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...

In a surprising discovery, South Asian fishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-better-at-expressing-emotions-than-cats-except-for-anger/">cats</a> have been caught on camera raiding bird nests in tall trees. 



According to experts from the <a href="https://www.du.ac.bd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Dhaka</a>, this is the first time that this rare and highly unusual behavior has been observed.



The cats were captured on motion cameras set up in tree canopies across northeast Bangladesh. 



This observation not only adds a new dimension to our understanding of these elusive cats but also holds significant implications for their conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-footage">Unexpected footage</h2>



Professor Muntasir Akash and his team analyzed approximately 282 days of footage from unbaited passive infrared cameras. 



The researchers discovered 19 instances of nocturnal predation by fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) on bird colonies, a behavior never documented before in such an environment.&nbsp;



One striking image captured a fishing cat in the act of biting the neck of a little cormorant chick in a nest high in an 8m-tall Indian Oak tree. 



"That is a pretty high tree for a fishing cat," said Professor Akash, expressing his surprise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fishing-cats-have-dual-features">Fishing cats have dual features </h2>



Fishing cats are known for their aquatic adaptations, including water-resistant fur, semi-retractile claws, and partially webbed forepaws, which aid in hunting their primary prey, river fish. 



However, despite their specialized fish-eating diet, they retain many typical feline features.&nbsp;



“Their dentition, except for the large premolars to grip any slippery prey, is of general felid structure,” said Professor Akash. “And their semi-webbed forepaws are no more webbed than those of a bobcat.”



The feline features retained by fishing cats may assist in their survival during the monsoon season when their regular foraging habitats are flooded, making fishing challenging or impossible.&nbsp;



The ability to hunt birds in tall trees could provide an alternative food source and shelter during the rainy season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-fishing-cat-conservation">Implications and fishing cat conservation</h2>



These beautiful animals, unfortunately, face significant threats from humans. These adept hunters are often driven away from fertile fishing areas and are subject to hunting due to perceived dangers or competition for food. 



“Monitoring of media reports on human-fishing cat conflicts suggests that a fresh conflict is happening in the country every two weeks,” noted Professor Akash. 



“Conservation efforts targeting fishing cats should thus be prioritized and all options for effective mitigation scientifically assessed.”



The destruction of wetlands, essential habitats for these cats, poses an additional threat. 



The species is currently listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.&nbsp;



The discovery that fishing cats depend on wetland bird colonies, which are themselves threatened by hunting and tree felling, underscores the interconnectedness of these ecosystems.&nbsp;



Professor Akash suggests that maintaining stable wetland bird colonies might benefit not only the wetlands and fishing cats but also the local communities that rely on these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-asian-fishing-cats-nbsp">South Asian fishing cats&nbsp;</h2>



The South Asian fishing cat is a fascinating and unique species native to the wetlands of South Asia. This medium-sized wild cat is notably adept at swimming, which is unusual among felines.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



Fishing cats have a strong association with watery environments like swamps, marshes, and mangrove forests. They are found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.&nbsp;



Their fur is a greyish color with distinctive dark spots and stripes, an adaptation that helps them blend into their watery habitat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



Their webbed feet are a significant adaptation that aids in swimming, and they are known to dive into water to catch fish, their primary diet. Fishing cats also consume other aquatic animals and some small terrestrial prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior">Behavior</h3>



The fishing cat exhibits nocturnal behavior, meaning they are primarily active during the night. They are solitary animals, coming together only during the mating season. 



Females give birth to litters of around two to three kittens.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



Unfortunately, fishing cats are facing several threats that have put them on the endangered species list. Habitat destruction due to urbanization, pollution, and the draining of wetlands for agriculture are significant factors.&nbsp;



Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats and promote awareness of their ecological importance.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2023-0074" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mammalia</a>.



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What are fishing cats and why are they raiding bird nests in the treetops?

In a surprising discovery, South Asian fishing cats have been...

The use of biofuels could lead to a dramatic reduction of over 90% in black smoke emissions from vehicles, according to a breakthrough study from the <a href="https://www.uma.es/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Malaga</a>.



The research, which was a collaboration with the Future Power Systems Group of the University of Birmingham, represents a significant discovery in the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/windshield-wiper-fluid-accounts-for-large-percentage-of-toxic-vehicle-emissions/">vehicle emissions</a>.&nbsp;



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



The investigative efforts at the University of Malaga were led by Francisco Javier Martos, a professor in the School of Industrial Engineering.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed the soot nanoparticles produced by engines using various biofuels. This included bio-alcohols such as butanol, pentanol, and cyclopentanol, as well as bio-ketones like cyclopentanone.&nbsp;



The team used High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), which was conducted at the Central Research Support Services of the UMA (SCAI).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-game-changer-nbsp">Potential game-changer&nbsp;</h2>



The core of the study revolved around the blending of oxygenated biofuels with diesel. Specifically, the team focused on a 20-percent volume concentration of this blend.&nbsp;



This particular blend was found to significantly reduce the production of soot - the black smoke commonly emitted by cars. Soot is known for its detrimental effects on both the environment and public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-production-nbsp">Sustainable production&nbsp;</h2>



A key aspect of these biofuels is their sustainable production process. They can be derived from low carbon biomass residues, such as waste oils, algae, and agricultural or forestry residues. This not only makes them environmentally friendly, but also a potential game-changer in the automotive fuel industry.



Professor Martos emphasized the efficiency and practicality of these biofuels: "Our research shows that the biofuels studied, which we obtained in the laboratory, apart from producing very little soot, behave in the engine similarly to the fuel of any gas station, which means that there would be no need to make changes for it to work normally."



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



The implications of the research are far-reaching. Soot particles, as explained by Professor Martos, pose a serious threat to the environment and public health.&nbsp;



"Soot particles emitted by engines are expelled into the environment and remain suspended in the air, affecting the climate, since they increase the greenhouse effect, and public health, because they do not settle to the ground, so they are very likely to be inhaled by living beings," said Professor Martos.



