Black holes have baffled and fascinated both scientists and the public for decades. Their enormous gravity and mysterious interiors have led to endless debates, movies and books feeding our curiosity about what might be hidden inside these cosmic objects.



Now, recent findings from the University of Sheffield point to surprising possibilities linked to time and dark energy.



Researchers suggest that black holes might shift into what they are calling “white holes,” which could throw matter and even time back out into our universe.



In simpler terms, this study proposes a revolutionary link between time and dark energy, suggesting that the mysterious force driving the universe's expansion may be used to measure time



This idea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-theory-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges standard views</a> of how black holes function and basically upends everything we thought we knew about the Universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-mechanics-and-the-singularity">Quantum mechanics and the singularity</h2>



Dr. Steffen Gielen, from the University of Sheffield’s School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (<a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPS</a>), has long studied the interplay between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/central-theory-of-quantum-gravity-is-modeled-in-the-laboratory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics and gravity</a>.



His latest collaboration, entitled ‘Black Hole Singularity Resolution in Unimodular Gravity from Unitarity,’ is now published in Physical Review Letters.



In it, the authors explore how conventional knowledge breaks down at a black hole’s central point, known as the singularity.



“It has long been a question as to whether quantum mechanics can change our understanding of black holes and give us insights into their true nature,” said Dr. Gielen. 



“In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, time as we understand it cannot end as systems perpetually change and evolve.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-time-and-dark-energy">Linking time and dark energy</h2>



In this theoretical framework, the team positions dark energy as a potential measuring stick for time. 



They propose that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timescape-dark-energy-doesnt-exist-causing-lumpy-universe-expansion-cmbr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>, thought to power the universe’s expansion, might function as a reference for temporal progression.



“While time is, in general, thought to be relative to the observer, in our research time is derived from the mysterious dark energy which permeates the entire universe,” Dr. Gielen continued.



“We propose that time is measured by the dark energy that is everywhere in the Universe, and responsible for its current expansion. This is the pivotal new idea that allows us to grasp the phenomena occurring within a black hole.”



By framing time through dark energy, the researchers open fresh avenues for interpreting how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-suggests-that-dark-energy-comes-from-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes could evolve</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-holes-as-a-new-phase">White holes as a new phase</h2>



White holes are often portrayed as the reverse of black holes. Instead of trapping matter forever, they are thought to expel energy, matter, and even time back into cosmic space.



In the Sheffield study, co-written with Lucía Menéndez-Pidal from <a href="https://www.ucm.es/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Complutense University</a> of Madrid, this transformation from black hole to white hole occurs when quantum effects become significant at the singularity, replacing a terminal point with a new phase.



“Hypothetically you could have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schrodingers-cat-survives-in-quantum-superposition-for-a-record-shattering-23-minutes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an observer</a> - a hypothetical entity - go through the black hole, through what we think of as a singularity and emerge on the other side of the white hole. It’s a highly abstract notion of an observer but it could happen, in theory,” Dr. Gielen added.



This scenario, though speculative, underscores the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolving insights</a> into how physics might handle extreme conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planar-vs-conventional-black-holes">Planar vs. conventional black holes</h2>



Their work relies on a simplified model known as a planar black hole. This version differs from conventional black holes, which are spherical, by featuring a flat boundary.



Despite the differences, the team believes that similar processes may apply to the black holes observed throughout space.



Any departure from the usual view of a singularity raises big questions about how time, space, and quantum effects unite.



By using quantum mechanics to show that a singularity could be replaced by fluctuating regions, the authors hint at a richer description of where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physicists-make-bold-claims-that-time-is-an-illusion-question-its-existence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physics and time</a> continue to operate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-einstein-unimodular-gravity-and-spacetime">Einstein, unimodular gravity, and spacetime</h2>



Unimodular gravity, a version of Einstein’s theory that treats certain variables as fixed, plays a key role in this research.



In standard general relativity, the cosmological constant is an extra piece that can shape the universe’s expansion.



In unimodular gravity, this constant is partly integrated into how the theory sets up space and time.



Some physicists see it as a simpler way to handle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-expansion-rate-dark-energy-measured-11-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a> because it can separate how gravity affects geometry from how energy drives cosmic growth.



In this study, unimodular gravity underpins the argument that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-universe-remains-predictable-insights-from-quantum-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole singularities</a> might not mark the end of time.



By adjusting the underlying equations, the approach provides a path to include quantum effects that keep space and time going.



This aligns with the hypothesis that matter and time could be released as a white hole forms.



Though questions remain about how these mathematical insights translate to actual observations, this framework adds another dimension to discussions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-forces-have-made-the-structure-of-the-universe-messier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic evolution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-holes-and-new-textbooks">White holes and new textbooks</h2>



To sum it all up in a tidy package, these researchers are suggesting that black holes may transform into white holes that release matter and time, overturning old ideas and hinting at a new link between dark energy and our measure of time. 



They present a model where black holes don’t end in singularities but shift into regions of quantum fluctuations, and they believe this perspective could unify quantum mechanics and gravity.



From this theory, the scientists see potential for connecting these ideas with efforts to merge gravity and quantum mechanics.



Such approaches could reshape our understanding of how cosmic expansion, dark energy, and black holes fit together in a single theoretical picture.



The new research also suggests novel approaches to reconciling gravity and quantum mechanics, potentially paving the way for transformative new fundamental theories and breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.



As these ideas progress, scientists will continue testing how dark energy and quantum processes might shed light on the puzzle at the heart of these powerful cosmic objects.



May the force be with us all.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.101501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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Discovery of "white holes" upends everything we know about the Universe

Black holes have baffled and fascinated both scientists and the public for decades. Their enormous gravity and mysterious interiors have led to endless debates, movies and books feeding our curiosity about what might be hidden inside these cosmic objects. Now, recent findings from the University of Sheffield point to surprising possibilities linked to time and dark energy. Researchers suggest that black holes might shift into what they are calling “white holes,” which could throw matter and even time back out into our universe. In simpler terms, this...

There's a fascinating dynamic that is happening in the animal kingdom - specifically among Guinea baboons. A recent study shows that female Guinea baboons have a peculiar attraction to males showcasing unique foraging skills.



Experts from the <a href="https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/institutes/leibniz-institutes-all-lists/german-primate-center-leibniz-institute-for-primate-research" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research</a> conducted investigations on two baboon groups in Senegal’s scenic wilderness and one under close observation at Nuremberg Zoo.



The researchers made a discovery that deepens our grasp of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-ties-influence-the-social-behavior-of-aging-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal social behavior</a>: animals are quite aware of their group members' skills, and they use this knowledge to make social choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attraction-based-on-benefits">Attraction based on benefits</h2>



The experts trained one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-baboons-invest-more-time-in-relationships-with-females/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">male baboon</a> in each group to operate a unique food box. These 'specialized' males became the group's exclusive providers of an additional food source. Curiously, this elevated status attracted the females' attention.



They spent more time with these special males, groomed them more, and even acted aggressively towards other females in the group. 



However, once the food box and the extra food was out of the equation, the females' enamored behavior diminished. This suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/guinea-baboons-give-females-more-freedom-and-authority/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">females</a> were acting based on immediate advantages - not on a comprehensive evaluation of the males' capabilities.



On the other hand, males in the group, despite also gaining from the extra food, showed no significant change in their behavior towards the expert forager. This could hint at lower competition among male Guinea baboons for food sources controlled by their counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baboons-favor-immediate-gains">Baboons favor immediate gains </h2>



The study sheds light on the pragmatic side of partner selection among Guinea baboons. The choice is not driven by a long-term evaluation of a male's capabilities, but rather by the immediate benefits they can gain from him.



