This,Man-made,Vehicle,Reached,A,Record,Speed,Of,635,Thousand

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most dangerous feat yet tomorrow, December 24, 2024. After a six-year journey of spiraling closer to the star at the heart of our solar system, the spacecraft is expected to come within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface. 



This tiny distance in cosmic terms lets scientists capture a new type of information, revealing secrets about solar winds, extreme heat, and magnetic fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-on-the-sun-s-doorstep">Solar probe on the Sun's doorstep</h2>



Engineers have spent years carefully adjusting <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/parkersolarprobe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker’s flight path</a> using multiple Venus gravity assists. These flybys reshape the spacecraft’s orbit and tighten its looping path around the Sun. “This is one example of NASA’s bold missions, doing something that no one else has ever done before to answer longstanding questions about our universe,” explained <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-arik-posner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arik Posner</a>, Parker Solar Probe program scientist at NASA Headquarters, describing this mission’s significance.



Ever since the launch in 2018, Parker’s main goal has been to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Tomorrow’s approach, often called <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/glossary/perihelion.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perihelion</a>, marks a new milestone in that quest. The probe moves at speeds around 430,000 miles per hour, faster than any other spacecraft. At such high velocity, it can swing around our star without getting swallowed. Even so, mission managers won’t receive immediate updates once Parker hits its closest point because signals cannot travel through the intense solar environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-heat-and-lasting-protection">Extreme heat and lasting protection</h2>



What sets Parker apart is its resilient heat shield. This 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite barrier enables the spacecraft’s instruments to continue functioning in an environment where temperatures can reach roughly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the harsh surroundings, the precious science instruments remain near room temperature, thanks to expert engineering by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>).



During every close approach, Parker is pelted by gusts of solar wind and bathed in radiation. Still, it keeps sending back readings about magnetic fields, <a href="https://www.plasmacoalition.org/plasma_writeups/solar_plasmas.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma</a> behavior, and energetic <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/solar-radiation-storm#:~:text=Solar%20radiation%20storms%20occur%20when,of%20the%20speed%20of%20light." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>. The probe’s data illuminates reasons behind the corona’s blazing heat, which can climb into the millions of degrees, significantly hotter than the visible surface of the Sun. Such puzzling behavior has fascinated scientists for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-the-solar-wind-s-origins">Chasing the solar wind’s origins</h2>



Solar wind, a stream of charged particles flowing away from the Sun at speeds topping one million miles per hour, plays a major role in <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/">space weather</a>. 



By skimming through the corona, Parker records fresh evidence of how these particles speed up and scatter across the solar system. The answers may help experts forecast disturbances that affect satellites and astronaut safety. Surges of these charged particles can disable communication systems or even disrupt power grids on Earth.



For researchers, big questions remain. How does the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/">solar wind</a> pick up its pace so dramatically? Is there a specific region in the corona that triggers bursts of fast-moving particles? 



Parker’s measurements bring us closer to unraveling these mysteries. Officials at NASA say that by tomorrow’s approach, new layers of data will help them see patterns not possible to detect from a greater distance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-and-the-sun-s-active-cycle">Solar probe and the Sun's active cycle</h2>



The Sun moves through an 11-year activity cycle. Right now, it is in an active phase, meaning increased sunspots, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secondary-peak-extreme-geomagnetic-solar-storm-expected-today/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a>, and <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/coronal-mass-ejections" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections</a>. 



Researchers are tracking not only Parker’s journey but also the Sun’s changing patterns. Sometimes these outbursts interact with Earth’s magnetosphere and spark colorful auroras, even in places unused to such displays. And although most solar weather events are harmless for life on Earth, severe storms can interfere with GPS systems or satellites.



This is why Parker’s findings are so relevant. Gaining a better understanding of how energetic solar events begin could lead to timelier warnings, giving operators on Earth a heads-up to power down sensitive instruments or adjust satellite orbits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paying-tribute-to-eugene-parker">Paying tribute to Eugene Parker</h2>



In 2017, NASA renamed the probe after <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022">Dr. Eugene N. Parker</a>, the first person to predict the solar wind in the 1950s. He introduced key ideas about how stars interact with their surroundings. The mission’s name honors his influential work. Dr. Parker passed away in 2022, but his legacy continues. 



The data this spacecraft is sending back not only expands knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracing-solar-wind-directly-to-its-source-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar physics</a> but also shows how correct Dr. Parker’s early theories were.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-setting-solar-probe-flyby">Record-setting Solar Probe flyby</h2>



Mission operations expect Parker to reach perihelion at 6:53 a.m. EST on December 24. 



At that time, the spacecraft will run autonomously, and engineers at APL will wait until December 27 for a beacon tone confirming a safe passage around the Sun. “No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory. We’re excited to hear back from the spacecraft when it swings back around the Sun,” explained <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=205" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Pinkine</a>, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager. 



When that update arrives, scientists will study Parker’s recent measurements to identify potential clues about solar wind origins and coronal heating. Each orbit is another chance to witness the scorching conditions near our star. At the same time, the probe helps refine predictions about solar eruptions that might drive future storms toward Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Beyond the scientific breakthroughs, Parker’s success can have practical benefits for technology we rely on every day. Our society depends on GPS signals and stable power systems, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">major solar events</a> can disrupt both. By learning how to anticipate strong solar winds or flares, experts might one day keep satellites out of harm’s way or shield power grids from unexpected surges.



Tomorrow’s close approach continues a streak of remarkable achievements for NASA. As Parker zips through the corona, it gathers observations that no other mission could obtain. The craft appears ready for another sizzling pass, thanks to the robust thermal design and careful planning. 



Whether it’s helping forecast solar tempers or refining our knowledge of basic astrophysical processes, Parker remains on track to change the way we see the Sun.



Learn more about <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Parker Solar Probe here...</a>



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Spacecraft flew through the Sun's atmosphere today for the first time ever

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most dangerous feat yet tomorrow, December 24, 2024. After a six-year journey of spiraling closer to the star at the heart of our solar system, the spacecraft is expected to come within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface. This tiny distance in cosmic terms lets scientists capture a new type of information, revealing secrets about solar winds, extreme heat, and magnetic fields. Solar probe on the Sun's doorstep Engineers have spent years carefully adjusting Parker’s flight path...

American adults living alone have a significantly greater risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skateboarding-alleviates-depression-and-increases-well-being/">depression</a> compared to those residing with others.&nbsp;This is the conclusion of a recent study conducted by the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC).



The experts analyzed data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey including responses from 29,482 participants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-social-isolation-nbsp">Risk of social isolation&nbsp;</h2>



The results showed that 6.4% of adults living alone reported experiencing feelings of depression. This outcome remained consistent across various demographics. Among adults who were living with others, 4.1 percent reported feelings of depression.