By reducing soot emissions, the use of biofuels could significantly mitigate these public health risks.



The study not only highlights a potential path to reducing the environmental footprint of thermal engines but also "opens the door to the use of non-petroleum fuels that could reduce the emission of pollutants in vehicles.”



The experts behind the research are already working towards the commercialization of these biofuels, having established agreements with several brands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-smoke-emissions">Black smoke emissions</h2>



Black smoke emissions from cars, typically diesel vehicles, are a significant environmental concern. This smoke is primarily composed of carbon particles resulting from incomplete combustion of diesel fuel.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors">Contributing factors</h3>



The reasons for such emissions can be varied, including a clogged air filter, malfunctioning injectors, or problems in the engine's internal components.



One key factor contributing to black smoke is an imbalance in the fuel-to-air ratio, where too much fuel and not enough air leads to incomplete fuel burning. This can occur when air filters are blocked, reducing the amount of air entering the engine, or when fuel injectors deliver too much fuel.&nbsp;



Additionally, issues with the turbocharger, responsible for supplying extra air to the engine, can also lead to black smoke.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts">Potential impacts</h3>



The black smoke is not only a sign of fuel inefficiency, but it also has environmental and health implications. It contains a variety of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, which can have severe effects on human health, particularly on the respiratory system. Furthermore, these emissions contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation">Mitigation</h3>



To mitigate these issues, regular vehicle maintenance is crucial. This includes checking and replacing air filters, ensuring injectors are functioning correctly, and resolving any turbocharger issues. 



Furthermore, advancements in engine technology and stricter emission standards have led to cleaner and more efficient diesel engines, which help reduce the occurrence of black smoke emissions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130641." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuel</a>.



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Biofuels may eliminate 90% of black smoke emissions from cars

The use of biofuels could lead to a dramatic reduction...

African,Elephant,(loxodonta,Africana),Mother,With,Baby,,Feeding,On,Acacia

Disturbing new research has uncovered how climate change impacts African elephants. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society (<a href="https://www.wcs.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WCS</a>), reveals alarming findings, urging an immediate call to action by the international community.



Older African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-understanding-celebrating-and-protecting-earths-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> face significantly reduced survival chances under climate change. This not only threatens the species’ resilience but also disrupts the ecosystems they inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-biodiverse-haven-under-threat">A biodiverse haven under threat</h2>



The research centers on Africa's Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL), a vast 15,700-square-kilometer region stretching across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 



This biodiverse area, hosting seven national parks and various reserves, is also the habitat of critically endangered African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-may-be-the-first-non-human-animals-to-call-each-other-by-names/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, vital for their ecosystem roles and cultural significance.



Historically, studies have not fully explored the interplay between environmental dynamics, climate change, elephant demographics, and habitat influences. 



To bridge this gap, <a href="https://uganda.wcs.org/About-Us/Staff/ProjectId/941.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Nampindo</a> (WCS Uganda Country Director and <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMass Amherst</a> Ph.D. graduate) and <a href="https://eco.umass.edu/people/faculty/randhir-timothy-o/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timothy Randhir</a>, a UMass Amherst professor, developed a systems dynamic model. 



“This model,” says Nampindo, “can look at all the different environmental and population dynamics within a system. For the first time, we’re able to get a comprehensive vision of what the future might look like for African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-do-elephants-eat-study-shows-they-have-unique-dietary-preferences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> in the face of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-older-african-elephants">Impact of climate change on older African elephants</h2>



Nampindo and Randhir constructed their model using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-elephants-got-their-incredible-iconic-trunks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant</a> population data, historical landscape changes, and various future climate-change scenarios, projecting warming of 1.6 ºC, 2.8ºC, and 4.3ºC over the next 80 years. 



They then analyzed how each climate scenario would impact five different elephant age groups: under 10 years, 11 - 30 years, 31 - 40 years, 41 - 50 years, and over 50 years.



“Any impact on one age class echoes through the entire population,” Randhir notes. 



The findings are stark, to say the least. Older <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-elephants-suddenly-dropped-dead-in-2020-and-questions-remain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, crucial as matriarchal leaders, will be severely affected across all climate warming scenarios. Their loss would disrupt herd dynamics, genetic profiles, and landscape interactions.



“We found that the older elephants will be massively affected by warming under every scenario,” says Nampindo. 



“Elephants are matriarchal -- their leaders are the older cows, and the herds depend on their wisdom, long memories and ability to outsmart prey, and if they are lost to changing climate, it will wreak havoc on the surviving, younger herds, as well as change the genetic profiles and structures of the herd. There will also be ripple effects through the GVL’s landscape,” Nampindo explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-conservation-policies">Shaping conservation policies</h2>



But the study offers more than grim forecasts. Randhir highlights its utility for policy guidance, emphasizing the need for coordinated management across the GVL. 



Strategies must encompass anti-poaching efforts, community-led programs, and habitat management to counter fragmentation, fire, and invasive species.



“These results are very important to WCS,” says Nampindo, underscoring the broader implications. “If we can do a good job at protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-savannah-elephants-need-connected-habitats-for-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, our efforts will reverberate to other species, such as lions and mountain gorillas.”



“More broadly,” says Randhir, “the most exciting thing about this systems dynamic modeling is that it can be adapted to&nbsp;any&nbsp;migratory species that move across political boundaries, from fish to birds to lions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-african-elephants-climate-change-and-the-future">African elephants, climate change, and the future</h2>



In summary, the jolting research by Nampindo and Randhir offers a critical lens through which we can view the future of African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> amidst the growing challenges of climate change. 



By employing a dynamic systems model, their study highlights the vulnerability of different elephant age groups to rising temperatures while underscoring the necessity for collaborative, multi-faceted conservation strategies. 



