Every living organism relies on a genetic blueprint encoded in its DNA, yet the amount of DNA - or genome size - varies dramatically across the tree of life.&nbsp;



In animals alone, genome sizes range from the minuscule genome of Intoshia variabili, a marine parasite - which is about 200 times smaller than the human genome - to the massive genome of the marbled lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) - which is over 40 times larger than ours.&nbsp;



Plants exhibit a similar range, with the fork fern (Tmesipteris oblanceolata) setting the record with a genome size over 50 times larger than that of humans.



This diversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> size reveals the vast variety of life forms on Earth, but it also raises a fascinating question: If smaller genomes lead to faster, more efficient growth, why do some species have larger genomes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-smaller-genome-sizes">Advantages of smaller genome sizes</h2>



The replication of DNA is essential for cell production and growth, making smaller genomes more efficient as they require fewer resources and time to replicate.&nbsp;



Smaller genomes demand fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrients</a>, especially the DNA-building elements nitrogen and phosphorus, making them ideal for rapid growth and reproduction.



Because of these advantages, it’s not surprising that most species have evolved with relatively small genomes.&nbsp;



However, large genomes persist in some organisms, suggesting that these genomes may confer certain benefits in specific environments, where the costs of carrying extra DNA are outweighed by unique growth advantages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-large-genome-benefits-in-grasses">Exploring large genome benefits in grasses</h2>



A research team led by the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a> has recently studied the potential benefits of large genomes in grass species. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fairy-circles-kill-all-newly-planted-grasses-deepening-their-mystery/">Grasses</a>, a vast plant family found worldwide from arctic tundras to tropical savannas, vary in genome size, making them an ideal group to examine how genome size affects growth in different conditions.



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20150" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>, examined the growth of various grass species under conditions mimicking their natural environments - high temperatures, low nutrients, and drought. 



The scientists compared growth rates to each species’ genome size and observed that while grasses with smaller genomes generally grew better across most conditions, larger genomes provided advantages in two specific scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-genomes-thrive-in-nutrient-rich-environments">Large genomes thrive in nutrient-rich environments</h2>



The first scenario where larger genomes proved beneficial was in nutrient-rich soils. While low nutrient levels slowed down large-genome grasses, those with large genomes thrived in high-nutrient environments.&nbsp;



Here, the extra DNA content meant larger cells that produced more biomass, such as leaves, which allowed these plants to outgrow and overshadow neighbors with smaller genomes.&nbsp;



In nutrient-poor areas, however, the demands of replicating additional DNA outweighed these benefits, making smaller genomes more favorable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-seasons-and-genome-sizes">Growing seasons and genome sizes</h2>



The second advantage for large-genome grasses occurred in cooler environments, such as temperate regions with lower growing season temperatures.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-grow-more-branches-and-become-bushy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant growth</a> typically has two stages: cell division, where new cells are generated, and cell expansion, where cells swell with water to help the plant grow taller or spread. 



Cool temperatures significantly slow down cell division, but they have less impact on cell expansion.&nbsp;



Consequently, grasses with larger cells, which accompany large genomes, can expand more rapidly by cell enlargement even in cooler weather, outpacing smaller-genome plants that rely on faster cell division in warmer temperatures.



This cell expansion process explains the early spring growth of plants like daffodils and bluebells, which also have large genomes.&nbsp;



These plants perform much of their cell division in warmer months, allowing them to use cell expansion to grow quickly in early spring, well before smaller-genome plants begin to compete for light and nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-size-diversity">Genome size diversity</h2>



The diversity in genome sizes among grasses may be one reason for their global success, as it allows them to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.&nbsp;



While smaller genomes typically support efficient growth, larger genomes offer unique advantages in specific environments, enabling certain species to thrive where others cannot.&nbsp;



This genetic diversity in grasses underscores the importance of variation in supporting species’ survival and adaptability across ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-size-and-evolutionary-success">Genome size and evolutionary success</h2>



The relationship between genome size and survival is not limited to plants. Our own medium-sized genome has supported humanity’s adaptability, though we don’t face the same nutrient limitations as stationary plants.&nbsp;



Unlike grasses, humans can move to seek out food and resources, which may allow us to bear the metabolic costs associated with our DNA without significant limitation.&nbsp;



This mobility highlights how different species leverage their genetic make-up in conjunction with unique behaviors and environmental interactions to thrive across diverse habitats.



In summary, the role of genome size in evolutionary success is nuanced and complex.&nbsp;



From the efficient replication of small genomes to the adaptability enabled by larger ones, genome size continues to shape the ecological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-forests-proving-resilient-both-climate-change-human-actions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a> and global distribution of life on Earth.



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How does genome size impact evolutionary success?

Every living organism relies on a genetic blueprint encoded in its DNA, yet the amount of DNA - or genome size - varies dramatically across the tree of life.&nbsp; In animals alone, genome sizes range from the minuscule genome of Intoshia variabili, a marine parasite - which is about 200 times smaller than the human genome - to the massive genome of the marbled lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) - which is over 40 times larger than ours.&nbsp; Plants exhibit a similar range, with the fork fern (Tmesipteris oblanceolata)...

Did you know there is a lot more to our planet than meets the eye? We're talking about a completely new, doughnut-shaped region discovered within the Earth's liquid core by scientists from The Australian National University (ANU).



This region, with its unique doughnut-shaped structure, provides vital insights into the dynamics of our planet's magnetic field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-doughnut-in-earth-s-liquid-core">Discovering the 'doughnut' in Earth's liquid core</h2>



The doughnut-shaped region is nestled only at low latitudes and lies parallel to the equator, residing where the liquid core meets the mantle. 



This area could only be revealed recently, thanks to the meticulous efforts of <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANU</a> seismologists. The Earth's core comprises two parts: a solid inner core and a liquid outer core. 



Both are enveloped by the Earth's mantle. Our newly discovered region sits at the top of Earth's outer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">core</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seismic-waves">Seismic waves</h2>



Professor Hrvoje Tkalčić, the study's co-author and a geophysicist at ANU, shares some insights into this unusual feature. 



Seismic waves, he says, move slower in this newfound region than anywhere else in the liquid outer core.



"The region sits parallel to the equatorial plane and is confined to the low latitudes, forming a doughnut shape," remarks Tkalčić. 



However, the precise thickness of the 'doughnut' still eludes the team. They estimate that it could stretch a few hundred kilometers beneath the core-mantle boundary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-approach">Innovative approach</h2>



Tkalčić and his team took a unique approach to this discovery by deviating from traditional seismic wave observation techniques. 



Rather than focusing on signals generated by earthquakes within the first hour, the ANU scientists chose to delve deeper, analyzing similarities in waveforms several hours after the earthquake's origin. This innovative method led to their breakthrough discovery. 