“People living alone may be at greater risk of social isolation and loneliness, which have been linked to higher mortality risk and adverse health outcomes, including mental health outcomes, compared with people living with a spouse or partner,” wrote the study authors.



Feelings of depression were defined as having “daily feelings” of depression either “a lot of the time” or “somewhere between a little and a lot of the time,” or adults who reported having “weekly feelings” of depression “a lot of the time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-alone-an-alarming-trend">Living alone: An alarming trend</h2>



An alarming trend noted in the study is the rise in the number of U.S. adults living alone. This figure increased by 14.5% over the last decade, from 33.1 million in 2012 to 37.9 million in 2022.&nbsp;



Single-person households constituted 28.9% of all U.S. households in 2022, a notable rise from 13.6% in 1962. The analysis further revealed that in 2021, 16% of U.S. adults lived alone, with a slight majority being women (51.9%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-loneliness-nbsp">The impact of loneliness&nbsp;</h2>



The implications of isolation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-triggers-loneliness-in-old-age/">loneliness</a> have become a focal point for public health experts. The COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/">pandemic</a> exacerbated these conditions.&nbsp;



Loneliness is not just a feeling of solitude. It is a condition that can increase the risk for a myriad of health issues, including heart disease, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-eating-sea-cucumbers-can-prevent-diabetes/">diabetes</a>, addiction, suicide, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dementia-was-extremely-rare-in-ancient-times-so-why-is-it-now-so-prevalent/">dementia</a>, and premature death.



However, the experts also caution against oversimplifying the relationship between living alone and experiencing depression. Factors such as personal choice, community engagement, and access to social and emotional support play critical roles in determining the impact of solitude on individuals' mental health.



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



The research highlighted significant disparities in depression rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with Hispanic adults living alone reporting the highest rates of depression.



Income levels also appear to influence the mental health of those living alone, with a higher incidence of reported depression among individuals earning below the federal poverty level compared to those with higher incomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-and-emotional-support-nbsp">Social and emotional support&nbsp;</h2>



Notably, the experts found that older Americans, particularly those aged 65 and above, constitute the largest percentage of adults living alone. Yet, this group reported the lowest percentage of feelings of depression.&nbsp;



This suggests that age, perhaps along with a lifetime of coping mechanisms and social networks, might play a protective role against depression.



The study underscores the importance of social and emotional support in mitigating feelings of depression among adults living alone. Those with minimal support reported higher rates of depression compared to those who consistently received support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-crisis-nbsp">Public health crisis&nbsp;</h2>



This research arrives at a crucial time when loneliness is increasingly being recognized as a public health crisis. Earlier this month, San Mateo County in California became the first county to declare loneliness a public health emergency.



"Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.



“Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connections the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.”



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Living alone in America: An escalating public health crisis

American adults living alone have a significantly greater risk of...

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University embarked on a unique exploration of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-diet-deer-and-trout-were-on-the-menu-10000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stone Age</a>, expanding our knowledge of the evolution of human tool use and woodworking technology.



By meticulously crafting and employing replica stone age tools for various tasks, the team, led by Assistant Professor Akira Iwase, has unveiled how different activities leave distinct traces on <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/stone-age-tools_microscope_how-they-were-used_Tokyo-Metropolitan-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool edges</a>. 



This research enhances our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient tools</a> and paves the way for identifying the advent of timber utilization among early humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mystery-of-stone-age-tools">Unraveling the mystery of Stone Age tools</h2>



The study's foundation lies in the intricate examination of macroscopic and microscopic traces left on stone tools. These traces serve as silent witnesses to the tools' historical usage. 



The researchers' innovative methodology distinguishes between Stone Age tools used for specific activities, such as woodworking, from those employed for other tasks. 



This distinction is crucial for archeologists attempting to piece together the technological advancements of our ancestors.



Woodworking technology marks a pivotal chapter in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-artists-carved-incredibly-detailed-animal-tracks-onto-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human history</a>. From the simple wooden spears and throwing sticks of the Paleolithic era to the sophisticated construction of houses, canoes, bows, and wells in later periods, the evolution of tool use is evident. 



The advent of polished stone axes heralded a new era of craftsmanship, enabling the creation of increasingly complex wooden instruments.



Despite the common association of advanced wood-processing technology with the Neolithic age, evidence suggests that such technology was in use far earlier. 



Ground stone axes, dating back to Marine Isotope Stage 3 (approximately 60,000 - 30,000 years ago), found in Australia and Japan, raise questions about their purpose during such an early period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hands-on-approach-to-stone-age-woodworking">Hands-on approach to Stone Age woodworking</h2>



To demystify the use of these ancient tools, Professor Iwase's team embarked on a hands-on archaeological experiment. 



They crafted replicas of tools from the Early Upper Paleolithic age, employing techniques that would have been available to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-in-hunter-gatherer-stone-age-societies-had-better-parenting-than-modern-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our ancestors</a>. 



Despite the absence of hafts in Japanese archaeological sites from this period, the team drew inspiration from Irian Jaya, attaching handles to create adzes, axes, and chisels.



The researchers then subjected these tools to 15 different activities, ranging from tree-felling to hide-processing and butchering, alongside "non-use" events such as carrying and trampling. 



This comprehensive testing allowed for an in-depth analysis of the wear patterns on the tools, revealing that specific activities, especially those requiring significant impact like tree-felling, leave distinguishable macroscopic and microscopic marks on the tools.



The study's findings are profound. The presence of both macroscopic fractures and microscopic wear patterns provides a reliable means to deduce the tools' usage, particularly in Stone Age woodworking. 



If similar traces are identified on real artifacts from the same era, it could signify that humans developed woodworking technology much earlier than previously believed. 



This revelation has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-humans-from-magdalenian-culture-practiced-cannibalism-as-part-of-funeral-rituals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stone Age humans</a>, their technological prowess, and how they adapted their tools to diverse environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-stone-age-tools">Evolution of Stone Age tools</h2>



Stone Age tools mark the earliest known use of technology by humans and their ancestors. These tools, which span from roughly 3.3 million years ago to about 2,000 BCE, encapsulate the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age) periods. 



Each period reflects significant advancements in tool-making techniques and their applications, highlighting the ingenuity and adaptability of early humans.



During the Paleolithic era, humans primarily used simple stone tools. These included flakes, which they chipped off from larger stones to create sharp edges for cutting, and core tools, like hand axes, which served as multi-purpose tools for chopping, scraping, and butchering. 



