Our world is warming, and ecosystems are shifting in response. Some changes are obvious - like flowers blooming earlier - but many are subtle and complex. One of the most important factors in this transformation is phenology, the timing of natural events, such as seed germination and plant growth.



A new study from Holden Forests &amp; Gardens sheds light on how warming influences plant communities by altering germination timing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-germination-timing-in-plants">Role of germination timing in plants</h2>



Germination timing plays a crucial role in shaping entire ecosystems, not just individual plant species. When a seed starts growing, its timing determines how well it competes for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. 



Some plants adjust quickly to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer temperatures</a>, germinating earlier in the season, while others stick to their usual schedule. This shift in timing can disrupt the ecological balance, allowing certain species to dominate and altering the overall plant community.



If a species germinates earlier, it may grow larger and take up more space, outcompeting others that germinate later. Over time, this change can influence which species thrive and which decline - ultimately affecting animals, insects, and other organisms that depend on those plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-germination-in-different-plant-species">Germination in different plant species</h2>



To better understand how climate change affects plant communities, a research team led by Emma Dawson-Glass from the <a href="https://holdenfg.org/katie-stuble-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stuble Lab</a> conducted a controlled study. They focused on 15 plant species commonly found in old-field ecosystems. 



The researchers designed an experiment that simulated two temperature conditions: one reflecting current climate conditions and another 3°C warmer to mimic future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-in-2024-what-have-we-learned/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> scenarios.



This setup allowed them to observe how temperature changes influenced the timing of seed germination.



The main objective of the study was to determine&nbsp;which plant species germinate earlier under warming&nbsp;and how that shift affects plant interactions. 



When certain species sprout earlier, they may gain a competitive advantage, growing larger and outcompeting other plants for sunlight, nutrients, and water. This process can&nbsp;alter plant community compositionand disrupt ecological balance.



The findings provide strong evidence that&nbsp;climate change is already influencing ecosystems. Studying these patterns is crucial for predicting future shifts and developing strategies to manage and restore plant communities as the climate continues to warm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winners-and-losers-in-a-warmer-world">Winners and losers in a warmer world</h2>



The study found that plants with greater phenological flexibility had a competitive edge. 



Plant species like&nbsp;curly dock (Rumex crispus), wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa),&nbsp;and&nbsp;tall ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)&nbsp;grew significantly larger when they germinated earlier in a warmed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-defy-climate-change-through-acclimation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>. 



Meanwhile, species such as&nbsp;spotted St. John’s wort (Hypericum punctatum), bristly buttercup (Ranunculus pensylvanicus),&nbsp;and&nbsp;Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)&nbsp;performed better in current conditions, struggling when warming altered the timing of their establishment.



However, not all plants showed a clear response - some maintained stable growth regardless of warming. This variability suggests that climate change will not affect all species equally, creating an unpredictable future for plant communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-ecosystem-management">Implications for ecosystem management</h2>



"This work illustrates that warming can change the order of species arrivals, ultimately reshaping community composition,” said Dawson-Glass. These findings are crucial for conservationists and ecologists working to restore and manage plant communities in a rapidly changing world.



The study also highlights&nbsp;phenological sensitivity, the ability of species to adjust their timing in response to seasonal changes. 



“Our results provide a new perspective on how climate change is already shaping ecosystems in ways we’re only beginning to understand,” said Katharine Stuble.



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



As climate change accelerates, shifts in germination timing are altering ecosystems by affecting&nbsp;food webs, species competition, and biodiversity. Some plants germinate earlier due to warming, gaining a competitive edge over others. 



This can lead to&nbsp;changes in plant community structure, where dominant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> thrive while others struggle. Over time, these shifts impact herbivores that rely on specific plants for food, which in turn affects predators and the broader ecosystem.



The research at&nbsp;<a href="https://holdenfg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holden Forests &amp; Gardens</a>&nbsp;contributes to a growing understanding of how these changes unfold. 



By studying phenology - the timing of natural events - scientists can predict and manage the effects of climate change on plant communities. This knowledge is crucial for conservation efforts, helping land managers restore and maintain biodiversity.



As ecosystems continue to shift, understanding phenology will be essential in developing strategies to&nbsp;adapt to a warming world and protect ecological balance.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4504" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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Climate warming alters plant germination and disrupts ecosystem balance

Our world is warming, and ecosystems are shifting in response. Some changes are obvious - like flowers blooming earlier - but many are subtle and complex. One of the most important factors in this transformation is phenology, the timing of natural events, such as seed germination and plant growth. A new study from Holden Forests &amp; Gardens sheds light on how warming influences plant communities by altering germination timing. Role of germination timing in plants Germination timing plays a crucial role in shaping entire ecosystems, not just individual plant...

Have you ever wondered where your banana peel goes after you casually toss it in the trash? Turns out, it might be missing out on an exciting second life as banana peel flour, which can be transformed into a scrumptious, nutritious snack.



In a recent study, scientists discovered an intriguing possibility. They showed that by blanching, drying, and grinding banana peels into a flour, the unused part of your banana could be reborn as a delicious addition to baked goods.



And it tastes just as good, if not better than wheat-based products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-snacks">Science behind the snacks</h2>



The results of the simple experiment were compelling. Sugar cookies made using the peel flour were taste-tested by consumers who reported that they enjoyed the products as much as they enjoyed peel-free sugar cookies.



The individual were also getting a package deal of flavors packed with a generous helping of minerals and cancer-fighting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrients</a>.



When enriched with banana peels, the sugar cookies baked in the study showed higher levels of fiber, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidant compounds. 



On the flip side, too much banana peel flour did result in somewhat brown and hard cookies, probably due to the extra fiber present in the banana peels. 



However, a balance was found when flour containing 7.5 percent banana peel was used: this combination produced an appealing texture.



Plus, there's another benefit. The goods made with banana peel flour showed no signs of spoilage, even after being kept on the shelf at room temperature for three months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-banana-peel-flour-beyond-cookies">Banana peel flour beyond cookies</h2>



While this particular study focused on sugar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-snack-sizes-lead-to-quicker-eating-and-bigger-bites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cookies</a>, the findings hint at a broader potential. 



Using banana peel flour in breads, cakes, and even pasta, could be the next step. In fact, a study from last year revealed that banana peels can provide a natural food color to cakes while boosting their nutritional value.



Food writers have been using banana peels in curry dishes, while vegan bloggers have gotten creative with ideas like banana peel bacon and pulled peel "pork."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-and-environmental-value">Nutritional and environmental value</h2>



Banana peel flour has more surprises in store. A <a href="https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82432213.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2016 study</a> found that substituting up to 10 percent of wheat flour with banana peel flour enriched baked bread with greater protein, carbohydrate, and fat content.



Furthermore, it may be important to note that 40 percent of a banana's weight is in its peel. Unfortunately, we discard most of this nutritional treasure.



Interestingly, turning banana peels into flour isn't just about health and taste. It also brings forth a sustainable solution to the ever-growing problem of food waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-in-the-peels-of-other-fruits">Potential in the peels of other fruits</h2>



The trend of converting peels to flour isn't limited to bananas. 



The study found similar potential in the skin of other fruits, such as mangoes and oranges. Using their skins can boost a cake's antioxidant properties and improve its flavor profile. 



Moreover, did you know that orange peels can be repurposed in various ways? From adding zest to recipes to making natural cleansers, orange peels are versatile and sustainable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-banana-peels">Benefits of banana peels</h2>



As discussed, banana peels are mighty health warriors in disguise. They are rich in vitamins like B6 and B12, which improve energy levels, brain health, and red blood cell production. 



Their high potassium and magnesium content is a boon for heart health, muscle function, and blood pressure.



The peels are also full of fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and prevents constipation. Their exceptional antioxidant content combats oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.