By meticulously scrutinizing the geometry of the waves' paths and their journey through the outer core, they successfully reconstructed their travel times, thus revealing the previously unknown region with low seismic speeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-liquid-core-doughnut-mysteries">Earth's liquid core 'doughnut' mysteries</h2>



Dr. Xiaolong Ma, another study co-author, explains that this discovery sheds light on some yet unsolved mysteries of Earth's magnetic field dynamics. 



Dr. Ma emphasizes that understanding the Earth's outer core still requires multidisciplinary efforts from seismology, mineral physics, geomagnetism, and geodynamics.



The outer core, predominantly composed of liquid iron and nickel, plays a crucial role in generating Earth's magnetic field. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/earth-magnetic-field_doughnut-shaped-region_schematic_credit-Science-Advances_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/earth-magnetic-field_doughnut-shaped-region_schematic_credit-Science-Advances_1s.webp" alt="Ray path of K* feature, schematic of the OC heterogeneity, and absolute PKIKP travel time residuals. Credit: Science Advances" class="wp-image-1943533"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ray path of K* feature, schematic of the OC heterogeneity, and absolute PKIKP travel time residuals. Credit: Science Advances</figcaption></figure>



This is primarily due to the vigorous movement of the electrically conductive liquid within the core. The magnetic field thus created acts as a protective shield around Earth, sustaining life by shielding us from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-dances-with-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar winds</a> and harmful radiation.



Tkalčić suggests that understanding the Earth's outer core's composition, particularly the presence of light chemical elements, is pivotal for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehending the magnetic field</a> and predicting its potential weakening or cessation.



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



The discovery of the doughnut-shaped region not only enriches our understanding of Earth’s inner workings but may also have far-reaching implications for geophysical research and our comprehension of tectonic activities. 



By providing a more nuanced view of the outer core, scientists can refine existing models of mantle dynamics and improve forecasts regarding seismic activities. 



This knowledge could also enhance our ability to interpret historical seismic data, allowing researchers to draw parallels between current and past geological events, thus offering a clearer picture of Earth's developmental timeline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-earth-s-liquid-core">Future research on Earth's liquid core</h2>



As researchers continue to investigate the characteristics of this newly uncovered region in Earth's liquid core, several exciting avenues for future study emerge. 



For instance, advancing imaging techniques and computational models will be paramount in accurately determining the doughnut's thickness and understanding its material properties. 



Additionally, interdisciplinary collaborations that involve not only seismologists but also geochemists and mineralogists will be essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-you-care">Why should you care?</h2>



We all know that Earth's magnetic field plays no small role in shrugging off the sun's damaging solar particle storms. 



But did you know that the explored low velocity within the liquid core hints at a high concentration of light chemical elements that can slow down seismic waves? 



These light elements, coupled with temperature variations, stir the liquid in the outer core, and we have our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weak-magnetic-field-may-have-set-the-stage-for-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a>.



The importance of Earth's magnetic field cannot be emphasized enough -- it's one of the key reasons life thrives on our beautiful planet.



From scientists to laymen, the dynamics of Earth's magnetic field continues to pique interest worldwide. Findings like these can open doors to more research about the magnetic field on Earth and beyond.



The findings from this exciting study have been published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn5562" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Doughnut-shaped region discovered in Earth's liquid core impacts our magnetic field

Did you know there is a lot more to our...

Children and screens are seen together more often than peanut butter and jelly these days. However, this seemingly innocent combination is cause for concern. Sweden's emphatic message to parents is that toddlers should not have any screen exposure. 



Yes, you heard that right, not even a minute. This extends to older children as well, with screen time recommended only in moderation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-time-recommendations">Screen time recommendations</h2>



The Public Health Agency in Sweden has advised that children under the age of two should not be exposed to any form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-screen-time-changes-the-brain-based-on-23-years-of-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital media or television</a>. It does sound like a lot to ask in our tech-saturated world, but the authorities are firm in their stance. 



As children grow, electronic indulgence should be restricted. For ages two to five, a hard cap of one hour a day should be adhered to, the agency counsels. Six to twelve-year-olds could afford a couple of hours in front of the screen, but not a minute more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tv-dinners-a-recipe-for-childhood-obesity">TV dinners: A recipe for childhood obesity?</h2>



A recent study has uncovered a link between screen time during meals and increased chances of overweight children.



It appears that the seemingly harmless act of watching television or fiddling with phones at the dinner table tips the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-spiked-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scale against children's health</a>. The Swedish Public Health Agency extends this safeguard to children under the age of two as well.



"For too long, smartphones and other screens have been allowed to enter every aspect of our children's lives," said Jakob Forssmed, Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health. With this statement, he echoes the recommendations of the public health agency, reinforcing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">need for digital discipline</a> in kids' lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-time-among-children-and-teens">Screen time among children and teens</h2>



The agency’s recommendations extend to teenagers as well, suggesting that 13 to 18-year-old teens limit their screen time to two to three hours per day. 



This is a daunting task considering Swedish teens aged 13 to 16 spend an average of six and a half hours a day on screens, outside of school hours.



This overindulgence in screens does not leave a lot of time for communal activities, physical activity or adequate sleep, said Forssmed. He also pointed to the worrying reality of a Swedish "sleep crisis," with more than half of 15-year-olds not getting enough sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guarding-children-from-excessive-screen-use">Guarding children from excessive screen use</h2>



Furthermore, the health agency advised against using screens before bedtime and recommended that all digital devices remain outside bedrooms at night. This suggestion is based on research showing that excessive screen use can lead to poor sleep, depression, and body dissatisfaction.



Sweden's government is not stopping at recommendations. They have expressed intentions of exploring a ban on smartphones in primary schools. In January, a study elucidated that even an hour of iPad use per day in toddlers can impact their understanding of the world around them.



Researchers at <a href="https://drexel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drexel University</a> in Philadelphia found a two-fold increased risk of unusual sensory behaviors in children exposed to any amount of screen time starting at a year old. The risk escalated with each additional hour of screen time. This highlights the severity of the issue at hand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaged-parents-can-model-healthy-habits">Engaged parents can model healthy habits</h2>



To effectively tackle the growing concern of excessive screen time, parental involvement is paramount. Engaged parents who actively participate in their children's activities are better positioned to model healthy habits. 



This includes not only limiting screen exposure but also encouraging alternative pursuits - such as reading, playing outside, or participating in community events - that promote creativity and social skills.



Furthermore, parents can facilitate open discussions about digital media, helping children understand its impact and their own consumption habits. 



By setting boundaries and providing guidance, families can collectively work towards a balance that promotes mental and physical well-being, creating a healthier environment for the next generation amidst the digital age's rapid evolution.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/swedish-pediatricians-no-screen-time-for-children-under-two/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Screen time</a> and its effects on children is a Pandora's box that we've unwittingly opened. The recommendations and initiatives by the Swedish Public Health Agency and Minister Jakob Forssmed are steps in the right direction. 



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Children under two should not be exposed to TV or screen time

Children and screens are seen together more often than peanut...

As much a tradition as the sight of costumed trick-or-treaters and lawns decorated with makeshift graveyards, the early appearance of Halloween candy and decorations in stores has become a familiar scene. 