"Our experiment is the first to identify the type of mechanism, i.e. outcome- or competence-based, underlying skill attribution in a wild non-human primate. As such, our results provide a unique insight into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baboons-may-offer-clues-to-early-human-social-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of complex skill attribution in humans," said William O-Hearm, the lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-research-potential-of-zoos">Enormous research potential of zoos</h2>



Before the field work in Senegal, initial tests were conducted on Guinea baboons at Nuremberg Zoo - one of the few European facilities housing the species and a long-time collaborator of the Primate Research Institute. 



The controlled conditions of the zoo made it possible for the researchers to observe baboons closely and test feasible fieldwork ideas.



Lorenzo von Fersen, the zoo's Curator of Research and Species Conservation, emphasized the significance of conducting research in controlled environments. 



"The decisive factor for this study was the opportunity to work with the Guinea baboons at Nuremberg Zoo under controlled conditions. Such research approaches are not only scientifically valuable, but also enrich the animals' lives by providing them with cognitive challenges that enhance their natural abilities,” said von Fersen.



Jörg Beckmann, biological director and deputy director of the zoo, noted that zoos have enormous research potential and also offer information about their individuals that is often not available in the wild, as well as expertise that is important when working in the field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guinea-baboons-and-social-intelligence">Guinea baboons and social intelligence </h2>



The findings of this study extend beyond Guinea baboons, offering valuable insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-intelligence-did-not-evolve-due-to-natural-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of intelligence</a> and social decision-making across species. 



By demonstrating that baboons recognize and respond to the skills of their peers, the research supports the idea that social animals - including early human ancestors - may have developed similar cognitive strategies for survival and resource acquisition.



The researchers suggest that such pragmatic decision-making could have played a role in the evolution of human intelligence. 



In ancestral human societies, individuals who could assess the competencies of others - whether in hunting, tool-making, or leadership - would have had a distinct advantage in forming beneficial social bonds.



This concept aligns with theories in evolutionary biology that emphasize the role of cooperation, reciprocity, and resource control in shaping complex social structures.



Moreover, this study highlights how non-human primates, like baboons, continue to challenge our understanding of cognition. 



As research progresses, scientists hope to uncover even more parallels between human and primate decision-making, further bridging the gap between our species and our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2925" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Guinea baboons prefer mates with skills

There's a fascinating dynamic that is happening in the animal...

A good night’s sleep can feel like a luxury as people age. Many older adults find themselves staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night, restless and exhausted. Insomnia creeps in, bringing groggy mornings and sluggish days. 



While sleep aids exist, they come with side effects, leaving many searching for natural solutions. Could exercise be the answer?



A new analysis suggests that physical activity plays a crucial role in sleep quality. But not all movement is created equal. Among various exercise types, one stands out as particularly effective - strength training.



The results are clear: lifting weights, performing push-ups, and engaging in resistance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-the-risk-of-brain-diseases-by-up-to-54-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercises</a> may be the key to deeper, more restful sleep in older adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-sleep-worsens-with-age">Why sleep worsens with age</h2>



As people age, sleep gets harder. Something once easy can turn into a nightly challenge. Studies show that about one in five older adults has insomnia, which causes more than just tiredness.



Sleep deprivation doesn’t just cause fatigue; it has been linked to cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune function.



Even for those without underlying health issues, poor sleep disrupts daily life. Concentration slips, energy levels plummet, and mood swings become frequent.



Older adults who still work may see their productivity decline, while those enjoying retirement may feel too exhausted to fully engage in social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-doses-of-exercise-can-greatly-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activities</a>. The consequences ripple far and wide, making sleep quality a major concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-type-of-exercise">Best type of exercise</h2>



Understanding that exercise could hold the key to better sleep, researchers set out to determine which type had the greatest impact. They scoured medical databases, analyzing clinical trials published up to October 2022. Their focus? Adults formally diagnosed with insomnia.



The studies that were examined by the team compared different forms of exercise against routine daily activities, usual care, and other non-exercise interventions. To measure sleep quality, the researchers relied on the Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (GPSQI), a widely recognized tool in sleep research.



Across these studies, a variety of exercises emerged. Some focused on aerobic activities like cycling, dancing, swimming, brisk walking, and even gardening. Others examined the effects of resistance training, including exercises with weights, push-ups, and planks.



Balance training featured step-ups and heel-to-toe walking, while flexibility exercises involved gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates. A few studies combined multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/step-and-time-based-exercise-goals-are-equally-beneficial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> types into a single regimen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-participated-in-the-studies">Who participated in the studies?</h2>



The analysis included data from 24 studies, encompassing 2,045 older adults with an average age of 70.



These studies spanned the globe, with research conducted in Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. Some studies were community-based, while others focused on nursing home residents.



Exercise programs varied significantly. Some involved mild activity, while others pushed participants into moderate-intensity workouts. On average, sessions lasted just over 50 minutes and were performed two to three times per week. 



Most programs continued for about 14 weeks, long enough to assess meaningful changes in sleep patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strength-training-improves-sleep">Strength training improves sleep</h2>



At first glance, aerobic exercise seemed promising. When analyzed alone, it improved sleep quality by 4.35 points on the GPSQI. Combination exercise also showed positive effects, though slightly less impressive, with an improvement of 2.35 points.



Then came the deeper analysis. Using an advanced statistical method known as network meta-analysis, the researchers compared multiple exercise types simultaneously, accounting for direct and indirect effects.



The results flipped the script. Strength training took the lead, improving sleep quality by a remarkable 5.75 points - far surpassing all other exercise types.



Aerobic exercise, while still beneficial, improved sleep by 3.76 points. Combination exercises, which incorporated multiple techniques, improved it by 2.54 points. 



Sleep education, a non-exercise intervention that researchers examined as a comparison, showed some effectiveness but fell short of the impact seen with strength training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-strength-training-works">Why strength training works</h2>



The impact of resistance exercises on sleep may not be immediately obvious. Yet, a closer look reveals multiple pathways through which strength training promotes better rest.



One explanation lies in hormonal balance. Strength training influences the production of cortisol and melatonin, two hormones critical to sleep regulation. 



It also reduces stress, a common trigger for insomnia. Physically, stronger muscles contribute to better posture, reduced joint pain, and improved mobility - all factors that can make sleep more comfortable.



Unlike aerobic workouts, which primarily elevate heart rate, strength training activates deep muscular and neurological processes. The controlled, intentional nature of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-it-comes-to-practice-and-learning-variety-is-key/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercises</a> may help calm the nervous system, preparing the body for rest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-sleep-education">Role of sleep education</h2>



Interestingly, sleep education emerged as the strongest non-exercise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exercise-can-make-belly-fat-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intervention</a> in this analysis. However, its effectiveness varied across studies. 



Some programs focused on relaxation techniques, while others provided guidance on sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime or limiting screen exposure before bed.



While sleep education did show benefits, it still didn’t match the power of physical exercise - especially resistance training. The researchers emphasized that while knowledge is valuable, action is more effective.



Understanding how to sleep better is one thing; engaging in a structured exercise routine that actively enhances sleep is another.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-considerations">Challenges and considerations</h2>



Despite the strong evidence supporting strength training, the researchers acknowledged limitations in their analysis. 



The studies they reviewed varied in design, making it difficult to compare results perfectly. Some lacked precise details about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-training-improves-mental-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> intensity, while others didn’t focus on specific types of resistance training.



