On September 29, 2024, something unusual happened in our cosmic neighborhood. Earth captured a tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5, turning it into a temporary mini-moon. 



That's right... as of today, November 2, 2024, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth has two moons</a>.



Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), shed some light on these fleeting celestial companions.



"These happen more often than we think, but they're small and tough to spot," Binzel explained. "Only lately have our telescopes become powerful enough to catch them regularly."



Back in August, a team of astronomers from the <a href="https://www.ucm.es/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Complutense University</a> of Madrid detected the small space rock using a powerful telescope in Sutherland, South Africa.



They weren't the only ones keeping an eye on it. The asteroid was first noticed on August 7, 2024 by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (<a href="https://atlas.fallingstar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATLAS</a>) at Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii.



This discovery sparked excitement among astronomers, offering a chance to learn more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-test-simulation-shows-earth-not-prepared-prevent-large-asteroid-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth objects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-2024-pt5">What exactly is 2024 PT5?</h2>



Earth occasionally captures small asteroids like 2024 PT5, placing them into temporary orbits around our planet. 



While most asteroids circle the sun on their regular paths, some venture close enough for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-global-electric-field-discovered-equally-important-gravity-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's gravity</a> to snatch them up for a brief visit.



These cosmic visitors only stay in Earth's orbit for a short time -- typically a few weeks or months -- before breaking free and resuming their solar journey.



Each mini-moon gives scientists a rare opportunity to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27500-hidden-near-earth-asteroids-discovered-using-google-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth asteroids</a> up close, revealing valuable insights about our solar system's mechanics.



So, what makes this asteroid special, aside from the fact that new technology and the internet made it famous? 



William Blackmore, Planetarium Director and Astronomy Instructor at <a href="https://www.mhcc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mt. Hood Community College</a>, offered his thoughts.



"All mini-moons are unique in their own way," Blackmore explained. "This one isn't different from others except that it's the most recent.”



2024 PT5 will be around for about two more weeks, probably until mid-November.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-2024-pt5-to-our-moon">Comparing 2024 PT5 to our moon</h2>



Let's compare our moon to this new mini-moon: 2024 PT5 is only about 37 feet across, while our familiar moon stretches a massive 2,159 miles in diameter. That makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-moon-a-new-theory-has-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our moon</a> over 300,000 times wider than this tiny asteroid.



Knowing it’s up there is pretty exciting, even though we can't see it for ourselves without an invitation to a huge Earth telescope installation.



“These temporary captures are natural cosmic laboratories,” Binzel mentioned. “They help us understand the small bodies that come close to Earth and could be important for future space missions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-asteroid-2024-pt5-became-famous">How Asteroid 2024 PT5 became famous</h2>



Understanding how 2024 PT5 became Earth's temporary moon involves a bit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-order-in-the-chaos-of-the-three-body-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orbital mechanics</a>. 



Blackmore explained, "It's moving along with us in our orbit around the sun. It's part of a group of asteroids called the Arjuna asteroids, which move at about the same pace as Earth."



He added an interesting analogy: "Imagine a skateboarder dropping into a skate park. They ride the curves, adding energy as they go. That's like the asteroid getting caught in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's gravitational field</a>, riding the curve before moving on."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-spotting-mini-moons">Significance of spotting mini-moons</h2>



Spotting mini-moons is tough because they're incredibly small and faint. These tiny asteroids are often just a few dozen feet across, which means they don't reflect much sunlight. That makes them nearly invisible against the dark backdrop of space.



Plus, they're zipping around at high speeds and don't hang around for long, so by the time we point our telescopes their way, they might already be gone. 



It's like trying to catch a glimpse of a firefly from miles away -- you need the right conditions and equipment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-high-tech-telescopes">Modern high-tech telescopes</h2>



Astronomers find them by using powerful telescopes equipped with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gaia-reveals-moons-around-hundreds-of-asteroids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensitive detectors and smart software</a>.



Projects like the ATLAS system scan the skies every night, searching for any objects that weren't there before. 



When they spot something moving in a way that suggests it's close to Earth, they alert other astronomers to help confirm the find. 



It's a collaborative effort, combining technology and teamwork to spot these elusive cosmic visitors.



Knowing more about these temporary moons helps us prepare for any potential asteroid threats and opens up possibilities for mining resources from near-Earth objects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-observing-2024-pt5">Challenges in observing 2024 PT5</h2>



For those eager to see this mini-moon, both experts warned that it would be extremely difficult. "You'd need a telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches," Blackmore mentioned. "That's beyond what most amateur astronomers have."



Todd agreed, adding, "It won't be visible to the naked eye. Being 33 feet wide and so far away, you'd need a very large telescope."



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



While 2024 PT5 doesn't pose any threat to Earth, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-a-fifth-force-of-nature-asteroids-provide-new-clues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying it is crucial</a>. 



"It's important to analyze how it moves and interacts with Earth's gravitational pull," Blackmore said. "This helps us refine our techniques for tracking objects that could cross our path again."



Todd highlighted the practical applications of this knowledge. 



"We need to understand how to intercept an asteroid at a distance and change its direction," he said. "This could be vital in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preventing potential impacts</a> in the future."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-for-future-space-missions">Inspiration for future space missions</h2>



Blackmore envisioned future missions that could take advantage of these temporary visitors. 



"It would be fascinating if we had missions ready to send small satellites or probes to these objects when they come close," he mused. "Imagine building a network of sensors or cameras traveling along with us, like space webcams."



Todd also saw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-named-psyche-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-for-whoever-can-extract-minerals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential in asteroid mining</a> and scientific discovery. 



"There might be materials on these asteroids that we can't find on Earth," he said. "They could solve problems in medicine or technology. But we need to weigh the benefits carefully."



To sum it all up, the brief visit of asteroid 2024 PT5 serves as a reminder of the dynamic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature of our solar system</a>. 



While it won't be with us for long -- just a couple more weeks -- its presence offers valuable opportunities for learning and exploration.



As technology advances, we'll likely spot more of these mini-moons. Each one gives us a chance to understand our cosmic environment better and prepare for the future. 



So even though you'll never see it, you might want to spare a moment of your time and stop to appreciate 2024 PT5 while you still can.



The full study was published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/ad781f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal IOPscience</a>.



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Earth's second moon, a mini-moon, will drift away in a few days and never return

On September 29, 2024, something unusual happened in our cosmic neighborhood. Earth captured a tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5, turning it into a temporary mini-moon. That's right... as of today, November 2, 2024, Earth has two moons. Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), shed some light on these fleeting celestial companions. "These happen more often than we think, but they're small and tough to spot," Binzel explained. "Only lately have our telescopes become powerful enough to catch them regularly." Back in August,...

Breast milk, often hailed as the "liquid gold" of nutrition for newborns, has a number of amazing components to help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lab-grown-babies-revolutionary-science-or-ethical-disaster/">babies</a> grow and develop.&nbsp;



In a new study from <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/">Tufts University</a>, researchers have identified a specific sugar molecule present in human breast milk that may be pivotal to both the growth of young brains and the aging ones. The research offers insights that could potentially revolutionize infant nutrition and adult brain health.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research was conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University. The experts pinpointed a micronutrient in human breast milk known as myo-inositol, demonstrating its significant positive effects on the developing brains of infants.&nbsp;



This finding deepens our understanding of the connection between diet and brain health and has promising implications for enhancing infant formulas in scenarios where breastfeeding may not be an option.



Published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2221413120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, the study establishes the key role of this micronutrient in early life. The research also sets the stage for exploring how myo-inositol might function in the brain throughout aging.



<h2 id="h-fascinating-insights">Fascinating insights&nbsp;</h2>



One of the most compelling aspects of the research was the discovery that myo-inositol is most abundantly found in human breast milk during the initial months of lactation.&nbsp;



This is a critical phase when the infant's brain is rapidly forming neuronal connections known as synapses. Interestingly, the researchers found this to be consistent across mothers from various ethnic backgrounds and geographic locations.&nbsp;



By profiling and comparing milk samples from Mexico City, Shanghai, and Cincinnati, the researchers found a global uniformity in the presence of myo-inositol.