Early humans crafted these tools using the "knapping" technique, where they struck a stone with another stone or a harder material to shape it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polishing-and-ground-edge-tools">Polishing and ground-edge tools</h2>



As humans progressed into the Mesolithic era, their tool-making techniques became more refined. They developed microliths, small stone tools that were often attached to wooden shafts to create more complex tools like sickles and arrows. 



This period saw an increase in the specialization of tools, reflecting a more sedentary lifestyle and advances in agriculture.



The Neolithic era brought about the most significant changes in stone tool technology. During this time, humans began to polish stone tools, making them sharper and more durable. 



They also developed ground-edge tools, such as axes, which were essential for clearing forests for agriculture and settlement. 



The invention of the plow marked a revolutionary step in farming, further establishing the foundations of modern civilization.



Stone Age tools were not limited to stone. Early humans also used bone, wood, and other materials available in their environment. 



They created needles for sewing, harpoons for fishing, and even early forms of art. The variety and complexity of these tools reflect the evolving needs and intellect of human societies over millennia.



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



The discovery and study of Stone Age tools provide invaluable insights into the daily lives, environments, and cognitive development of early humans. 



Archaeologists and researchers analyze wear patterns on these tools to understand their uses, ranging from hunting and food preparation to woodworking and construction. 



This research helps to piece together the story of human evolution and the rise of technology that shaped the world we know today.



In summary, the meticulous work of Tokyo Metropolitan University's researchers enriches our comprehension of prehistoric life while challenging existing notions about the timeline of technological advancements.



By combining archaeological evidence with experimental archaeology, we gain a more nuanced understanding of our ancestors' capabilities and innovations, marking a significant step forward in unraveling the complexities of human history.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440323001711?via%3Dihub">Journal of Archaeological Science</a>.

Stone age humans used tools to make timber for woodworking

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University embarked on a unique exploration...

Sleepless nights might not just leave you grumpy, but could also raise your risk of heart trouble later in life.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.pitt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pittsburgh</a> School of Medicine takes a look at this unexpected link. It shows that sleep patterns during midlife may strongly influence the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/portfolio-diet-a-plant-forward-strategy-to-reduce-heart-disease-risk/">heart disease</a> in the latter part of life, especially among women.



The research, known as the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), tracked 2964 women’s sleep habits (insomnia symptoms and sleep duration) over several years and monitored heart disease events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-heart-related-events-nbsp">Risk of heart-related events&nbsp;</h2>



During the study, 202 women had heart-related events. The findings revealed that middle-aged women who <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-counteracts-negative-effects-of-sleep-deprivation/">sleep</a> less than five hours every night on a consistent basis have up to 75 percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stroke-deaths-expected-to-rise-to-five-million-by-2030/">strokes</a>, heart attacks, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.



The elevated risk remained even after accounting for other health factors, such as weight (BMI) and pre-existing conditions. It can be interpreted that the duration of sleep has a direct relationship with the health of the heart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-duration">Sleep duration</h2>



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that adults should get between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, most polls show that up to one-third of adults and about half of middle-aged women do not meet those recommendations.



The researchers also reported that women who slept for less than five hours had a 72% higher risk of heart disease compared to the women who averaged about six and a half hours.



As expected, women who had shorter sleep times and often experienced symptoms of insomnia turned out to be at greater risk of heart disease (by 75%) compared to women who reported ideal sleeping durations and very rarely had any insomnia problems. Race and ethnicity did not seem to affect the link between sleep and heart problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupting-the-body-s-natural-rhythm-nbsp">Disrupting the body's natural rhythm&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers explained how the combination of different physical components become problematic when you do not get enough rest.&nbsp;



When a person is asleep, the body automatically goes into a state of "rest and repair." This includes, among other things, a usual dip in your blood pressure to a level typically about 10-20% lower than when you're awake. This nightly decrease allows your heart and your blood vessels the necessary time to recuperate from the stresses encountered during the day.



However, this normal rhythm is disrupted by sleepless nights. Additional hours of higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-has-an-immediate-impact-on-blood-pressure/">blood pressure</a> puts extra strain on the heart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-sleep-deprivation-nbsp">Consequences of sleep deprivation&nbsp;</h2>



Each night during sleep, it is not only your mind and body that take a break. Your blood vessels also repair themselves in a very important way. The endothelium - the inner lining of your vessels - regulates blood flow, stops dangerous clots from forming, and keeps inflammation at bay.



Chronic sleep deprivation, however, disrupts this harmonious coordination. Sleep loss essentially dampens the endothelium's ability to regulate blood flow and prevent clotting.&nbsp;



This can result in increased blood pressure and higher chances of development of blood clots, which are known to obstruct vital highways in the circulatory system.



Sleepless nights can also make you feel hungrier and less satisfied after eating, making it easier to pack on the pounds. Extra weight puts more strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-for-getting-better-sleep-nbsp">Tips for getting better sleep&nbsp;</h2>



<ul>
<li>First, establish a routine. Go to bed at the same time every day and get up at the same time every day, even at weekends. This trains your body to sleep and wake at certain times, regulating your natural sleep-wake routine.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Get rid of any electronics before bed. An eye mask or blackout curtains are also great investments.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Avoid caffeine and heavy meals near your bedtime for they stimulate your body and do not help you in winding it down. Try reading or light stretching to bring you to sleep.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Get moving! Regular physical activity also ensures better sleep. But avoid engaging in strenuous workouts just before sleep. Schedule moderate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-exercise-routine-can-cut-your-risk-of-early-death-in-half/">exercise</a> earlier in the day.</li>
</ul>



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.123.066491%20%20%E2%80%8C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation</a>.



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Sleepless nights may increase heart disease risk by 75%

Sleepless nights might not just leave you grumpy, but could...

About 56 million years ago, Earth went through a super-fast global warming spell called the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). It was one of the most intense warmings ever. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">temperatures</a> jumped by 5-8 degrees Celsius (9-14 degrees Fahrenheit) in just a few thousand years.



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.mpic.de/2285/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Chemistry</a> and <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> studied how the oceans responded to PETM.&nbsp;



Surprisingly, this period is similar to our current climate challenges. So, the study helps us understand how oceans handled oxygen levels during such dramatic warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-secrets-of-ocean-warming">Surprising secrets of ocean warming</h2>



To uncover secrets from the past, the researchers needed to go back in time. 



“Marine sediments are the history book of the ocean. By studying past intervals of time in which temperatures increased rapidly, we can gain precious insights on how ocean oxygen and biology responded to changes in climate," said study lead author Simone Moretti.



Therefore, the team dug into the ocean floor, looking at clues in the sediment to understand old nutrient cycles and oxygen levels. 



Usually, when water gets warmer, it cannot hold as much air. So, during the PETM, the ocean's top layers should have been warm and contain less oxygen.