Another challenge is accessibility. Strength training requires proper technique to avoid injury, and not all older adults feel comfortable using weights. Those with joint issues or mobility limitations may find certain movements difficult. 



However, modifications exist, and even low-impact resistance exercises can provide benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strength-training-a-simple-solution">Strength training: A simple solution</h2>



At the end of their analysis, the researchers reached a firm conclusion. 



“Exercise, particularly strengthening exercise and aerobic exercise, is beneficial for enhancing subjective sleep quality at a clinically significant level compared with normal activities,” they noted.



For older adults searching for a natural way to combat insomnia, strength training may be the missing piece. A simple routine - whether lifting light weights, performing bodyweight exercises, or using resistance bands - could lead to deeper sleep, improved energy, and better overall well-being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://fmch.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/fmch-2024-003056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Family Medicine and Community Health</a>.



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Strength training may be the best exercise for insomnia

A good night’s sleep can feel like a luxury as...

Earth’s climate has never stayed the same. Over millions of years, it has changed due to forces both deep inside the planet and far beyond it. Heat from within the Earth, shifting orbits around the Sun, and volcanic eruptions all shape the world we live in. 



Scientists looked into past records to understand how Earth’s climate has changed. They studied old rocks and fossils to find clues linking climate shifts to big <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a>. These natural records reveal how Earth’s environment has evolved over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-that-shape-earth-s-climate">Forces that shape Earth's climate</h2>



The inside of the Earth produces heat because some elements, like uranium, break down naturally over time. This process is called radioactive decay. 



Along with this, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-next-big-volcano-eruption-will-cause-global-chaos-climate-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> release heat and gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the air. These gases can affect the climate by changing the temperature and composition of the atmosphere.



Earth doesn’t follow the exact same path around the Sun forever. Its orbit shifts slightly over time, changing how much sunlight reaches different parts of the planet. This affects the seasons, sometimes making them longer, shorter, warmer, or cooler.



These two processes - heat from inside the Earth and changes in sunlight - work together in complicated ways. Over thousands to millions of years, they affect the climate, shaping long-term patterns of temperature, weather, and ocean conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-geological-climate-records">Earth's geological climate records</h2>



Study lead author Thomas Westerhold is a researcher at <a href="https://www.marum.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MARUM</a> – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen.



“Just like a metronome, we used the rhythmic changes in solar insolation imprinted in geological data to synchronize geological climate archives from the South Atlantic and the Northwest Pacific,” said Westerhold.



”These key records span the last million years of the Cretaceous and are synchronized down to 5,000 years or less, geologically a blink of an eye 66 million years ago.”



Accurately aligning geological records allows scientists to identify simultaneous climate events across regions. 



“So, we had the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-in-antarctica-could-wake-sleeping-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geological records</a> perfectly lined up in time, and observed that two major changes in climate and biota occurred at the same time in both oceans. But we had to find a way to test if these changes are caused by large-scale volcanic eruptions related to the Deccan Traps in India,” said Westerhold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deccan-traps-and-their-impact">Deccan traps and their impact</h2>



In western India, there is a massive area of solidified lava called the Deccan Traps. The lava layers are extremely thick, reaching up to two kilometers in some places. 



Scientists call this kind of large-scale volcanic activity a&nbsp;Large Igneous Province, which means a region covered by huge amounts of volcanic rock formed from repeated eruptions.



Huge volcanic eruptions in Earth's past have greatly affected life. When volcanoes erupt this much, they release large amounts of gases like CO₂ and SO₂. 



These gases can change the air and oceans, impacting Earth's climate, air quality, and sea life. Sometimes, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-trees-predict-volcano-eruptions-when-viewed-from-space-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a> were so severe that they caused mass extinctions, wiping out many species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-influence-in-ocean-records">Volcanic influence in ocean records</h2>



“The formation of the flood basalts and its subsequent weathering will leave a geochemical fingerprint in the ocean,“ said study co-author Junichiro Kuroda (<a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Tokyo</a>, Japan), who conducted the geochemical analyses.



“Therefore, we measured the Osmium isotope composition of the South Atlantic and the Northwest Pacific deposits. They should show the same fingerprint at the same time.”



The study revealed two distinct shifts in the Osmium isotope composition in both oceans. These shifts aligned with major eruption phases of the Deccan Traps in the late Cretaceous period.



“To our surprise we found two steps in the Osmium isotope composition in both oceans contemporaneous with major eruption phases of the Deccan Traps in the latest Cretaceous. And even more surprising those steps had different impacts on the environment as recorded by fossil remains in the drill cores,” said Westerhold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-massive-volcano-events">Measuring massive volcano events</h2>



Scientists used advanced models to make sense of the data. They created simulations to see how volcanic gases affected Earth’s climate. These models helped them estimate how big the eruptions were and how they changed the atmosphere.



“The volume of the erupted flood basalt must have been much larger than previously thought during this early phase of Deccan Trap volcanism. And the related distinct emissions of carbon and sulfur dioxide had diverse effects on the global climate system,” explained Don Penman (<a href="https://www.usu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a>, USA) who did the geochemical modeling.



According to these findings, a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> phase occurred 66.288 million years ago, independently dated using radioisotopic methods. This phase likely included an initial pulse of sulfur-rich eruptions, causing ecological stress both locally and globally. 



These discoveries refine our understanding of how massive volcanic events influence Earth's climate and ecosystems over geological timescales.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr8584" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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How giant volcanic eruptions alter Earth's climate

Earth’s climate has never stayed the same. Over millions of...

Glp-1,Receptor,,Inactivated,And,Surrounded,By,An,Agonist,(semaglutide,,Red)

Sugar holds a strong place in many people’s diets, especially when stress runs high or snacks are within easy reach. While sugar’s appeal may feel irresistible, excessive consumption can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. 



Scientists may have discovered a natural way to regulate blood sugar and curb cravings, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-could-save-an-enormous-number-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">akin to drugs like Ozempic</a>. They've been investigating the relationship between sugar intake, gut signals, and hormones that help control appetite.



Reducing sugar intake can be challenging, but experts emphasize that managing blood sugar lowers the risk of diabetes complications. 



Health guidelines suggest limiting added sugars to 9 teaspoons per day for men and 6 teaspoons per day for women. 



Though this might seem difficult, research points to gut microbes as a potential secret weapon against persistent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-tide-of-obesity-is-rising-with-75-already-impacted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cravings and obesity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glp-1-the-basics">Understanding GLP-1 - the basics</h2>



GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone your body naturally produces in the gut. It plays a big role in managing blood sugar and appetite. 



After you eat, your intestines release GLP-1, which signals your pancreas to pump out insulin. At the same time, it tells your liver to slow down glucose production, keeping blood sugar levels steady. 



But GLP-1 doesn’t stop there - it also slows digestion and sends signals to your brain that make you feel full, which helps prevent overeating.



Drugs like <a href="https://www.ozempic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ozempic</a>, <a href="https://www.wegovy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wegovy</a>, and <a href="https://www.victoza.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victoza</a> mimic GLP-1’s natural actions, helping control blood sugar and curb cravings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-signals-and-sugary-foods">Gut signals and sugary foods</h2>



Dr. Li from <a href="https://english.jiangnan.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jiangnan University</a> in China has been examining how gut signals might shape a person’s preference for sugary foods. 



In a recent publication, the authors state, “A growing body of research has revealed that our cravings for dietary components originate from signals sent from the gut, a key organ in transmitting dietary preferences.” 



This highlights the dynamic interaction between diet and gut microbes.