<h2 id="h-human-experiences-shape-the-brain">Human experiences shape the brain</h2>



Thomas Biederer is the senior scientist on the Neuroscience and Aging Team at the HNRCA, senior author on the study, and faculty member at the Yale School of Medicine. He emphasizes the fascinating complexity of human experiences in shaping brain development.&nbsp;



“Forming and refining brain connectivity from birth is guided by genetic and environmental forces as well as by human experiences,” said Biederer. He further explores the idea that diet, as one of the environmental forces, provides a rich field for study.&nbsp;



Biederer notes the particular sensitivity of the brain to dietary factors during infancy, given the more permeable nature of the blood-brain barrier.&nbsp;



“As a neuroscientist, it’s intriguing to me how profound the effects of micronutrients are on the brain,” says Biederer. “It’s also amazing how complex and rich human breast milk is, and I now think it is conceivable that its composition is dynamically changing to support different stages of infant brain development.”



<h2 id="h-universal-role-in-brain-development">Universal role in brain development</h2>



The uniform presence of myo-inositol across different geographic locations underscores its universal role in human brain development. But its significance does not end with infancy.&nbsp;



The researchers also uncovered connections between brain inositol levels and several adult mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorders, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, Down’s syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.&nbsp;



These findings open doors to many pressing questions about the cause-and-effect relationship between inositol levels and these diseases, as well as the optimal levels of myo-inositol for brain health throughout life.



Biederer cautions against immediate changes to adult diets, stating that it's too soon to recommend an increase in myo-inositol consumption, although he acknowledges the potential benefits for infant formulas.&nbsp;



“The current research does indicate that for circumstances where breastfeeding is not possible, it may be beneficial to increase the levels of myo-inositol in infant formula,” he says.



<h2 id="h-many-questions-remain">Many questions remain</h2>



Several questions still need answers:



Is the low level of inositol in individuals with depression or bipolar disorder a causative factor for these conditions, or could it be a side effect of the medications used in their treatment?&nbsp;



What does the presence of abnormally high levels of myo-inositol in people with Down’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease suggest? Could excessive myo-inositol be harmful? And perhaps most intriguingly, what is the "ideal" level of myo-inositol necessary for optimal brain health at different life stages?



Biederer and his team at the HNRCA are presently working on answering these questions. Their research is now geared towards understanding how micronutrients like myo-inositol might influence cells and connectivity in the aging brain. The goal is to shed light on how dietary factors interact with age-related brain anomalies.



The study received support from Reckitt Benckiser / Mead Johnson Nutrition and a generous contribution from the Robert and Margaret Patricelli Family Foundation. The researchers maintain that the findings and interpretations are solely their own and do not represent the official views of the funders.



<h2 id="h-more-about-breast-milk">More about breast milk</h2>



Breast milk is a fascinating and complex substance that plays a crucial role in infant development. Here's a deeper look into its characteristics, components, and benefits:



<h3 id="h-composition">Composition</h3>



Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients that an infant needs for growth and development. This includes proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and immune-boosting substances. Its composition changes during different stages of lactation, and even within a single feeding session, to meet the infant's changing needs.



<h4 id="h-colostrum">Colostrum</h4>



This is the thick and yellowish milk produced in the first few days after birth. It's rich in antibodies and immune cells that provide the baby's first line of defense against infections.



<h4 id="h-transitional-milk">Transitional milk</h4>



As the name suggests, transitional milk bridges the gap between colostrum and mature milk, gradually increasing in volume and fat content.



<h4 id="h-mature-milk">Mature milk</h4>



Mature milk is rich in fats, lactose, water-soluble vitamins, and more than 200 different types of proteins that help with digestion and provide antibodies.



<h3 id="h-health-benefits-for-infants">Health benefits for infants</h3>



Breast milk is often referred to as the "gold standard" for infant nutrition, and for good reasons:



<h4 id="h-nutritional-content">Nutritional content</h4>



It provides all the essential nutrients required for the first six months of life.



<h4 id="h-immune-support">Immune Support</h4>



It contains antibodies and immune cells that protect against various infections and diseases.



<h4 id="h-digestibility">Digestibility</h4>



The proteins and fats in breast milk are easier for infants to digest compared to cow's milk or formula.



<h4 id="h-brain-development">Brain development</h4>



As seen in the Tufts University study, breast milk contains specific nutrients like myo-inositol that promote brain development.



<h4 id="h-emotional-bonding">Emotional bonding</h4>



Breastfeeding fosters a close emotional connection between the mother and baby.



<h3 id="h-health-benefits-for-mothers">Health benefits for mothers</h3>



Breastfeeding also offers benefits for mothers:



<h4 id="h-weight-loss">Weight loss</h4>



It helps in losing pregnancy weight as it burns extra calories.



<h4 id="h-cancer-protection">Cancer protection&nbsp;</h4>



Some studies suggest that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.



<h4 id="h-convenience-and-cost-effectiveness">Convenience and cost-effectiveness</h4>



Breast milk is readily available and doesn't incur additional costs like formula feeding.



<h3 id="h-challenges-and-alternatives">Challenges and alternatives</h3>



While breastfeeding is highly beneficial, it might not be possible for every mother due to medical, personal, or professional reasons. In such cases, infant formulas are available as an alternative.&nbsp;



Although they do not replicate the complexity of breast milk, ongoing research, like the study at Tufts University, is aimed at enhancing the nutritional content of formulas to come closer to the benefits offered by breast milk.



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Nutrition for neurons: The role of breast milk in shaping our brains

Breast milk, often hailed as the "liquid gold" of nutrition...

Scientists have discovered that bees and wasps have independently developed remarkably similar architectural techniques, despite their diverse evolutionary backgrounds and the distinct materials they use for construction.&nbsp;



The two species share a common practice: the creation of hexagonal cells. But what's even more intriguing is their consistent approach to solve a complex building challenge that arises when a perfect hexagonal structure can't be achieved.



Similar to how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-threaten-australian-tiger-sharks/">sharks</a> and whales have developed analogous body structures to adapt to their aquatic environments, bees and wasps construct hexagonal cells for their nests. This configuration offers an optimal balance of strength and storage area while reducing the need for construction materials.&nbsp;



However, bees and wasps can't always build a perfect hexagonal cell. This is especially true when both species need to accommodate differently-sized hexagons within a single comb sheet.



<h2 id="h-studying-bees-and-wasps">Studying bees and wasps</h2>



Certain honey bee and wasp species construct two distinct hexagon sizes: smaller cells house workers, while the larger ones accommodate drones and queens. This discrepancy in cell sizes brings forth a significant architectural issue. How can these two different-sized hexagons fit seamlessly within a single comb sheet?



To investigate, researchers gathered nest images from around the world that portrayed both worker and reproductive cells within the same comb. The team was led by Dr. Michael L. Smith, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at <a href="https://www.auburn.edu/">Auburn University</a> and affiliate member of the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior.



Applying custom-built software, the experts meticulously extracted per-cell measurements from an impressive number of cells, reaching 22,745.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed that in species like Metapolybia mesoamerica, there was no architectural conundrum to unravel. Both worker and reproductive cells were identically sized. By contrast, species like Apis andreniformis presented a significant challenge, with reproductive cells being up to 2.7 times larger than worker cells.



Through this investigation across ten species, Smith and his team found a common pattern: as the discrepancy between worker and reproductive cells grew, the insects began to construct non-hexagonal cells. These were mainly 5- and 7-sided cells built in pairs, with the 5-sided cell created on the worker side, and the 7-sided cell on the reproductive side.&nbsp;



The pattern appeared across all bee and wasp species that had to deal with cell size variation. This observation was fascinating, given these insects' renowned affinity for hexagonal structures.



<h2 id="h-bees-and-wasps-came-to-the-same-conclusion">Bees and wasps came to the same conclusion&nbsp;</h2>



The team developed a mathematical model that predicts the number of non-hexagonal cells to incorporate, building upon their findings on the cell-size difference.



The researchers found that some species consistently outperformed the model's expectations by incorporating intermediate-sized cells into the transition region, reducing the need for non-hexagonal cells.



Despite an evolutionary separation of over 179 million years, bees and wasps appear to have independently arrived at the same architectural solution to handle this scalable issue. Even with distinct building materials and the independent origins of hexagonal cells, they all adopt the same constructional approach.



<h2 id="h-striking-results">Striking results</h2>



"Once we were able to plot out all the data, the results were striking – you could see how the bees and wasps used intermediate-sized cells to make a gradual change, but also how consistently the non-hexagonal cells were arranged in the comb,” said Dr. Smith.