Surprisingly, the study found increased oxygen levels in the upper ocean during the PETM. This challenges our current understanding of how oceans react to warming.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-fossils">Ocean fossils</h2>



Other areas with very low oxygen, called "dead zones," actually got smaller during the PETM. The shrinking dead zones also indicate increased oxygen in the upper ocean.



The study suggests that the ocean has a way of balancing itself when things change rapidly. This discovery is important because it shows how the ocean can adapt to big environmental changes.



The scientists also examined any fossils they came across. They found fossils of microscopic creatures called foraminifera, which lived in the ocean and built miniature shells from minerals.&nbsp;



These tiny fossils held a big secret. During PETM, the foraminifera had larger shells than usual. This suggested they responded to their environment, hinting at warmer waters with more oxygen.



Foraminifera are sensitive to changes in temperature, acidity, and oxygen levels. So, their bigger shells during the PETM suggest they flourished in the warmer, more oxygen-rich conditions of that time.



"Remarkably, and unexpectedly, evidence shows that planktonic foraminifera from the central tropical Pacific got bigger during the PETM warming, implying a tropical oxygen rise in the upper layers of the ocean," said study co-author Professor Curtis Deutsch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-adaptation">Animal adaptation</h2>



The deep ocean, sensitive to temperature and oxygen shifts, likely suffered during the PETM's rapid warming. Many deep-sea creatures, pushed beyond their limits, couldn't adapt, leading to a sharp drop in the variety of life there.



On the other hand, surface dwellers in the ocean's top layers may have fared better. A temporary boost in oxygen during this period gave them a breathing room, allowing them to keep their living conditions somewhat stable despite the chaos around them.&nbsp;



This extra oxygen might have even lessened the warming's impact, making the upper ocean a more welcoming place for these surface-dwelling marine animals than their deep-sea neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-warming-recovery-period">Ocean warming recovery period</h2>



Marine ecosystems took a long and arduous journey to recover even with a temporary oxygen boost. Over 100,000 years passed before they fully bounced back, highlighting the lasting effects of rapid climate change on ocean life.



The reason for this slow recovery lies in the complex interplay of factors triggered by the PETM. It wasn't just warming temperatures but also changes in ocean chemistry, like acidification and disruptions to nutrient cycles. These factors continued to stress marine life long after the initial warming event.



Organisms had to adjust to new conditions, repopulate lost habitats, and rebuild the life that the PETM had disrupted. This process unfolded gradually over millennia, a testament to the resilience of marine ecosystems.



But their resilience has limits. The extended recovery also underscores the long-term consequences of rapid climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Studying the PETM's recovery helps us understand how modern marine ecosystems might respond to current climate challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh4893" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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'History book' of the ocean reveals future impacts of warming 

About 56 million years ago, Earth went through a super-fast...

In an astonishing revelation, a Tridentinosaurus antiquus fossil that has mystified scientists for nearly a century has been partially exposed as a forgery. 



This 280-million-year-old specimen was discovered in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-large-predator-dinosaur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italian Alps</a> in 1931 and has since played a pivotal role in our understanding of early reptile evolution. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fascination-with-tridentinosaurus-antiquus">The fascination with Tridentinosaurus antiquus</h2>



Initially hailed for its remarkable preservation, including what appeared to be soft tissues, the fossil's true nature has come to light thanks to the meticulous work of Dr. Valentina Rossi and her team at University College Cork, Ireland (<a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCC</a>).



For decades, Tridentinosaurus antiquus was celebrated in scientific circles as a critical piece of the puzzle in reptile ancestry. 



Its dark outline against the rock was thought to represent preserved soft tissues, leading to its classification within the Protorosauria group of reptiles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-paint-shocking-forgery-revelation">Behind the paint: Shocking forgery revelation</h2>



However, new research published in the journal Palaeontology has debunked this long-held belief, revealing that the fossil's "remarkable preservation" was, in fact, the result of black paint on a lizard-shaped rock surface.



Dr. Rossi, from UCC’s School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, emphasized the importance of detailed examination in uncovering the truth. 



"Fossil soft tissues are rare, but when found in a fossil they can reveal important biological information, for instance, the external coloration, internal anatomy and physiology," she explained. 



"The answer to all our questions was right in front of us, we had to study this fossil specimen in details to reveal its secrets -- even those that perhaps we did not want to know."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-modern-science-in-exposing-the-truth">Role of modern science in exposing the truth</h2>



The team's microscopic analysis indicated a stark difference in texture and composition between the supposed fossilized soft tissues and genuine specimens. 



A preliminary investigation using UV photography further revealed that the entire specimen had been coated, a practice once common for preserving fossils in museums. 



This discovery dashed hopes that beneath the coating, original soft tissues might still be intact, offering valuable paleobiological insights.



This revelation has significant implications for the scientific community, prompting a call for caution in future research involving this specimen. 



The investigation, which included contributions from Italy's <a href="https://www.unipd.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Padua</a>, Museum of Nature South Tyrol, and Museo delle Scienze in Trento, highlights the necessity of skepticism and verification in scientific inquiry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautionary-tale-the-legacy-of-tridentinosaurus-antiquus">Cautionary tale: The legacy of Tridentinosaurus antiquus</h2>



Despite the forgery, the research team found that not all was lost. The fossil's hindlimb bones, particularly the femurs, were determined to be genuine, albeit poorly preserved. 



Additionally, the team discovered the presence of tiny bony scales, or osteoderms, similar to those of crocodiles, on what is believed to be the animal's back. 



These findings provide a silver lining, offering new avenues for understanding the creature's biology and evolution.



Co-author Prof. Evelyn Kustatscher, involved in the "Living with the supervolcano" project funded by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, reflected on the discovery.



“The peculiar preservation of Tridentinosaurus had puzzled experts for decades. Now, it all makes sense. What it was described as carbonized skin, is just paint," Kustatscher said.



In summary, this study serves as a testament to the power of modern analytical paleontology and rigorous scientific methods in solving long-standing mysteries. 



By exposing the Tridentinosaurus antiquus fossil as a forgery, the research team has corrected a historical misconception and reinforced the importance of integrity and thoroughness in scientific exploration.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pala.12690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paleontology</a>.



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280-million-year-old fossil of Tridentinosaurus antiquus proven to be a forgery

In an astonishing revelation, a Tridentinosaurus antiquus fossil that has...

A recent study from the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a> sheds light on the complexity of emoji interpretation, revealing that factors such as gender, culture, and age significantly influence how these symbols are understood.