These strategies must integrate anti-poaching efforts, community engagement, and habitat management to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures. 



This study, therefore, stands not just as a call to action for the conservation of African elephants, but as a blueprint for safeguarding migratory species across diverse ecosystems and political boundaries.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/sustainabilitytransformation/article?id=10.1371/journal.pstr.0000094" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Sustainability and Transformation</a>.



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African elephants will soon become extinct without immediate international help

Disturbing new research has uncovered how climate change impacts African...

The discovery of a deadly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-bird-flu-outbreak-requires-urgent-coordinated-response/">bird flu</a> in gentoo penguins has raised alarm about its potential spread among Antarctica's penguin colonies. Researchers from the <a href="https://scar.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research</a> (SCAR) discovered about 35 penguins dead on the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic on January 19. 



Ralph Vanstreels, a veterinarian working with SCAR, confirmed that samples from two of the dead penguins tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus.&nbsp;



According to Falkland Islands government spokesperson Sally Heathmanas, as of 30 January, “there are over 200 chicks dead alongside a handful of adults.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-populations-affected-globally">Bird populations affected globally</h2>



The incident underscores the vulnerability of gentoo penguins to the lethal disease that has affected bird populations globally. Despite the geographical distance between the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula - roughly 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) - gentoo penguins' unlikely travel between these regions suggests a lower risk of the virus spreading to the southern continent.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bracing-for-a-widespread-outbreak-nbsp">Bracing for a widespread outbreak&nbsp;</h2>



However, Vanstreels, affiliated with the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California-Davis</a>, highlighted a critical concern. "The role that gentoo penguins could have, instead, is to serve as local reservoirs of infection," he said.



Further tests are pending for rockhopper penguins, with the Falkland Islands government bracing for a widespread outbreak. In South Georgia, Meagan Dewar, who leads SCAR's Antarctic Wildlife Health Network, ruled out bird flu in king penguins after a comprehensive survey.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-concern">Increasing concern</h2>



The densely packed penguin colonies in Antarctica and nearby islands could facilitate rapid virus transmission among individuals, causing significant concern among conservationists.&nbsp;



Vanstreels expressed particular worry about other species, noting the larger number of elephant seals and fur seals succumbing to the bird flu in South Georgia and South America.&nbsp;



"This is especially concerning because South Georgia is home to 95 percent of the world's population of Antarctic fur seals," he said, underscoring the dire implications for the species if the population collapses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-h5n1-avian-influenza-virus">H5N1 avian influenza virus</h2>



The H5N1 avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, is a type of influenza virus that primarily affects birds, but can also infect humans and other animals. It is a highly pathogenic strain, meaning it has the potential to cause severe disease and high mortality rates in poultry. The virus is categorized under the type A influenza viruses, which are known for their ability to cause pandemics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pandemic-potential">Pandemic potential </h3>



The H5N1 virus first gained attention in 1997 during an outbreak in Hong Kong, where it was transmitted from birds to humans, leading to six deaths. This was the first instance of a direct bird-to-human transmission of avian influenza, raising global concerns about its potential to cause a pandemic.&nbsp;



Since then, outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza have been reported in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, affecting both wild birds and domestic poultry. Human cases of H5N1 infection are rare but can occur after direct or close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symptoms">Symptoms</h3>



Infection with H5N1 in humans can lead to severe respiratory illness and has a high mortality rate. Symptoms are similar to other types of flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, but can quickly progress to severe respiratory issues and pneumonia.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-control-and-prevention-nbsp">Control and prevention&nbsp;</h3>



Control and prevention measures for H5N1 avian influenza focus on reducing the risk of transmission from birds to humans. These measures include monitoring and surveillance of poultry farms, culling infected or exposed birds, vaccination of poultry, and implementing biosecurity practices.&nbsp;



For humans, avoiding contact with infected birds, practicing good personal hygiene, and following travel advisories to areas with known outbreaks are recommended precautions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-nbsp">Ongoing research&nbsp;</h3>



Research and development of vaccines for H5N1 are ongoing, with some vaccines available for use in poultry and others being developed for humans. However, the effectiveness of these vaccines can vary due to the virus's ability to mutate rapidly, leading to new strains that vaccines may not protect against.



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Gentoo penguins are the latest victims of bird flu

The discovery of a deadly bird flu in gentoo penguins...

In the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, a new study from <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> suggests that having a sense of purpose in life is an important aspect of attracting a partner. 



The research highlights the potential for deeper connections when individuals pursue their passions and meet others with similar drives and goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sense-of-purpose-nbsp">Sense of purpose&nbsp;</h2>



The study sheds light on the impact of showcasing a sense of purpose in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rituals-can-strengthen-commitment-among-couples-who-are-dating/">dating</a> app profiles.&nbsp;



The researchers explored this concept through a unique study. They investigated how individuals with a pronounced sense of purpose are perceived on dating platforms.&nbsp;



“In general we found people with a higher purpose were considered to be more romantically attractive,” said study lead author Isabella D’Ottone.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-profiles-nbsp">Dating profiles&nbsp;</h2>



For the investigation, the research team created and analyzed nine dating profiles, four of which represented different categories of sense of purpose – prosocial, relationship, financial, and creative orientations – and five control profiles with no indicated purpose. The profiles were evaluated by 119 participants for various attractiveness measures.&nbsp;



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



The results revealed that profiles demonstrating a sense of purpose, regardless of the category, were consistently rated higher in attractiveness. This finding was especially pronounced when the participant shared the same purpose orientation as the profile.