They also note, “However, which genes, gut flora, and metabolites in the gut microenvironment are involved in the regulation of sugar preference is currently unclear.” 



To understand this better, some studies have explored the role of hormones in sugar cravings, especially in individuals with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/type-2-diabetes-heightens-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a>. 



There is also evidence suggesting that those with certain genetic variations tied to FGF21 are about 20% more likely to consume high amounts of sweet foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glp-1-and-gut-microbiota">GLP-1 and gut microbiota</h2>



One surprising discovery involves Ffar4, a receptor that influences gut microbiota composition. When Ffar4 levels decrease, the abundance of a gut microbe, Bacteroides vulgatus, may shift. 



Researchers at Jiangnan University have found that increasing this microbe in diabetic mice can “orchestrate the secretion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-could-save-an-enormous-number-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glucagon-like peptide-1</a> (GLP-1).” 



This microbe produces metabolic compounds that send signals linked to sugar cravings and energy balance.



Bacteroides vulgatus is known to produce pantothenate, a form of vitamin B5. Scientists report that pantothenate helps release GLP-1, a hormone tied to satiety and blood sugar regulation. 



GLP-1, in turn, triggers the release of another hormone, FGF21. When these signals function properly, the body manages sugar more effectively, ultimately reducing the urge for sweet foods.



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



People with type 2 diabetes often have impaired GLP-1 function, prompting researchers to explore ways to improve or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/olives-may-be-a-powerful-weapon-in-the-fight-against-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mimic its activity</a>. 



GLP-1 agonist drugs, such as semaglutide, have proven effective in lowering blood sugar and controlling appetite. 



While these medications work, some scientists are investigating whether natural methods can stimulate the same hormonal pathways. The authors suggest their study “provides a strategy for diabetes prevention.”



This approach brings the gut microbiome into focus, as small changes in microbial makeup might have broader implications. 



If further research confirms similar outcomes in humans, it could influence how doctors approach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-discovered-that-tell-us-when-to-stop-eating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugar cravings</a> and early diabetes management. 



Emerging studies indicate potential benefits in boosting beneficial gut microbes, but it remains unclear how soon this concept will translate into practical medical solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glp-1-microbiomes-and-the-future">GLP-1, microbiomes, and the future</h2>



Many questions remain about how gut microbes shape individual dietary choices. Researchers continue exploring whether manipulating these microbes could regulate sugar intake without drastic measures. 



Adjustments in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-your-fingerprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbe populations</a> might not only help balance blood sugar but also support overall health.



Evidence linking intestinal bacteria to hunger-regulating hormones is growing, raising hopes that these discoveries may curb sugar cravings before diabetes develops. 



Some might compare this to a helpful chain reaction: the gut microbe produces specific compounds, those compounds activate the body’s natural signals, and the result is steadier blood sugar control. 



While the future direction of this research is uncertain, ongoing discoveries about microbes and hormones provide valuable insights into maintaining health - and possibly preserving a sweet tooth in moderation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-024-01902-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Microbiology</a>.



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Natural Ozempic alternative may soon be available for humans

Sugar holds a strong place in many people’s diets, especially...

Bird songs fill forests with rich melodies, signaling territory, attracting mates, and fostering communication within flocks. These sounds are not static; they change over generations, much like human languages and music.&nbsp;



New research from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> sheds light on the evolution of bird songs, revealing the significant influence of population dynamics. 



The experts analyzed over 100,000 bird songs, highlighting how movement, age, and turnover shape song <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-generated-birdsongs-may-shed-new-light-on-human-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>.



The researchers spent three years collecting over twenty thousand hours of recordings from great tits (Parus major) in Oxfordshire. This population has been monitored for 77 years as part of the Wytham Great Tit study.



The goal was to understand which songs gain popularity, which disappear, and how song repertoires evolve over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-song-evolution-with-ai">Tracking song evolution with AI</h2>



To analyze song changes, the researchers developed an AI model capable of recognizing individual birds based on their songs. 



This technology enabled them to measure song differences between birds and track variations across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-and-evolution-shape-the-unique-sounds-of-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a>.



The results revealed that birds of the same age share more similar repertoires, while mixed-age communities exhibit greater cultural diversity.



Song turnover accelerates when birds leave or die, as young newcomers adopt and introduce new song types.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-s-age-and-song-retention">Bird's age and song retention</h2>



Older birds play a key role in preserving songs that are fading from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-turn-bird-dreams-into-captivating-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a>.



While young birds drive change by adopting new song types, older individuals act as "cultural repositories" of past songs. 



This dynamic mirrors how grandparents remember songs unfamiliar to younger generations.



However, age alone does not determine song change. The experts found that when birds mix more due to increased movement and immigration, they adopt common songs, which slows the rate of song evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-song-traditions">Local song traditions</h2>



Birds that stay close to their birthplace maintain distinctive song cultures, much like isolated human communities develop unique dialects. 



Areas with less movement tend to retain more varied and unique song traditions.



Newcomers usually integrate into local song traditions rather than introducing completely new tunes. However, they often learn more songs, enriching the local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-songs-human-speech-common-vocal-genetic-origin-syrinx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical landscape</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-evolution-in-bird-songs">Cultural evolution in bird songs</h2>



“Just as human communities develop distinct dialects and musical traditions, some birds also have local song cultures that evolve over time,“ noted lead researcher Dr. Nilo Merino Recalde from the University of Oxford.



“Our study shows exactly how population dynamics - the comings and goings of individual birds - affect this cultural learning process, influencing both song diversity and the pace of change.”



This study is the first to extensively examine the role of demography in shaping cultural diversity in a wild animal population. 



By using a large dataset of individual song variations, it provides insights into both bird behavior and the broader implications of demographic changes on cultural evolution in animal species.



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



The findings could have important implications for conservation efforts by showing how population shifts influence cultural traditions in birds. The complete dataset is now publicly available for further research.



“Our work here shows, once again, that tracking individuals over their lives allows us to understand so much of the way that different processes interact in natural populations," noted Professor Ben Sheldon from the University of Oxford, who leads the long-term study in <a href="https://www.wythamwoods.ox.ac.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wytham Woods</a>.



"It’s thrilling to think that we can explain the acoustic landscape we hear in the woods each spring in terms of the result of the cumulative combination of individual movements and survival over many years.”



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



This study opens new possibilities for research into animal communication and cultural transmission. 



By integrating artificial intelligence and long-term field studies, scientists can now explore how different species develop and maintain their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finch-beaks-and-bird-songs-a-new-story-of-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique traditions</a>.



Future studies could examine whether similar patterns exist in other songbird species or even in non-bird animals that use vocalizations for communication. 



The findings also raise intriguing questions about how climate change and habitat destruction might impact song evolution by altering population structures and migration patterns.



By continuing to study how birds learn and modify their songs, researchers can gain deeper insights into the connections between social behavior, cultural traditions, and environmental change. 



These discoveries not only help us appreciate the complexity of bird communication but also provide a window into the broader forces shaping life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00150-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Birds learn songs like humans learn languages

Bird songs fill forests with rich melodies, signaling territory, attracting...

Pollination happens everywhere, but most people don’t notice it. Small creatures like bees, butterflies, birds, and bats carry pollen between plants, helping them grow. Without pollinators, flowers wouldn’t turn into fruit, and seeds wouldn’t spread. They do more than help plants reproduce - they keep nature healthy, support animals, and help produce food.



But here’s the problem - many of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pollinators-boost-the-nutritional-value-of-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> are vanishing. Climate change, habitat destruction, and industrial farming are wiping out species at an alarming rate.