Moreover, these antioxidants may also have anti-inflammatory effects and thus may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Making the most of your banana</h2>



The study was led by researchers from Aligarh Muslim University (<a href="https://www.amu.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMU</a>). It teaches us to consider potential uses of what we would ordinarily just throw away. 



Turning a part of your fruit that's not eaten into something beneficial like banana peel flour is a brilliant idea.



This is not just a way to keep your meals flavorful; banana peel flour also adds a healthful spin to your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-snacking-quality-and-timing-make-all-the-difference/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>. So the next time you peel a banana, think twice before you toss the skin away.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.2c00159">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Using this banana peel ingredient in foods adds cancer-fighting nutrients

Have you ever wondered where your banana peel goes after...

Art and music have always intertwined, each amplifying the other's emotional depth. Researchers recently explored how aesthetic perception -- the ability to notice and enjoy things that are beautiful or interesting -- is affected by combining music and images.



The findings are part of a neuroaesthetics collection edited by Emily Cross of ETH Zurich. This remarkable study sheds light on how auditory and visual elements interact in artistic appreciation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-approach-to-combine-music-and-art">Unique approach to combine music and art</h2>



The research at the the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics (<a href="https://www.aesthetics.mpg.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPIEA</a>) began with an intriguing observation at the Kentler International Drawing Space in Brooklyn, New York.



This gallery’s exhibition, titled "Music as Image and Metaphor," presented 41 drawings accompanied by custom-composed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-boost-brainpower-and-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical pieces</a>.



The unusual pairing prompted visitors to linger longer than usual. Curious about this phenomenon, one of the exhibition’s curators approached former MPIEA researcher Lauren Fink to investigate further.



This conversation sparked the study’s design, which focused on whether the intentional pairing of music and images influences the aesthetic experience or whether random pairings yield similar effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-distinct-aesthetic-presentations">Four distinct aesthetic presentations</h2>



Conducted online, the study involved more than 200 participants. They were exposed to 16 works presented in four distinct formats: music-only compositions, images without any musical accompaniment, deliberate audiovisual pairings, and random audiovisual pairings.



Participants’ engagement times were recorded as a measure of aesthetic interest. 



Additionally, after each presentation, participants reported on their subjective experiences, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional responses and feelings</a> of being moved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pairing-music-with-art">Pairing music with art</h2>



"We found that the participants spent the longest time with the music-only pieces, followed by the combined audiovisual pairings, and finally the images without music," said Fink, the study's first author.



"However, they reported the strongest emotional effect from the audiovisual combinations."



Interestingly, whether the audiovisual pairing was intentional or random did not significantly alter aesthetic evaluations. 



"Surprisingly, the type of combination had no effect on aesthetic evaluations: Regardless of whether the audiovisual pairing was intentional or random, participants experienced the works similarly," Fink noted.



This challenges the idea that perfectly matched music and visuals always create a better experience. 



Instead, it shows that simply adding music boosts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional engagement</a>, even without perfect synchronization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-depth-vs-aesthetic-evaluation">Emotional depth vs. aesthetic evaluation</h2>



Melanie Wald-Fuhrmann, director of the Department of Music at MPIEA and senior author of the study, provided further context.



"It is also noteworthy that there was no direct correlation between the time spent and the aesthetic preferences - an indication that music enriches the emotional depth of art perception, but does not necessarily change its aesthetic evaluation," she explained.



This distinction highlights a critical nuance: while music deepens the emotional resonance of an artwork, it doesn’t necessarily alter its inherent aesthetic appeal. 



This finding demonstrates the multifaceted nature of art perception, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/classical-music-orchestrates-a-mood-lifting-dance-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional engagement</a> and aesthetic judgment can operate independently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-art-and-music-pairing">Implications for art and music pairing</h2>



The results of the study open new perspectives on how music and visual art interplay in shaping aesthetic experiences.



Although targeted pairings can enhance perceived correspondence between the auditory and visual elements, they don’t necessarily influence how much time viewers spend engaging with the art or their aesthetic preferences.



This insight has significant implications for curators, artists, and museum professionals. It suggests that while pairing art and music can enhance the overall experience, the selection process may not need to be overly rigid. 



The emotional impact of music alone can suffice to create a compelling artistic presentation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-context-of-neuroaesthetics">Broader context of neuroaesthetics</h2>



The research also contributes to the broader field of neuroaesthetics, which examines the neural underpinnings of aesthetic experiences.



By investigating how auditory and visual elements interact, the researchers have provided valuable data on the sensory integration processes that shape our perception of art.



The findings align with existing research on multisensory experiences, which suggests that combining sensory modalities often enhances emotional responses. 



However, this study uniquely highlights that such combinations may not directly influence aesthetic judgment, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of art perception.



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



The study raises intriguing questions for future research. For instance, how do individual differences, such as musical training or familiarity with visual art, influence responses to audiovisual pairings? Do cultural factors play a role in shaping these experiences?



Addressing these questions could provide a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between music and visual art.



Another potential avenue for exploration is the impact of different genres on aesthetic perception. 



Would classical music paired with abstract art evoke different responses compared to contemporary or experimental music? 



Such investigations could further refine our understanding of the relationship between auditory and visual stimuli.



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



The findings also have real-world implications. Museums can use music to make exhibits more engaging, advertisers can pair visuals with emotional music to grab attention, and storytellers can combine music and visuals to create a bigger emotional impact for their audience.



The study offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between music and visual art.



Music enhances the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-causes-similar-emotional-experiences-and-sensations-in-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional experience</a> of art but has little impact on how we judge its beauty. These findings highlight the complexity of aesthetic experiences and open doors for more research and practical uses.



The study’s core message is simple: music holds a unique power to deepen our emotional connection to art, even when the pairing lacks deliberate synchronization.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-71399-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



Image Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain



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Play any kind of music to make art an emotional experience

Art and music have always intertwined, each amplifying the other's...

The essential role of water in promoting peace and averting conflicts is significant, yet often overlooked.



Its potential as an agent of harmony among nations and communities is tremendous, but this potential can only be realized if water resources are managed equitably and sustainably. 



A recent study sheds light on this pivotal topic, offering a comprehensive strategy to ensure that people worldwide enjoy safe, equitable, and sustainable access to this life-sustaining resource.



Questioning the context, sharing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-streamside-forests-are-threatened-by-water-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">management of water</a> often sparks conflicts due to inequitable access or unfair usage by one or more parties.



To address these hot-button issues, an international team of interdisciplinary experts has crafted a seven-point strategy to ensure peaceful coexistence. 



This synthesis was assembled by experts hailing from diverse parts of the world, including France, Germany, India, Nigeria, Sweden, U.S.A., and the U.K.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-championing-peace-through-water">Championing peace through water</h2>



The study was spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/">University of Birmingham</a> and published in the journal Nature Water.



The seven strategies outlined by the team are not a random list, but a roadmap to tranquility, as Professor Stefan Krause, the lead author and a representative of the University of Birmingham explained.



“Water can be a powerful tool for peace when managed sustainably and equitably, but there is increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/energy-trades-could-resolve-longstanding-nile-river-disputes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conflict for water</a> as an irreplaceable resource for humans, and waterbodies as highly valuable ecosystems with a rich biodiversity," said Professor Krause.