However, the team noted an exception in the financial orientation category. Profiles with a financial purpose were not as favorably received unless the evaluating participant also valued financial goals.&nbsp;



“In general, looking at all the purpose profiles, people were not as attracted to the financially oriented person,” said D’Ottone. This suggests that while a sense of purpose is generally appealing, the specific nature of that purpose can influence its attractiveness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-your-passions-nbsp">Chasing your passions&nbsp;</h2>



D’Ottone, now a research associate at the University of Miami, emphasized the broader implications of their findings. She noted that this isn’t about faking a passion for something but, maybe finding love where you don’t expect it.&nbsp;



Chasing a special someone may end with a mismatch, “but chasing your passions, you might find that person along the way,” explained D’Ottone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-out-people-with-a-purpose-nbsp">Seeking out people with a purpose&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Patrick Hill noted that this study was a “phenomenal” project for an undergraduate to take on and it builds on the lab’s work on why sense of purpose is connected to better relationships.&nbsp;



It’s not just about physical attraction, but also about recognizing someone who has direction in life, said Professor Hill. “When it comes to attraction, knowing someone has a direction matters."



D’Ottone’s work speaks to how people are picking up on sense of purpose and factoring that into how they are attracted to others, whether they are aware of that or not, said Professor Hill. “We actually seek out people with a purpose."



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s41042-023-00136-z">International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology</a>.&nbsp;



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Having a sense of purpose makes you more likely to find love 

In the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, a new study...

Kimchi,Cabbage,Eating,By,Chopsticks,,Korean,Homemade,Fermented,Side,Dish

The intriguing relationship between kimchi consumption, health, and obesity reduction has recently come to light in a study published in the BMJ Open. 



This comprehensive research delves into the effects of this beloved Korean staple on human health, particularly concerning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-impairs-the-brains-response-to-nutrient-intake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kimchi-a-culinary-staple-with-health-benefits">Kimchi: A culinary staple with health benefits </h2>



Kimchi, a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, is a fermented dish primarily made from cabbage and radish. It's crafted by fermenting these vegetables with a variety of seasonings like onion, garlic, and fish sauce. 



Not only is it low in calories, but it's also a rich source of dietary fiber, beneficial lactic acid bacteria, vitamins, and polyphenols.



Past experimental studies have highlighted the anti-obesity properties of Lactobacillus brevis and L. plantarum, strains of bacteria found in kimchi. 



Building on this, researchers sought to understand if regular kimchi consumption could reduce the risk of overall and abdominal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fructose-puts-the-body-in-low-power-mode-fueling-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>, the latter being particularly detrimental to health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-kimchi-and-obesity">Studying kimchi and obesity</h2>



The study utilized data from 115,726 individuals (36,756 men and 78,970 women with an average age of 51) participating in the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25743837/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Health Examinees</a> (HEXA) study. 



HEXA, part of the larger Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, focuses on identifying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-air-pollution-and-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> and genetic risk factors for common conditions in Korean adults over 40.



Participants’ dietary intake was assessed using a 106-item food frequency questionnaire. This tool helped researchers understand the frequency of kimchi consumption among participants, ranging from never to up to three times a day.



 The study considered various types of kimchi, including cabbage (baechu) and radish (kkakdugi) kimchi, watery versions like nabak and dongchimi, and other varieties such as mustard greens kimchi. 



Serving sizes varied, with 50 g for baechu or kkakdugi and 95 g for nabak or dongchimi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



Researchers observed a J-shaped curve in the relationship between kimchi consumption and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-fat-with-food-tropical-plant-in-china-has-anti-obesity-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>. Notably, those consuming more than five servings daily tended to have higher weights, waist sizes, and obesity rates. 



These individuals were also more likely to have lower education levels, lower incomes, and a propensity for alcohol consumption.



The study found that consuming up to three servings of kimchi daily was linked to an 11% lower prevalence of obesity compared to those who ate less than one serving. 



Specifically, in men, three or more servings of baechu kimchi daily correlated with a 10% decrease in overall and abdominal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-and-obesity-have-opposing-effects-on-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> rates. 



In women, two to three servings of the same variety were associated with an 8% reduction in obesity, while one to two servings per day corresponded with a 6% decrease in abdominal obesity.



Interestingly, consuming below-average quantities of kkakdugi kimchi was linked to a 9% lower prevalence of obesity in both sexes. 



Moreover, consumption of 25 g/day for men and 11 g/day for women was associated with an 8% (men) to 11% (women) lower risk of abdominal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-gut-bacteria-promote-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>.



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



It's important to note that this is an observational study and cannot definitively establish cause and effect. 



Additionally, the use of food frequency questionnaires has its limitations in accurately quantifying food intake. The findings may also not be applicable to populations outside Korea.



Despite the health benefits, the researchers caution against excessive kimchi consumption due to its high sodium content, which can be detrimental to overall health. 



However, they suggest that the potassium in fermented vegetables may help counteract this effect.



In summary, the study concludes that while moderate kimchi consumption appears beneficial in reducing obesity prevalence, excessive intake could lead to adverse health outcomes. 



As one of the major sources of sodium intake, a balanced consumption of kimchi is recommended to enjoy its health benefits without the associated risks.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/2/e076650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Open</a>.



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Eating kimchi helps shed belly fat and improves overall health

The intriguing relationship between kimchi consumption, health, and obesity reduction...

In a recent study, scientists from <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) examined the degradation rates of different types of straws in the ocean. 



The research, conducted in collaboration with <a href="https://www.eastman.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastman</a>, a bioplastic manufacturing company, aimed to identify sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-straws-banned-small/">straws</a>.



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



The team suspended various types of straws in a tank of continuously flowing seawater from Martha’s Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts, to mimic natural marine conditions. 



The types tested included straws made of cellulose diacetate (CDA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), paper, polylactic acid (PLA), and polypropylene (PP).&nbsp;



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



Over 16 weeks, the researchers observed that the CDA, PHA, and paper straws degraded by up to 50%, with an estimated environmental lifetime of 10-20 months in the coastal ocean. In contrast, PLA and PP straws showed no measurable signs of degradation.