Their disappearance isn’t just an issue for farmers. It affects forests, grasslands, and even city parks, where pollinators keep plant life going. When they decline, entire ecosystems suffer, and the food supply becomes more fragile.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollinator-s-role-in-plant-reproduction">Pollinator's role in plant reproduction</h2>



Plants depend on pollination to grow and multiply. Around 85% of wild plant species and more than 70% of cultivated crops rely on pollinators for reproduction. Without pollinators, many plants would fail to produce fruits or seeds.



“In most of the studies conducted on this issue across the world, plants were found not to bear fruit if no pollinator was present,“ noted Maddi Artamendi, a researcher at the University of the Basque Country (<a href="https://www.ehu.eus/en/en-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UPV/EHU</a>).



“Studies of this type have been mostly conducted on crop species, but that does not give a true picture, since the diversity of pollinators is going to decrease, is already decreasing, but is not going to disappear completely."



“What is more, wild plants were also taken into consideration as well as crop plants. We wanted to approach the subject from a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robotic-insects-may-be-the-future-of-farming-and-plant-pollination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">realistic perspective</a>.”



Her research challenges the idea that only crops suffer from pollinator loss. Wild plants are equally affected, and their decline could disrupt entire ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-pollinator-decline">Impact of pollinator decline</h2>



A study by Artamendi and Ainhoa Magrach, an Ikerbasque Research Professor at Butler County Community College (<a href="https://www.bc3.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BC3</a>) highlights the need to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-pollinators-wild-bees-boosts-food-supply-income/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator diversity</a>. 



The researchers stress the urgency of addressing factors that reduce pollinator numbers. The study found that a decrease in pollinators negatively affects plant reproduction, reducing fruit quantity, seed numbers, and fruit weight. Wild plants suffer more from pollinator loss than cultivated plants.



Self-pollinating plants also benefit from diverse pollinators. “Showing that it is very beneficial for these plants to exchange pollen,” explained Artamendi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-pollinators-and-plant-reproduction">Wild pollinators and plant reproduction</h2>



The study reveals that wild pollinators contribute more to plant reproduction than domestic pollinators, such as honey bees. A decline in wild pollinators significantly harms plant reproductive success.



The loss of invertebrate pollinators is more severe than that of vertebrates. Nocturnal pollinators are disappearing faster than diurnal pollinators. The decline of wild pollinators is greater than that of domestic pollinators. 



These findings highlight the urgent need to protect a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-wars-plants-compete-for-space-on-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator species</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-of-pollinators">Decline of pollinators </h2>



To understand pollinator decline, Artamendi and Magrach conducted a meta-analysis of 207 studies from 46 countries. This type of analysis combines data from multiple studies, allowing researchers to find broad patterns.



“We analyzed research done across the world. We had to bear in mind that there are different varieties of plants depending on the climate, that the influence on one plant or another may have been different, and how large the sample was, etc.,“ explained Artamendi.



“We took into account many variables so that all the pieces of research could be compared, and that is how we achieved a real, quantifiable result.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-a-broader-perspective">Need for a broader perspective</h2>



The researchers concluded that all pollinators, both wild and domestic, play a vital role in plant reproduction.



“We cannot focus on domestic pollinators alone. There are more pollinators, and we saw that they are all of great importance in the reproductive success of plants and in maintaining plant diversity," the team noted.



"We should not focus just on crop plants and domestic pollinators, the view has to be opened out.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pollinator-protection-matters">Why pollinator protection matters</h2>



The decline of pollinators is not just an environmental issue - it’s a crisis that could reshape entire ecosystems. This study reinforces the importance of protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> to keep nature thriving and ensure stable food production.



By taking action now - whether through conservation efforts, policy changes, or individual choices like planting pollinator-friendly gardens - humanity can help slow this decline. Protecting pollinators means protecting life itself.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02595-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Pollinators are disappearing, and it’s bad news for plants

Pollination happens everywhere, but most people don’t notice it. Small...

Iss,Space,Station.,International,Space,Station.,Earth,In,Bright,Space.

Astronauts have long dealt with rashes and immune hiccups while circling above Earth. Certain studies have implicated changes in their immune system when they leave our planet’s usual air, water, and soil behind.



Recent research work, published in the journal Cell, suggests that a super-sanitized spaceship may be one reason for these issues.



After carefully sampling the International Space Station (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS</a>), co-first authors <a href="https://www.rodolfosalido.com/bio-cv" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodolfo A. Salido</a> and <a href="https://profiles.ucsd.edu/haoqi.zhao">Haoqi Nina Zhao</a> from the University of California, San Diego (<a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Diego</a>), and their team, found that the station lacks many natural microbes that people regularly encounter on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-and-earth-s-microbes">Space and Earth's microbes</h2>



Many scientists think that a broad range of tiny organisms keeps our bodies well-tuned. If people spend months in a place with only human-associated germs, they might miss out on some beneficial exposure.



Soil-based microbes, for example, have been <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1508749" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to healthy immune responses in children who grow up around farmland.



“We noticed that the abundance of disinfectant on the surface of the International Space Station is highly correlated with the microbiome diversity at different locations on the space station,” said Zhao. 



When the station is scrubbed and disinfected often, fewer natural bacteria remain. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-microbes-and-immunity">Space microbes and immunity</h2>



Researchers involved in human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/3d-printed-hydrogels-developed-to-protect-astronauts-from-space-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spaceflight</a> have explored how microgravity can affect the <a href="https://humanresearchroadmap.nasa.gov/evidence/reports/Immune.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune system</a>. 



The finding that the ISS carries fewer types of microbes than typical Earth buildings caught people’s attention. 



“Future built environments, including space stations, could benefit from intentionally fostering diverse microbial communities that better mimic the natural microbial exposures <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-new-ezie-mission-will-study-earths-auroras-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experienced on Earth</a>, rather than relying on highly sanitized spaces,” said Salido.



The authors pointed out that this goes beyond just avoiding harsh cleaning products. 



They suggest that introducing certain environmental organisms might help astronauts fight off skin irritations and general inflammation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-over-sanitized-space-stations">Over-sanitized space stations</h2>



Those involved in the study note that the ISS samples had very few outdoor microbes. This could resemble <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2229836/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hospitals on Earth</a> or isolated labs, where constant sanitizing also leads to microbial simplicity.



Fewer types of organisms in these spaces may be one factor behind increased inflammatory problems. 



Although more data is needed, it sparks new conversations about designing cleaner areas without wiping out helpful microbial players.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-beyond-orbit">Implications beyond orbit</h2>



This approach might be valuable on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-will-search-the-exterior-of-the-space-station-for-living-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a> too. Buildings and hospitals could theoretically benefit from thoughtfully boosting their microbial variety. 



That might mean adding plants, soils, or materials that bring in carefully chosen germs, as long as safety is not compromised.



Some <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1508749" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health experts</a> think that being exposed to wider microbial communities can keep immune systems from going into overdrive and causing allergic or inflammatory symptoms. 



Although not everyone agrees on the best approach, researchers see an interesting path forward in bringing carefully selected microbes into sterile settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-space-stations-and-microbes">Future space stations and microbes</h2>



It is not enough to shovel in random dirt, of course. Scientists are careful to emphasize that it should be done safely. 



They are working on better ways to track how different bacterial strains could help or harm people in closed environments.



Future spacecraft might feature “green zones” or living walls that deliver healthy microbes while staying free of pathogens.



Some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28475791/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">labs</a> are also working on specialized disinfectants that target harmful microbes while leaving neutral or beneficial ones alone. 