Emojis - digital images that are used to express ideas or emotions - have become an integral part of our online interactions. These icons offer a way to convey feelings and reactions in a visual form, bridging the gap between text-based communication and face-to-face conversation.&nbsp;



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



The research team set out to explore how different demographic groups interpret emojis. The study was focused on 24 emojis selected to represent six basic emotional states: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-path-to-happiness-the-science-is-still-not-clear/">happiness</a>, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise, and anger.&nbsp;



These emojis were chosen from four major platforms: Apple, Windows, Android, and WeChat, highlighting slight variations in design that could affect interpretation.&nbsp;



The researchers recruited a diverse group of 523 participants from China and the UK, with an almost even distribution of genders and an age range spanning from 18 to 84 years.



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



The study revealed that older participants were less likely to match the researchers' assigned emotional labels for emojis expressing surprise, fear, sadness, and anger.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-generational-gap-nbsp">Generational gap&nbsp;</h3>



The research suggests that there is a generational gap in emoji literacy, with younger users potentially having a more nuanced understanding of these symbols.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender">Gender</h3>



Gender also played a role, with women's interpretations of emojis for happiness, fear, sadness, and anger more frequently aligning with the labels assigned by the study authors compared to men's interpretations. This could indicate that women are more attuned to the emotional nuances conveyed by emojis.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-differences-nbsp">Cultural differences&nbsp;</h3>



Cultural differences also emerged as a significant factor in emoji interpretation. UK participants were generally more likely than their Chinese counterparts to match the researchers' labels for the emojis, with the exception of the one meant to convey disgust. This particular emoji, classified as "confounded face" on Unicode.org, highlights the challenges in selecting emojis that universally represent specific emotions.&nbsp;



The difficulty in classifying this emoji across both participant groups underscores the potential for misunderstanding when emojis are used in cross-cultural communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-context-nbsp">The importance of context&nbsp;</h2>



The study's findings emphasize the importance of context in emoji use. For example, the "smile" emoji, categorized as representing happiness in the study, may not universally signify joy, especially among Chinese participants.&nbsp;



This variation underscores the potential for emojis to convey different meanings in different cultural contexts, leading to misinterpretations in cross-cultural communications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-experience-with-emojis-nbsp">Personal experience with emojis&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also noted that some of the demographic differences in emoji interpretation could be partially explained by participants' familiarity with specific emojis.&nbsp;



This observation suggests that personal experience with emojis plays a role in how they are understood, pointing to the need for further research into how individuals interpret a broader range of emojis in various contexts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-layer-of-ambiguity-nbsp">A layer of ambiguity&nbsp;</h2>



Ultimately, the research highlights the complex interplay between gender, culture, and age in emoji interpretation.&nbsp;



The study reveals that while emojis offer a powerful tool for adding emotional depth to digital communication, they also introduce a layer of ambiguity. This vagueness can lead to misunderstandings, especially in messages exchanged across cultural, generational, and gender divides.&nbsp;



The research underscores the need for greater awareness of these factors when using emojis and suggests avenues for future studies to explore the nuances of emoji interpretation further.&nbsp;



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



As our digital communication landscapes continue to evolve, understanding the subtleties of emoji use will become increasingly important in facilitating clear and empathetic interactions online.



"The current results have important implications when considering emoji use in online communication, for example, with conversation partners from different cultures or of different ages," concluded the study authors.&nbsp;



"Given the broad and expanding use of emoji in other domains, the findings of individual differences in their interpretation also has more wide-reaching implications - for instance, in improving classification accuracy in sentiment analysis, and regarding digital advertising within marketing, multinational corporations may need to apply different emoji for marketing purposes in different nations."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297379" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>. 



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Sending the right message? Emojis can mean different things in different cultures

A recent study from the University of Nottingham sheds light...

A recent study offers new insights into the battle against air pollution in the United States, focusing on the evolution of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels across the nation from 2006 to 2020.



This comprehensive research by the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a> reveals the impact of regulatory efforts by federal, state, and local authorities to improve air quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-the-pm2-5-challenge">Invisible threat: The PM2.5 challenge</h2>



PM2.5, a complex mixture of tiny particles smaller than 2.5 microns, poses <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant health risks</a>, including premature death, and contributes to reduced visibility through haze formation. 



The study's findings highlight a notable reduction in the annual average concentration of PM2.5, alongside shifts in its chemical makeup, suggesting that pollution control strategies tailored to specific regional needs could further diminish air pollution and its adverse health effects.



“The results from this study are especially timely given the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-stronger-standards-harmful-soot-pollution-significantly-increasing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA’s revision</a> of the health-based standard for PM2.5 from 12 µg/m3 to 9 µg/m3 that was just announced this month,” said <a href="https://ie.unc.edu/people/arunachalam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saravanan Arunachalam</a>, senior author of the study and deputy director of the UNC Institute for the Environment. 



“States with monitors that are exceeding the new standard for PM2.5 will be looking to understand the chemical constituents of PM2.5, and how they have changed over time, and this will be key to developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions reductions</a> policies to address potential future nonattainment designations.”  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decade-of-progress-how-america-cleaned-its-skies">Decade of progress: How America cleaned its skies</h2>



Utilizing data from the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/aqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. EPA Air Quality System</a>, the research team scrutinized PM2.5 trends across 48 states, identifying a range of chemical species originating from both human activities and natural sources. 



Their analysis revealed significant air quality improvements in regions with historically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air quality</a>, such as the Ohio Valley and southeastern states, largely due to stringent controls on emissions from coal-burning power plants and industrial sources.



The period studied saw a dramatic 91.5% reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants, particularly in the Ohio Valley and southeastern U.S., areas previously known for high sulfur dioxide levels. 



Additionally, the study noted a temporary deterioration in air quality along the West Coast in 2020, attributed to extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest fires</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chemical-puzzle-of-air-pollution">The chemical puzzle of air pollution</h2>



Despite a nationwide decrease in sulfate and ammonium levels, the researchers advocate for measures targeting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-exposure-in-the-womb-harms-offspring-reproductive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>, which increasingly contribute to PM2.5 levels. 



They observed a decline in high pollution days, with a notable rise in primary organic carbon during winter, attributed to the slower formation of secondary organic aerosols in lower temperatures.



Highlighting the significance of regional differences in pollution sources and effects, the study supports the adoption of targeted air pollution mitigation strategies. 



"Region-specific approaches are essential for further enhancing air quality, reducing healthcare costs related to air pollution, and saving lives," the researchers emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-clean-air-removing-pollution-from-us-skies">Future of clean air: Removing pollution from US skies</h2>



<a href="https://ie.unc.edu/people/cheng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bin Cheng</a>, a co-author and research associate at the Institute, stressed the importance of a detailed analysis of PM2.5's chemical composition and its emission sources for future emissions control strategies. 



