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)...

Remember the age-old saying, “You are what you eat”? Well, it turns out it's not just your body that resonates with this mantra, but your mind too. A recent study reveals the fascinating link between your food choices and your mental health.



Our brain is an amazing organ that needs the right fuel to work well. Just like the rest of our body, it requires important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to stay healthy and perform at its best.



When we don't provide our brain with the necessary fuel, it can lead to imbalances that affect our mood, cognition, and overall mental health. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-choices-and-mental-state">Food choices and mental state</h2>



Every time you've experienced a "sugar rush" or "food coma," you've had a glimpse into the fascinating world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unhealthy-diet-leaves-brain-feeling-foggy-frazzled-sad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food and mood interplay</a>. And then there's that ugly creature "hangry" - arising when hunger leaks into your emotional state, turning you into a snarling beast.&nbsp;



Dr. Mary Scourboutakos, a researcher at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evms.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastern Virginia Medical School</a>, devotes her work to unwrapping the science behind these very phenomena.



Mary’s latest study puts the spotlight on the yo-yo of blood sugar levels as the puppeteer controlling our moods. We all know mental health is a labyrinth, with many invisible strings attached. So, while diet isn’t a magic bullet, it has proven to be a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant influencer</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mediterranean-diet">The Mediterranean diet</h2>



When healthy diets are the topic of discussion, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-may-be-a-fountain-of-youth-for-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean diet</a> frequently takes the podium.&nbsp;



This diet brims with a rainbow of vegetables and fruits, bathes in olive oil, fills up on whole grains, legumes, nuts, and treats meat, dairy, and fish like cherished guests. The attribute that gets the loudest applause in the context of mood is its low glycemic index.



The glycemic index is a ranking system for foods based on their potential to spike blood sugar levels. So, a high glycemic index diet, filled with white bread and sugary treats, could put you on the expressway to mood disorders.&nbsp;



In contrast, a low glycemic index diet, with al dente pasta or parboiled rice, stands as your mental health's knight in shining armor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-choices-impact-mental-health">Food choices impact mental health</h2>



Each time you bite into bread or slurp up pasta, the increase in blood sugar sets hormones and signaling molecules racing around your body. The euphoria that hits you after a sinful dessert? That's your brain high on dopamine. But sugar isn't just about pleasure; it ropes in insulin too.



Insulin is the gatekeeper that ushers sugar into our cells. But what happens when there's too much sugar to handle? The resulting insulin spike plunges your blood sugar below its starting point, triggering the release of adrenaline.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adrenaline-stirs-up-negative-emotions">Adrenaline stirs up negative emotions</h2>



And here's the clincher - adrenaline is not just a blood sugar regulator, it's an emotion stirrer. It can manifest as anxiety, fear, or aggression.



This adrenaline high doesn't arrive until four to five hours after a meal. So, while sugar feeds your dopamine-driven happiness in the short term, adrenaline might turn the party into a nightmare in the long run.



It’s worth noting that we aren’t all equally vulnerable to this sugar-induced rollercoaster. Genes, gender, lifestyle, and your gut’s residents can influence your blood sugar response.&nbsp;



And remember, mental health is a jigsaw puzzle with many pieces. Healthy food choices alone can’t guarantee a perfect picture but can nudge the mental state in the right direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-mental-health-with-food">Better mental health with food</h2>



What if you could control your mental state and mood swings simply by tweaking your food choices? Here are a few strategies from Dr. Scourboutakos:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Primarily include low glycemic index carbohydrates in your diet, like whole grain bread and al dente pasta.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Try to eat your carbs earlier in the day.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Always pair carbohydrates with proteins or healthy fats.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Reserve carbohydrates for the end of your meal, after your veggies and protein.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Start your meal with a salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar.</li>
</ul>



The relationship between what we feed our bodies and how we feel is incredibly complex and deserving of our attention.&nbsp;



In conclusion, grasping the intricate relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/want-to-lose-weight-try-eating-more-protein-and-fiber/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary choices</a> and mental well-being can lead to effective strategies for reducing anxiety and depression. 



Dr. Scourboutakos emphasizes the importance of nourishing our bodies to enhance mental health. By making informed food choices, we can positively impact our mood and overall mental state.



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Food choices have a major impact on your mental health

Remember the age-old saying, “You are what you eat”? Well,...

NASA’s Juno mission has guided the development of the first comprehensive 3D radiation map of the Jupiter system.



Jupiter's radiation environment is one of the most intense in the solar system. This powerful radiation is primarily due to Jupiter's strong magnetic field, which is about 20,000 times stronger than Earth's. 