This study contributes to our understanding of how collective systems can build adaptive and resilient structures without centralized control. The construction of these combs doesn't rely on a single "architect." Instead, hundreds, or even thousands, of individual bees and wasps contribute to the final product.



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002211">PLOS Biology</a>, was supported by the National Science Foundation, the German Research Foundation, a Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, and GETTYLABS.



<h2 id="h-more-about-bee-nests">More about bee nests</h2>



Bee nests are fascinating structures that bees build to house their colonies. They are intricate and efficient systems built for both the protection and nurturing of the hive's members. Here's a closer look at some of the features of bee nests:



<h3 id="h-material">Material</h3>



Bees use wax, which they produce from glands in their abdomen, to build their nests. The most well-known structure inside a bee nest is the honeycomb, composed of hexagonal cells made of beeswax.



<h3 id="h-honeycombs">Honeycombs</h3>



Honeycombs are a marvel of natural engineering. Each cell in a honeycomb is a perfect hexagon, a shape that allows for the most efficient use of space with the least amount of building material. Bees use the cells for a variety of purposes, such as storing honey and pollen, and raising their young.



<h3 id="h-organization">Organization</h3>



Bee nests are highly organized structures. There are cells for worker bees, queen bees, and drones. The size and position of these cells differ based on their purpose. Worker bee cells are usually smaller, while queen cells are larger and often positioned at the bottom or edge of the comb.



<h3 id="h-temperature-control">Temperature control</h3>



Bee nests also have a remarkable system for temperature control. Worker bees control the temperature inside the hive by either fanning their wings to cool it down, or huddling together to generate heat.



<h3 id="h-protection">Protection</h3>



Bee nests are designed with protection in mind. They often have a single entrance which makes it easier for the bees to defend against predators and intruders.



<h3 id="h-location">Location</h3>



Depending on the species, bees build their nests in various locations. Some prefer hollow trees or cavities in rocks, while others may build in the ground. Some bee species even build their nests in human-made structures.



Each species of bee has its unique way of constructing and organizing its nest, and studying these methods gives scientists insight into their complex social structures and behaviors.



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Bees and wasps use the same nest-building tricks despite independent evolution

Scientists have discovered that bees and wasps have independently developed...

Parents often worry about their children's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-counteracts-negative-effects-of-sleep-deprivation/">sleep</a> - contemplating whether they're getting too little or too much. A research team from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA) has recently revealed insights that may alleviate some parental anxieties about their children's nap times.&nbsp;



The study offers an intriguing look into the world of infant sleep patterns. The findings help to clarify the relationship between sleep and early childhood learning.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research was focused on how the frequency and length of naps can mirror a child's cognitive development and needs.



The results suggest that the frequency of children's naps reflects their cognitive requirements. In other words, some infants consolidate information more efficiently during sleep, resulting in fewer naps, while others with smaller vocabularies and poorer cognitive skills may need more frequent napping.



<h2 id="h-no-need-to-worry-about-nap-times">No need to worry about nap times</h2>



Dr. Teodora Gliga, the lead researcher on the project, stresses that parental anxieties about their child's sleep patterns may be misplaced.&nbsp;



"Parents worry that their kids don't nap as much as expected for their age, or nap too frequently and for too long, but our research shows that how frequently a child naps reflects their individual cognitive need. Some are more efficient at consolidating information during sleep, so they nap less frequently."



Dr. Gliga also notes a correlation between cognitive function and nap frequency: "Children with smaller vocabularies or a lower score in a measure of executive function, nap more frequently."&nbsp;



She urges parents not to fret about this, but rather to allow the natural course to take its shape. "Young children will naturally nap for as long as they need and they should be allowed to do just that."



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



The study observed the sleep habits of 463 infants aged between eight months and three years during the lockdown in 2020.&nbsp;



Parents were surveyed regarding their children's sleep patterns, their ability to focus on a task, keep information in their memory, and their linguistic capacity.&nbsp;



The survey also took into account the socio-economic status of the families, gathering data about their postcode, income, and education level. Furthermore, the experts considered the amount of screen time and outdoor activities the child was exposed to.



“Lockdown gave us an opportunity to study children’s intrinsic sleep needs because when children are in childcare, they rarely nap as much as they need to," said Dr. Gliga. “Because nurseries were closed, it meant less disturbance to the children’s natural sleep patterns. None of the children taking part were attending day care."



<h2 id="h-remarkable-insights">Remarkable insights</h2>



“What we found is that the structure of daytime sleep is an indicator of cognitive development. Infants with more frequent but shorter naps than expected for their age had smaller vocabularies, and worse cognitive function."



“We also found that this negative association between vocabulary and frequency of naps was stronger in older children."



Dr. Gliga noted that while the majority of parents said that their child’s sleep was unaffected by lockdown, parents from lower socio-economic backgrounds were more likely to report a worsening in sleep.



“Screen time increased during lockdown and outdoor activities decreased but these did not explain differences in children’s sleep," said Dr. Gliga.



<h2 id="h-children-need-their-natural-nap-times">Children need their natural nap times</h2>



“Previous work suggested that caregivers should encourage frequent naps, in pre-school children. Our findings suggest that children have different sleep needs - some children may drop naps earlier because they don’t need them anymore. Others may still need to nap past three years of age."



“In the UK, preschools enrolling three to five-year-olds have no provisions for napping. Caregivers should use a child’s mental age and not chronological age to ascertain a child’s sleep needs," said Dr. Gliga.



The study sheds a new light on the importance of respecting children's natural sleep patterns, underlining that the variance in nap times may be less about a problem and more about an individual's developmental needs.



The findings could have substantial implications for understanding infant development and may serve to guide future research in this area.&nbsp;



The UEA team collaborated with several other universities, including the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, the University of Leeds, and the University of Warwick. Funding was granted by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/26929384">JCPP Advances</a>.



—--



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Children's nap times can tell you about their brain development

Parents often worry about their children's sleep - contemplating whether...

In an unprecedented scientific breakthrough, researchers at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge</a> have revealed the first-ever instance of genetically engineering virgin birth, also known as parthenogenesis, in an organism that typically reproduces sexually.&nbsp;



The study was focused on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The researchers demonstrated that the induced ability for parthenogenesis can be passed down through subsequent generations of female flies.



Most animals rely on sexual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-oceans-may-reduce-blue-whale-reproduction/">reproduction</a>, a process that involves fertilization of a female's egg by a male's sperm. By contrast, parthenogenesis allows an egg to evolve into an embryo without the need for sperm. This effectively eliminates the necessity for males in the reproductive equation. 



<h2 id="h-genetic-engineering">Genetic engineering </h2>



Dr. Alexis Sperling, a researcher at the University of Cambridge and the first author of the paper, explained the breakthrough: “We’re the first to show that you can engineer virgin births to happen in an animal - it was very exciting to see a virgin fly produce an embryo able to develop to adulthood, and then repeat the process.”&nbsp;



“In our genetically manipulated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-biting-flies-pose-a-bigger-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a>, the females waited to find a male for half their lives - about 40 days - but then gave up and proceeded to have a virgin birth.”



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.006">Current Biology</a>, highlights how only one to two percent of the second-generation female flies with the capability for parthenogenesis managed to produce offspring. This only occurred in the absence of males. If male flies were present, the females resorted to conventional sexual reproduction.



This ability to switch to parthenogenesis could act as a strategic survival tactic. For instance, a solitary generation of virgin births could potentially keep the species alive and flourishing.



<h2 id="h-conducting-the-virgin-birth-study">Conducting the virgin birth study </h2>



To investigate, the research team initially sequenced the genomes of two strains of Drosophila mercatorum, a separate species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drosophila-flies-prefer-to-lay-their-eggs-in-untouched-fruit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit fly</a>. One strain was dependent on males for reproduction, while the other exclusively used parthenogenesis. 



Through this process, the researchers were able to identify the genes that were activated or deactivated during fatherless reproduction.



Armed with the knowledge of potential virgin birth genes in Drosophila mercatorum, the team manipulated what they believed to be corresponding genes in Drosophila melanogaster. The experiment was successful - Drosophila melanogaster gained the ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis.