"Different chemical constituents of PM2.5 are linked to various emissions sources, thus, the development of future emissions control strategies to reduce PM2.5 concentrations should be based on the comprehensive analysis of spatiotemporal trends of PM2.5 chemical composition and deep understanding of the relationships between changes in emissions and ambient concentrations," explained Cheng.



In summary, this important study contributes valuable data for policy development and lays the groundwork for future epidemiological research to pinpoint the PM2.5 components most harmful to human health. 



Through such comprehensive research, the journey towards cleaner air and healthier communities continues, informed by science and guided by effective policy.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1352231023006143" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Environment</a>.



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Chemical composition of US air pollution has changed over time

A recent study offers new insights into the battle against...

The Arctic, a realm often perceived as desolate and inhospitable, teems with life at the microscopic level. These microorganisms, particularly Arctic seabed bacteria, play a crucial role in Earth's ecological balance.



This bacteria transforms biomass into substances that sequester carbon for extended periods. Their work is vital in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">cycle of life</a>, yet their existence and function remain largely underexplored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arctic-s-microbial-universe-life-beneath-the-ice">The Arctic's microbial universe: Life beneath the ice</h2>



Polar regions are characterized by extreme seasonality, diverging from the typical diurnal cycle to oscillate between the midnight sun of summer and the polar night of winter. 



This stark contrast affects local ecosystems, especially primary producers that rely on sunlight. Summer brings a flourish of algae and terrestrial life, while winter sees a dramatic pause in productivity. 



The impact of these seasonal shifts on seabed bacterial communities had not been thoroughly investigated until recently.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.mpi-bremen.de/en/Home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology</a> in Bremen, Germany, embarked on a mission to the Svalbard archipelago to delve into the dynamics of these microbial communities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-the-mysteries-of-arctic-seabed-bacteria">Uncovering the mysteries of Arctic seabed bacteria</h2>



Their findings reveal surprising insights into the resilience and complexity of seabed bacteria.



Contrary to expectations, the composition of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial community</a> remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, despite significant fluctuations in organic matter and environmental conditions. 



This stability contrasts with the more variable communities found in the water column, showcasing the seabed bacteria's robustness. 



According to principal investigator Katrin Knittel, this complexity poses challenges but also highlights the community's resilience.



“Benthic bacterial communities -- i.e., those in the seabed -- are very complex,” Knittel adds. “That's what makes them so stable and robust, and it makes it very challenging for us to investigate their dynamics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-arctic-s-algal-bounty">Transforming the Arctic's algal bounty</h2>



To understand this phenomenon, Knittel's team investigated the functional diversity of these microbes, focusing on their ability to degrade algal sugars. 



Their research uncovered seasonal variations in gene expression related to carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. 



In winter, enzymes targeting a-glucans predominate, reflecting the microbes' reliance on intracellular storage compounds. 



Spring sees a shift towards enzymes that break down b-glucans, like laminarin, indicating a change in dietary sources corresponding to the availability of fresh algal material.



These findings underscore the adaptability of seabed bacteria to their environment, utilizing different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-awakening-arctic-food-webs-are-transforming-from-green-to-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food sources</a> based on seasonal availability. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-tiny-microbes-tremendous-impact">Global implications: Tiny microbes, tremendous impact</h2>



Their ability to switch between fresh material from the water column and reserves within the seabed demonstrates a remarkable ecological efficiency. This versatility is essential for their survival, especially in winter when external inputs are minimal.



The implications of this research extend beyond the confines of microbial ecology. As these bacteria process algal sugars, they release carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas. 



Thus, these microorganisms, though small in scale, play a significant role in global carbon cycling and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate processes</a>.



The Arctic seabed's bacterial community maintains a surprisingly consistent presence across the seasons, actively thriving despite the region's pronounced seasonality. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-arctic-seabed-bacteria-is-a-challenge">Studying Arctic seabed bacteria is a challenge</h2>



However, the challenge of studying these bacteria in Spitsbergen's seabed wasn't solely due to their internal dynamics; the methodology also posed significant hurdles. 



Doctoral student Chyrene Moncada, a member of Knittel's team, explains the difficulties encountered in sample collection. 



“It is very difficult to obtain undisturbed samples of the seabed and the pore water contained between the sand grains,” explains doctoral student Chyrene Moncada, who is also working on the project. “That's why we developed our own device: the Ellrott grab.”



Named after its creator and co-author Andreas Ellrott, this sampling tool allows for the undisturbed collection of sediment from sandy beds. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for small research vessels. 



“Andreas is a brilliant engineer and designed and built the grab from scratch, manufacturing many of the components himself in a 3D printer,” says Moncada. 



“To date, we have already collected over 100 sediment samples from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-north-frisian-islands-and-the-wadden-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wadden Sea</a> and the fjords of Svalbard with the Ellrott grab - and we plan to collect many more!”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-future-implications">Conservation and future implications</h2>



In summary, this fascinating research has unveiled the remarkable resilience and stability of the Arctic seabed bacteria microbial communities, challenging previous assumptions about their variability across seasons. 



Through innovative methodologies, the team has successfully navigated the methodological challenges of sampling, enabling the detailed study of these vital ecosystems. 



The findings highlight the complexity and adaptability of Arctic seabed bacteria to extreme seasonal changes and underscore their significant role in global carbon cycles and climate change. 



As the team plans to expand their research with further sediment samples, their work continues to expand our knowledge on the hidden dynamics of the Arctic's underexplored microbial world, offering new insights into the intricate connections between microorganisms and global environmental processes.



The full study was published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ismej/article/18/1/wrad005/7512817" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The ISME Journal</a>.



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Arctic seabed bacteria play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth

The Arctic, a realm often perceived as desolate and inhospitable,...

Did you know there’s more to tea than just its flavor? Every sip of tea holds a hidden universe that was born in the plant, teeming with microscopic life that shapes its unique flavor. 



Scientists from Chinese universities including <a href="https://english.fafu.edu.cn/main.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University</a> have revealed the secrets of this miniature world within the roots of tea plants.



The experts have uncovered how specific microbes at the roots act as tiny alchemists coordinating the chemical reactions defining a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perfect cup of tea</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mini-tea-ecosystem">Mini tea ecosystem</h2>



Curious about how tiny creatures in tea plant roots impact flavor, the scientists started collecting samples from different tea plants, especially the prized Rougui variety, known for its calming taste. They identified the different types of microorganisms living in the roots and soil.&nbsp;



Next, to see how these organisms work together, the experts created a mini-version of the community. Basically, they created a tiny tea plant ecosystem in a lab. The researchers named this synthetic community “SynCom21.”



Then came the fun part: growing plants. The researchers planted tea plants and even lab plants like Arabidopsis, both within and without SynCom21. 