Even before summer fully fades, grocery aisles are lined with candy corn and jumbo bags of Snickers, prompting many to lament the rush to end one season and usher in another.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-trigger-for-early-halloween-shopping-nbsp">Psychological trigger for early Halloween shopping&nbsp;</h2>



But what drives this seasonal shift? While the obvious answer might be profit -- eye-catching displays increase consumer interest, and extending the holiday season boosts sales -- there’s another, more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holiday-stress-can-take-a-major-toll-on-health-and-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychological</a> reason at play. 



Daniele Mathras, an associate professor of marketing at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a>, has suggested that as the days shorten and the calendar edges closer to Halloween, we begin to think more about our own mortality. This awareness, known as “mortality salience,” can actually make us more inclined to shop.



“The theory is that we buy more as a compensatory mechanism for the fear of dying,” Mathras explained. “The changing of the seasons and end of summer is one of those time periods where mortality is salient, so retailers may benefit by reminding us fall is here early.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capitalizing-on-fear">Capitalizing on fear</h2>



In recent years, retailers have increasingly capitalized on this psychological trigger. Since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted trick-or-treating, retailers have extended the candy shopping season, with Halloween displays appearing as early as the second week of August.



This year, Disney World in Orlando kicked off its “Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party” on August 9th, and Starbucks launched its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte on August 22nd, three days earlier than last year. These early launches reflect a broader trend of leveraging mortality salience to drive consumer behavior.



The concept of mortality salience influencing consumer behavior has been extensively studied in academia. In 2021, the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a> funded research examining how the fear of mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shopping-habits-have-remained-consistent-for-3500-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buying habits</a>.&nbsp;



Previous studies have shown that when people are reminded of their mortality, they sometimes cope by making conspicuous purchases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mortality-salience-and-personality-types">Mortality salience and personality types </h2>



Alexander DePaoli, an associate teaching professor in marketing at Northeastern, noted that this dynamic affects different personality types in distinct ways, which can be particularly evident during Halloween.&nbsp;



DePaoli, who has studied indulgent purchases and mortality salience, explained that contemplating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cardiovascular-disease-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">death</a> can prompt people to buy items that reinforce their self-perception.



“Essentially, if you identify as a 'fun person' - if it's an important source of your self-esteem to be a fun person - mortality salience makes you more likely to buy indulgent things, like chocolate,” DePaoli said.&nbsp;



“If that's not the case, then your focus is actually drawn to more functional products instead. Mortality salience leads you to be like, OK, I need to use my time and money more wisely.”



In other words, those who see themselves as fun-loving may be more prone to picking up Halloween candy in late summer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-aesthetics-of-halloween-shopping-nbsp">Cultural aesthetics of Halloween shopping&nbsp;</h2>



However, DePaoli also emphasizes that there are many other, more tangible reasons for the early arrival of Halloween merchandise. 



Retailers have established seasonal sections in their stores, and holidays with strong visual themes -- like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter -- naturally occupy these spaces for longer periods.



“The cultural aesthetics that have been built up around Christmas and holiday shopping are very recognizable, very attention-grabbing,” DePaoli explained. 



“Same thing with Halloween. If it can grab attention, then in theory it will help you move some units and generate some hype.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonged-holiday-product-sales">Prolonged holiday product sales</h2>



Moreover, prolonged exposure to seasonal products increases the likelihood of purchase. The more often shoppers pass by 12-foot skeletons at Home Depot, the more tempted they might be to buy one.



“It gives you a long runway to buy things,” DePaoli said. “The first time you see the giant skeleton you might think 'Oh, that's ridiculous, that's a joke.' The second or third time it's 'Oh, I could see myself being the sort of person who gets that. Will it fit on my front porch?'”



So, while we may roll our eyes at the sight of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/christmas-toxic-environmental-day-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas</a> songs playing on November 1st, Valentine’s Day cards appearing in January, or Reese’s peanut butter pumpkins hitting shelves before Labor Day, these early product launches do have a purpose: they drive sales. “It does move product,” DePaoli concluded.



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Fear of death is the key driver of early Halloween shopping

As much a tradition as the sight of costumed trick-or-treaters...

In a marine science mystery reminiscent of a game of Clue, researchers from the United States set out to investigate the death of a pregnant porbeagle shark in the open waters southwest of Bermuda. The evidence points to a larger shark, equipped with its deciduous triangular teeth, as the most likely culprit.  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predation-of-a-porbeagle-shark-nbsp">Predation of a porbeagle shark&nbsp;</h2>



“This is the first documented predation event of a porbeagle shark anywhere in the world,” said Brooke Anderson, the study’s lead author and a former graduate student at <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>.



“In one event, the population not only lost a reproductive female that could contribute to population growth, but it also lost all her developing babies. If predation is more widespread than previously thought, there could be major impacts for the porbeagle shark population that is already suffering due to historic overfishing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-porbeagle-sharks">Endangered porbeagle sharks</h2>



Porbeagles are formidable sharks found in the Atlantic, South Pacific Ocean, and the Mediterranean. These sharks are large, active, and robustly built, growing up to 3.7 meters in length and weighing as much as 230 kilograms.&nbsp;



They are also long-lived, with lifespans that can reach 30 to even 65 years. Female porbeagles have a slow reproductive cycle, not reaching reproductive maturity until around 13 years old. When they do reproduce, they give birth to an average of four pups every one or two years after a gestation period of eight to nine months.



Due to this slow reproduction rate, porbeagle populations struggle to recover from threats such as overfishing, recreational fishing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-device-reduces-shark-bycatch-by-electrifying-the-bait/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bycatch</a>, and habitat loss and degradation.&nbsp;



These pressures have led to the porbeagle being listed as endangered in the Northwest Atlantic on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>, with populations in the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean considered critically endangered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-porbeagles-tagged-off-massachusetts-nbsp">Porbeagles tagged off Massachusetts&nbsp;</h2>



As part of a broader research effort to study shark migration, Anderson and her colleagues tagged porbeagles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 2020 and 2022.&nbsp;



Each shark was fitted with two satellite tags: a fin-mount satellite transmitter and a pop-off satellite archival tag (PSAT).&nbsp;



The fin-mount tag sends the shark’s location to satellites whenever the fin surfaces, while the PSAT records depth and temperature data continuously, storing it until the tag detaches and floats to the surface to transmit its collected data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-turn-of-events-nbsp">Unexpected turn of events&nbsp;</h2>



One of the tagged porbeagles was a pregnant female measuring 2.2 meters in length. Anderson and her team hoped that tracking this female would provide valuable insights into important habitats for porbeagle mothers and their offspring.



However, an unexpected turn of events occurred. After 158 days, the PSAT began transmitting from an area off Bermuda, indicating that the tag had detached and was floating at the surface.



The transmitted data revealed that this female had spent five months cruising at depths between 100 and 200 meters at night and 600 to 800 meters during the day, in water temperatures ranging from 6.4 to 23.5 °C. Throughout this period, the fin-mount tag had only transmitted once, confirming that the shark had mostly remained underwater.



