures</a> likely caused the crabs to starve to death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iconic-species-nbsp">Iconic species&nbsp;</h2>



"The snow crab is an iconic species in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/phytoplankton-bloom-bering-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bering Sea</a> that supports an economically important fishery and undergoes extensive monitoring and management. Since 2018, more than 10 billion snow crabs have disappeared from the eastern Bering Sea, and the population collapsed to historical lows in 2021," wrote the study authors. 



"We link this collapse to a marine heatwave in the eastern Bering Sea during 2018 and 2019. Calculated caloric requirements, reduced spatial distribution, and observed body conditions suggest that starvation played a role in the collapse."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-harvest">Crab harvest </h2>



Due to the decline, the <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska Department of Fish and Game</a> has canceled the snow crab harvest season for two consecutive years.



Study lead author and NOAA fishery biologist Cody Szuwalski told CNN: “When I received the 2021 data from the survey for the first time, my mind was just blown."



“Everybody was just kind of hoping and praying that that was an error in the survey and that next year you would see more crabs. And then in 2022, it was more of a resignation that this is going to be a long road."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-collapse-nbsp">Dramatic collapse&nbsp;</h2>



While overfishing was initially suspected as the culprit, it doesn't explain the dramatic collapse. The researchers considered two primary explanations for the crabs' disappearance: they either moved to another location, or they died.&nbsp;



After analyzing various areas and factors, they concluded that a mass mortality event was the primary reason for the loss of the crabs.



"Our results do not support a strong connection between variability in snow crab mortality and indices of trawling, predation, cannibalism, or disease," wrote the researchers.



"All of these forces must contribute to underlying mortality to some degree, but several observations corroborate the idea that temperature and population density were the key variables in the recent collapse."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungrier-crabs">Hungrier crabs</h2>



Warmer waters affect the metabolism of snow crabs, increasing their caloric needs. With disrupted food webs due to the heat, the crabs couldn't find enough food to meet their increased energy demands.



The absence of a temperature barrier allowed Pacific cod to enter the crabs' habitat during the heat wave, further decimating the crab population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-warming">Rapid warming</h2>



The Arctic region, especially the Bering Sea, has experienced rapid warming and a dramatic loss of sea ice. This accelerates global warming and has direct implications for marine life.



“This was a huge heat wave effect,” study co-author Kerim Aydin told CNN. “When the heat wave came through, it just created a huge amount of starvation."



"Other species may have moved in to take advantage of it, and then when the heat wave passed, things are maybe a bit more back to normal - although the crabs have a long road to getting past that even in normal times.”



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



The disappearance of snow crabs around Alaska is a distressing sign of how marine life is being affected by climate change.&nbsp;



Szuwalski told CNN what's happening with Alaska’s crabs is proof that the climate crisis is rapidly accelerating and impacting livelihoods.



“The big take home for me from the paper, and just the whole experience in general, is that historically, fishery scientists had been very worried about overfishing - this has been our white whale, and in a lot of places we really solved that with management,” Szuwalski said.&nbsp;



“But climate change is really throwing a wrench into our plans, our models and our management systems.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf6035" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Snow crab season is canceled again as billions of them have simply disappeared

The sudden and dramatic disappearance of billions of snow crabs...

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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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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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