This monumental research spanned six years and involved more than 220,000 virgin fruit flies. One of the key factors contributing to this discovery was the researchers' choice to use Drosophila melanogaster. This species of fruit fly has been a model organism in genetic research for over a century due to its well-understood genes.



<h2 id="h-virgin-birth-among-insects">Virgin birth among insects</h2>



Dr. Sperling, who conducted this research in the Department of Genetics, has now shifted to the Cambridge Crop Science Centre, where she will focus on crop pests. She aims to delve deeper into the increasing frequency of virgin birth among insects, particularly in pest species.



“If there’s continued selection pressure for virgin births in insect pests, which there seems to be, it will eventually lead to them reproducing only in this way. It could become a real problem for agriculture because females produce only females, so their ability to spread doubles," said Dr. Sperling.



While virgin birth is a natural occurrence among certain egg-laying animals, such as birds, lizards, and snakes, it is relatively rare among animals that generally reproduce sexually. Zoo animals, particularly females isolated for extended periods with little hope of finding a mate, often exhibit parthenogenesis.



This research not only redefines the boundaries of our understanding of reproduction but also raises intriguing questions about the potential consequences of such genetic manipulation in the future.



<h2 id="h-more-about-virgin-birth">More about virgin birth</h2>



Parthenogenesis, commonly referred to as "virgin birth," is a form of asexual reproduction where growth and development of embryos occur without fertilization. The term comes from the Greek "parthenos," meaning "virgin," and "genesis," meaning "origin."



While parthenogenesis is quite rare in mammals, certain animal groups exhibit it more frequently. These include insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. 



The offspring produced through this method are usually female and genetically similar to the mother, but they are not exact clones. This is because the genetic material comes entirely from the mother, without any contribution from a male.



<h3 id="h-types-of-parthenogenesis">Types of parthenogenesis&nbsp;</h3>



There are several types of parthenogenesis. In "automixis," the egg cells undergo a kind of self-fertilization. Here, meiosis, the process that halves the number of chromosomes in the egg cell, is followed by a duplication or fusion of the genetic material, which restores the full complement of chromosomes. 



In "apomixis," on the other hand, the egg cell doesn't undergo meiosis, which means the offspring has the same genetic makeup as the mother.



<h3 id="h-survival-strategy">Survival strategy&nbsp;</h3>



The biological benefit of parthenogenesis is primarily related to survival. If females in a population are unable to find males to mate with, parthenogenesis allows the continuation of the species. This can occur in environments with low population density or situations where isolation affects the females.



However, sexual reproduction still offers the advantage of genetic diversity, which is critical for the long-term survival and adaptability of a species.



<h3 id="h-new-realm-of-possibilities">New realm of possibilities&nbsp;</h3>



The discovery of the ability to induce parthenogenesis artificially, such as in the case of the fruit flies mentioned earlier, opens a new realm of possibilities for scientific research.&nbsp;



For instance, understanding the genetics behind parthenogenesis might lead to advances in fertility treatments. But it also poses important ethical and ecological considerations, given the potential consequences of manipulating reproduction in this way.



—-



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For the first time, scientists have genetically engineered virgin births

In an unprecedented scientific breakthrough, researchers at the University of...

As the climate crisis accelerates, Canada is enduring its most devastating wildfire season to date. The situation paints a grim portrait of the potential impact of uncontrolled forest fires on climate change, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-air-quality-linked-to-cognitive-problems-in-infants/">air quality</a>, and biodiversity.



According to recent reports from the <a href="https://www.ciffc.ca/">Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre</a>, the country has witnessed an astonishing 4,774 fires since the beginning of the year until July 26.&nbsp;



The destruction cuts across more than 121,000 square kilometers, an area larger than South Korea. Notably, this is approximately 7.5 times the total area affected by forest fires in China over a span of two decades from 2000 to 2021.



<h2 id="h-carbon-dioxide-emissions">Carbon dioxide emissions&nbsp;</h2>



With the widespread fires comes an ominous cloud of carbon emissions. Researchers at the Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE) of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> estimate that the Canadian fires have released one billion tons of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;



"The greenhouse gases emitted from these fires, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, have an undeniable impact on global climate warming, which has become a global environmental event," said Dr. LIU Zhihua, a renowned forest fire expert at IAE.



The escalating numbers were calculated using remote sensing technology, an effective approach for gauging carbon emissions from large-scale wildfires. With this method, carbon emission intensity is evaluated in conjunction with the area of land burned, as observed from satellite imagery.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-methane-and-nitrous-oxide">Methane and nitrous oxide</h2>



Factoring in the emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, which have a greenhouse effect equivalent to 110 million tons of carbon dioxide, the total greenhouse gas emissions from the ongoing Canadian fires is equivalent to approximately 1.11 billion tons of CO2.&nbsp;



A fraction of these wildfires, approximately one-eighth, has impacted permafrost areas, leading to the release of methane trapped in the frozen soil.



<h2 id="h-air-quality-impacts-of-canadian-fires">Air quality impacts of Canadian fires </h2>



Beyond the climate implications, the fires are precipitating a cascade of environmental and health repercussions. The flames have released an array of pollutants into the atmosphere, including particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), organic aerosols, and black carbon.&nbsp;



The wildfire smoke plumes have also crossed national borders during four periods this year - May 17-26, June 6-19, June 23-30, and July 15-20 - significantly deteriorating air quality in the United States.&nbsp;



For example, New York City experienced its worst air pollution since 1960 due to the second smoke episode. Meanwhile, Chicago's air quality index during the third episode exceeded standard levels by a staggering 5.6 times on June 27.



The pollutant particulates are also being swept across continents by the westerly winds, impacting regions as far off as Europe, North Africa, and Asia. During one such atmospheric transport event from June 27-30, PM2.5 levels in Europe increased by over 5 μg/m3. The transport also contributed 1-2 μg/m3 to PM2.5 concentrations in western China.



<h2 id="h-forest-destruction">Forest destruction </h2>



Furthermore, the wildfires are wreaking havoc on forest ecosystems. The uncontrolled flames rapidly consume vegetation, destroying habitats, and depleting food sources for wildlife. The aftermath of wildfires often exposes the soil surface, triggering secondary disasters like soil erosion, sediment runoff, and landslides.



These occurrences highlight how wildfires are no longer merely a traditional ecological disturbance but have morphed into an environmental catastrophe.&nbsp;



These severe forest fires deplete carbon reserves in the vegetation and soil, disrupt the natural succession of forests, and degrade ecosystems. The result is a shift from forests to shrubland or grassland, with a consequent reduction in the carbon sequestration capacity of the ecosystem.



The worsening wildfire situation is not exclusive to Canada. Recent years have seen the Amazon Rainforest burning over 90,000 square kilometers in just 10 months in 2019, and the Australian bushfires devouring more than 243,000 square kilometers in 2019-2020.&nbsp;



With the wildfire season in Canada typically lasting until October, there is a growing concern that the scale of the disaster could escalate further.



<h2 id="h-china-s-fire-prevention-strategy">China's fire prevention strategy&nbsp;</h2>



In the wake of these disastrous events, China, with its extensive forest area of approximately 2.31 million square kilometers (about two-thirds of Canada's forest area), has implemented a comprehensive strategy for forest fire prevention. The Chinese government has adhered to the policy of "Combining prevention and control, with prevention as the primary focus."&nbsp;



These collective efforts have considerably curtailed the occurrence of forest fires, mitigating the disaster losses and notably improving the nation's fire prevention and control capability.



In the past two decades, carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires in China have averaged about 15 million tons per year, constituting only about 0.2% of the CO2 emissions from global wildfires.



—-



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Canadian fires have released a billion tons of carbon dioxide

As the climate crisis accelerates, Canada is enduring its most...

In a compelling report recently published by <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/">Simon Fraser University</a> (SFU), researchers have drawn a concerning correlation between delay in the mitigation of methane emissions and the heightened risk of failing to meet the climate goals as set forth in the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement.



The Paris Agreement aims to restrict global temperature rise to well below 2°C, and if possible, to just 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A critical factor in this ambitious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lighter-colored-and-smaller-winged-tropical-butterflies-are-at-greater-climate-change-risk/">climate change</a> goal is achieving net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 2050, alongside considerably reducing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions.



<h2 id="h-immediate-action-is-needed">Immediate action is needed</h2>



The SFU study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00898-z">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>, advances an argument for immediate, global-scale methane mitigation efforts to be initiated before the decade ends, if we wish to contain global warming levels below the 2°C benchmark relative to pre-industrial times.