The radiation belts around Jupiter are filled with high-energy particles, such as electrons, protons, and ions, which are trapped by the planet's magnetic field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-juno-spacecraft">Insights from the Juno spacecraft</h2>



Scientists calculated the intensity of high-energy particles near Europa's orbit and examined how the radiation environment is shaped by the smaller moons near Jupiter’s rings. This technique has unveiled new insights into one of the solar system's most hostile environments.



The mission's success is driven by data collected from Juno’s Advanced Stellar Compass (ASC). This star tracker camera system was designed and built by the Technical University of Denmark.



The work also relied on data collected by the Stellar Reference Unit (SRU), a camera on the spacecraft that was built by Leonardo SpA in Florence, Italy.



"On Juno, we try to innovate new ways to use our sensors to learn about nature, and we have used many of our science instruments in ways they were not designed for," said Scott Bolton, Juno principal investigator from the <a href="https://www.swri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Research Institute</a> in San Antonio. 



"This is the first detailed radiation map of the region at these higher energies, which is a major step in understanding how Jupiter’s radiation environment works."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-counting-fireflies-to-measure-jupiter-radiation">"Counting fireflies" to measure Jupiter radiation</h2>



Juno's ASC, consisting of four star cameras mounted on the spacecraft’s magnetometer boom, plays a crucial role in determining the spacecraft’s orientation in space. 



Originally designed for navigation, these cameras have proven to be valuable detectors of high-energy particle fluxes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter’s magnetosphere</a>. 



"Every quarter-second, the ASC takes an image of the stars," said John Leif Jørgensen, a scientist from the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a>. 



"Very energetic electrons that penetrate its shielding leave a telltale signature in our images that looks like the trail of a firefly. The instrument is programmed to count the number of these fireflies, giving us an accurate calculation of the amount of radiation."



The ASC data has revealed that very high-energy radiation near Europa's orbit is more abundant than previously thought, offering new insights into the radiation dynamics within Jupiter's magnetosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-jupiter-radiation-detection">Beyond Jupiter radiation detection</h2>



Like the ASC, the Stellar Reference Unit has also been utilized as a radiation detector and a low-light imager, providing crucial data on how Jupiter's radiation environment interacts with its moons and rings.



The SRU has captured rare low-light images of Jupiter's rings from Juno's unique vantage point, shedding light on the mysterious formation of these rings. 



"There is still a lot of mystery about how Jupiter’s rings were formed, and very few images have been collected by prior spacecraft," said Heidi Becker, co-lead investigator for the SRU and a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. 



"These images allow us to learn more precisely where the ring moons are currently located and see the distribution of dust relative to their distance from Jupiter."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radiation-challenges-of-jupiter-missions">Radiation challenges of Jupiter missions </h2>



The intense radiation belts surrounding Jupiter pose a significant threat to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juice-spacecraft-is-zooming-by-earth-today-on-its-way-to-jupiter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a> electronics. 



The data gathered by Juno’s ASC and SRU will be instrumental in designing protective measures for future missions, such as the upcoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-life-on-europa-co2-discovery-by-webb-increases-the-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa</a> Clipper mission. 



By providing a comprehensive understanding of Jupiter's radiation belts, Juno is paving the way for safer and more effective explorations of the Jovian system.



As we continue our exploration of space, such innovative applications of existing technology will undoubtedly unlock more secrets of our universe.



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



The insights gained from mapping Jupiter radiation have far-reaching implications, particularly for the future of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space exploration</a>. 



As space agencies like NASA consider crewed missions to the outer planets or their moons, understanding the radiation hazards in these environments is crucial.



The data from Juno's ASC and SRU will help in designing more robust shielding for spacecraft and habitats, ensuring the safety of astronauts venturing into these extreme conditions.



By shedding light on Jupiter’s radiation belts, Juno not only advances our knowledge of the gas giant but also lays the groundwork for humanity's next steps into deep space.



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Secrets of Jupiter's radiation revealed by Juno

NASA’s Juno mission has guided the development of the first...

Air pollution is making summertime thunderstorms more intense and dangerous, according to a new study from James Madison University (JMU). The experts found that in an unstable atmosphere, pollution particles increase the number of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes.



To investigate the relationship between air pollutants and thunderstorms, the researchers examined half a million storms in two geographically distinct regions: Washington D.C. and Kansas City, Missouri. They focused on the aerosol and thermodynamic environments surrounding <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/thunderstorm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thunderstorm</a> initiation.