It is a big shift from the traditional “kill everything” mentality, but it shows promise in places that need a delicate balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connections-to-astronaut-well-being">Connections to astronaut well-being</h2>



Space agencies have monitored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-may-need-to-jump-for-better-knee-health-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronaut health</a> in orbit for decades. More subtle aspects, including changes in crew immune responses, continue to draw attention. 



If steering the microbial environment helps reduce rashes or other troublesome symptoms, that might improve quality of life in cramped cabins.



The growing discussion around how “dirty” or “clean” a craft should be will likely influence spacecraft design as humans consider longer missions. 



For those headed to the Moon or Mars, a more natural microbial environment might be worth trying.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00108-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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NASA: Space Station is "too clean" so they want to introduce microbes

Astronauts have long dealt with rashes and immune hiccups while...

Throughout history, humanity has chased the elusive promise of eternal youth. From mythical fountains to today's anti-aging creams, the pursuit of staying forever young remains constant. But beneath this superficial search lies a deeper scientific exploration into cellular aging.



Recently, a team of researchers at <a href="https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka University</a> in Japan might have brought us closer to genuinely reversing the aging process at a cellular level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-cellular-aging">Understanding cellular aging</h2>



Our bodies naturally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/random-dna-mutations-shape-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age</a> as cells gradually become less active, transitioning into a state known as senescence. Senescent cells are not just older; they are distinctly larger and characterized by thicker stress fibers. 



These stress fibers play a crucial role in how cells move and interact with their surrounding environment. However, why these older cells maintain such an unusually large size has puzzled scientists for years.



"We still don't understand how these senescent cells can maintain their huge size," noted study lead author Pirawan Chantachotikul. 



"One intriguing clue is that stress fibers are much thicker in senescent cells than in young cells, suggesting that proteins within these fibers help support their size."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promoting-cellular-rejuvenation">Promoting cellular rejuvenation </h2>



In their quest for answers, researchers pinpointed a specific protein, AP2A1 (Adaptor Protein Complex 2, Alpha 1 Subunit), which seems crucial to this cellular phenomenon. 



Found predominantly in senescent cells, particularly within the structural stress fibers, AP2A1 could be the key to understanding cellular aging.



To explore AP2A1’s function, researchers manipulated its presence in cells, observing significant effects. 



"The results were very intriguing," said Shinji Deguchi, senior author of the study. "Suppressing AP2A1 in older cells reversed senescence and promoted cellular rejuvenation, while AP2A1 overexpression in young cells advanced senescence."



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



Collagen is like the glue that holds your body together - it keeps your skin firm, joints flexible, and hair and nails strong. 



But as you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and achy joints. 



Starting in your mid-20s, collagen production naturally slows down, and by the time you hit your 40s and 50s, the decline becomes more noticeable. 



Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, and stress can speed up collagen breakdown, making aging signs appear even faster. 



That’s why skincare and supplement industries are obsessed with collagen - it’s the key to keeping things youthful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-collagen-scaffold">Complex collagen scaffold </h2>



Delving further into AP2A1, the researchers identified its close interaction with another vital protein, integrin β1. 



Integrin β1 is known for anchoring cells to their external surroundings, specifically to the extracellular matrix - a complex collagen scaffold providing structural support. 



Both AP2A1 and integrin β1 appear to traverse the stress fibers together, a process critical in cell structure and function.



Integrin β1’s role in strengthening adhesion between cells and their external environment could explain the enlarged and raised structure typical of senescent cells. This interaction likely helps older cells maintain their oversized physical characteristics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-marker-for-cellular-aging">Potential marker for cellular aging</h2>



Given its strong correlation with senescent cells, AP2A1 presents itself as an exciting potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biomarker</a> for aging. 



Identifying such markers is crucial in understanding aging at a molecular level and might eventually allow scientists to quantify aging more precisely.



Moreover, AP2A1 is not just a passive marker. Its active involvement in aging processes positions it as a promising target for medical interventions aimed at combating age-related diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-cosmetic-applications">Beyond cosmetic applications</h2>



This research is important beyond just improving how we look as we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beyond-genetics-the-biggest-factors-that-influence-health-and-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age</a>. It targets the root cause of aging at the cellular level. 



Diseases linked to aging, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers, may improve with therapies targeting proteins like AP2A1.



If scientists can reverse or slow cellular aging, people might live healthier, longer lives. Instead of treating symptoms after diseases appear, this approach prevents or delays their onset. 



Thus, understanding AP2A1 could lead to significant advances in medicine, benefiting overall human health, increasing lifespan, and enhancing quality of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-forward">Looking forward</h2>



The identification of a cellular process linked directly to aging offers exciting possibilities for future treatments. Current anti-aging methods usually mask aging symptoms rather than addressing their causes.



However, this new cellular discovery targets aging at its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-hotspot-found-in-the-brain-may-hold-the-key-to-longevity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a>, potentially reversing the process entirely. While the research is still evolving and requires further studies, its potential impact is significant. 



By understanding and controlling cellular mechanisms like the AP2A1 protein, medicine could effectively reverse aging, not just hide it.



Such advances promise genuine rejuvenation, significantly improving human health and extending lifespan. 



As science moves forward, these findings could lead to treatments combating various age-related diseases, from osteoporosis to heart disease.



Though practical applications are not yet available, the groundwork is promising. The ultimate goal is to help people maintain youthfulness at the cellular level, enhancing overall health and longevity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0898656825000294?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cellular Signalling</a>.



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Study: Protein discovered that can reverse cellular aging

Throughout history, humanity has chased the elusive promise of eternal...

Titanium leads the way in Japan’s most recent leap into renewable energy. The country has now unveiled the first solar panel that makes use of titanium - a technology that could potentially be 1000 times more powerful than traditional cells.



By harnessing the unique properties of titanium dioxide and selenium, this innovative approach not only boosts efficiency dramatically but also has the potential to transform the entire solar power generation sector. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-titanium-solar-panels-are-cheaper">Titanium solar panels are cheaper</h2>



Conventional solar panels use silicon-based materials whereas the new Japanese technology involves panels that use layers of titanium and selenium in the photovoltaic cells. 



The researchers found that they could enhance the adhesion between the layers of titanium oxide and selenium, which improved the energy conversion efficiency and allowed more electricity to be generated from the same amount of sunlight. 



They introduced this technology to the world in a publication in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092702482400432X">Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.</a>



Titanium is a metal with exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion, making it useful for many engineering applications. However, its energy-intensive extraction process has always made it too costly to use extensively. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-energy-and-titanium">Solar energy and titanium</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> have now designed a process of extraction that may finally break down the cost barrier of titanium and render it more accessible for numerous applications, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harnessing-solar-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar energy</a>. 



The results of this research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49085-4">Nature Communications</a>, have far-reaching implications, not just for the renewable energy industry, but also for other fields that make use of titanium, such as the aerospace industry and medical technologies.



“Industry mass-produces iron and aluminum metal - but not titanium metal, because of the expense of removing the oxygen from the ore,” explained Toru H. Okabe, lead author of the study. 



“We use an innovative technology based on rare-earth metals that removes oxygen from titanium to 0.02% on a per-mass basis.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-titanium-cost-no-longer-a-problem">Titanium cost no longer a problem </h2>



In order to remove oxygen from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanium-is-a-promising-and-abundant-resource-for-carbon-capture/">titanium</a> ore and generate a purer metal, high energy input is needed. This has made titanium prohibitively expensive for many industrial applications. 



However, the new Japanese extraction process makes use of another rare element, namely yttrium. This metal is commonly used in a range of technologies, including LED screens and superconductors. 