“Our study provides a blueprint for using water to foster cooperation and prevent conflicts, ensuring a more just and resilient future for all. Co-creating shared visions for water solutions ensures fairness and acceptance of management decisions,” he adds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seven-strategies-for-peaceful-water-management">Seven strategies for peaceful water management</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Collaborate locally on global water challenges to help reduce conflict, empower civil societies, and build resilience. Inadequate water governance can lead to unjust competition and severe impacts on vulnerable communities.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Involve communities in developing water governance that can prevent conflicts during times of scarcity - joint risk assessments, improved public communication, and citizen science help to foster transparency and build trust.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Integrate local expert knowledge and nature-based solutions with technical infrastructure to enhance community resilience. Using traditional water management practices in Nepal and Peru has helped address local water challenges.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Consider existing inequalities when developing national and local policies to help prevent conflict and build trust - like successful water cooperation initiatives, such as the EcoPeace project in the Middle East, nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ensure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-4-4-billion-people-lack-access-to-safe-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safe water</a> access for women and girls, who often bear the responsibility for water collection. Integrating safety, gender equity, and access into water governance policies is critical in protecting and empowering female citizens.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Predict water-related changes better and improve local preparedness to deal with intensifying water challenges - integrating the latest remote sensing data with local analysis, and investing in adaptive infrastructure are examples of this.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Prevent conflict through international treaties and intergovernmental management of transboundary river basins - for example, the Indus Waters Treaty between Pakistan and India, and Peru and Bolivia’s joint governance of Lake Titicaca.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leveraging-water-for-peace">Leveraging water for peace</h2>



Professor David Hannah, co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of community action, indigenous knowledge, open science, and participatory approaches for sustainable water governance.



“The seven recommendations we highlight provide pathways to move from water crisis to sustainable solutions, balancing water as a resource for people and as a valuable ecosystem," said Professor Hannah.



Ultimately, the power of water can be harnessed to promote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-a-focus-on-prosperity-and-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peace</a> and security globally, but only if our actions are rooted in fair and sustainable practices.



This study is a stepping stone towards achieving the UN sustainable development goals and leveraging water for peace.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-technology-and-innovation">The role of technology and innovation </h2>



Advancements in technology and innovative solutions are playing an increasingly vital role in addressing global water challenges. 



The integration of real-time monitoring systems, satellite-based remote sensing, and data analytics enables better management of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-make-water-resources-less-predictable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water resources</a> by identifying trends and predicting potential crises. 



For example, smart sensors can track water quality and availability in real-time, allowing communities and policymakers to respond swiftly to emerging issues. 



Furthermore, machine learning algorithms can optimize water distribution systems to reduce waste and enhance efficiency, particularly in arid regions where water is scarce.



In addition, innovations like desalination technologies and wastewater recycling are helping to expand the availability of clean water in areas facing acute shortages. 



These technologies not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to long-term sustainability when integrated into broader water management strategies. 



Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and research institutions are crucial in scaling these innovations and ensuring their accessibility in underserved regions. 



By leveraging technology alongside traditional practices, societies can create a resilient framework for water governance that supports peace, security, and equitable resource distribution.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00353-z#citeas">Nature water</a>.



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Water for peace: Seven strategies to end global conflicts

The essential role of water in promoting peace and averting...

The rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in our world's atmosphere is fueling an environmental threat to marine life. Ocean acidification is growing in magnitude as it moves into deeper waters.



Jens Müller and Nicolas Grube are environmental physicists in the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics at ETH Zurich. They set out to investigate the consequences of acidification by developing a 3D model of our oceans.



The research, recently published in the journal Science Advances, sheds light on how ocean acidification has intensified since the industrial revolution kicked off.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-carbon-and-ocean-acidification">Connecting carbon and ocean acidification</h2>



Science has shown us that carbon emissions heat up Earth's atmosphere and oceans. But there's more.



When dissolved in seawater, CO2 causes chemical reactions that drop the pH levels, making it acidic. This is similar to what happens when your beverage gets that fizzy zing from carbon dioxide. 



The process may sound simple, but it poses a serious threat to marine life. Our oceans are home to many sea creatures whose survival depends on the chemical stability of the ocean.



Coral reefs are especially at risk. The acidic waters hinder their skeleton-building ability, resulting in coral bleaching and eventually death. This creates a domino effect on marine ecosystems, affecting countless marine species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-ocean-acidification-depths">Mapping ocean acidification depths</h2>



Müller and Grube carefully designed an experiment to untangle the spread of ocean acidification. 



Their focus: How deep down has acidification seeped into our oceans over time? To answer this, they developed an ocean model simulating the effects of rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric CO2 levels</a>.



The model was based on historical data spanning over two centuries, with CO2 estimates for the years 1800, 1994, 2004, and 2014. This gave the researchers a timeline to monitor how acidification spread through the ocean layers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constructing-the-ocean-model">Constructing the ocean model</h2>



Creating a model of this scale required careful planning. Starting with a standard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-cool-the-climate-more-than-previously-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> model that simulates water movement and chemistry, the researchers then added data points on CO2 levels and acidification indicators like proton concentrations, pH levels, and aragonite saturation states.



This comprehensive approach enabled the experts to accurately map acidification trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acidification-reaches-new-ocean-depths">Acidification reaches new ocean depths</h2>



Ocean acidification is moving deeper into the ocean, with the average depth impacted by acidification measuring around 1,000 meters by 2014.



In regions influenced by the Atlantic meridional overturning current, acidification reached depths of up to 1,500 meters.



But this spread isn't uniform; different ocean regions face varying levels of change due to factors like water circulation patterns and temperature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life-at-risk">Marine life at risk</h2>



Deeper acidification harms more marine organisms. Tiny creatures like Pteropods, called "sea butterflies," are among the most vulnerable. Their calcium-based shells are highly susceptible to acidic conditions.



A decline in pteropods would disrupt marine ecosystems. Other species, including corals and certain types of plankton, face similar risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-of-deeper-acidification">Future implications of deeper acidification </h2>



Müller and Grube's findings emphasize the urgent need to address carbon emissions. As CO2 levels rise, ocean acidification will only get worse. 



The deeper it goes, the harder it is to reverse the impacts. The long-term consequences for marine biodiversity and human communities relying on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-hidden-skin-could-protect-us-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> resources are unclear.



Reducing carbon emissions will help slow acidification. Initiatives to shift to renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and promote conservation could also contribute.



In addition to mitigation efforts, further research is needed to understand acidification's full impact and to find ways to protect marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-challenge-of-ocean-acidification">Addressing the challenge of ocean acidification</h2>



The study by the <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> researchers paints a vivid picture of the hidden changes happening beneath the ocean's surface and the intricate connections between human activities and ocean health.



The new model provides valuable data for those working to tackle this urgent issue.



Addressing the challenge of ocean acidification requires a deeper understanding of its effects and collaborative efforts to reduce carbon emissions. 



Innovative research, like modeling acidification trends, offers valuable insights to guide solutions. Protecting our oceans is essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado3103" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Ocean acidification is spreading into deeper waters

The rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in our world's...

Once upon a time, more than a million years ago, the hot savannah near what we now know as Lake Turkana in Kenya served as a bustling hub, where two completely distinct species of hominins left their footprints in history.



Recent discoveries reveal that these two species, engrossed in their search for sustenance, might have unknowingly crossed paths and left a tangible mark on our understanding of human evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-hominin-footprints">Mystery of hominin footprints</h2>



Hominin is the term used to group species that branched off the evolutionary tree after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestors</a> of the great apes diverged, about 6-7 million years ago. 



The Hominins thus include all the species that were directly ancestral to humans or were closely related to them.



The fascinating discovery of 1.5-million-year-old footprints is like peering through a window into our past.



According to scientists, this is the first discovery of fossilized tracks where two different species of hominin left their footprints concurrently on the same ancient lake shore.



This finding could help us to understand how hominin species interacted with and affected each other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-breakthrough-discovery">A breakthrough discovery</h2>



A recent publication in the journal Science presents irrefutable evidence of different hominin species co-existing in the same space and temporal frame.