But then, on March 24, 2021, over the span of four days, the temperature recorded by the PSAT remained consistently around 22 °C at depths between 150 and 600 meters.&nbsp;



This sudden change in data could only mean one thing: the unfortunate porbeagle had been hunted and consumed by a larger predator. The PSAT was likely excreted four days later, which is when it began transmitting again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-sharks-hunting-each-other">Large sharks hunting each other</h2>



“Two endothermic predator candidates large enough to predate upon mature porbeagles and located within the vicinity and at the time of year of the predation event include the white shark Carcharodon carcharias and shortfin mako Isurus oxyrhinchus,” the authors wrote.



Shortfin mako sharks typically prey on cephalopods, bony fish, smaller sharks, porpoises, sea turtles, and seabirds, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-separated-into-three-distinct-groups-that-dont-intermingle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great white sharks</a> are known to feed on whales, dolphins, seals, and rays.&nbsp;



Of the two suspects, the great white shark is the more likely culprit, as shortfin mako sharks usually exhibit rapid, oscillatory dives between the surface and deeper waters during the day - behavior that was not detected by the PSAT.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interactions-of-large-predators-nbsp">Complex interactions of large predators&nbsp;</h2>



“The predation of one of our pregnant porbeagles was an unexpected discovery. We often think of large sharks as being apex predators. But with technological advancements, we have started to discover that large predator interactions could be even more complex than previously thought,” Anderson noted.



“We need to continue studying predator interactions to estimate how often large sharks hunt each other. This will help us uncover what cascading impacts these interactions could have on the ecosystem,” she concluded.



This case, while tragic, opens new avenues for understanding the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine predator</a>-prey dynamics, particularly among the ocean’s most formidable inhabitants.



The research is detailed in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1406973">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



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Unexpected discovery: Large sharks are hunting each other

In a marine science mystery reminiscent of a game of...

Water is a vital part of our existence, yet millions of people around the globe are struggling to gain access to safe drinking water. But imagine if we could create water from the mere air around us? That would be a revolutionary game-changer.



According to the United Nations and World Health Organization, 1 in 3 people do not have access to safe drinking water. Now, experts from University of New South Wales (UNSW) suggest a new way to tackle this global issue - atmospheric water generation. 



In simple words, it's a process that could extract water from the moist air around us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extracting-water-from-air">Extracting water from air</h2>



Professor Kristen Splinter, the managing director of <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW</a>'s Water Research Laboratory joins Daniel Lambert, the former Civil Engineer of the Year and current CEO of Legacie, to promote the technology.



Together, they discuss the potential of atmospheric water generation technology in an episode of UNSW's Engineering the Future podcast series.



"When we consider innovations in water, atmospheric water generation is a really interesting one. Its viability commercially and on scale is still being proven but it could help solve some of our problems for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-4-4-billion-people-lack-access-to-safe-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities without access to fresh water</a> supply. It could be particularly relevant for communities located in humid environments," noted Lambert.



This technology offers a broad spectrum of methods to extract water from air. From collecting fog and using membranes that only pass water vapor to using certain chemicals that extract water from air, the possibilities are promising.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opportunities-vary-by-region">Opportunities vary by region </h2>



"You can collect fog, you can use membranes that only pass water vapor. There's ways of using different chemicals. You can expose air to those chemicals that extract the water from it, or through condensation or pressurizing air," notes Lambert. Kristen Splinter agrees on the promising nature of the technology, but with a caveat. It's the environmental conditions that matter.



"A research paper from <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03900-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> was suggesting that up to 1 billion people in the tropics, where this is potentially going to be most successful, could have access to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/public-trust-in-drinking-water-safety-has-dwindled-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safer drinking water</a> by using this atmospheric water harvesting," noted Splinter. This technology is potentially most successful in tropics due to their humid environment.



However, this solution doesn't work like a universal fix. The key to successful atmospheric water generation is humidity, which is absent in many parts of the world. "Each region would need to find the most viable solution for its area," Splinter said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-converting-air-to-water">Challenges in converting air to water</h2>



While the promise of atmospheric water generation is compelling, there are significant challenges that must be overcome before it can be widely implemented. 



One of the primary hurdles is the energy consumption associated with this technology. The processes used to extract moisture from air often require substantial power, which can limit their feasibility in regions where energy resources are scarce or where reliance on fossil fuels could exacerbate environmental woes. 



Additionally, the initial capital investment for the necessary infrastructure can be daunting, posing a barrier for communities with limited financial resources. 



Therefore, ongoing research is needed to develop more energy-efficient methods and cost-effective solutions to ensure that atmospheric water generation can become a viable option for diverse populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gray-side-of-water-a-potential-solution">Gray side of water: A potential solution</h2>



Besides atmospheric water generation, Splinter and Lambert also discuss other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential solutions</a> to the global water crisis, including graywater systems. Graywater refers to the reusable wastewater from washing machines, showers, and baths.



One important point the experts made was the need to prevent graywater from mixing with toilet water. "Why do we put all the other things that are graywater down that same system?" said Splinter.



"Education is key, not just how we deal with wastewater on a centralized scale, but at a community and household scale.



"If we think about 30 years down the track, will we need centralized&nbsp;wastewater treatment plants&nbsp;or will we be able to do it through a closed-loop process in a household or in a precinct?"



So, could the air we breathe today be our water source tomorrow? And could graywater be the golden ticket to tackling water scarcity? Only time will tell, but for now, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-a-crucial-role-in-clean-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fresh perspectives</a> are quenching our thirst for innovative solutions.



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Collecting water from the air to tackle a global crisis

Water is a vital part of our existence, yet millions...

Migraines weigh on millions worldwide like an unseen blanket, hampering daily life. However, recent drug advancements are stirring up feelings of optimism and potential relief for those living under this blanket. One of these advancements is the emergence of an innovative drug named "ubrogepant."



The drug's unique mechanism of action has sparked interest and excitement. It shows promising results in mitigating migraines, especially when the drug is taken at the onset of migraine symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ubrogepant-the-migraine-drug">Ubrogepant: The migraine drug</h2>



"Migraine is one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysteries-of-migraines-explained-by-brain-fluid-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most prevalent diseases worldwide</a>, yet so many people who suffer from this condition do not receive treatment or report that they are not satisfied with their treatment," said study author Dr. Richard B. Lipton of <a href="https://einsteinmed.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx</a>, New York, and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.



"Improving care at the first signs of migraine, even before headache pain begins, can be a key to improved outcomes. Our findings are encouraging, suggesting that ubrogepant may help people with migraine function normally and go about their day."



So, what makes ubrogepant special? It functions as a CGRP inhibitor. CGRP is a protein that plays a significant role in the process leading to a migraine. Ubrogepant disrupts this process.