The researchers caution against any postponement of these efforts, warning that any delay in methane mitigation actions beyond 2040 would escalate the risk of global warming levels surging past the 2°C mark - this holds true even if we successfully achieve net-zero CO2 emissions.



<h2 id="h-methane-mitigation">Methane mitigation </h2>



Over the past two centuries, methane has been the second-largest contributor (after CO2) to global temperature increases. Human activities are responsible for over 60% of global methane emissions in the past four decades, largely stemming from fossil fuel exploitation, livestock production, agriculture, and waste disposal.



Study co-author Kirsten Zickfeld is a distinguished professor of climate science and director of SFU’s Climate Research Lab. She stressed the urgency of the matter: "We emphasize that actions associated with the <a href="https://www.globalmethanepledge.org/">Global Methane Pledge</a> should not be delayed, because every year of delayed methane mitigation implies further global warming."



Study lead author Claude-Michel Nzotungicimpaye is a former PhD student at SFU and a researcher on Zickfeld’s team. He emphasized the need for policymakers to prioritize methane mitigation.&nbsp;



"While policymakers now accept the need for urgent methane mitigation, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of immediate mitigation to comply with the temperature goal in the Paris Agreement – particularly taking into account potential Earth system feedbacks,” said Nzotungicimpaye.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The SFU team adopted a novel approach in their study, employing an Earth system model with an integrated methane cycle to probe the impact of immediate versus delayed methane mitigation in achieving the 2°C threshold.&nbsp;



They explored the role of feedback in carbon and methane cycles and the potential long-term climate impacts of procrastination or failure to tackle methane emissions in the current century - a topic that has remained relatively uncharted territory until now.



<h2 id="h-shocking-results">Shocking results</h2>



What the study uncovers is profound: for every 10-year delay in methane mitigation there is in an increase of about 0.1°C in peak global warming temperature.



The findings of the study bring into sharp focus the necessity for immediate and extensive reductions in anthropogenic methane emissions worldwide. In tandem with stringent CO2 mitigation measures, these concerted efforts could maximize the chances of capping the rise in average global temperatures at well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, thereby fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Agreement.



<h2 id="h-sources-of-methane">Sources of methane</h2>



Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential many times greater than that of carbon dioxide, although it's less abundant in the atmosphere. There are several key sources of methane emissions:



<h3 id="h-agriculture">Agriculture</h3>



Livestock production, especially from ruminants such as cows and sheep, is a significant source of methane. The animals produce methane as part of their digestive process, which is then released into the atmosphere. Rice cultivation is another agricultural source of methane, as the flooded paddy fields provide an ideal environment for methane-producing microbes.



<h3 id="h-fossil-fuels">Fossil fuels</h3>



The extraction, transportation, and use of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are significant contributors to methane emissions. Methane is the main component of natural gas, and it often leaks from wells, pipelines, and other infrastructure.



<h3 id="h-waste-management">Waste management</h3>



Landfills are sources of methane, as organic waste (like food and yard waste) decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) and produces methane. Wastewater treatment facilities can also release methane.



<h3 id="h-biomass-burning">Biomass burning</h3>



When trees, plants, or other organic matter is burned, methane is released into the atmosphere. This happens frequently in forest fires, agricultural burning, and residential wood burning.



<h3 id="h-wetlands-and-other-natural-sources">Wetlands and other natural sources</h3>



Natural sources contribute a significant portion of global methane emissions. Wetlands are the largest natural source, as the moist, low-oxygen conditions are ideal for methane-producing microbes.



<h3 id="h-permafrost-and-hydrates">Permafrost and hydrates</h3>



Methane can be trapped in permafrost and hydrates (a type of ice that contains methane). As global temperatures rise and these structures melt, the trapped methane can be released into the atmosphere.



<h3 id="h-termites">Termites</h3>



Termites produce methane as a byproduct of their digestion process, similar to livestock.



—-



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Methane mitigation is crucial for upholding Paris Agreement

In a compelling report recently published by Simon Fraser University...

Cancer continues to pose one of the greatest health challenges in the modern world, but new research brings promising news about the role of physical activity in reducing cancer risk.&nbsp;



The study, conducted by the Charles Perkins Centre, <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/">University of Sydney</a>, reveals that just a few minutes of vigorous activity done intermittently throughout the day could lead to a significant decrease in the risk of certain cancers.



<h2 id="h-vigorous-intermittent-lifestyle-physical-activity">Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity</h2>



This vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (Vilpa), is not about hitting the gym or running marathons. Instead, it encompasses the high-energy tasks that many people perform as part of their daily routine. Carrying heavy shopping bags, power walking, or even engaging in vigorous housework - all these activities can count towards reducing cancer risk, according to the researchers.



Playing high energy games with children also falls into this category. It may seem like just another part of parenthood, but these short bursts of activity might also be playing a vital role in preventing the onset of cancer. The importance of this daily physical activity becomes evident when we dive into the specifics of the study's results.



<h2 id="h-what-the-experts-discovered">What the experts discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The research suggests that doing only four-and-a-half minutes of such vigorous activity, split into one-minute bursts, could reduce the risk of cancer by 18 percent.&nbsp;



Even more promising is the fact that the study found a reduction of up to 32 percent for cancers specifically linked to physical activity. These include liver, lung, kidney, gastric cardia, and myeloid leukemia - conditions for which a lack of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-may-actually-be-the-fountain-of-youth/">exercise</a> increases the risk of development.



"We know the majority of middle-aged people don't regularly exercise, which puts them at increased cancer risk, but it's only through the advent of wearable technology like activity trackers that we are able to look at the impact of short bursts of incidental physical activity done as part of daily living," said study lead author Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis.



"It's quite remarkable to see that upping the intensity of daily tasks for as little as four to five minutes a day, done in short bursts of around one minute each, is linked to an overall reduction in cancer risk by up to 18%, and up to 32% for cancer types linked to physical activity."



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



To investigate, the researchers used wearable technology to monitor the activity levels of over 22,000 people who didn't follow a regular exercise regimen. Their health records were tracked for approximately seven years to observe the occurrence of cancer.&nbsp;



The findings highlighted a compelling link between as little as four minutes of Vilpa per day and a lower risk of cancer compared to those who did not engage in such activity.



The term Vilpa was coined by the researchers at the Charles Perkins Centre to describe these short, daily bursts of exercise. The concept marks an essential shift in our understanding of exercise and health, suggesting that every little bit of activity counts, even if it doesn't come in the form of traditional exercise.



This revolutionary study, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology">Jama Oncology</a>, emphasizes the significance of incorporating more physical activity into our daily routines.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-health-benefits-of-exercise">Health benefits of exercise&nbsp;</h2>



Exercise has long been recognized as one of the best preventative measures we can take for maintaining good health and preventing a variety of diseases. This includes benefits such as:



<h3 id="h-reduced-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease">Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease</h3>



Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving heart health and reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.



<h3 id="h-improved-mental-health">Improved mental health&nbsp;</h3>



Physical activity has been shown to help reduce symptoms in people with depression and anxiety. It can also contribute to improved mood and feelings of well-being.



<h3 id="h-weight-management">Weight management</h3>



Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight or help with weight loss efforts when combined with a balanced diet.



<h3 id="h-strengthened-bones-and-muscles">Strengthened bones and muscles</h3>



Weight-bearing and resistance exercises can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Similarly, regular exercise can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength.



<h3 id="h-improved-sleep">Improved sleep</h3>



Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and get better quality sleep.



<h3 id="h-increased-lifespan">Increased lifespan</h3>



Studies have shown that regular exercise can help increase the length of your life and improve the quality of life in your later years.



<h3 id="h-boosted-immune-system">Boosted immune system</h3>



Moderate, regular physical activity helps to boost the immune system and build resilience.



<h3 id="h-improved-cognitive-function">Improved cognitive function</h3>



Regular physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, can have marked benefits for cognitive health. It improves memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility.



<h3 id="h-reduced-risk-of-type-2-diabetes">Reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes</h3>



Regular exercise can help your body use insulin more efficiently, which can help prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes.



<h3 id="h-lower-risk-of-certain-cancers">Lower risk of certain cancers</h3>



As we saw from the recent study from the Charles Perkins Centre, regular physical activity, even in the form of short bursts of vigorous activities, can significantly lower the risk of certain types of cancer.