The footprints imprinted by individuals of the species Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, which are two of the most common hominin species of the Pleistocene Epoch, narrate the story of their lives.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/footprints_human-ancestors_Paranthropus-boisei_credit-Chatham-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/footprints_human-ancestors_Paranthropus-boisei_credit-Chatham-University_1s.webp" alt="A footprint hypothesized to have been created by a Paranthropus boisei individual. Credit: Kevin Hatala/Chatham University" class="wp-image-1952149"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A footprint hypothesized to have been created by a Paranthropus boisei individual. Credit: Kevin Hatala/Chatham University</figcaption></figure>



“Their presence on the same surface, made closely together in time, places the two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-impacted-earth-than-previously-thought-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> at the lake margin, using the same habitat,” said Craig Feibel, an author of the study and a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Department of Anthropology in the <a href="https://sas.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-hominin-footprints">Tracking hominin footprints</h2>



Feibel, along with researchers led by Cyprian Nyete, discovered the footprints in 2021. A surprise awaited them as they unearthed not just giant bird tracks but hominin footprints as well. 



The footprints told an intriguing story. If the two species of hominins didn’t cross paths, they tread the shore within hours of each other, according to Feibel.



“Fossil footprints are exciting because they provide vivid snapshots that bring our fossil relatives to life,” said Kevin Hatala, the study’s first author and an associate professor of biology at <a href="https://www.chatham.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatham University</a> in Pittsburgh.



“With these kinds of data, we can see how living individuals, millions of years ago, were moving around their environments and potentially interacting with each other, or even with other animals. That's something that we can't really get from bones or stone tools,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-existence-of-two-hominin-species">Co-existence of two hominin species</h2>



The discovery of hominin footprints is, as Feibel puts it, "a bit of serendipity." The findings demonstrate the co-existence of these species and supports a hypothesis that has been around for a while.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/footprints_human-ancestors_Homo-erectus_credit-Chatham-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/footprints_human-ancestors_Homo-erectus_credit-Chatham-University_1s.webp" alt="A footprint hypothesized to have been created by a Homo erectus individual. Credit: Kevin Hatala/Chatham University" class="wp-image-1952147"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A footprint hypothesized to have been created by a Homo erectus individual. Credit: Kevin Hatala/Chatham University</figcaption></figure>



According to fossil records, Homo erectus, our direct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-first-arrived-in-europe-1-3-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestor</a>, persisted for a million years more than Paranthropus boisei. The reasons behind the extinction of Paranthropus boisei remain unknown.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transcending-the-physical-evidence">Transcending the physical evidence</h2>



The footprints acquire a significant position in the study of human evolution. In Feibel's words, they fall into the category of "trace fossils," that provide non-physical evidence of behavior.



Unlike body fossils (such as bones and teeth) that can be moved by natural forces, trace fossils remain untouched, preserving an authentic record of past behaviors.



The discovery of these footprints opens a gateway into the past by showing directly that distinct kinds of human relatives co-inhabited the same place at the same time. 



Even more intriguing is the possibility that the two groups might have interacted, influencing each other in ways we are yet to fully comprehend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-ancient-hominin-footprints">Insights from ancient hominin footprints</h2>



The study of these ancient footprints offers valuable insights into the behavior and movement patterns of our prehistoric ancestors. 



By examining the size, shape, and stride length of the footprints, researchers can gather information about the individuals' walking speed, body proportions, and possibly even their social dynamics.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/footprints_human-ancestors_cross-paths_Paranthropus-boisei_Homo-erectus_credit-Chatham-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/footprints_human-ancestors_cross-paths_Paranthropus-boisei_Homo-erectus_credit-Chatham-University_1s.webp" alt="A 3D computerized model of the surface of the area near Lake Turkana in Kenya shows fossil footprints of Paranthropus boisei (vertical footprints) with separate footprints of Homo erectus forming a perpendicular path. Credit: Kevin Hatala/Chatham University" class="wp-image-1952145"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 3D computerized model of the surface of the area near Lake Turkana in Kenya shows fossil footprints of Paranthropus boisei (vertical footprints) with separate footprints of Homo erectus forming a perpendicular path. Credit: Kevin Hatala/Chatham University</figcaption></figure>



This invaluable evidence provides a window into the daily lives and interactions of Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, shedding light on our shared history and the complexities of our evolutionary journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-human-evolution">Understanding human evolution</h2>



The coexistence and potential interaction between Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei have significant implications for our understanding of human evolution.



It challenges the linear narrative of human evolution and highlights the complexity and diversity of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-arrived-in-south-america-much-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary past</a>. 



The presence of multiple species in the same environment suggests that different hominin groups may have occupied distinct ecological niches and developed unique adaptations. 



By studying these ancient footprints, we not only unravel the story of our ancestors but also gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of human evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-of-our-prehistoric-ancestors">The journey of our prehistoric ancestors</h2>



The footprints of Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei provide a tangible narrative of our prehistoric ancestors. They reveal how distinct paths paved the way for our evolution.



“This proves beyond any question that not only one, but two different hominins were walking on the same surface, literally within hours of each other,” Feibel said. 



“The idea that they lived contemporaneously may not be a surprise. But this is the first time demonstrating it. I think that's really huge.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado5275" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



Image Credit: Kevin Hatala/Chatham University



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Two species of human ancestors literally crossed paths 1.5 million years ago

Once upon a time, more than a million years ago,...

The great evolutionary leap from unicellular organisms to the animal kingdom took place roughly 700 million years ago. A new breakthrough offers a glimpse into the molecular tools that may have enabled this colossal shift. 



Scientists have just made a breakthrough achievement by successfully creating mouse stem cells from the genes of a single-celled life form.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-converting-stem-cells-into-a-live-mouse">Converting stem cells into a live mouse</h2>



The feat is remarkable because stem cells have the unique ability to both self-replicate and transform into other cells with different functions. 



The study reveals how scientists used lab-produced stem cells to form a living, breathing mouse from a developing embryo.



Perhaps what is even more surprising is that the genes facilitating this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blood-stem-cells-grown-in-the-lab-for-first-time-ever-leukemia-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stem cell</a> division and specialization were previously believed to be confined only within animals and not present in single-celled protists from a billion years ago.



"The molecular tool kit of stem cells is much older than we thought previously. These molecular tools are older than animal stem cells themselves," noted Ralf Jauch, a study author and a renowned stem cell biologist at the <a href="https://www.hku.hk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hong Kong</a>. 



This newfound understanding of natural evolution could pave the way for improved stem cell models and potentially combat diseases and aging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-and-protists-what-s-the-difference">Animals and protists: What's the difference?</h2>



The difference between animals and protists goes beyond the number of cells. Protists, usually unicellular microscopic organisms that are not classified as animals, fungi, or plants, perform all functions within a single cell. 



Meanwhile, animals are like master delegators, assigning cells to specific tasks, while other cells take care of different actions.



"We know that animals, most of them have stem cells because it’s something that you need. You need cells that can divide but at the same time give rise to other cells," explained Alex de Mendoza, a study author from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-yamanaka-factors">The Yamanaka factors</h2>



A fascinating discovery in 2012 by stem cell researcher Shinya Yamanaka revolutionized our understanding of stem cells. He found that adult cells could be transformed into stem cells by introducing four specific genes (Sox2, Pou5F1, Klf4, and Myc), coined as the Yamanaka factors.



This capability was initially considered exclusive to the animal kingdom since it seemed unnecessary in a unicellular organism. 



However, de Mendoza and his colleagues recently discovered a few Yamanaka factors in the genomes of protists, challenging this belief.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-mouse-cells-from-ancient-genes">Creating mouse cells from ancient genes</h2>



The team located these genes in a protist about the size of a dust particle named a choanoflagellate. They replaced a Sox2 gene from a mouse with the similar gene found in the choanoflagellates, successfully reprogramming the cells to a stem cell state. 



The mouse developed with characteristics from both its original embryo and the lab-induced stem cells.



However, not all the experiments succeeded. The introduction of the Pou gene, found in the choanoflagellate, to mouse cells, didn't induce stem cells. 



This suggested that the Pou gene might have required more evolutionary modifications before it achieved its function in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-grow-models-of-human-embryos-in-the-lab-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern animals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reprogramming-of-mouse-cells">Reprogramming of mouse cells</h2>



The successful reprogramming of mouse cells to a stem cell state through the introduction of a similar gene found in the choanoflagellates raises intriguing questions about the underlying mechanisms at play. 