When taken at the start of a migraine, it helps its consumers carry on with their day. This finding was published in the issue of Neurology®, the respected journal of the American Academy of Neurology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drug-tackles-early-migraine-signs">Drug tackles early migraine signs</h2>



Building a comprehensive understanding of the study's purpose is crucial. It focuses on people who can detect an impending migraine from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-trauma-could-triple-the-risk-of-headache-disorders-later-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early signals</a> like dizziness, neck stiffness, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. 



The study involved 518 participants, all suffering from migraines for at least a year, with two to eight attacks monthly over the three months preceding the study. The participants were divided into two groups. 



One received a placebo for their first migraine symptoms and 100 milligrams of the migraine drug for the second onset. The second group followed the reverse order. They recorded their activity limitations in a diary using a grading scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ubrogepant-vs-the-placebo">Ubrogepant vs. the placebo</h2>



How did ubrogepant fare against the placebo? One day post-intake, 65% of those who took ubrogepant noted slight to zero activity limitations compared to the 48% who took the placebo.



Just two hours after taking the pill, ubrogepant users were 73% more likely to report normal functionality.



The emergence of ubrogepant heralds a potential shift in the treatment landscape for migraine sufferers. Traditionally, patients with an acute migraine have relied primarily on triptans, which while effective for some, are not universally well-tolerated or suitable for all individuals. 



Ubrogepant’s innovative mechanism, acting at a molecular level to inhibit CGRP, not only offers a new therapeutic option but also expands the dialogue surrounding patient-centered care.



This timely advancement embodies a broader trend in medicine towards personalized therapies that consider individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-adults-with-migraines-have-a-greater-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patient responses and experiences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-beyond-the-migraine-drug">Future research beyond the migraine drug</h2>



As researchers continue to investigate the efficacy of ubrogepant, emerging questions abound. Future trials could explore its long-term effects and potential utility in preventing migraines rather than solely treating them post-onset.



Moreover, investigations into its applicability in diverse demographic groups may shed light on variations in response, thus optimizing treatment protocols. 



Such research would be pivotal in uncovering the broader implications of CGRP inhibition, potentially influencing the management of other headache disorders as well. 



The ongoing evolution of migraine treatment highlights the importance of continued study, promising hope to millions affected by this debilitating condition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-potential-and-considerations">Future potential and considerations</h2>



"Based on our findings, treatment with ubrogepant may allow people with migraine who experience early warning signs before a migraine occurs to quickly treat migraine attacks in their earliest stages and go about their daily lives with little discomfort and disruption," said Lipton. "This could lead to an improved quality of life for those living with migraine."



As we conclude, let's hold on to this hopeful thought: Could the new drug be the key to winning the battle against migraine? While we eagerly anticipate the answer, let's stay hopeful and keep our eyes on what's to come in migraine management.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209745" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>.



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New drug may stop migraines in their tracks

Migraines weigh on millions worldwide like an unseen blanket, hampering...

Ever heard a high-pitched buzzing sound near your ear in the dark? That's a sign a female mosquito is on a hunt. And no, it's not after your fear. It's after your blood. But for a male mosquito, that same buzz means something entirely different. It's love in the air... or rather, mating season for mosquitoes.



An international team led by researchers at the University of Washington has stumbled upon surprising details about mosquito mating. Spoiler alert: it's not just about romance. These novel findings could give us the upper hand in malaria control strategies and guide the development of precision drone flight technology.



The male Anopheles coluzzii <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-habitats-are-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> is a major culprit in spreading malaria throughout Africa. Let's call him Mr. A. 



Now, for Mr. A, finding a mate isn't just about showing off his six-pack abdomen. It's a game of sounds. The moment he hears the sound of female-specific wingbeats, his rather poor vision gets a boost.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sounds-of-mosquito-mating">The sounds of mosquito mating </h2>



Though many mosquito species have subpar eyesight, their other senses make up for it. The moment a male mosquito hears the alluring buzz of a female in flight, his eyes "activate," and he starts scanning for a potential partner.



Imagine being in a crowded, busy swarm of eager mosquitoes, all trying to find their soulmate. Even in such chaotic conditions, male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitoes-use-thermal-infrared-vision-to-track-and-bite-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> can visually lock on to his target. He then speeds up, zipping through the swarm without bumping into any fellow Romeos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sound-love-affair">A sound love affair</h2>



"We have discovered this incredibly strong association in male mosquitoes when they seek a mate. They hear the sound of wingbeats at a specific frequency - the kind that females make - and that stimulus engages the visual system," explained study lead author Saumya Gupta, a postdoctoral researcher in biology at <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UW</a>. 



It's a complex tango between different mosquito sensory systems to create this love connection.



Now, why is this important? The strong link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitoes-listen-for-a-specific-buzz-to-find-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">males hearing the female-like buzz</a> and moving towards what they think might be the source could open up new possibilities for mosquito control. 



Picture this: a new generation of traps that are specific to the Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the type that spread malaria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosquito-mating-and-preventing-malaria">Mosquito mating and preventing malaria </h2>



The unique behavior of male mosquitoes got the attention of study senior author Jeffrey Riffell, a UW professor of biology. He suggests that this sound is so irresistible to males that it causes them to steer towards what they think might be the source, be it a real lady or a mosquito trap.



Understanding the interaction between the senses of mosquitoes in these swarms was a key goal for Gupta, Riffell, and their colleagues from various international universities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-cues-change-male-behavior">Sound cues change male behavior </h2>



The team built a miniature arena - a mosquito flight simulator of sorts - where mosquitoes could see, smell, hear, and beat their wings as if in flight, even though they were tethered and couldn't freely move.



In a series of experiments, the experts found that males changed their behavior based on the sounds they heard. The males moved towards an object when they heard the buzz of a female mosquito, but not when they heard the higher-frequency sound of male wingbeats.



Visual cues also played a role here. If a simulated object appeared more than three body lengths away, the male mosquito wouldn't be interested, even if the sound of lady-love was in the air.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fight-or-flight-in-mosquito-mating">Fight or flight in mosquito mating</h2>



"The resolving power of the mosquito eye is about 1,000-fold less than the resolving power of the human eye. Mosquitoes tend to use vision for more passive behaviors, like avoiding other objects and controlling their position," Riffell explained. 



But when male mosquitoes hear the alluring flight tones of females, they make a surprising set of subtle flight adjustments.



Such visually driven responses could be preparatory maneuvers to avoid an object, the research team concluded. Their observations also suggested that males use close-range visual cues for collision avoidance within swarms.



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



This innovative research on mating could lead to new methods for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bad-news-mosquitoes-prefer-heat-and-thrive-in-the-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito control</a> by capitalizing on how mosquitoes integrate auditory and visual cues. 



Mosquitoes are getting smarter and becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides. So, it's time to outsmart them, and these insights into their mating behavior may be the key.



"Today's measures, like insecticides, are increasingly less effective as mosquitoes evolve resistance," said Riffell. "We need new approaches, like lures or traps, which will draw in mosquitoes with high fidelity."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)00946-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Mating secrets of mosquitoes may help us gain control of them

Ever heard a high-pitched buzzing sound near your ear in...