—-



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You can reduce your risk of cancer with just 4.5 minutes of daily activity

Cancer continues to pose one of the greatest health challenges...

Mastercard, the second-largest payment-processing corporation worldwide, has delivered a striking blow to the rapidly growing U.S. cannabis industry. In a recent directive, the company instructed its associated financial institutions to discontinue allowing marijuana-related transactions on its debit cards.&nbsp;



This move represents a significant setback to an industry that already finds itself precariously positioned on the margins of the U.S. financial system.



Despite a number of U.S. states moving towards a more permissive stance on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-number-of-americans-are-high-on-marijuana-at-work/">marijuana</a>, sanctioning both its medicinal and recreational use, the plant and its derivatives remain illegal at a federal level. This reality has rendered many banks reluctant to offer services to cannabis companies, leaving the industry in a complex and challenging financial predicament.



<h2 id="h-mastercard-statement-on-cannabis">Mastercard statement on cannabis</h2>



In a statement issued on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Mastercard commented on the development, saying: "As we were made aware of this matter, we quickly investigated it. In accordance with our policies, we instructed the financial institutions that offer payment services to cannabis merchants and connects them to Mastercard to terminate the activity."&nbsp;



The spokesperson further emphasized the company's position, stating that "the federal government considers cannabis sales illegal, so these purchases are not allowed on our systems."



<h2 id="h-concerns-among-industry-members">Concerns among industry members&nbsp;</h2>



Mastercard's directive has drawn a swift reaction from industry figures. Brady Cobb, CEO of Sunburn Cannabis, expressed his concern over the impact of the decision on both the industry and the end consumer. "This move is another blow to the state-legal cannabis industry and patients/consumers who want to access this budding category," said Cobb.



Darren Weiss, President of pot firm Verano, remains committed to advancing the industry's cause in spite of Mastercard's stance. "We will continue to advocate for cannabis reform in Washington through further dialogue with elected officials and stakeholders to advance conversations supporting the growth of safe, legal cannabis across the U.S.," Weiss said.



<h2 id="h-cannabis-legislation">Cannabis legislation&nbsp;</h2>



This development comes at a time when discussions about the SAFE Banking Act – legislation that could fundamentally alter the cannabis industry's relationship with banking services – are taking place in the U.S. Senate.&nbsp;



While the passage of this bill could represent a significant breakthrough for cannabis-related businesses, leading Republican Senator John Cornyn recently dismissed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's plans to enact the bill as "wishful thinking."



Mastercard's decision to halt cannabis transactions on its debit cards, which was initially reported by <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/">Bloomberg News</a>, has spotlighted the ongoing tension between state and federal laws regarding cannabis, and its ripple effects on both business operations and financial institutions.&nbsp;



As the U.S. cannabis industry continues to evolve, these complexities underscore the urgent need for a clear, unified legislative framework that can guide its future growth.



<h2 id="h-cannabis-use">Cannabis use</h2>



Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant that people use for both recreational and medicinal purposes. The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the "high" associated with its use.



<h3 id="h-recreational-use">Recreational use</h3>



Recreational marijuana use is prevalent around the world, with users consuming it to experience a state of relaxation and euphoria. Some other effects include altered sensory perception, heightened mood, laughter, increased appetite, and more. However, it can also lead to negative side effects such as anxiety, panic, hallucinations, troubles with heart rhythms, dry mouth, and red eyes.



<h3 id="h-medicinal-use">Medicinal use</h3>



Medical marijuana is used to treat symptoms like pain, nausea, and appetite loss. It can be beneficial for people with conditions like cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and glaucoma. Some research suggests that cannabinoids might help with a number of other conditions, but more robust research is needed to understand the benefits and limitations.



<h3 id="h-safety-and-risks">Safety and risks</h3>



While marijuana is often perceived as a safe drug, it does carry risks, particularly with heavy or long-term use. These can include mental health problems (like anxiety or depression), respiratory problems (if smoked), issues with cognition and memory, and in some cases, dependency. It can also have negative interactions with other drugs or medications. It's important for anyone considering marijuana use to understand these risks and to discuss them with a healthcare provider.



Additionally, marijuana use by adolescents can have significant negative effects, including potential harm to cognitive development. It is also recommended that pregnant women avoid using marijuana, as it could potentially have harmful effects on the fetus.



—-



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Mastercard has halted cannabis purchases on its debit cards

Mastercard, the second-largest payment-processing corporation worldwide, has delivered a striking...

Sick,Woman,Trying,To,Sense,Smell,Of,Half,Fresh,Orange,

An unexpected symptom has been identified as a potential early warning sign of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-may-also-suffer-from-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer's</a> disease: the loss of smell. Researchers at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en">University of Chicago</a> observed that this surprising symptom was particularly prevalent among those individuals who carry a certain genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://n.neurology.org/">Neurology</a>, signal a potential new path to early detection and understanding of this neurodegenerative disease.



Dr. Matthew S. GoodSmith, the lead author of the study, remarked on the significance of the discovery: "Testing a person’s ability to detect odors may be a useful way to predict future problems with cognition."



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research focused specifically on individuals carrying the APOE e4 gene variant. This genetic marker has been the subject of considerable attention in the Alzheimer's research community due to its strong association with an increased risk of the disease.&nbsp;



The APOE gene, or apolipoprotein E, has several different forms known as alleles, specifically APOE e2, APOE e3, and APOE e4. The gene's primary function is to carry cholesterol and other fats through the bloodstream.&nbsp;



Each person inherits one APOE gene from each biological parent. While some variants of this gene are not associated with dementia, the APOE e4 allele is most closely linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. 



The risk multiplies for individuals who inherit two copies of the APOE e4 gene. Roughly two to three percent of the population has this condition. In comparison, one in four people carry a single copy of the APOE e4 gene.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, the scientists noticed that carriers of the APOE e4 gene were more likely to suffer from a loss of smell and cognitive decline than those without the gene.&nbsp;



Previous studies establishing a relationship between loss of smell and brain inflammation link to this unexpected revelation. Brain inflammation associates with cognitive decline.



The research strengthens our understanding of this correlation, and sheds new light on the complex and multi-dimensional development of Alzheimer's disease.



<h2 id="h-promising-findings">Promising findings&nbsp;</h2>



The study involved 865 participants who took part in an at-home survey, which assessed their ability to detect an odor and to accurately identify the scent.



Although this new connection between smell and Alzheimer's disease may seem strange, the study's findings are promising.&nbsp;



The results suggest that screening individuals' sense of smell could serve as a non-invasive, preliminary method of identifying those at high risk of developing Alzheimer's, potentially opening up new avenues for early intervention and treatment.



<h2 id="h-more-about-loss-of-smell">More about loss of smell</h2>



Loss of smell, or anosmia, is a condition where the ability to detect odors is impaired or completely lost. A variety of causes, broadly categorized into two types, can trigger this condition.



<h3 id="h-conductive-or-obstructive-loss-of-smell">Conductive (or obstructive) loss of smell</h3>



This happens when something physically obstructs the flow of air carrying the odor to the olfactory receptors in the nose. This could be due to causes such as nasal congestion from a common cold, sinus infection, allergies, nasal polyps, or other blockages in the nasal cavity.



<h3 id="h-sensorineural-or-central-loss-of-smell">Sensorineural (or central) loss of smell</h3>



This occurs when there's damage to the olfactory system itself. The types of damage could include the olfactory nerves and the brain areas involved in processing smells. This could be due to many issues. They include aging, certain medications, exposure to toxic substances, neurological disorders like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, or brain injuries.



COVID-19 has a notable link to loss of smell. Many patients with this disease experience anosmia. It often occurs without nasal obstruction or other nose-related symptoms, suggesting the virus may directly affect the olfactory system.



Anosmia can have a significant impact on quality of life. It may affect the sense of taste (as flavor is a combination of taste and smell) and may prevent a person from noticing harmful smells, like gas leaks or smoke.



<h2 id="h-more-about-alzheimer-s-disease">More about Alzheimer's disease&nbsp;</h2>



Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that results in severe cognitive impairment. It is the most common type of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60-80% of cases worldwide.



<h3>Etiology</h3>



Alzheimer's disease often emerges as a result of complex genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Age remains the most significant risk factor. The prevalence of the disease doubles approximately every five years after age 65.