The researchers will not explore deeper to understand how these genetic factors interact with cellular processes to reprogram and transform cell identity.



By unraveling these intricate mechanisms, scientists aim to gain further insights into the potential applications of gene reprogramming in various fields, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lab-grown-babies-revolutionary-science-or-ethical-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regenerative medicine</a> and developmental biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-evolutionary-biology">Implications for evolutionary biology</h2>



The discoveries made through this study on mouse stem cells have broad implications for both evolutionary biology and medical research.



By examining the shared genetic features between choanoflagellates and multicellular organisms, scientists can gain valuable knowledge about the evolutionary origins of complex traits and functions.



Understanding the ancient genetic toolkit employed by our ancestors can shed light on the development and diversification of life on Earth. 



Furthermore, these findings have the potential to inform advancements in medical research, offering new avenues for studying cellular reprogramming and potentially unlocking novel therapeutic strategies for various diseases and conditions. 



The synergistic combination of evolutionary insights and biomedical applications holds great promise for scientific innovation and improving human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-coding-for-a-modern-world">Ancient coding for a modern world</h2>



De Mendoza suggests that choanoflagellates and our ancient ancestors may have used these gene capabilities to regulate basic functions, like cell proliferation. However, multicellular animals could have repurposed them to build complex bodies.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-development-has-a-pause-button/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolution</a> doesn’t always need to invent. Usually, you use whatever you have, and then you build something new from mostly recycled parts," noted de Mendoza.



This research on mouse stem cells highlights the marvels of evolution and the intricate characteristics of our ancestors. It also demonstrates the power of human ingenuity, transforming genetic relics from the past into tools for scientific advancements today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54152-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Image Credit: Gao Ya and Alvin Kin Shing Lee, with thanks to the Centre for Comparative Medicine Research (CCMR) for their support



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Living mouse created with stem cells that predate animals

The great evolutionary leap from unicellular organisms to the animal...

A group of stellar scientists from Caltech's science center, IPAC, are sharing the last data drop captured by NASA's celebrated NEOWISE telescope, marking the end of a remarkable journey in space exploration.



Launched in 2009 as WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) and later reincarnated as NEOWISE in 2013, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-launch-of-the-james-webb-space-telescope-in-french-guiana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space telescope</a> has spent over a decade tracing the night sky. 



Its mission: Seek and study the smallest objects in our solar system -- asteroids, and comets.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-comets-hidden-near-earth-ice-giants-can-be-both-friend-and-foe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth objects</a> (NEOs), while small, have a world of information to offer in the ongoing quest for cosmic understanding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-its-eye-to-the-sky">Keeping its eye to the sky</h2>



Over its 15 years of operation, NEOWISE has had the rare opportunity to probe views of the same sky regions repeatedly.



In many cases, a region was studied over 220 times. This repetitious exploration enabled astronomers to track down and analyze objects that changed their brightness or location.



Joe Masiero, research scientist at IPAC and the Deputy Principal Investigator of the mission, expressed his gratitude.



"Being able to watch the changing sky for nearly 15 years has opened a new avenue for time-domain science, for everything from the closest asteroids to the most distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-quasars-defied-the-laws-of-physics-with-rapid-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasars</a>," said Masiero.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-discoveries-by-neowise">Incredible discoveries by NEOWISE </h2>



NEOWISE's consistent sky scans have shed light on intriguing celestial objects like brown dwarfs and have revealed patterns in large comet populations.



One of its significant achievements was the characterization of over 3,000 near-Earth objects - equivalent to around 10% of the known population.



The final NEO observed by NEOWISE, an individual named 2007 LV8, benefitted from over 100 glimpses in the closing days of the survey -- courtesy of its alignment with the telescope's scan pattern.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gecko-Nebula_neowise-telescope_caltech_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gecko-Nebula_neowise-telescope_caltech_1s.webp" alt="Baby Stars of the Gecko. Skygazers have dubbed this region the “Gecko Nebula” for its resemblance to a downturned head with a pointed snout, though astronomers refer to the area as LBN 437. This cloud of dust and gas is a region of star formation, which is revealed clearly in infrared light by NASA’s WISE mission. Credit: Caltech/NEOWISE" class="wp-image-1952119"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Baby Stars of the Gecko. Skygazers have dubbed this region the “Gecko Nebula” for its resemblance to a downturned head with a pointed snout, though astronomers refer to the area as LBN 437. This cloud of dust and gas is a region of star formation, which is revealed clearly in infrared light by NASA’s WISE mission. Credit: Caltech/NEOWISE</figcaption></figure>



Roc Cutri, NEOWISE Task Lead and Project Scientist at IPAC, explained the significance of this achievement.



"Because of NEOWISE’s extensive view of the sky, we get a more complete picture of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-a-fifth-force-of-nature-asteroids-provide-new-clues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> and comets in Earth’s orbital neighborhood. The data provide a unique way of understanding factors like the size and rotation period of these NEOs," said Cutri.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-images-from-the-depths-of-space">Unseen images from the depths of space</h2>



The WISE and NEOWISE data releases may be primarily for researchers, but they contain some of the most stunning images of our infrared sky, according to Robert Hurt, IPAC Visualization Scientist.



Over the course of the original WISE mission, more than 100 areas of the sky were highlighted in public image releases, but these are just a sliver of the full-sky survey.



In the quest for unseen sky areas, the team overlaid the positions of previous images onto sky maps using data from WISE and other missions. 



This revealed areas that had never been highlighted before but contained mesmerizing regions, filled with cosmic dust, where stars are born.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-california-nebula">The California Nebula</h2>



One of the images that stands out is the NEOWISE’s view of the California Nebula, named after its resemblance to the Californian coastline.



This image is special to the NEOWISE data processing team at <a href="https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPAC</a>, situated in Pasadena, California. It symbolically commemorates the team's years of dedication and hard work.



The California Nebula is located in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, about 1,000 light-years away, in the Perseus constellation.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/california-nebula_neowise-image_caltech_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/california-nebula_neowise-image_caltech_1s.webp" alt="The California Nebula is seen in its entirety in this image, covering over 25 square degrees of sky. In this infrared view, the dust clouds underlying the nebula glimmer in greens and reds. Credit: Caltech/NEOWISE" class="wp-image-1952117"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The California Nebula is seen in its entirety in this image, covering over 25 square degrees of sky. In this infrared view, the dust clouds underlying the nebula glimmer in greens and reds. Credit: Caltech/NEOWISE</figcaption></figure>



It is a dusty region that spans an impressive 100 light-years and is illuminated by the nearby massive star Menkib, born just a few million years ago.



“We know there are more things to discover in the NEOWISE data that we just haven’t noticed yet,” said Masiero. 



“As astronomers develop new tools and techniques and as new surveys are conducted, we can be sure the NEOWISE archive will be one of the first places we look for the data needed to better understand our universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-neowise">The legacy of NEOWISE</h2>



The journey of NEOWISE may have ended, but its legacy is just taking off. 



The wealth of data waiting to be analyzed by astronomers such as Yuna Kwon, a solar system astronomer and IPAC archive scientist, is nothing short of a treasure.



Kwon's work on the Cometary Object Study Investigating their Nature and Evolution (COSINE) project is just beginning. This project is focused on cataloging and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-comets-hidden-near-earth-ice-giants-can-be-both-friend-and-foe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyzing comets</a> observed by NEOWISE.



Kwon studies comets because they are some of the oldest and most rudimentary objects in our solar system. Their physical properties can give us clues about the conditions during the solar system’s formation.



"Comets are like cats -- they have tails and do precisely what they want,” said Kwon. “Thankfully, NEOWISE has a treasure trove of data to study these idiosyncratic objects.”