DNA is famously known for its double helix structure, but the human genome also contains more than 50,000 unusual knot-like DNA structures known as i-motifs, according to a team of experts at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.



In a study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44318-024-00210-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMBO Journal</a>, the scientists presented the first comprehensive map of these unique DNA structures, shedding light on their potential roles in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-has-a-profound-influence-on-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene</a> regulation, particularly in relation to diseases such as cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundance-and-distribution-of-i-motifs-nbsp">Abundance and distribution of i-motifs&nbsp;</h2>



“DNA i-motif structures are formed in the nuclei of human cells and are believed to provide critical genomic regulation,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;



“While the existence, abundance, and distribution of i-motif structures in human cells has been demonstrated and studied by immunofluorescent staining, and more recently NMR and CUT&amp;Tag, the abundance and distribution of such structures in human genomic DNA have remained unclear.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-the-mysterious-dna-structures">Pinpointing the mysterious DNA structures</h2>



Back in 2018, <a href="https://www.garvan.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garvan</a> scientists achieved a breakthrough by being the first to directly visualize i-motifs within living human cells, as they detailed in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-018-0046-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. The team developed a novel antibody tool specifically designed to recognize and bind to i-motifs. 



The current research builds on this earlier work, utilizing the same antibody to pinpoint the locations of i-motifs throughout the entire human genome.



“In this study, we mapped more than 50,000 i-motif sites in the human genome that occur in all three of the cell types we examined,” said senior author Daniel Christ, head of the Antibody Therapeutics Lab and Director of the Centre for Targeted Therapy at Garvan.&nbsp;



“That’s a remarkably high number for a DNA structure whose existence in cells was once considered controversial. Our findings confirm that i-motifs are not just laboratory curiosities but widespread - and likely to play key roles in genomic function.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-motifs-are-not-randomly-distributed-nbsp">I-motifs are not randomly distributed&nbsp;</h2>



I-motifs are distinctive DNA structures that differ from the well-known double helix. They form when stretches of cytosine bases on the same DNA strand pair with each other, creating a four-stranded, twisted configuration that protrudes from the double helix.



The research revealed that i-motifs are not randomly distributed. The experts discovered that they are concentrated in key functional regions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>, including areas that control gene activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-i-motifs-in-gene-activity">The role of i-motifs in gene activity</h2>



The experts determined that the formation of the distinctive DNA structures is cell-cycle and pH dependent. “Furthermore, we provide evidence that i-motif structures are formed in regulatory regions of the human genome, including promoters and telomeric regions.”&nbsp;



Study lead author Cristian David Peña Martinez, a research officer in the Antibody Therapeutics Lab, explained that i-motifs are associated with genes that are highly active during specific times in the cell cycle, which suggests they play a dynamic role in regulating gene activity.



“We also found that i-motifs form in the promoter region of oncogenes, such as the MYC oncogene, which encodes one of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>’s most notorious ‘undruggable’ targets. This presents an exciting opportunity to target disease-linked genes through the i-motif structure,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-hard-to-treat-cancers-nbsp">Implications for hard-to-treat cancers&nbsp;</h2>



According to study co-author Sarah Kummerfeld, an assistant professor and chief scientific officer at Garvan, the widespread presence of i-motifs near these “holy grail” sequences involved in hard-to-treat cancers opens up new possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.&nbsp;



“It might be possible to design drugs that target i-motifs to influence gene expression, which could expand current treatment options,” said Professor Kummerfeld.



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



Professor Christ pointed out that the successful mapping of i-motifs was made possible by Garvan’s world-leading expertise in antibody development and genomics.&nbsp;



“This study is an example of how fundamental research and technological innovation can come together to make paradigm-shifting discoveries,” said Professor Christ.



“Our study provides foundational knowledge and resources relating to the location and distribution of i-motifs in human genomic DNA, representing potential targets for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies,” the authors concluded.



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Genetic mystery: 50,000 DNA "knots" found in the human genome

DNA is famously known for its double helix structure, but...

Underground CO2 storage, a key component of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, is often viewed as a vital solution to combat climate change. In light of the urgency to address global warming, many potential methods of carbon capture have been meticulously investigated.



While the concept of storing CO2 underground is promising, recent research from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> highlights significant limitations and challenges associated with scaling up this technology.



Current international scenarios for limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100 rely heavily on technologies that can remove CO2 from the Earth's atmosphere at unprecedented rates.



These strategies aim to remove between 1 and 30 gigatons of CO2 annually by 2050. However, the estimates for how quickly these technologies can be deployed have been largely speculative.



The Imperial study indicates that existing projections are not likely feasible at the current pace of development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainty-in-storage-projections">Uncertainty in storage projections</h2>



“There are many factors at play in these projections, including the speed at which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-outer-core-is-its-largest-carbon-reservoir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reservoirs</a> can be filled as well as other geological, geographical, economic, technological, and political issues,” said Yuting Zhang, lead author from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. 



“However, more accurate models like the ones we have developed will help us understand how uncertainty in storage capacity, variations in institutional capacity across regions, and limitations to development might affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plans-by-oil-companies-fall-short-of-climate-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate plans</a> and targets set by policymakers.”



The experts found that storing up to 16 gigatons of CO2 underground annually by 2050 is possible, but would require a substantial increase in storage capacity and scaling that current investment and development levels do not support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-realistic-plans-for-co2-storage">Realistic plans for CO2 storage</h2>



While the UK Government has aspirations to position Britain as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean energy</a> superpower through initiatives like CCS, the research emphasizes the need to align such ambitions with realistic objectives for the safe and effective storage of CO2.



“Although storing between six to 16 gigatons of CO2 per year to tackle climate change is technically possible, these high projections are much more uncertain than lower ones,” noted co-author Dr. Samuel Krevor, also from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. 



“This is because there are no existing plans from governments or international agreements to support such a large-scale effort. However, five gigatons of carbon going into the ground is still a major contribution to climate change mitigation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-co2-storage">Modeling CO2 storage</h2>



The researchers developed models to show how quickly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a> systems could realistically be scaled up, taking into account factors such as suitable geology, economic limitations, and technological feasibility.



These models suggest that while it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions on a large scale, the path to achieving this and the contribution from key regions might diverge significantly from current projections. 



For example, the study questions the overly optimistic projections often found in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, particularly for countries like China, Indonesia, and South Korea, where current development is low.



“While integrated assessment models play an important role in helping climate policymakers make decisions, some of the assumptions they make when it comes to storing large amounts of carbon underground appear unrealistic,” noted study co-author Professor Christopher Jackson from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. 



“Our findings suggest that more attainable and accurate benchmarks are needed to guide policy and investment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-a-realistic-global-benchmark">Setting a realistic global benchmark</h2>



The team’s analysis suggests a more realistic global benchmark for underground CO2 storage might be in the range of 5-6 gigatons per year by 2050.