The researchers reacted molten titanium with yttrium metal to produce a low-cost, solid, de-oxygenated titanium alloy.



Despite the fact that the new process is far more cost-effective, yttrium also comes with its drawbacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yttrium-is-a-blessing-and-a-curse">Yttrium is a blessing and a curse</h2>



Yttrium is clearly a huge asset when used to purify titanium, but a problem arises because the resulting product contains up to 1% yttrium, which could potentially affect the titanium's durability and resistance to corrosion.



These effects could pose a significant challenge to sectors like electronics and aerospace. 



Nonetheless, efforts are underway to resolve these issues and reduce the contamination by yttrium while still preserving the cost-saving benefits. In this way, countless additional applications for cheaper titanium could be unlocked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-solar-energy">The future of solar energy</h2>



This remarkable journey of scientific innovation doesn't just end here. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> sector is poised for a dramatic transformation as we strive to harness greener resources even more effectively. 



Though the yttrium problem needs to be addressed, the overall outlook is upbeat. 



This is indeed a fertile terrain for future investments as continued research and development could lead to enhanced scalability and efficiency.



The key to realizing this technology's full potential lies in continuous investment and global cooperation. Success in this venture could herald a new age of solar power, making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean energy</a> more potent, more accessible, and more affordable. 



With the advent of next-gen solar panels and more affordable titanium, the future of renewable energy has never been more exciting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-the-course-ahead">Charting the course ahead</h2>



Japan's titanium solar panel breakthrough marks not just an evolution in solar technology, but a potential paradigm shift across multiple industries. 



As the world increasingly turns toward sustainable energy solutions, these innovation signal an era where advanced materials and smart engineering converge to redefine what's possible.



Beyond renewable energy, the success of titanium-based panels could catalyze the adoption of titanium innovations in other sectors, ranging from electronics to aerospace, while also driving down production costs and spurring economic growth.



Policymakers and industry leaders now have a unique opportunity to support these advances and pave the way for widespread implementation and further research investments.



In essence, this pioneering work is more than a scientific achievement; it represents a collective leap toward a future where clean, efficient energy is accessible to all. 



Details of this research were published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092702482400432X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells</a>, and in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49085-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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New solar panels are 1000 times more powerful with big tech breakthrough

Titanium leads the way in Japan’s most recent leap into...

Nearly a century ago, some astronomers proposed that we might be seeing only half the story of the universe's expansion. A lesser-known concept, called the “tired light” theory, proposed that photons could lose energy as they travel through space, causing what looks like expanding motion. 



Some experts have speculated that a possible spin of the universe could influence our perception of cosmic movement. However, the majority of experts support the Big Bang model, citing observations of galaxies moving away from us at rapid speeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-perception-of-universe-expansion">Our perception of universe expansion </h2>



Lior Shamir, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas State University</a>, has brought this old theory back into focus. His recent work suggests that a fresh look at <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST images</a> might offer a different perspective on what we perceive as the expansion of the universe.



Scientists have noted that JWST observations reveal galaxies that seem older than the universe itself, if based on traditional timelines. This contradicts the idea that everything condensed from a single point 13.8 billion years ago.



“The JWST provided deep images of the very early universe, but instead of showing an infant early universe…it showed large and mature galaxies,” said Professor Shamir.



Big Bang supporters are not all convinced to abandon their view. However, a portion of the astronomy community feels that such data call for a second glance at less conventional models. A few wonder whether our accepted view of cosmic expansion oversimplifies the story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-light-be-tricking-us">Could light be tricking us?</h2>



“The tired light theory was largely neglected, as astronomers adopted the Big Bang theory as the consensus model,” explained Professor Shamir. He has offered fresh <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2571-712X/7/3/41" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> supporting the long-dismissed concept. 



If <a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsphotons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photons</a> gradually lose energy, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-structure-in-universe-is-1-4-billion-light-years-long-quipu-superstructure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universal</a> timeline we use might be off. That helps explain why galaxies appear so developed at early stages. Light might not always be a perfect gauge of distance if it changes subtly on the way.



Recent <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1988CeMec..45...31B/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data</a> shows that almost all galaxies in the early universe displayed by JWST appear to rotate in the same direction. Shamir’s analysis found up to 50% more galaxies swirling one way, a difference that can even be seen by a non-expert scanning the images. 



He suggests this anomaly could mean the universe was “born” spinning or that we might live inside a colossal black hole.



Professor Shamir also noted that this rotational imbalance might be due to the Earth’s own motion. Because of <a href="https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-physics/chapter/6-1-rotation-angle-and-angular-velocity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rotational velocity</a>, galaxies moving the opposite way relative to the Milky Way may appear brighter, so we see more of them.



Shamir’s team measured redshift in over 30,000 galaxies and found that the gap becomes larger at greater distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-the-universe-spin">Does the universe spin?</h2>



The "axis of evil" in cosmology refers to unexpected alignments in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation, suggesting a preferred direction in the universe. 



This is at odds with the widely accepted cosmological principle, which states that the universe should appear isotropic (the same in all directions) on large scales.



Some researchers speculate that this alignment could be a statistical fluke, an artifact of our observational methods, or even an indication of new physics beyond the standard model of cosmology. Others propose that it might hint at a deeper structure in the universe, challenging the assumption of uniformity.



Another theory entertains the possibility of a <a href="https://research.kuleuven.be/portal/en/project/3E230655" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holographic universe</a>, pointing out that if the universe does have a giant spin, it is not unlike a black hole’s interior. 



This concept, commonly referred to as black hole cosmology, has circulated in physics circles for years, and Professor Shamir’s research brings it back into focus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distance-measurements-may-shift">Distance measurements may shift</h2>



Shamir’s work also suggests that measurements of galaxies have overlooked the Milky Way’s rotational speed. If galaxies rotating opposite to the Milky Way show stronger brightness due to <a href="https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/doppler.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doppler effects</a>, the difference could alter assumptions about how far away they are.



“Because the rotational velocity of the Earth relative to the galaxies is constant, the reason for the difference can be the distance of the galaxies from Earth,” noted Professor Shamir.



If that holds up, we may have to recalibrate large portions of existing data, which could reconcile other mysteries such as the mismatch in expansion rates and sightings of hefty <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-forces-have-made-the-structure-of-the-universe-messier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in early epochs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gaps-in-the-big-bang-theory">Gaps in the Big Bang theory</h2>



Not everyone is ready to rewrite the textbooks, but some scientists see these observations as a nudge to keep an open mind. 



A few have always <a href="https://vernbender.com/key-points-about-criticisms-of-the-big-bang-theory-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contended</a> that the Big Bang theory left unexplained gaps, suggesting that light from distant galaxies may have simply lost energy over time. Shamir’s study echoes that question.&nbsp;



“If the Big Bang happened as scientists initially believed, these galaxies are older than the universe itself,” said Shamir. 



To him, that’s one more signal that alternative routes in cosmology deserve attention. An increasing number of researchers are questioning whether we made a basic error about universal expansion.



Whether or not the Big Bang needs a full overhaul is up for debate. But the evidence keeps stacking up that current distance yardsticks might be incomplete. 



Ultimately, the research indicates that we may yet discover hidden nuances in redshift data or find that the cosmos has had a built-in spin from the start.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/538/1/76/8019798" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



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Is the universe spinning? Strange galaxy motion suggests that it is

Nearly a century ago, some astronomers proposed that we might...

Dementia is a growing health risk, affecting millions of people and their families. As life expectancy increases, so does the number of dementia cases, making prevention more important than ever.