Although no single gene directly causes the "late-onset" type, which begins after age 65, certain gene variants increase risk. The Apolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4) variant, for instance, elevates the risk of developing Alzheimer's. On the other hand, early-onset Alzheimer's, which appears before age 65, is less common but tends to have a stronger genetic link. Mutations in three genes—amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PSEN1), and presenilin 2 (PSEN2)—are known to cause early-onset Alzheimer's.



Lifestyle and heart health factors linked to Alzheimer's include smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Growing evidence also suggests that chronic exposure to stress and a lack of physical and cognitive activity may contribute to the disease's onset.



<h3>Pathophysiology</h3>



The exact biological processes leading to Alzheimer's disease are yet to be fully understood. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Beta-amyloid is a fragment of the larger amyloid precursor protein. When these fragments clump together, they form hard plaques between neurons, disrupting cell function.



Neurofibrillary tangles are twisted strands of a protein called tau, which supports microtubules in neurons. In Alzheimer's disease, tau undergoes chemical changes. These changes cause it to form tangles, which leads to the failure of the transportation system within neurons and their subsequent death.



Over time, the disease leads to widespread brain tissue loss. The hippocampus, a region of the brain crucial for forming memories, is usually the first to suffer damage. This leads to the characteristic memory problems in early Alzheimer's.



<h3>Clinical presentation</h3>



Alzheimer's disease typically starts with subtle memory loss, often mistaken for normal aging. As the disease progresses, memory impairments become more severe, interfering with daily life. 



Difficulties with complex tasks, confusion about time and place, problems with speech and writing, loss of smell, poor judgment, mood and personality changes, and eventually severe disorientation and dependency on others for basic activities of daily living follow.



<h3>Diagnosis from loss of smell</h3>



The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease primarily relies on detailed clinical assessment, including medical history, cognitive testing, and brain imaging. 



While definitive diagnosis can only be confirmed via postmortem examination of the brain, new diagnostic tools such as PET scans for amyloid plaques are offering more certainty during life.



<h3>Treatment and management</h3>



As of now, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can help manage cognitive symptoms for a limited period. These include memory loss and confusion.



Behavioral interventions, occupational therapy, and lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and cognitive stimulation, can also play a significant role in managing the disease. Social engagement and support from family and community resources are also vital to help patients and caregivers cope with the disease.



<h3>Research and future directions</h3>



Research on Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, with efforts to uncover its causes, improve early detection, and find potential treatments. Promising areas of research include studying the role of inflammation and immune response, the impact of lifestyle factors, and the development of new treatments aimed at the disease's root causes.



In summary, Alzheimer's disease represents a significant challenge for individuals, families, and healthcare systems worldwide. Understanding, diagnosing, and managing this disease are critical tasks for the global community as populations continue to age.



—-



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Loss of smell may be the earliest warning of Alzheimer's disease

An unexpected symptom has been identified as a potential early...

Blooming,Saguaros,In,Sonoran,Desert,,Arizona.

The saguaro cacti of Arizona, iconic symbols of the American West, are succumbing to a relentless barrage of extreme heat, as summer temperatures in the state continue to shatter records. Observations from scientists reveal alarming signs: the towering cacti are leaning, shedding their arms, and in certain instances, entirely collapsing.



Tania Hernandez, a research scientist at Phoenix's expansive 140-acre <a href="https://dbg.org/">Desert Botanical Garden</a>, home to over two-thirds of all cactus species, expressed concern on Tuesday. Hernandez pointed out that the indispensable summer monsoon rains, a vital lifeline for the desert's vegetation, have disappointingly failed to make their annual appearance.&nbsp;



This has resulted in an unprecedented survival test for the cacti, not just in the wild expanses of the Arizona desert, but also in the bustling cities like Phoenix.



"These plants are adapted to this heat, but at some point the heat needs to cool down and the water needs to come," explained Hernandez.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-extreme-heat-continues">Extreme heat continues</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> has persisted at a blistering 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) for a 25-day stretch in Phoenix, raising serious concerns about the future of the saguaro cacti. These magnificent giants can reach heights of over 40 feet (12 meters) and are a testament to nature's resilience in one of the harshest climates on earth.



At the Desert Botanical Garden, a team of plant physiologists has been diligently studying the heat tolerance of these cacti. It was previously believed that these desert sentinels were ideally equipped to endure high temperatures and severe drought conditions. However, the current heatwave in Arizona is challenging this long-standing assumption.



<h2 id="h-full-impact-on-saguaro-cacti-is-unclear">Full impact on saguaro cacti is unclear</h2>



Cacti are uniquely adapted to desert conditions, but even they have their limits. These plants rely on cooler night temperatures and the occasional rain and mist for a break from the scorching heat. Without this essential reprieve, the cacti suffer internal damage.&nbsp;



"Plants now suffering from prolonged, excessive heat may take months or years to die," warned Hernandez. This means that the full impact of this relentless heatwave may not be evident immediately, posing an insidious threat to the local ecology.



<h2 id="h-living-laboratory">Living laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



In the heart of the city, Phoenix's urban cacti are under close observation. This metropolis acts as a heat island, with its concrete and asphalt surfaces absorbing and radiating heat, creating conditions hotter than the surrounding rural areas.&nbsp;



According to Hernandez, this makes Phoenix an ideal place for studying the potential effects of future climate change on desert flora. The saguaros and other cacti species here serve as a living laboratory, mirroring the higher temperatures that plants in the wild are anticipated to face with the continued progression of climate change.



The plight of the saguaro cacti underscores the far-reaching impact of climate change, and the urgent need for comprehensive actions to mitigate its effects. This issue goes beyond the loss of a species; it signifies a disturbing disruption in the harmony of an ecosystem that evolved over thousands of years.&nbsp;



The future survival of the saguaro cacti, like many other species around the world, is precariously balanced on the frontline of the global climate crisis.



<h2 id="h-more-about-saguaro-cacti">More about saguaro cacti&nbsp;</h2>



Saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) stand as the emblematic plant of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonoran Desert</a>, a symbol of the American Southwest. Known for their large size and distinctive silhouette, they thrive in the arid desert conditions of Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California.



<h3>Characteristics of saguaro cacti</h3>



The saguaro is an impressive specimen, capable of growing upwards of 40 feet (12.19 meters), and in exceptional cases, reaching 60 feet (18.29 meters). The average lifespan of a saguaro cactus is between 150 and 200 years, although some individuals have been documented living over 250 years.



Saguaros possess a thick, waxy skin designed to retain moisture, a crucial adaptation to their desert environment. They boast an extensive root system, primarily composed of shallow roots spread out to absorb rainfall quickly, along with a deep taproot for anchoring the heavy plant and accessing deeper water reserves.



The cactus exhibits a pleated structure, which enables it to expand when it absorbs water and contract during periods of drought. A fully hydrated saguaro can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds (1450-2170 kilograms).



<h3>Growth and reproduction</h3>



Saguaros are slow-growing plants. In the initial ten years, a saguaro might only grow 1 to 1.5 inches in height. After approximately 75 years, saguaros start to develop their characteristic branches or "arms". The number and pattern of these arms vary widely among individuals, adding to their uniqueness.



Reproduction occurs through the blossoming of white flowers, which serve as the official state flower of Arizona. The flowers bloom at night during late spring to early summer and close by mid-afternoon. Bats, birds, and insects, particularly the lesser long-nosed bat, play significant roles in the pollination of these flowers.



Fruit develops following successful pollination, maturing as a bright red and pulpy mass. This fruit contains thousands of tiny black seeds, a characteristic feature of the Cactaceae family. The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona traditionally harvests this fruit.



<h3>Ecological role</h3>



Saguaro cacti provide an essential contribution to their ecosystem. They act as host plants and supply food to a variety of desert wildlife. Birds such as gila woodpeckers and purple martins often create nests in the cacti, while the fruit and flowers serve as food for numerous animal species.



<h3>Conservation and threats</h3>



Despite their resilience, saguaro cacti face several threats, including habitat destruction, illegal harvesting, and climate change. Prolonged drought, higher temperatures, and wildfires linked to climate change have significantly impacted the saguaro population.



Saguaros receive protection under the Arizona Native Plant Law. The Saguaro National Park, located in Pima County, Arizona, is a significant reserve dedicated to the preservation of these majestic cacti.