“My experience with NEOWISE data has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the comet population itself, putting the observations in the broader context of the formation and evolution of the solar system."



Looking forward, Kwon hopes to combine the knowledge gleaned from NEOWISE with new data from future observatories like <a href="https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/project/neo-surveyor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEO Surveyor</a> and <a href="https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/project/spherex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPHEREx</a>.



The voyage of NEOWISE might have concluded, but the wealth of discoveries it has provided, and those yet to be made, signify that the telescope's legacy is far from over.



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Click here to access <a href="https://www.astropix.org/link/3b2x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-resolution versions of NEOWISE's final photos</a>.



Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/IPAC



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Final stunning photos from the NEOWISE telescope do not disappoint

A group of stellar scientists from Caltech's science center, IPAC,...

A fascinating study reveals that chimpanzees, like humans, are gradually improving their tool-using skills through the exchange of ideas and information across different populations.



The research was led by Cassandra Gunasekaram, a doctoral student at the University of Zurich.



The study highlights parallels between the knowledge-sharing behaviors of chimps and early humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tool-use-by-chimpanzees">Tool use by chimpanzees</h2>



Scientific evidence has shown us that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzee-cultures-are-more-complex-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> are quite skilled at passing down behaviors like tool use from one generation to another.



However, their "culture," defined as socially learned behaviors, appeared to have remained more or less constant. Gunasekaram and her team sought to unravel this mystery.



The team from the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> meticulously combined genetic data tracking ancient chimp migrations across Africa with observations of 15 distinct foraging behaviors across multiple populations and subspecies.



The behaviors fell into three categories: those requiring no tools, those using simple tools, and the most complex ones involving toolsets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-behaviors-and-group-interactions">Complex behaviors and group interactions </h2>



The pivotal outcome of the chimpanzee study was the finding that the use of advanced tools correlated strongly with populations connected by genetic exchanges in the past 5,000 to 15,000 years. This is an indication that complex behaviors had spread when groups interacted.



Interestingly, the regions where three subspecies overlapped demonstrated the most complex tool use. 



On the other hand, simpler behaviors such as foraging without tools seemed less tied to migration and likely evolved independently in different areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-chimp-connection">Human-chimp connection</h2>



"They've become so complex that one person alone could not reinvent them from scratch," noted Gunasekaram.



The advanced tool use seen in chimps mirrors the human progress from early abacuses to modern smartphones – a result of sharing ideas and incremental innovation.



However, unlike humans, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-feel-the-pressure-to-perform-with-an-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> have far fewer opportunities to encounter new individuals and ideas. This is primarily due to gradual migrations driven by sexually mature females that move to avoid inbreeding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-tool-use-in-chimpanzee-culture">Evolution of tool-use in chimpanzee culture</h2>



One of the biggest challenges in studying the evolution of chimpanzee culture is the limited window of observation since the species has only been scientifically researched for about a century. 



Moreover, chimpanzee tools made of sticks and stems are perishable, making it nearly impossible to trace how their artifacts have evolved over time. The team overcame these hurdles by analyzing ancient genetic flows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-of-social-learning">Influence of social learning</h2>



Social learning plays a crucial role in the development and transmission of chimpanzee culture. Through observation and imitation, young chimpanzees acquire valuable skills and knowledge from experienced individuals within their social groups. 



This process allows for the transfer of learned behaviors, such as tool use and foraging techniques, across generations. 



The ability to learn from one another and adapt to changing environments has contributed to the richness and diversity of chimpanzee cultural practices, including their use of tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-variations-among-chimpanzees">Cultural variations among chimpanzees</h2>



Similar to human cultures, chimpanzee cultures also exhibit variations and regional differences. 



Different chimpanzee populations have been found to possess unique cultural practices and behaviors that are specific to their social groups and environments. 



These variations can be observed in different tool-use techniques, communication patterns, and even forms of social interaction. 



By studying these cultural variations, researchers gain valuable insights into the adaptive nature of chimpanzee culture and the influence of local environments on their behavioral repertoire.



By exploring the influence of social learning and highlighting cultural variations among chimpanzee populations, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and significance of chimpanzee culture and the use of tools in their evolutionary journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-chimpanzee-tools-surpass-humans">Will chimpanzee tools surpass humans?</h2>



While it's unlikely that chimps will match human ingenuity, given enough time, they could become more efficient foragers. 



For instance, some populations are already more advanced in cracking nuts with stone-made hammers and anvils. A particularly innovative group has even invented a stabilizer for the anvil.



Ultimately, this study serves as a reminder of the significant role of interaction and collaboration in driving innovation and technological progress – a lesson we share with our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-are-constantly-mastering-new-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closest living relatives</a>, the chimpanzees.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk3381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Chimpanzees pass tool-use skills across generations

A fascinating study reveals that chimpanzees, like humans, are gradually...

Avocados have become a staple in many kitchens, showing up on toast, in smoothies, and as the star ingredient in guacamole at every gathering. In fact, many experts claim that eating one avocado each day can actually add years to your life by improving the overall quality of your diet.



Beyond their delicious taste and texture, avocados pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. They’re loaded with healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fat, which is great for your heart. 



You’ll also find plenty of vitamins like Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and several B vitamins, along with minerals such as potassium and magnesium. 



Avocados are also rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.



So, what is the controversy, and how exactly can eating avocados improve your health and extend lifespan?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-avocado-diet">Investigating the avocado diet</h2>



Kristina Petersen, an associate professor of nutritional sciences, and Penny Kris-Etherton, a retired professor from Penn State University <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Nutritional Sciences</a>, set out to explore this question. 



They led a team to investigate the potential health benefits of daily avocado consumption. Their research was recently published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition. 



The study aimed to see if adding one avocado to a person's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-linked-to-unexpected-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily diet</a> could make a significant difference in their overall diet quality.



"Avocados are a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-foods-with-these-key-nutrients-will-dramatically-slow-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient-dense food</a>, containing a lot of fiber and other important nutrients. We wanted to see if regular intake of this food would lead to an increase in diet quality," Petersen explained. 



She noted that previous observational studies suggested that people who eat avocados tend to have higher diet quality, but they wanted to find out if there was a direct cause-and-effect relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



Because only about 2% of American adults regularly eat avocados, the researchers were curious whether incorporating this fruit daily could boost diet quality across a broader population. 



They conducted phone interviews with participants before the study began and at various points throughout to assess their dietary intake over the previous 24 hours. 



They used the Healthy Eating Index to evaluate how well participants adhered to the <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>.



The study involved 1,008 participants divided into two groups. 



One group continued their usual diet and limited their avocado intake during the 26-week study. The other group added one avocado per day to their meals.



"We found that the participants who had an avocado per day significantly increased their adherence to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-meat-less-protein-lacks-certain-nutrients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary guidelines</a>," Petersen said. 



"This suggests that strategies, like eating one avocado per day, can help people follow dietary guidelines and improve the quality of their diets."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-diet-surprises">Avocado diet surprises</h2>



What surprised the researchers was how participants managed to improve their diet quality. 



"We determined that participants were using avocados as a substitute for some foods higher in refined grains and sodium," Petersen noted. 



While avocados counted toward increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-learned-why-so-many-kids-dislike-vegetables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetable consumption</a>, people were also swapping out less healthy options in favor of this nutrient-rich fruit.



Poor diet quality is a significant risk factor for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease. 



"By improving people’s adherence to dietary guidelines, we can help to reduce their risk of developing these chronic conditions and prolong healthy life expectancy," Petersen said.



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



Petersen has explored other food-based interventions, such as the relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-pistachios-daily-proven-to-boost-eyes-vision-and-overall-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pistachios and diet quality</a>. 



She believes more research is needed to discover additional food strategies that can help people stick to dietary guidelines. 