While genetics and lifestyle choices play a role, researchers are now looking beyond personal factors. The environment we live in can either increase the risk of dementia or help protect brain health.



A recent study from the University of Georgia <a href="https://publichealth.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Public Health</a> sheds light on the impact of surroundings on dementia risk. 



The research team, led by Professor Suhang Song, set out to investigate how the environment affects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/risk-of-dementia-is-much-higher-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a>. The results show that avoiding pollution and spending more time in green spaces may lower the risk of dementia.



“These numbers show that living in a dementia-friendly environment is important to delay or prevent cognitive decline and the onset of dementia,” said Professor Song.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-environment-affects-dementia-risk">How environment affects dementia risk</h2>



The researchers studied 54 reports on how the environment affects brain health. They closely analyzed 21 of them to measure the impact more accurately.



They found that air pollution and traffic noise increase dementia risk, while green spaces and walkability help prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-activity-may-delay-the-onset-of-dementia-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a>. 



By focusing on objectively measured environmental factors rather than self-reported data, the study provides stronger evidence than previous research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-dementia-risk">Air pollution and dementia risk</h2>



Living near major roads increases dementia risk by about 10%. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PMx) raises risk by 9%, and nitrous oxide (NOx) exposure adds another 10%. Noise pollution has also been linked to a 9% increase in risk.



Long-term exposure to traffic pollution is particularly harmful. Tiny air pollution particles called PM2.5 are linked to memory loss and slower thinking. However, the impact is not the same everywhere. In some places, studies found no strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-dementia-scientists-say-three-factors-matter-most/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">link</a>.



One possible reason is that people in those areas change their behavior - like staying indoors when pollution levels are high - so they are exposed to less pollution, which may reduce its harmful effects on the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-role-of-green-spaces">Protective role of green spaces</h2>



Access to parks, forests, and water bodies lowers dementia risk by about 6%. These environments promote physical activity, reduce stress, and improve air quality. 



Walkable neighborhoods with easy access to food stores, community centers, and healthcare also support cognitive health.



“Based on these findings, we can suggest that people visit parks or forests more often and also live further from the major roads,” said Professor Song. “Also, living in a community where there is more walkability, or being close to local amenities like bookstores, health care centers and more is helpful.”



Cities designed with cognitive health in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stop-googling-start-napping-to-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind</a> should prioritize pedestrian-friendly streets, connected pathways, and accessible public spaces. 



Encouraging mixed-use developments, where homes, shops, and essential services are within walking distance, can help create healthier environments for aging populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-urban-planning">Rethinking urban planning</h2>



This study emphasizes the need for urban designs that reduce pollution and increase green space. Cities should prioritize public parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and better air quality to lower dementia risk.



“The biggest advantage of this paper is to quantify the association between certain factors and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-sizes-are-growing-possibly-lowering-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a>. This analysis can provide evidence for data-driven urban planning and support decision makers," said Professor Song.



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



One of the strengths of this study was its focus on objective data. Many past studies relied on subjective reports, which can introduce bias. This research used measurable environmental factors, making the conclusions more reliable.



Future studies should continue using objective methods to investigate the link between surroundings and dementia risk. Understanding the long-term effects of urban design, pollution exposure, and community layouts can help shape policies that improve cognitive health outcomes.



Professor Song hopes this study encourages more research on how the environment affects brain health. Using data-driven solutions, experts can help build communities that reduce dementia risk and support well-being.



A better understanding of these factors could lead to smarter urban planning and healthier living spaces for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568163724004483?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ageing Research Reviews</a>.



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Living near major roads increases dementia risk

Dementia is a growing health risk, affecting millions of people...

Space is filled with breathtaking sights and hidden processes that shape stars and planets. One of these fascinating places is Lynds 483 (L483), a massive cloud of gas and dust where two young stars are forming.



The twin stars are growing, constantly changing, and shaping their surroundings. NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> has captured an incredibly detailed image of their stellar nursery, giving us a rare chance to witness its evolution.



For thousands of years, the young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> have been throwing out streams of material. These jets collide, spread, and form glowing patterns in space. 



What looks like twin flames in the image are actually energetic bursts from the forming stars, creating a scene that shifts and transforms over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-ejections-of-gas-and-dust">Intense ejections of gas and dust</h2>



Over time, the young stars have periodically expelled gas and dust into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-forming-disks-surrounding-stars-often-last-much-longer-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a>. Some ejections emerge as tight, fast jets, while others spread more slowly. 



When the young stars throw out gas and dust, the new bursts crash into older ones that were already there. Since some areas are thicker and some are thinner, the material spreads in different ways, creating unique patterns in space.



These collisions also cause chemical reactions. The energy from the crashes makes atoms and molecules mix and change. 



This leads to the formation of new substances like carbon monoxide, methanol, and other organic molecules. These chemicals could later help in the formation of planets and other space objects.



After approximately a million years, the stars will complete their formation. The intense ejections will stop, and the luminous gas and dust structures will fade, leaving behind a much clearer scene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thick-dust-hides-the-twin-stars">Thick dust hides the twin stars</h2>



At the heart of the image, a thin, vertical cloud forms an hourglass-like structure. The stars responsible for this dramatic display remain shrouded in an opaque disk of cold gas and dust. 



Surrounding this disk, where the dust is thinner, the stars' light escapes, illuminating the surrounding material in brilliant shades of orange, blue, and purple.



The contrast between illuminated and shadowed areas is striking. Some regions appear empty, but they actually contain dense clouds that block most of the starlight. 



In these areas, Webb's sensitive near-infrared camera has detected distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/messier-82-unlocking-the-mysteries-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> as faint, orange pinpoints shining through the thick dust. Where the dust is less obstructive, stars appear in bright white and shades of blue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-jets-and-star-evolution">Stellar jets and star evolution</h2>



The stars' ejections have created complex and sometimes twisted structures. Toward the top right of the image, a prominent orange arc marks a shock front, where the expelled material has encountered denser gas, slowing its movement. 



Just below this arc, orange and pink regions intertwine, forming a tangled pattern that astronomers are eager to study further.



The lower section of the image appears denser, with thick gas and dust. Tiny purple pillars emerge from this region, pointing toward the central <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-images-of-baby-planets-reveal-surprising-growth-spurts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These pillars have resisted the force of stellar winds because their material is dense enough to remain intact. 



Due to the sheer size of L483, the image only captures part of the lower section, with the upper regions fully visible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fate-of-the-twin-stars">The fate of the twin stars</h2>



Astronomers continue to piece together the history of these stellar ejections. By refining their models, they aim to explain the patterns of symmetry and asymmetry observed in the clouds. 



Researchers will also determine how much material the stars have expelled, identify the molecules formed through these collisions, and measure the density of different regions.



In the distant future, these twin stars may each reach a mass similar to our Sun. Their powerful outflows will have dispersed the surrounding material, leaving behind a small disk of gas and dust. This remnant may eventually give rise to planets, shaping the next chapter of this celestial story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honoring-beverly-t-lynds">Honoring Beverly T. Lynds</h2>



L483 bears the name of American astronomer <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/beverly-turner-lynds-1929-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beverly T. Lynds</a>, whose meticulous work in the early 1960s mapped dense dust clouds where stars form. 



Her extensive catalogs of dark and bright nebulae provided essential resources for astronomers long before digital imaging and online databases became available.



Such contributions continue to guide modern research, enabling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discoveries</a> like the stunning imagery captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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Webb reveals the fiery birth of twin stars in stunning detail

Space is filled with breathtaking sights and hidden processes that...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[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

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