<h3>Cultural significance</h3>



Saguaros hold a significant place in the culture and lore of the indigenous peoples of the region, including the Tohono O'odham and the Pima. Their towering presence on the landscape also makes them popular in photographs and artwork, embodying the spirit of the American Southwest.



In summary, saguaro cacti, with their towering height, distinctive form, and ability to endure the harsh desert environment, are a testament to the tenacity of life. They not only play a vital role in their ecosystem but also represent a significant cultural symbol, making their conservation all the more critical.



—-



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Wilting giants: Arizona's saguaro cacti are collapsing amid record heat

The saguaro cacti of Arizona, iconic symbols of the American...

In a breakthrough discovery that could revolutionize the world of materials, scientists have found a way to engineer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sequestering-carbon-in-soil-is-dependent-upon-microbes/">microbes</a> to produce ingredients needed for recyclable plastics. This technology has the potential to replace environmentally damaging petrochemicals with sustainable alternatives.&nbsp;



This research, published today in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41893-023-01160-2">Nature Sustainability</a>, may drastically change the way we handle plastic waste.



This novel research was conducted through a collaboration among experts from three facilities at the Department of Energy's <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/">Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory</a> (Berkeley Lab): the Molecular Foundry, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), and the Advanced Light Source.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-recyclable-plastics">Recyclable plastics</h2>



The experts aimed to develop biological alternatives to the basic ingredients in an infinitely recyclable plastic known as poly(diketoenamine), or PDK.



Brett Helms, a staff scientist at the Molecular Foundry and the project leader, noted: “This is the first time that bioproducts have been integrated to make a PDK that is predominantly bio-based."



“And it’s the first time that you see a bio-advantage over using petrochemicals, both with respect to the material’s properties and the cost of producing it at scale.”



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



Unlike traditional plastics, PDK can be deconstructed and remolded into new products repeatedly without losing any of its quality. While PDKs were initially developed using building blocks derived from petrochemicals, the team has discovered a way to produce these ingredients using microbes.&nbsp;



Four years of research and experimentation allowed them to successfully manipulate E. coli bacteria to convert plant sugars into one of the necessary starting materials, a molecule known as triacetic acid lactone (bioTAL). As a result, they were able to produce a PDK with a bio-content of around 80 percent.



Jeremy Demarteau, a project scientist on the team who contributed to biopolymer development, stated with confidence that they are moving toward a completely sustainable solution. “We’ve demonstrated that the pathway to 100% bio-content in recyclable plastics is feasible. You’ll see that from us in the future.”



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



PDKs can be utilized in a wide range of products, from adhesives and flexible items like computer cables or watch bands, to construction materials and rigid plastics known as "tough thermosets."&nbsp;



Interestingly, the research team found that the integration of bioTAL into the material enhanced its working temperature range by up to 60 degrees Celsius when compared with the petrochemical version.&nbsp;



This expanded temperature range could make PDKs suitable for use in applications that require specific operating temperatures, including sports gear and automobile parts such as bumpers and dashboards.



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study</h2>



The implications of this research are significant when considering the global plastic waste problem.&nbsp;



The United Nations Environment Program estimates that approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year, a figure predicted to exceed 1 billion tons by 2050.&nbsp;



The vast majority of the 7 billion tons of plastic waste already in existence remains unrecycled and is discarded into landfills or incinerated.



Jay Keasling, a professor at UC Berkeley, senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab's Biosciences Area, and the CEO of JBEI, highlighted the urgency of finding sustainable solutions.&nbsp;



“We can’t keep using our dwindling supply of fossil fuels to feed this insatiable desire for plastics,” said Professor Keasling. “We want to help solve the plastic waste problem by creating materials that are both biorenewable and circular – and providing an incentive for companies to use them. Then people could have the products they need for the time they need them, before those items are transformed into something new.”



<h2 id="h-encouraging-results">Encouraging results</h2>



The findings from this study also draw on a 2021 environmental and technological analysis, which proposed that PDK plastic could be commercially competitive with traditional plastics if produced on a large scale.



Corinne Scown, a staff scientist in Berkeley Lab's Energy Technologies Area and a vice president at JBEI, is optimistic about the future of PDK plastics.&nbsp;



“Our new results are extremely encouraging,” said Scown. “We found that with even modest improvements to the production process, we could soon be making bio-based PDK plastics that are both cheaper and emit less CO2 than those made with fossil fuels.”



In order to make these leaps in production, advancements would include improving the speed at which microbes convert sugars to bioTAL, utilizing bacteria capable of transforming a broader variety of plant-derived sugars and other compounds, and powering production facilities with renewable energy sources.&nbsp;



With these enhancements, the future of infinitely recyclable plastics could be within our grasp, promising a cleaner and more sustainable world.



—-



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Infinitely recyclable plastics may soon become a reality

In a breakthrough discovery that could revolutionize the world of...

Yellowstone’s famous Steamboat Geyser is the world’s tallest active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geysers-do-not-forecast-explosive-volcanic-activity-in-yellowstone/">geyser</a> which can spray water up to 115 meters (377 feet) in the air for periods as long as 90 minutes. A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/">United States Geological Survey</a> (USGS) has found that Steamboat Geyser has experienced decades-long dry spells caused by recurrent droughts during its history.&nbsp;



Since droughts are now becoming more frequent due to climate change, this geyser’s eruptions could slow down, and even halt completely in the future.



“Even small changes in precipitation could affect the interval between eruptions,” said study lead author Shaul Hurwitz, a hydrologist at USGS. “So more water means more frequent eruptions, while less water means less frequent eruptions.”



To form and erupt, geysers need very specific conditions, including a water source, sufficient heat supply, and the right geological “plumbing.” Environmental extremes such as droughts can change that balance, and cause geysers to become dormant.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-steamboat-is-highly-unpredictable">Steamboat is highly unpredictable&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts on a predictable schedule, Steamboat’s activity is highly unpredictable, with eruption intervals varying from just three days to half a century.&nbsp;



When this geyser erupts, its heated water spray covers nearby trees in silica, a mineral which protects against bacteria and fungi and can prevent tree decomposition. As a result, these trees can be preserved for much longer than usual – sometimes even a few centuries – making them a useful tool for investigating the geyser’s history.&nbsp;



“In Yellowstone, you rarely find any wood, even dead wood, that’s more than 300 years old because the fungi and other bacteria decompose it. The silica essentially protects the tree from the fungi. For us, this is an advantage because if they weren’t silicified we wouldn’t have any trees to date,” Hurwitz explained.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



Yellowstone’s forests consist almost entirely of lodgepole pines, which have an average lifespan of only 150 to 200 years. However, the researchers took advantage of the preservation process caused by eruptions and collected silicate wood samples from within 14 meters (46 feet) of the geyser vent.&nbsp;



By using radiocarbon dating, they discovered that the tree samples belonged to three time periods – the late 15th century, mid-17th century, and late 18th century.



“Water that is erupting from the geyser is silica-rich, and when silica precipitates it clogs pathways that allow the trees to respire, photosynthesize and grow. For us, this indicates that when trees grow right near the mound there are no eruptions,” Hurwitz said.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



By matching the three main periods of tree growth around the geyser to regional climate records, the experts found that droughts occurred during the same time that the trees grew, reducing the local water supply and preventing the geyser from erupting. However, the analysis revealed that Steamboat did not remain dormant for extended periods of time.&nbsp;



“In the case of Steamboat, we did not find any tree remnant of silicified wood that had more than 10 or 20 annual rings, which suggests to us that trees never grew big around that area. So, there wasn’t an extended period of many decades or centuries with continuous growth,” Hurwitz explained.



Yet, with global temperatures currently on the rise due to climate change, extended periods of droughts in the American West could decrease Steamboat’s activity even further. Even geysers such as the Old Faithful could soon become less “faithful” to their eruption schedule as their water supplies diminish.



“As we’re headed toward what’s predicted to be a warmer and drier climate in the 21st century, we might expect to see the geysers go to totally different behavior in terms of the interval between their eruptions — erupting less frequently, and some of them might even go extinct,” Hurwitz concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GC010988">Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Yellowstone’s Steamboat Geyser battled with droughts for centuries

Yellowstone’s famous Steamboat Geyser is the world’s tallest active geyser...

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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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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