"We lack a firm understanding of how long plastics last in the ocean, so we've been designing methods to measure how fast these materials degrade,” said Collin Ward, a WHOI scientist. “It turns out, in this case, there are some bioplastic straws that actually degrade fairly quickly, which is good news.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foam-straws">Foam straws</h2>



The study also compared two CDA straws provided by Eastman, one solid and the other a foam variant. The foam CDA straw, a prototype designed to increase surface area and accelerate degradation, was found to degrade 184% faster than the solid straw, indicating a shorter projected environmental lifetime than even the paper straws.



“The unique aspects of this foam straw are that it's able to have a shorter expected lifetime than the paper straws but retain the properties that you enjoy of a plastic or a bioplastic straw,” explained Bryan James, a WHOI scientist.



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



Jeff Carbeck, Eastman’s Vice President of Corporate Innovation, emphasized the significance of the study for straw manufacturers.&nbsp;



“This study can be immensely valuable for straw manufacturers by providing informed and transparent data when selecting a material for straws. Even more, it provides reassurance that CDA-based straws won’t add to the persistent plastic pollution, while also demonstrating straw manufacturers’ commitment to offering a sustainable product that reduces risk to marine life.”



The findings highlight the importance of developing new materials that are sustainably sourced and degrade more effectively in the environment, thus reducing the impact of plastic pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-straws-and-the-environment-nbsp">Plastic straws and the environment&nbsp;</h2>



Plastic straws have become a significant environmental concern due to their impact on ecosystems, particularly marine life.&nbsp;



Most plastic straws are made from polypropylene or polystyrene, which are not biodegradable. This means they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-pollution">Ocean pollution</h3>



Many plastic straws end up in the ocean, contributing to the vast amount of plastic waste there. They can harm marine life through ingestion or entanglement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-harm">Wildlife harm</h3>



Marine animals, including fish, turtles, and seabirds, can mistake plastic straws for food. This can lead to injury or death. Straws can also block airways or digestive tracts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-generation">Microplastics generation</h3>



Over time, plastic straws break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics. These microplastics are difficult to clean up and can be ingested by marine life, entering the food chain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resource-intensive">Resource intensive</h3>



The production of plastic straws involves the use of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and also results in the emission of greenhouse gases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-recycling">Challenges in recycling</h3>



Plastic straws are often not recycled due to their small size and lightweight nature, which makes them difficult to process in standard recycling equipment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c07391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Sustainable Chemistry &amp; Engineering</a>.



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Some plastic straws degrade faster than others

In a recent study, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution...

Two,Otters,Floating,Hold,Paws

In a stunning display of nature's resilience, the Elkhorn Slough, a salt marsh-dominated estuary in central California, has undergone a significant ecosystem transformation over the past few decades, thanks to the return of sea otters to their former habitat.



Traditionally, coastal areas like Elkhorn Slough are subject to erosion from rising sea levels and stronger tidal currents. 



However, with the reintroduction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-maternal-drive-helps-sea-otters-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>, the estuary has seen a dramatic reduction in erosion rates. In areas densely populated by otters, erosion has decreased by up to 90%. 



This improvement is attributed to the revival of marsh and streamside vegetation, which, with its densely matted root systems, has become more resilient against flooding and surging waves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-otters-role-in-transforming-ecoystems">Sea otters' role in transforming ecoystems</h2>



A recent study published in the journal Nature highlights the significant impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>. Their insatiable appetite for plant-eating marsh crabs plays a crucial role in this ecological turnaround. 



“It would cost millions of dollars for humans to rebuild these creekbanks and restore these marshes,” said Brian Silliman, Rachel Carson Distinguished Professor of Marine Conservation Biology at Duke University’s <a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicholas School of the Environment</a>, and Director of Duke RESTORE and Duke Wetland and Coasts Center. “The sea otters are stabilizing them for free in exchange for an all-you-can-eat crab feast.”



Silliman, the senior author of the paper, adds, "(Remodeling a coastline) is usually something only large-scale physical forces, like hurricanes or extreme tidal flow changes, can do."



The study, conducted by Silliman and lead author Brent Hughes, associate professor of biology at <a href="https://www.sonoma.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonoma State University</a>, involved extensive field experiments and modeling over nearly a decade. 



It confirmed that in areas where sea otters had returned, erosion slowed significantly, with some marshes even expanding. This suggests a pivotal role for sea otters in the stability of these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-otters-from-extinction-to-ecosystem-engineers">Otters: From extinction to ecosystem engineers</h2>



Historically, West Coast estuaries were thriving habitats for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-their-paws-whiskers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>, providing abundant crabs and safe shelter for their pups. 



However, extensive hunting and human activities drove them to near extinction, leading to a boom in the crab population, which further damaged the marshes. 



Their return in the mid-1980s marked the beginning of a remarkable ecological recovery.



“Crabs eat salt marsh roots, dig into salt marsh soil, and over time can cause a salt marsh to erode and collapse. This had been happening at Elkhorn Slough for decades until sea otters recolonized the estuary in the mid-1980s,” said Hughes. 



“After a few decades, in areas the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-a-secret-ability-to-generate-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> had recolonized, salt marshes and creekbanks were becoming more stable again, despite rising sea levels, increased water flow from inland sources, and greater pollution,” 



Silliman also highlights the theoretical implications. “There are important theoretical implications as well. This work overturns the well-established bottom-up paradigm that coastal geomorphology is governed by interactions between physical forces and plant structure. Our results unequivocally show that predators also play a keystone role in controlling the course of these tidal creeks.”



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



In summary, the reestablishment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-low-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> in Elkhorn Slough has provided a unique and insightful case study into the profound impact top predators can have on coastal ecosystems. 



Their natural predation on marsh crabs inadvertently led to a significant reduction in erosion and a revitalization of marsh vegetation, demonstrating a cost-effective and natural method of ecological restoration. 