This projection aligns with growth patterns observed in existing industries, including mining and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>. 



By applying these historical growth patterns to CO2 storage, the researchers have developed a model that offers a more practical and reliable method for predicting how quickly carbon storage technologies can be scaled up.



“Our study is the first to apply growth patterns from established industries to CO2 storage,” explained Dr. Krevor. “By using historical data and trends from other sectors, our new model provides a realistic and practical approach for setting attainable targets for carbon storage, helping policymakers to make informed decisions.”



The research, funded by the Engineering &amp; Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlights the importance of setting realistic goals in the global effort to combat climate change.



While underground carbon storage presents a promising strategy, understanding its potential and limitations is crucial for making the best use of this technology.



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Underground CO2 storage: Feasible solution or climate illusion?

Underground CO2 storage, a key component of carbon capture and...

Crocodile culling in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia is a controversial practice aimed at managing the population of saltwater crocodiles, which have been increasing since they were protected by law in 1971. The primary focus of culling is to ensure public safety, particularly in areas where there is a high risk of crocodile attacks on humans.



A new study published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10693" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">People and Nature</a> reveals that education and community awareness, the removal of problematic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-ecology-shaped-250-million-years-of-crocodile-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodiles</a>, and the designation of exclusion areas are significantly more effective in reducing saltwater crocodile attacks than widespread culling. 



The research, led by <a href="https://www.cdu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charles Darwin University</a> (CDU), challenges the notion that culling is a cost-effective or efficient solution to mitigating crocodile attacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-rate-of-crocodile-attacks-nbsp">Analyzing the rate of crocodile attacks&nbsp;</h2>



The experts examined the correlation between the density of crocodile populations and human populations and the frequency of saltwater crocodile attacks in the Northern Territory over the past 50 years. Data analysis showed that from 1979 to 2022, there were 76 crocodile attacks in the region, with 30% of these attacks resulting in fatalities.



Interestingly, while both crocodile density and the human population continued to rise, the rate of crocodile attacks stabilized from 2009 onwards, with a notable 10% decrease in the frequency of attacks over the following decade.&nbsp;



This trend suggests that the behaviors of Northern Territory residents and tourists around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-impacts-on-waterways-contribute-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a> have adapted in response to the growing crocodile population, largely due to government-led education programs and efforts to remove problem crocodiles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodile-culling-is-not-the-best-strategy-nbsp">Crocodile culling is not the best strategy&nbsp;</h2>



Lead author Cameron Baker, a postdoctoral research fellow at CDU's Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, highlighted the fact that the reduction in attacks correlates with increased awareness and the targeted removal of problem crocodiles.&nbsp;



These strategies have proven to be more effective in reducing attacks than any broad-scale culling program, a method periodically considered in the Northern Territory.



“Our models predicted that the NT crocodile population would have to be reduced by as much as 90% to reduce the crocodile attack frequency by one attack per year,” Baker explained.&nbsp;



“If widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killing-animals-ecosystem-non-native-culling-harmful-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culling</a> to reduce density was the prime strategy to reduce crocodile attacks, then the population would need to be driven to very low levels to see any significant reduction. This is because the risk of attacks on humans only decreases once large crocodiles are completely extirpated from an area.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-downside-of-crocodile-culling-nbsp">The downside of crocodile culling&nbsp;</h2>



According to Baker, such extensive culling would not only push the species back into the critically endangered category but would also be prohibitively expensive. Humane culling operations, based on the current Northern Territory crocodile management budget, would cost approximately $975 per crocodile.&nbsp;



“Assuming these operational costs remained constant throughout the culling period, it would cost $87,750,000 to cull 90% of the NT crocodile population humanely, achieving a 48% reduction in crocodile attack frequency,” he said.



In contrast, the Northern Territory Government spent AUD$250,000 on the “Be Crocwise” educational campaign between 2013 and 2016. Since its implementation in 2009, this campaign has contributed to a 10% decrease in crocodile attacks, demonstrating a far more cost-effective approach than culling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-behavior-and-crocodile-attacks-nbsp">Human behavior and crocodile attacks&nbsp;</h2>



Baker further noted that the data indicated crocodile attacks were influenced by human behavior and activities near water. “Between 2011 and 2021, humans were 363 times more likely to be severely injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident than by a crocodile in the NT,” he said.&nbsp;



“Most victims of crocodile attacks, 90%, were local to the NT. This highlights the importance of modifying human behavior to reduce the risks of attacks by large predators such as crocodiles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternative-crocodile-management-methods-nbsp">Alternative crocodile management methods&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Hamish Campbell, who led the study, stressed the need for an evidence-based approach to crocodile management.&nbsp;



“Crocodiles are a danger to humans in North Australia, and this risk needs to be managed. The funds available for crocodile management are limited, and we need to spend these in the most effective manner to reduce crocodile attacks on humans, and the evidence shows that widespread culling is not a cost-effective nor efficient means of doing this,” he said.&nbsp;



“Alternative management methods currently used by the Northern Territory government seem to be working and effective.”



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



Vinay Udyawer from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, who also contributed to the research, noted that the study's findings could inform other predator mitigation strategies.&nbsp;



“The results of this study can be expanded beyond just the management of crocodiles in the Northern Territory,” he said. “It highlights the general ineffectiveness of culling as a primary mitigation tool and the importance of alternative strategies like public education campaigns for managing the risks posed by other large marine predators such as sharks.”



The findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted, evidence-based approaches over broad, less effective measures, offering valuable insights for managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exploring-the-impacts-of-human-wildlife-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-wildlife interactions</a> in various contexts.



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Culling is not effective in preventing crocodile attacks 

Crocodile culling in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia is...

Securing the world's water supply is among the most pressing global challenges today. Researchers at Stockholm University have introduced an innovative method to better quantify the global risk of water scarcity.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that the risks to the world's water supply may be more significant than previously estimated when environmental conditions and governance in regions where rain-producing moisture originates are taken into account.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-global-water-supply-nbsp">Understanding the global water supply&nbsp;</h2>



Traditionally, the global water supply is understood as rain falling on the Earth's surface, subsequently stored in aquifers, lakes, and rivers. This conventional understanding is often used to evaluate water security and the potential for water scarcity.&nbsp;



However, a new study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44221-024-00291-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a> challenges this perspective by highlighting the importance of governance and environmental conditions in regions upwind - where the moisture that eventually falls as rain is generated.



“Water supply really originates beforehand, with moisture evaporated from land or in the ocean traveling in the atmosphere before falling as rain. This upwind moisture is commonly overlooked when assessing water availability,” explained senior author Fernando Jaramillo, an associate professor in physical geography at <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-rainfall">Origins of rainfall</h2>



Typically, when a lake or river is shared between different countries or authorities, water assessments and regulations focus on upstream factors - considering the conditions upriver from the water body.&nbsp;



The new study, however, adopts an upwind perspective, which takes into account the areas where evaporated water is transported before it precipitates as rain. This area, known as a “precipitationshed,” can span vast regions of the Earth's surface.