"In studies like this one, we are able to determine food-based ways to improve diet quality, but behavioral strategies are also needed to help people adhere to dietary guidelines and reduce their risk of chronic disease," she emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-diet-avocado-s-global-impact">Beyond diet: Avocado's global impact</h2>



But there's more to the avocado story than just personal health benefits, and it's not what you might expect. 



Enter Honor May Eldridge, a food policy expert who works to promote sustainable agriculture around the world. 



In her book, The Avocado Debate, Eldridge delves into the complexities of our modern food system through the lens of the avocado.



"The avocado has come to represent so much more than just a fruit. It’s wrapped up with ideas of generational conflict, environmental chaos, and social injustice," Eldridge explained.



"Over the last century, through careful marketing, it has evolved into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commodity crop</a> with a huge social media following."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dark-side-of-avocado-diets">The dark side of avocado diets</h2>



However, the book doesn't aim to vilify the avocado or its fans. Instead, it seeks to educate consumers about the often-unseen ramifications of their choices. 



"Everything we eat has an impact -- good and bad. We all just need to be more knowledgeable about those consequences so we can make more informed choices. We shouldn’t demonize the avocado," she stated.



Particularly in the last three decades, avocados have gone from being a regional crop to a global phenomenon embraced by cafes, restaurants, homes, and social media platforms everywhere. 



Eldridge traces the avocado's journey from a staple in indigenous communities to its current status, examining how colonialism and modern marketing have turned this humble fruit into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-avocado-debate-understanding-the-impacts-of-our-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sought-after commodity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-social-challenges">Environmental and social challenges</h2>



She explores the environmental and social challenges tied to avocado production today. Issues like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trillions-of-cubic-meters-of-water-is-used-to-grow-crops-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excessive water use</a>, fertilizers, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a> have significant impacts on ecosystems and local communities. 



One pressing concern is the expanding need for land, leading to widespread clearances that endanger crucial habitats and biodiversity.



Eldridge also tackles questions of equity and sustainability, highlighting connections between avocado production, land grabs, structural inequalities, and the influence of the Global North on the Global South. 



She raises important points about how large-scale export agriculture affects local communities, especially in regions grappling with climate change.



"My goal is to encourage readers to recognize the complexity of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food system</a> and understand that no food is inherently 'good' or 'bad'," Eldridge said. "The debate needs to move beyond simplistic portrayals and embrace the intricate reality of our choices."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-diet-and-environmental-balance">Avocado, diet, and environmental balance</h2>



So, where does that leave us with our beloved avocados? 



On one hand, they can boost our diet quality and help us meet nutritional guidelines. 



On the other, their production can have significant environmental and social impacts. 



Perhaps the key is balance and awareness. By knowing more about where our food comes from and how it's produced, we can make choices that are good for us while being mindful of the bigger picture.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2475299124000052" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Developments in Nutrition</a> and <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003371915/avocado-debate-honor-may-eldridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Avocado Debate</a>.



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Eating avocado every day can add years to your life, but this fruit has enemies

Avocados have become a staple in many kitchens, showing up...

Have you ever felt your skin tingle during a horror movie, or experienced the warmth of a tender family scene? According to researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University, these skin reactions might tell more about your emotions than you think.



The team, led by Professor Shogo Okamoto, has been exploring a fascinating question: Can our skin conductance shed light on our emotions? 



When we feel different sensations, the electrical properties of our skin change dramatically due to perspiration. Signals of these changes appear within one to three seconds after the original emotional trigger. 



This might sound complex, but let's make it simple: different emotions make our skin behave differently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-s-response-to-different-emotions">Skin's response to different emotions</h2>



To investigate this, the researchers from <a href="https://www.tmu.ac.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Metropolitan University</a> conducted an experiment where volunteers watched various types of videos while wearing skin probes.



These videos ranged from heart-pounding horror scenes, feel-good family bonding moments, and hilarious acts by comedians. Each scene offered clear points at which the viewer's emotions were significantly triggered.



Following each video, the team recorded and analyzed the conductance traces, which led to some intriguing findings. 



Turns out, those bone-chilling horror scenes prompted responses that lasted the longest. This could be our body's survival mechanism, keeping us alert and ready in potentially dangerous situations.



When comparing the heartwarming family scenes and humor-filled clips, the former elicited a slower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/facial-expressions-arent-enough-to-understand-human-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaction</a>. This could reflect the complex mix of happiness and sadness that often accompanies poignant family moments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-the-emotional-mystique">Revealing the emotional mystique</h2>



The most exciting part of their study, however, was the team's discovery that different numbers extracted from the skin conductance traces could help distinguish the viewer's emotions.



While they can't pinpoint emotions with perfect accuracy just yet, the data can predict whether a person was experiencing fear or the warmth of family ties with a significant degree of certainty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-skin-react-to-emotions">Why does skin react to emotions?</h2>



The findings of extended responses during bone-chilling horror scenes and slower reactions in heartwarming family moments warrant further exploration. 



Several factors may contribute to these distinctive patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional response</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-instincts">Survival instincts</h3>



Our physiological responses to fear-inducing stimuli, such as horror scenes, may be rooted in our evolutionary history. 



The prolonged responses could be attributed to our body's survival mechanism, designed to keep us vigilant and prepared in potentially dangerous situations.



These scenes may activate the release of stress hormones, heightening our senses and readiness to react.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-emotions">Complexity of emotions</h3>



Heartwarming family scenes often evoke a mix of happiness and sadness, resulting in more nuanced and complex emotional experiences. These conflicting emotions may require additional cognitive processing, leading to a slower physiological response. 



The interplay of joy and nostalgia in these moments may contribute to a unique pattern of emotional engagement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-and-personal-context">Individual differences and personal context</h3>



Emotional responses can vary widely among individuals due to personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual sensitivities. 



Factors such as past trauma, personal values, and individual preferences can influence the intensity and duration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional responses</a>.



It is important to consider the diverse range of subjective experiences when interpreting these findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-emotional-response-analysis">Future of emotional response analysis</h2>



The research on skin conductance traces unlocks new possibilities for understanding and interpreting emotions.



As technology continues to advance, it is not far-fetched to imagine a future where devices can accurately detect our emotions in real-time. 



This could revolutionize various fields, including entertainment, healthcare, and communication. 



Personalized movies could be created to adapt their storyline based on emotional engagement. Healthcare devices could be designed to provide immediate support based on specific emotions. The potential applications are vast and exciting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-devices-detecting-emotions">Skin devices detecting emotions</h2>



Imagine a world where skin devices can sense your emotions and adapt their services accordingly. 



While such technology would rely heavily on facial expressions, skin conductance could be a rich, alternative source of information, particularly when facial data isn't available.



The world of emotionally aware technologies might still be a few steps away, but this work brings us one significant step closer. It supports a better understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomscrolling-is-silently-ruining-our-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a>, while opening up exciting new doors in the world of technology.



In conclusion, the fascinating research on skin conductance and its potential to decipher human emotions opens up a world of possibilities for emotionally aware technologies. 



This research was backed by an Institutional Research Grant from Tokyo Metropolitan University.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10718281" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEEE Access</a>.



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Future tech will track emotions through changes in our skin

Have you ever felt your skin tingle during a horror...

Imagine tripping over a piece of old metal while exploring the ruins of a long-forgotten town, only to find that the obstacle was something exceptional. That's precisely what happened to a group of archaeologists, who recently unearthed the oldest known firearm, in the United States, known as "The Bronze Cannon." 



The cannon, often referred to as a wall gun, was a significant part of the Coronado expedition led by Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. This expedition comprised brave explorers who sailed far from home in search of the "Seven Cities of Gold" almost half a millennium ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bronze-cannon-was-a-formidable-weapon">"The Bronze Cannon" was a formidable weapon </h2>



Built to dispense projectiles in a manner that resembled a swarm of angry hornets, the 40-pound cannon was a force to be reckoned with.