This experiment was conducted under conditions where there wasn't enough nitrogen in the soil, a nutrient crucial for plant growth. 



By carefully watching how the plants grew and how much nitrogen they absorbed, the experts could see how the microbes made a difference.



Outside the SynCom21, the researchers also wanted to understand the natural production of a calming compound called theanine. 



To gauge this, they compared the roots of two different tea plants- Rougui, known for its high theanine content, to Maoxie, which has lower levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-tea-plant-growth">Enhanced tea plant growth</h2>



Plants with SynCom21 grew taller and stronger, and were better at using nitrogen. Even better, they made more theanine.



“Crucially, through the isolation and assembly of a synthetic microbial community from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matcha-tea-relieves-symptoms-of-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-quality tea</a> roots, we managed to notably enhance the amino acid content in various tea plant varieties, resulting in an improvement in tea quality," said Tongda Xu from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fujian, China.



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



High-theanine roots had more "good" microbes that helped grab nitrogen from the soil. The plant uses this nitrogen to make theanine, especially in the fall when it makes the most.



The experts also found that the tiny microbes living in tea plant roots change throughout the year, especially those that help the plant use nitrogen. These "nitrogen helpers" are most plentiful in the fall, which is also when the tea plant makes the most of calming theanine.&nbsp;



The results suggest that the relationship between plants and these tiny helpers is constantly changing and depends on the time of year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-for-tea-plants">Broader implications for tea plants</h2>



The discovery could help farmers grow more food while being kinder to the Earth. It isn't just about delicious, calming tea. It suggests similar strategies could be used for other crops.&nbsp;



“The initial expectation for the synthetic microbial community derived from high-quality tea plant roots was to enhance the quality of low-quality tea plants," said study co-author Wenxin Tang.



"However, to our astonishment, we discovered that the synthetic microbial community not only enhances the quality of low-quality tea plants but also exerts a significant promoting effect on certain high-quality tea varieties. Furthermore, this effect is particularly pronounced in low-nitrogen soil conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-food">Sustainable food</h2>



The tiny helpers in the roots seem to make plants better at using nitrogen and creating special compounds, like theanine in tea. This means we might be able to use the same idea to make fruits, vegetables, and grains tastier, healthier, and even tougher in changing weather.&nbsp;



The research could be a big step towards growing food in a way that's good for both humans and the planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Great tasting tea comes from healthy root microbes in the plants

Did you know there’s more to tea than just its...

Sorbitol, a common sugar alcohol found in various sugar-free products and natural foods, has long puzzled those who experience gas and discomfort upon consumption. 



Researchers at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> have made significant strides in understanding the root cause of sorbitol intolerance, shedding light on how changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-hardships-are-reflected-in-their-childs-gut-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiome</a> can affect one's ability to digest this compound. Their findings point to a promising new direction for treating and managing this condition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-culprit-a-common-sugar-free-ingredient">The culprit: A common sugar-free ingredient</h2>



Sorbitol is widely used in sugar-free gum, candies, and diet foods, and occurs naturally in fruits like apricots, apples, and avocados. 



While beneficial for those seeking lower-calorie options, sorbitol can cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea at high levels. 



A condition known as sorbitol intolerance arises in some individuals from even minimal intake, leading to significant discomfort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sorbitol-and-the-gut-microbiome">Sorbitol and the gut microbiome</h2>



The study conducted on mice revealed a fascinating interaction between antibiotics, a high-fat diet, and the gut microbiome's ability to process sorbitol. 



Specifically, such a diet, when combined with antibiotic use, diminishes the population of Clostridia -- a key group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beer-may-be-better-for-your-gut-than-probiotics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbes</a> responsible for breaking down sorbitol.



Jee-Yon Lee is the study's lead author and an assistant project scientist at the UC Davis <a href="https://health.ucdavis.edu/medmicro/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology</a> 



She explains, "Our research suggests that microbial sorbitol degradation normally protects the host against sorbitol intolerance. However, an impairment in the microbial ability to break down sorbitol causes sorbitol intolerance."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-oxygen-in-the-gut-microbiome">Role of oxygen in the gut microbiome</h2>



The team utilized metagenomic analysis to identify gut bacteria equipped with genes for producing the enzyme needed to digest sorbitol. 



Their research highlighted the drastic reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-use-bacteria-to-convert-co2-into-valuable-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clostridium bacteria</a>, which thrive in low-oxygen environments, following antibiotic treatment.



Following antibiotic administration and a high-saturated fat diet, the cells lining the gut consumed less oxygen. This led to increased oxygen levels in the gut, which adversely affected Clostridia populations, impairing sorbitol digestion.



To counteract this, the researchers experimented with reintroducing specific gut bacteria to restore sorbitol digestion capabilities. 



One successful method involved administering Anaerostipes caccae, a bacterium that produces butyrate. 



This compound improves oxygen consumption by gut lining cells, thereby reducing oxygen levels in the intestine and allowing Clostridia levels to normalize. 



This adjustment helped protect mice from sorbitol-induced diarrhea, showcasing a potential pathway for treating sorbitol intolerance in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-guilt-free-treats">New perspective on guilt-free treats</h2>



The study suggests that mesalazine, a drug commonly used for treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-dye-linked-to-inflammatory-bowel-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammatory bowel diseases</a>, could offer a new treatment avenue for sorbitol intolerance. 



By mimicking the oxygen-lowering effects of butyrate-producing bacteria, mesalazine could encourage a gut environment where Clostridia can thrive, mitigating sorbitol intolerance symptoms.



"This discovery is crucial, given the prevalent use of sorbitol in keto-friendly diet foods and other high-fat content products," Lee added. 



Highlighting the importance of oxygen consumption in the gut's epithelial lining, the research underscores the delicate balance required among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut bacteria</a> for effective digestion of certain sugars.



However, the researchers caution that mice, unlike humans, possess a cecum that aids in digesting carbohydrates, allowing them to tolerate higher levels of sorbitol. 



Clinical studies are necessary to confirm whether mesalazine could effectively treat sorbitol intolerance in humans.



"Our study provides a completely new starting point for approaches to diagnose, prevent, and treat sorbitol intolerance," said Andreas Bäumler, the study's senior author and a distinguished professor at UC Davis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-our-lives-in-a-sugar-free-future">Improving our lives in a sugar-free future</h2>



In summary, this discovery by the team at UC Davis offers new insights into the causes of sorbitol intolerance and opens up promising avenues for its treatment. 



By identifying the critical role of gut microbiome composition and oxygen levels in the digestion of sorbitol, this study offers innovative approaches to manage and alleviate the discomfort associated with sorbitol intolerance. 