This wonderful story of resilience challenges longstanding ecological paradigms and presents a compelling argument for the reintroduction of top predators as a vital strategy in environmental conservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06959-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Otters have the ability to restore delicate ecosystems

In a stunning display of nature's resilience, the Elkhorn Slough,...

A new study from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> has brought to light the alarming risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/">ocean</a> heating, particularly highlighting the drastic changes observed in 2023. 



The research warns of the consequences if the world enters a climate that is 3.0°C warmer than pre-industrial levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-ocean-temperatures">Extreme ocean temperatures</h2>



The year 2023 witnessed record-high ocean temperatures that were unprecedented in the last four decades. The North Atlantic, in particular, experienced extreme warmth, measuring about 1.4°C above the average temperature between 1982 and 2011.&nbsp;



This surge in ocean temperatures is not an isolated phenomenon but a potential precursor to what could become the new norm under a global warming scenario of 3°C.&nbsp;



It's crucial to note that the current global temperature has already risen by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. The researchers set out to explore the causes behind the record-breaking ocean temperatures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-nbsp">Uncharted territory&nbsp;</h2>



“The extraordinary heat in the North Atlantic and missing sea ice in the Southern Ocean in 2023 tell us the oceans are sounding an alarm," said Dr. Till Kuhlbrodt, who led the study.&nbsp;



"We urgently need to understand exactly why parts of the ocean are warming rapidly so we can prepare for more frequent weather disruption across the planet. How often we get hit by more of these extremes hangs on figuring out what's driving the Atlantic and Southern Oceans into uncharted territory.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-energy-imbalance-nbsp">Earth's energy imbalance&nbsp;</h2>



A critical aspect of this research is the investigation into Earth's energy imbalance. Currently, the Earth is absorbing more solar energy than it releases back into space as heat, creating an imbalance of 1.9 watts per square meter.&nbsp;



Over a year, this excess energy is roughly 300 times greater than the global annual consumption of electric energy. This imbalance, primarily driven by heat-trapping gases from human activities, is a significant factor in the acceleration of ocean heating, with over 90% of the excess energy being absorbed by the oceans.



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



Since 2016, the Atlantic Ocean has been warming at a rate faster than other ocean basins, particularly in the top 100 meters of the ocean. This trend is believed to be linked with record low levels of sea ice in the Southern Ocean. The year 2023 marked a historic low for Antarctic winter sea ice extent, the lowest since satellite monitoring began in the late 1970s.



The study emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of how the rapid warming of the Atlantic is affecting sea ice cover and stresses the importance of attributing these oceanic and sea ice extremes accurately. Such understanding is crucial for refining climate models, which in turn will guide global mitigation policies and resilience measures.



Dr. Kuhlbrodt highlighted the urgency of gathering more data: “We need more data from the Atlantic to conclusively tie the warming and disappearing ice trends to a shift in the pattern of ocean currents, but the signals point to a hidden climate connections between the poles."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-ocean-heating-nbsp">Dangers of ocean heating&nbsp;</h2>



Ocean warming, a consequence of climate change, has several significant and interrelated effects on the environment, marine life, and human societies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-bleaching">Coral bleaching</h3>



Warmer ocean temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, where corals lose their vibrant colors and essential symbiotic algae. This can devastate coral reefs, crucial to marine biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h3>



Warmer temperatures cause the expansion of seawater and the melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to sea level rise. This can lead to coastal erosion, flooding, and displacement of coastal communities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-marine-ecosystems">Changes in marine ecosystems</h3>



Ocean warming can alter the distribution of marine species, as many species migrate towards cooler waters. This disrupts existing ecosystems and affects fishing patterns and marine biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h3>



Warmer oceans can fuel more intense and frequent hurricanes and typhoons, leading to increased risks for coastal communities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidification">Ocean acidification</h3>



Along with warming, the ocean absorbs more CO2, leading to acidification. This affects shellfish and other marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-fisheries">Impact on fisheries</h3>



Changing ocean temperatures can affect fish stocks, altering their breeding patterns, growth rates, and migration routes, impacting global fisheries and food security.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disruption-of-nutrient-cycles">Disruption of nutrient cycles</h3>



Elevated temperatures can affect ocean currents, which in turn disrupt the upwelling of nutrients from the deep ocean. This can impact the base of the oceanic food web.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-marine-mammals">Threats to marine mammals</h3>



Marine mammals, like polar bears and seals, are affected by the loss of sea ice and changes in prey availability due to warming oceans.



These impacts highlight the importance of addressing climate change and implementing strategies to mitigate ocean heating.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0209.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society</a>.



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Extreme ocean heating signals alarm for a 3°C warmer world

A new study from the University of Reading has brought...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> have developed a potentially revolutionary approach to combating deadly and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 



By modifying the DNA of a bacteriophage, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-animal-viruses-will-cause-future-pandemics/">virus</a> that infects bacteria, and introducing it into Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a notoriously antibiotic-resistant bacterium, the research team has been able to prompt the bacterium to self-destruct.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-alternative-nbsp">Breakthrough alternative&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02897-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbiology Spectrum</a>, demonstrates the potential of using modified phages as new therapeutics against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Erica Hartmann, the lead researcher and an associate professor at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering, emphasized the importance of this development. 



“Antimicrobial resistance is sometimes referred to as the ‘silent pandemic.’ The numbers of infections and deaths from infections are increasing worldwide. It’s a massive problem. Phage therapy has emerged as an untapped alternative to our reliance on using antimicrobials," she said.



Hartmann's work involved the use of electroporation, a method of introducing DNA into bacterial cells, which enabled the phage DNA to bypass the bacterium's defense mechanisms. The successful infiltration of the DNA into P. aeruginosa led to the creation of virions that cut through and killed the bacterial cell.