“For instance, in tropical South America, most of the Amazon basin is downstream of the Andes mountain range, whereas large areas of the Andes are in themselves downwind of the Amazon rainforest and depend on it. This interdependency makes these two regions reliant on each other for water supply,” Jaramillo said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-risks-of-water-scarcity-nbsp">Higher risks of water scarcity&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers analyzed 379 hydrological basins globally, revealing that water security risks are considerably higher when the upwind origins of water are factored into the equation.



“With this approach, we see that 32,900 km³/year of water requirements worldwide face very high risk, a near 50 percent increase compared to the 20,500 km³/year resulting from the more traditional upstream focus,” said lead author José Posada, a former doctoral student at Stockholm University.



Political control and land use changes in upwind regions can have profound effects on downwind water availability. For example, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-has-darkened-coastal-waters-off-belize/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> and agricultural development in these areas can reduce the moisture provided by vegetation, subsequently decreasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-becoming-more-intense-in-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> downwind and heightening water security risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-security-across-different-regions">Water security across different regions</h2>



“For coastal countries such as the Philippines, most of the rain comes from the sea, so land-use changes pose minimal risk to their water security. Conversely, for inland countries like Niger, where rainfall is largely sourced from moisture that evaporates in neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Ghana, land-use changes in these upwind regions can significantly impact water security,” Jaramillo explained.



This implies that political factors, such as environmental management and regulatory policies in areas where moisture first evaporates, can greatly influence water safety in distant regions.



“The Congo River basin, for example, heavily relies on moisture from neighboring countries with low environmental performance and governance according to global indicators. This makes the basin vulnerable to risks from potential deforestation and unregulated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/land-use-changes-expose-the-amazon-to-environmental-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land use changes</a> in those neighboring areas,” said co-author Lan Wang-Erlandsson, a researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Center at Stockholm University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-water-is-connected">All water is connected</h2>



The study underscores the importance of considering upwind perspectives in environmental regulation and governance. It highlights the interdependence between countries situated upstream/downwind and downstream/upwind.



“It is not possible to ignore the interdependence between countries. In the end, all water is connected, so we should not only mind how we manage our water resources within a region or country but also how our neighboring countries do,” Wang-Erlandsson said.



The researchers hope their findings will help identify key areas and stakeholders for cooperation strategies aimed at mitigating the causes of water-related tensions. This includes considering atmospheric water flows in transboundary decision-making and water governance frameworks.



“We stress the need for international cooperation to effectively manage upwind moisture sources,” Jaramillo concluded.



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Global water security relies on the origins of rainfall

Securing the world's water supply is among the most pressing...

Researchers have revealed new details about the fascinating connection between cardiovascular fitness and brain health.&nbsp;



Previous studies indicated that maintaining good cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) played an important role in preserving the integrity of the brain's white matter, yet this theory had not been fully investigated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-white-matter-during-aging">The role of white matter during aging</h2>



The brain's white matter consists of areas of the central nervous system made up of myelinated axons. The name “white matter” originates from the pale appearance of the lipids comprising myelin - a segmented sheath that insulates axons and thus ensures the conduction of neural signals.&nbsp;



Myelin loss occurs in various neurodegenerative diseases, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medical-breakthrough-new-vaccine-may-prevent-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a> and Parkinson's, and most notably, multiple sclerosis. As people age, the risk of demyelination increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiorespiratory-fitness-and-white-matter-integrity-nbsp">Cardiorespiratory fitness and white matter integrity&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists have long suspected a connection between cardiorespiratory fitness and the integrity of the brain's white matter during the aging process. However, the lack of specific evidence prompted a team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a> (NIH) to conduct a study examining the strength of this correlation.



To investigate these issues, the experts recruited 125 participants aged 22-94, and quantified their cardiovascular fitness as the maximum rate of oxygen consumption, known as VO2max. The myelin content was defined as the myelin water fraction, which the scientists estimated through an advanced multicomponent relaxometry MRI method.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolating-myelin-from-other-brain-matter-nbsp">Isolating myelin from other brain matter&nbsp;</h2>



“Research suggests that maintaining good <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cardiorespiratory-fitness-cuts-early-death-risks-by-53-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiorespiratory fitness</a> plays a role in preserving white matter integrity. However, there is scarcity of clinical studies examining the relationship between CRF and myelin integrity,” noted the study authors. 



“Here, we investigated the association between CRF, as measured by the maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max), and myelin content, as defined by the myelin water fraction (MWF) MRI, throughout the adult lifespan.”



While previous analyses relying on conventional techniques did not succeed in isolating myelin from other brain matter, this new MRI method is more sensitive and specific to measuring myelin content in vivo.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cerebral-blood-flow-and-motor-function">Cerebral blood flow and motor function</h2>



Recent studies using multicomponent relaxometry MRI found important correlations between local myelin water fraction and cerebral blood flow and motor function, which are both influenced by cardiorespiratory fitness. This motivated the NIH researchers to conduct the current study using the same technology.



The investigations revealed that greater cardiorespiratory fitness correlated strongly with higher cerebral myelination. In addition, greater cardiorespiratory fitness was found to be associated with better myelin integrity, particularly in middle-aged and older participants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-sensitive-brain-regions-nbsp">Protecting sensitive brain regions&nbsp;</h2>



Most importantly, the experts discovered significant positive correlations between the two measures in the frontal lobes and white matter tracts, which are the regions most susceptible to early degeneration caused by neurological disorders at the onset of old age.&nbsp;



These findings suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness is likely to be protective for these sensitive brain regions, especially among the participants with lifelong fitness.



However, this study cannot establish a direct causal link between higher cardiorespiratory fitness and improved myelin integrity, its results showing just a correlation between the two.



“Nevertheless, our findings suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness is likely to be a valuable indicator of overall health and a potential target for interventions aimed at promoting brain health,” the authors wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-fitness-and-brain-health">Physical fitness and brain health</h2>



The experts also discovered an association between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerobic-exercise-boosts-cognitive-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerobic exercise</a> and neuroprotective adaptations in the brain, along with the upregulation of neurotrophins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which helps increase brain mitochondrial function. Declines in this function have been linked by previous studies to diseases resulting from demyelination.



Future research could use this work to examine the relationship between physical fitness, brain health and myelin integrity to find ways of supporting brain aging and preventing neurological disorders.



“This original study provides compelling evidence of the crucial role of CRF in the preservation of myelin integrity with advancing age, expanding our understanding of the intricate relationship between cardiovascular health and white matter microstructure,” noted the researchers.



“Additionally, this work lays the foundation for further investigations into the potential therapeutic applications of improving CRF or myelination to promote healthy brain aging and combat age-related neurodegeneration, including in Alzheimer’s disease.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2402813121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Physical fitness protects the health of sensitive brain regions

Researchers have revealed new details about the fascinating connection between...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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