The potential application of mesalazine as a treatment underscores the importance of ongoing research in understanding gut health and its impact on our overall well-being. 



With further clinical studies, these findings could lead to more effective strategies for those affected by sorbitol intolerance, enhancing the quality of life for many.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867424000667" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Why sugar-free candy and sugar-free gum give many people gas

Sorbitol, a common sugar alcohol found in various sugar-free products...

The arrival of spring in the Santa Monica Mountains, located northwest of Los Angeles, signals a vibrant bloom of native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-are-self-fertilizing-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-pollinators/">wildflowers</a>. These floral displays are not just a feast for the eyes; they play crucial roles in supporting local ecosystems by providing sustenance for insects, enhancing soil health, and facilitating water filtration into the earth.&nbsp;



Despite their resilience and ability to recover from wildfire - a phenomenon they have adapted to over millennia - recent findings indicate that these native wildflowers are facing increasing challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vehicle-emissions-nbsp">Vehicle emissions&nbsp;</h2>



In groundbreaking research led by Justin Valliere, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis </a>Department of Plant Sciences, it has been discovered that the regrowth of native wildflowers and plants, typically expected post-wildfire, is being hindered by invasive species. 



This shift is attributed to the nitrogen found in vehicle emissions, marking a significant departure from the natural rejuvenation process following fires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-vulnerability-nbsp">Increasing vulnerability&nbsp;</h2>



“Many native plants in fire-prone areas rely on fire, and some are entirely dependent on it. Some are even most abundant after a fire. But we found that these fire-following species may be especially vulnerable to the combination of nitrogen pollution and invasive plants,” Valliere explained. This vulnerability is contributing to a noticeable decline in the native plant population within these mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-for-resources-nbsp">Fighting for resources&nbsp;</h2>



The ecological dynamic described by Valliere can be likened to a depleting bank account, where the "deposits" - in the form of seeds ready to sprout following fires - are not being adequately replenished.&nbsp;



While fire serves as a vital ecological catalyst, recycling nutrients back into the soil for the dormant seeds to utilize upon the next rainfall, invasive species, benefiting from an early start, rapid growth, and higher seed production, are outcompeting the natives.&nbsp;



These invaders exploit the nitrogen and other nutrients from vehicle emissions, effectively winning the essential resources of water and sunlight and inhibiting the growth and maturation of native plants.



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



The 2013 Springs Fire offered Valliere and his team, including colleagues from <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/">UC Riverside </a>and the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/index.htm">National Park Service</a>, a unique window to study the effects of wildfire coupled with nitrogen enrichment on native vegetation.&nbsp;



By simulating the nitrogen levels typical of Los Angeles smog in the Santa Monica Mountains test plots, the research demonstrated an accelerated decline of native plants in nitrogen-enhanced soils, post-wildfire.



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



The study's findings underscore the precarious balance native plants maintain and the dire consequences of their decline, including the potential loss of native pollinators and increased risk of mudslides.&nbsp;



Valliere's research serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of air pollution on fire-adapted ecosystems globally, raising concerns about biodiversity in regions similar to the Mediterranean basin, southern Africa, and Australia.



As Valliere warns, the intrusion of urban smog into these delicate ecosystems could spell disaster for their biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for strategies to mitigate these impacts and preserve the natural splendor and ecological balance of fire-prone landscapes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17117" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Native wildflowers that thrive after fire are facing new challenges

The arrival of spring in the Santa Monica Mountains, located...

A new study utilizing advanced computational models has made a startling prediction about the future of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-rainfall/">Atlantic</a> Ocean. 



Researchers suggest that a subduction zone located beneath the Gibraltar Strait is set to extend further into the Atlantic, potentially giving rise to an Atlantic Ring of Fire, akin to the Pacific's notorious volcanic and seismic belt.&nbsp;



This significant geological shift is expected to occur 'soon' on a geological scale, approximately 20 million years from now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wilson-cycle-nbsp">The Wilson Cycle&nbsp;</h2>



The concept of oceans as permanent fixtures on Earth's surface is challenged by the reality of the Wilson Cycle, which describes the birth, growth, and eventual closure of oceanic bodies over hundreds of millions of years.&nbsp;



The Atlantic Ocean itself, formed from the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea around 180 million years ago, is destined to follow this cycle and eventually close. The Mediterranean Sea stands as a remnant of the once vast Tethys Ocean that lay between Africa and Eurasia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subduction-invasion-nbsp">Subduction invasion&nbsp;</h2>



For the Atlantic to transition from expansion to closure, new subduction zones, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, must emerge. However, the formation of subduction zones is a complex process due to the immense strength of tectonic plates.&nbsp;



A potential resolution to this "paradox" is the migration of subduction zones from older, contracting oceans, like the Mediterranean, to younger basins, such as the Atlantic - a process termed "subduction invasion."



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



This research marks the first illustration of such an invasion occurring directly. A sophisticated, gravity-driven 3-D model forecasts the expansion of a subduction zone beneath the Gibraltar Strait into the Atlantic, laying the groundwork for an Atlantic subduction system. This transformative event is predicted to unfold in roughly 20 million years.



João Duarte, the study's lead author from the Instituto Dom Luiz at the <a href="https://www.ulisboa.pt/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lisbon</a>'s Faculty of Sciences (Ciências ULisboa), Portugal, highlights the technological advancements enabling this discovery: “Subduction invasion is inherently a three-dimensional process that requires advanced modeling tools and supercomputers that were not available a few years ago. We can now simulate the formation of the Gibraltar Arc with great detail and also how it may evolve in the deep future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



The study also re-evaluates the activity of the Gibraltar subduction zone, which some researchers previously thought was dormant due to a slowdown in activity over the last million years. The findings suggest this lull will persist for another 20 million years before the zone invades the Atlantic and intensifies, marking the onset of crustal recycling on the Atlantic's eastern flank and potentially the beginning of the ocean's closure.



Duarte further explains the significance of studying the Gibraltar zone: “There are two other subduction zones on the other side of the Atlantic – the Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean, and the Scotia Arc, near Antarctica. However, these subduction zones invaded the Atlantic several million years ago. Studying Gibraltar is an invaluable opportunity because it allows observing the process in its early stages when it is just happening.”



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



This research posits subduction invasion as a likely mechanism for initiating subduction in Atlantic-type oceans, underscoring its importance in Earth's geological evolution.&nbsp;



Moreover, the confirmation of ongoing activity in the Gibraltar subduction zone carries implications for seismic risk in the region, emphasizing the need for preparedness against potentially devastating earthquakes, reminiscent of the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/G51654.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>.



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The Atlantic Ocean may soon enter its declining phase

A new study utilizing advanced computational models has made a...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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