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



The implications of this research are vast, especially considering the escalating global crisis of antibacterial resistance. Hartmann highlighted the potential of phage therapies, which can be highly specific in targeting bacterial infections without the broad disruption caused by antibiotics.&nbsp;



"What’s powerful about phage is it can be very specific in the way that antibiotics are not,” she said. “If you take an antibiotic for a sinus infection, for example, it disrupts your entire gastrointestinal tract. A phage therapy can be designed to affect only the infection.”



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



Although phage therapies have been explored before, Hartmann's focus on P. aeruginosa, one of the top five deadliest human pathogens, marks a significant step forward. This pathogen is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems and is a common cause of hospital infections.



The study showcases a novel approach to dealing with drug-resistant bacteria, offering a glimmer of hope in what has become a critical global health issue. By furthering our understanding of phages and their potential as therapeutic agents, Hartmann's research opens the door to innovative treatments that could significantly impact public health.



More about antibiotic-resistant bacteria&nbsp;



Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are strains of bacteria that have developed the ability to survive exposure to antibiotics that were originally effective against them. This phenomenon poses a significant public health challenge, as it can make bacterial infections harder to treat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-selection">Natural selection</h3>



The resistance develops through natural selection: bacteria with genetic mutations that confer resistance are more likely to survive in the presence of antibiotics. These surviving bacteria then reproduce, passing on the resistance genes. Over time, this process can lead to the emergence of bacterial populations that are resistant to one or more antibiotics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overuse-of-antibiotics-nbsp">Overuse of antibiotics&nbsp;</h3>



The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and in agriculture have accelerated the spread of antibiotic resistance. In healthcare, this includes using antibiotics for non-bacterial infections or not completing prescribed courses. In agriculture, antibiotics are often used to promote growth in livestock, a practice that contributes to the development of resistant bacteria.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resistant-infections-nbsp">Resistant infections&nbsp;</h3>



Resistant bacteria can spread between individuals and across communities, making infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea harder to treat. This situation leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-strategies">Mitigation strategies</h3>



To combat antibiotic resistance, efforts are focused on prudent use of antibiotics, development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments, better infection control in healthcare settings, and improved hygiene and sanitation practices. Public education on the appropriate use of antibiotics is also crucial.



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Scientists create viruses to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a potentially revolutionary approach...

Evolutionary biologists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides in understanding how bird brains evolved to support flight. 



By integrating PET scans of contemporary pigeons with analyses of dinosaur fossils, the research sheds light on a long-standing biological mystery: the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> flight capabilities through brain evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-cerebellum-brain-region-and-flight-evolution">Birds' cerebellum brain region and flight evolution</h2>



The key discovery is the adaptive enlargement of the cerebellum in certain fossil vertebrates. This brain region, crucial for movement and motor control, appears to have played a pivotal role in this evolutionary process.



For years, scientists have speculated about the importance of the cerebellum region of the brain in bird flight, yet lacked concrete evidence. 



Addressing this gap, the current study juxtaposes PET scan data from modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pigeons</a> during flight with the fossil record of ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-birds-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. 



"Powered flight among vertebrates is a rare event in evolutionary history," says <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/amy-balanoff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Amy Balanoff</a>, assistant professor at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins</a> and lead author of the study.



Remarkably, only three vertebrate groups -- pterosaurs, bats, and birds -- achieved this feat, each evolving independently on the evolutionary tree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-physical-adaptations">Beyond physical adaptations</h2>



Dr. Balanoff and her team delved beyond external physical adaptations to explore the neurological foundations of flight. 



Collaborating with biomedical engineers at <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, they compared brain activity in pigeons before and after flight. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bird-flight_brain-evolution_endocasts_woodpecker-Melanerpes-aurifrons_credit-Amy-Balanoff_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Using PET imaging</a> -- a technique akin to those used in human medicine -- they examined changes in 26 brain regions.



The results were revealing. In all eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-traits-help-birds-thrive-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> studied, the cerebellum exhibited significant increases in activity during flight. 



This was complemented by heightened activity in the optic flow pathways, which link the retina to the cerebellum and are instrumental in processing visual movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-technology-and-evolutionary-history">Modern technology and evolutionary history</h2>



The novelty of this flight research lies in its correlation of modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-is-luring-birds-to-their-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain function with historical evolutionary developments. 



Utilizing a digital database of dinosaur skull endocasts, Dr. Balanoff traced the expansion of the cerebellum back to the earliest maniraptoran dinosaurs, precursors to the first flying birds. 



This enlargement, coupled with increased tissue folding in the cerebellum, suggests a trajectory toward greater brain complexity and flight readiness.



While the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledge their preliminary nature. They caution that similar brain activity changes could occur in other behaviors, like gliding. 



The study also focused on straightforward flying, leaving the role of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-benefits-people-as-much-as-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain regions in complex maneuvers an open question.



The team's future endeavors aim to identify specific cerebellar regions and neural connections critical to flight. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-flight-evolution-in-bird-s-brains">Implications of flight evolution in bird's brains</h2>



This research contributes to a broader scientific dialogue about brain evolution, as posited by Dr. Gabriel Bever, associate professor at Johns Hopkins. 



He suggests that the enlargement of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain throughout evolutionary history may reflect the need to navigate diverse landscapes, ultimately paving the way for various locomotive adaptations, including flight.



“At Johns Hopkins, the biomedical community has a wide-ranging set of tools and technology to help us understand evolutionary history and link our findings to fundamental research on how the brain works,” Dr. Bever concluded.



In summary, the innovative research conducted by the team at Johns Hopkins Medicine marks a significant advancement in our understanding of avian flight evolution. 



By ingeniously combining PET scan data of modern pigeons with the fossil analysis of ancient dinosaurs, they have uncovered the critical role of the cerebellum in enabling flight. 