But, unlike modern-day firearms, it had a unique firing mechanism that used round projectiles or buckshot. The coroner's report described the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-masters-woodworking-crafting-wooden-hunting-weapons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weapon</a>'s effect on the enemy soldiers as akin to a hornets' assault.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spanish-connection-of-the-cannon-firearm">Spanish connection of the cannon firearm</h2>



The team conducted a scientifically rigorous radiocarbon analysis on the artifact to trace the cannon's origin. 



The result? The weapon was fashioned between 1500 and 1520 using metal and decoration indicative of Mexican craftsmanship rather than the ornate Spanish designs.



This discovery points towards the firearm's being cast in Mexico - an unexpected find that challenges the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-interesting-technique-hunt-big-animals-clovis-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional narrative</a> of Spanish involvement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannon-and-firearm-history-in-the-u-s">Cannon and firearm history in the U.S.</h2>



The scientist championing this discovery is Deni Seymour, an independent archaeologist and the lead author of the study that describes this significant find.



The cannon, uncovered in the town of San Geronimo III, is described by Seymour as an important artifact.



"Until this particular cannon was found, no firearms from the Coronado Expedition had been discovered. No firearms from this early period are known from the U.S. or on the continental land mass as a whole," noted Seymour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannon-s-final-resting-place">Cannon's final resting place</h2>



Seymour and her team unearthed the cannon from the ruins of San Geronimo III, a town established by the members of the Coronado expedition. This was not a peaceful settlement by any means.



The Sobaipuri O’odham people rose against the Spanish settlers in what Seymour describes as "the earliest, most consequential Native American uprising in the continental U.S."



The battle left the Spanish with no choice but to flee, leaving behind their prized possession that, ironically, was never fired.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-firearm-history-cannon-from-arizona">Rewriting firearm history: Cannon from Arizona</h2>



The discovery of the bronze cannon is not just a fascinating find; it's a revelation that pushes the historical timeline of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-hunter-gatherers-were-nearly-wiped-out-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">firearm</a> introduction in the U.S. back by 300 years.



It was previously believed that the first cannons came ashore in colonial Boston amidst the upheaval of the Revolutionary War. 



However, this recent finding takes the timeline far back to a Spanish adobe house used by settlers who were a part of the Coronado expedition, nearly 500 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-through-uncharted-lands">Journey through uncharted lands</h2>



The Coronado expedition, led by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, was not just a journey to unknown lands; it was a test of endurance that brought together over 2,500 Europeans and Mexican-Indian allies. 



The two-year-long journey saw the allies navigate through current-day Mexico and the American Southwest in search of riches, which brought them into direct contact, and inevitable conflict, with indigenous cultures along the way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-the-cannon">Legacy of the cannon</h2>



The study, published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10761-024-00761-7#Abs1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Historical Archaeology</a>, speculates on why the cannon was abandoned.



The experts suggest that the Spanish settlers ran out of time to load it when the Sobaipuri O'odham tribe launched a successful attack against them in late 1541.



Under normal circumstances, the weapon would have been too valuable to leave behind.



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



In conclusion, the discovery of this ancient firearm has implications far beyond archaeological interest. 



"From the standpoint of interpretation, this cannon and the battle that occurred around it represent the earliest successful Native American uprising in the Continental US since the Spaniards did not come back for 150 years," noted Seymour.



The Bronze Cannon will, undoubtedly, serve as an important cornerstone in narrating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-homo-sapiens-stone-tools-preserved-volcanic-ash-grotta-di-castelcivita/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history</a> of firearms within the complex tapestry of modern human existence in the Americas.



Image Credit: International Journal of Historical Archeology



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The Bronze Cannon: Oldest known firearm discovered in Arizona

Imagine tripping over a piece of old metal while exploring...

The Gulf of California is a place where whale sharks - the world's largest fish - glide through the deep blue, growing up to 18 meters long. They are no longer the ocean's undisputed titans. 



Killer whales, or "orcas," as they are popularly known, feast on marine mammals, turtles, and even these whale sharks.



It appears a pod might have honed new skills, making these whale sharks their choice prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-hunting-behavior-of-killer-whales">New hunting behavior of killer whales </h2>



Erick Higuera Rivas, a seasoned marine biologist at Conexiones Terramar, recently shared fresh evidence to support this new hunting behavior during young whale shark aggregation in the Gulf of California. 



Higuera Rivas, known for his significant contributions to marine biology, is the senior author of the related article published in Frontiers in Marine Science.



"Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are the apex predator in global oceans, and as such they are afforded access to prey species at all trophic levels and sizes. Due to their enhanced cognitive abilities, they are frequent predators of other ocean giants, including large sharks," wrote the researchers.



"Observations of these predator-prey interactions are rare globally; however, records appear to be increasing in recent years, possibly due to increased access to surveillance."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orcas-hunting-whale-sharks">Orcas hunting whale sharks</h2>



The series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-killer-whales-struggling-to-survive-in-the-pacific/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predation events</a> occurred between 2018 and 2024, captured across images and videos by both the public and scientists. 



Interestingly, an individual orca was consistently involved in three of the four reported events. This orca, known as Moctezuma, worked cohesively with other pod members, possibly specializing in shark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orcas-have-hunting-and-eating-habits-that-we-never-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting</a>. 



"When hunting, all pod members work together, hitting the whale shark to turn it upside down. In that position the sharks enter a state of tonic immobility and can no longer move voluntarily or escape by going deeper," Higuera Rivas explained. 



"By keeping it under control, the orcas then have greater ease and speed in approaching the pelvic area of ​​the shark and are able to extract organs of nutritional importance for them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-shark-vulnerable-prey">Whale shark: Vulnerable prey</h2>



As the least protected part of the whale shark, the ventral side became an easy target for the orcas since there was less muscle and cartilage here, permitting easier access to the aorta. 



Though the livers are a significant part of orcas' diets, none of the photos captured showed orcas consuming the organ.



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



The discovery of a whale shark hunting pod in the Gulf of California highlights the urgent need for better management of marine adventurers and tourists to reduce disruption. 



Higuera Rivas strongly emphasizes the importance of sustainable and respectful non-extractive use activities, urging for specific regulatory norms.



Further, this orca pod's survival may be at risk due to potential climate change threats that could lead to the disappearance of whale sharks from the region.



Should this happen, it could lead to significant disruption in orca populations and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-seen-hunting-sharks-new-population/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting behavior</a>.



The findings offer researchers valuable insights into hunting adaptations unique to geographical location and species-specific needs.



"It is very impressive how orcas work together strategically and intelligently to access only a very specific area of ​​the prey. It highlights what great predators they are," noted Higuera Rivas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delicate-balance-of-marine-ecosystems">Delicate balance of marine ecosystems</h2>



The discovery of orcas hunting whale sharks has significant implications for conservation efforts aimed at protecting orca populations and their ecosystems.



Understanding the specific hunting adaptations and strategies employed by orcas in different regions can inform targeted conservation measures. 



By implementing regulatory norms that promote sustainable and respectful non-extractive activities, we can help safeguard the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and mitigate potential threats posed by climate change. 



This knowledge serves as a guiding light for conservationists and policymakers in their ongoing efforts to preserve these magnificent creatures and their habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orcas-hunting-behavior-beyond-sharks">Orcas hunting behavior beyond sharks</h2>



While this study sheds light on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-use-clever-hunting-strategies-to-outsmart-prey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting adaptations</a> of orcas in a specific geographical location, there is still much more to explore and discover. 



Future research could focus on investigating the hunting behaviors and adaptations of orcas in different regions worldwide. 



By studying these variations, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological diversity and evolutionary dynamics of this apex predator. 



Additionally, exploring the potential impacts of human activities and climate change on orca populations and their hunting behavior would further inform conservation strategies for their long-term survival.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1448254/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



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Orcas attack whale sharks' pelvis to make them easier to catch

The Gulf of California is a place where whale sharks...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[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?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

[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

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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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...