This breakthrough deepens our comprehension of bird brain evolution and guides scientific investigation towards the intricate connections between brain development and physical capabilities across different species.



As this study bridges past and present, it paves the way for future research to further unravel the mysteries of evolutionary biology and the complex journey of life on our planet.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2172" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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How birds’ brains evolved to enable them to fly

Evolutionary biologists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides...

Exo,Planets,Lit,By,An,Alien,Sun,(3d,Render,,Elements

The quest for extraterrestrial life has taken an exciting turn, thanks to the anticipated arrival of the next generation of advanced telescopes. A new study explains how these telescopes could revolutionize our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifting-the-veil-on-alien-exoplanets-with-hazy-atmospheres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">search for life</a> in exoplanet atmospheres beyond Earth.



At the forefront of this exploration are astronomers from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, who have delved into the capabilities of upcoming telescopes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-for-biosignatures-in-exoplanet-atmospheres">Hunting for biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres</h2>



Their focus? Examining the atmospheres of 10 rocky exoplanets, particularly for chemical traces such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. 



These elements, known as biosignatures, are critical indicators of life, and their presence in Earth's atmosphere has been a cornerstone in understanding our own planet's livability.



The study's findings are particularly promising for two nearby exoplanets: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-generation-telescopes-could-detect-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proxima Centauri b</a> and <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/7641/gj-887-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GJ 887 b</a>. These telescopes are remarkably adept at detecting potential biosignatures. 



Interestingly, Proxima Centauri b stands out as the only one where carbon dioxide could be detected if present.



This research suggests a tantalizing possibility: that these '<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-exoplanet-k2-18-have-the-right-conditions-to-support-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Earths</a>' -- planets larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune -- might harbor conditions conducive to life. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-discovering-extraterrestrial-life">Potential for discovering extraterrestrial life</h2>



Although no exoplanet atmosphere has yet been found that mirrors Earth's early life-supporting conditions, these planets are becoming prime candidates for future research missions.



The study, spearheaded by Huihao Zhang, a senior in astronomy at Ohio State, also explored the effectiveness of specialized instruments, including the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and other Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). 



These include the European <a href="https://elt.eso.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extremely Large Telescope</a>, the <a href="https://www.tmt.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thirty-Meter-Telescope</a>, and the <a href="https://giantmagellan.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant Magellan Telescope</a>. The aim was to understand their ability in directly imaging exoplanets.



“Not every planet is suitable for direct imaging, but that’s why simulations give us a rough idea of what the ELTs would have delivered and the promises they’re meant to hold when they are built," explained Zhang. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-innovations-in-telescopic-imaging">Technological innovations in telescopic imaging</h2>



Direct imaging of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-weather-exoplanet-wasp-121-b-has-a-dynamic-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> involves techniques like using a coronagraph or starshade to block the host star's light. 



This allows for capturing a faint image of the orbiting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-discovered-just-270-light-years-away-named-toi-1136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a>. However, this method is challenging and time-consuming. The team's objective was to assess how well the ELTs could manage this task.



Their approach involved testing each telescope's instruments to differentiate universal background noise from the planetary noise targeted in the detection of biosignatures. 



This is measured by the signal-to-noise ratio; the higher it is, the easier it is to detect and analyze a planet’s wavelength.



The results were insightful. The direct imaging mode of the European ELT's Mid-infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph excelled in detecting methane, carbon dioxide, and water on three planets (GJ 887 b, Proxima b, and Wolf 1061 c). 



Its High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph could detect the same gases, plus oxygen, albeit requiring significantly more exposure time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ground-vs-space-the-telescope-technology-showdown">Ground vs. space: The telescope technology showdown</h2>



Zhang highlighted the comparison between these ground-based instruments and JWST's space-based capabilities, acknowledging the distinct advantages and challenges each type faces.



"It’s hard to say whether space telescopes are better than ground-based telescopes, as they operate in different environments and locations," he said. "Their observations are influenced differently."



The study revealed that for<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> certain planets</a>, like GJ 887 b, ELTs are particularly well-suited due to high signal-to-noise ratios. However, for some transiting planets, like those in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jwst-provides-new-insights-into-a-distant-star-and-its-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPPIST-1</a> system, JWST's techniques are more effective than direct imaging from ELTs.



<a href="https://astronomy.osu.edu/people/wang.12220" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ji Wang</a>, co-author of the study and an assistant professor in astronomy at Ohio State, emphasized the importance of simulation in preparing for these billion-dollar missions. 



“The importance of simulation, especially for missions that cost billions of dollars, cannot be stressed enough,” said Wang. 



“Not only do people have to build the hardware, they also try really hard to simulate the performance and be prepared to achieve those glorious results.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exoplanet-atmospheres-and-the-implications-of-alien-life">Exoplanet atmospheres and the implications of alien life</h2>



As the ELTs are expected to be operational towards the end of this decade, researchers are now focusing on simulating how these instruments might analyze Earth's atmosphere. 



“We want to see to what extent we can study our atmosphere to exquisite detail and how much information we can extract from it,” said Wang. “Because if we cannot answer habitability questions with Earth’s atmosphere, then there’s no way we can start to answer these questions around other planets.”



In summary, the advent of advanced telescopes marks a significant milestone in our cosmic journey, fundamentally transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. 



These next-generation instruments, with their unparalleled ability to analyze the atmospheres of distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>, bring us closer than ever to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. 



As astronomers harness these powerful tools, they enhance our understanding of potential life-supporting planets while reinforcing the collaborative spirit of scientific discovery. 



The findings from The Ohio State University team underscore this progress, serving as a beacon of hope and curiosity for future explorations that promise to expand our horizons and deepen our comprehension of the vast cosmos that surrounds us.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad109e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a>.



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New telescopes can directly detect signs of alien life in exoplanet atmospheres

The quest for extraterrestrial life has taken an exciting turn,...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

[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

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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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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...