“Regional weather patterns vary in their propensity for producing thunderstorms and lightning. However, these weather patterns can also be associated with different transport directions and concentrations of air pollution,” noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-hundreds-of-thousands-of-storms-nbsp">Studying hundreds of thousands of storms&nbsp;</h2>



Overall, the <a href="https://www.jmu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JMU</a> team analyzed nearly 200,000 thunderstorms in the Washington, D.C. area and over 300,000 in the Kansas City area. They combined 12 years of cloud-to-ground lightning data from the National Lightning Detection Network with air pollution data from hundreds of monitoring stations in both cities.



The study revealed a clear correlation: in environments with high atmospheric instability, increased pollution leads to a rise in cloud-to-ground <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dry-lightning-can-ignite-wildfires-in-wetter-conditions-than-expected/">lightning</a> strikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-lightning-production-nbsp">Air pollution and lightning production&nbsp;</h2>



"Pollution acts as cloud nuclei,” explained study lead author Professor Mace Bentley. “It gets brought into the cloud through the updraft; the updraft and downdraft then separate the <a href="https://phys.org/tags/pollution+particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution particles</a>, which divides the electrical charges in the cloud and leads to more lightning production."



The experts noted that even though warm season thunderstorm environments are considerably different between the Washington D.C. and Kansas City regions, it appears that thunderstorm intensity (as measured by flash counts) is regulated by similar thermodynamic-aerosol relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thunderstorms-impact-on-air-pollution">Thunderstorms’ impact on air pollution</h2>



Looking at the flip side of the coin, thunderstorms also have impacts on air quality. The nature of these effects are complicated because thunderstorms influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> in both positive and negative ways. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-air-quality-effects">Positive air quality effects</h3>



Heavy rainfall can act as a natural cleanser for the atmosphere. Rain helps to “wash away” pollutants like dust, pollen, and particulate matter from the atmosphere. This cleansing effect can lead to a temporary improvement in air quality.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the strong winds and turbulence generated by thunderstorms help mix the air, dispersing localized pollutants and reducing their concentrations near the surface.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-effects-on-air-pollution-nbsp">Negative effects on air pollution&nbsp;</h3>



However, thunderstorms can also have negative impacts on air quality. For example, thunderstorms contribute to air pollution by lifting surface pollutants into the upper atmosphere, where they can be transported over long distances, potentially impacting air quality far from their source.&nbsp;



In some cases, lightning from thunderstorms can ignite <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, which release large amounts of smoke and particulate matter, significantly degrading air quality across vast areas.



Furthermore, lightning produces ozone in the lower atmosphere. While ozone is beneficial in the upper atmosphere, it becomes a harmful pollutant and a key component of smog at the ground level.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-smog">Health impacts of smog</h3>



Smog significantly impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-is-a-greater-health-threat-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a> in several ways. It primarily affects the respiratory system, causing irritation in the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath.&nbsp;



For individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or bronchitis, smog can exacerbate these issues, making breathing more difficult and potentially triggering severe attacks.&nbsp;



Additionally, the fine particulate matter present in smog can enter the bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular problems. This can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-influence-of-climate-change-nbsp">The influence of climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The relationship between air pollution and thunderstorms is also influenced by broader environmental factors. For example, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thunderstorms-are-becoming-more-intense-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> can affect both pollution levels and storm intensity, which could modify the feedback loop.



Ultimately, while thunderstorms can help reduce air pollution, which in turn might reduce the frequency or intensity of subsequent storms, the exact nature of the feedback loop depends on specific atmospheric conditions and the types of pollutants involved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-efforts">Ongoing research efforts</h2>



As for the JMU study, Professor Bentley is currently expanding his research to Bangkok, a megacity with even higher pollution levels than Washington, D.C., and Kansas City, and situated in a hot, tropical climate. His preliminary findings suggest a similar pattern, with even higher rates of lightning in these storms.



"It looks like no matter where you go in the world, urban pollution is capable of enhancing thunderstorms and lightning," said Professor Bentley.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169809524001844?dgcid=rss_sd_all" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Research</a>.



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Air pollution is fueling more intense and dangerous thunderstorms

Air pollution is making summertime thunderstorms more intense and dangerous,...

Recently, the Hubble Space Telescope turned its gaze to the heart of a spiral galaxy named Messier 33 (M33), tucked away in the constellation of Triangulum. 



This web of stars and nebulosity, about half the size of our own Milky Way, is the third largest galaxy in our Local Group.



Borne from the remarkable scientific endeavors of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and JP Dalcanton from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, these insights help us grasp the magnetic allure of this celestial powerhouse.



The spectacle unveils a remarkable characteristic about M33 -- it's a hotbed nursery for stars. The galaxy's star-forming activity outpaces the Andromeda galaxy, its neighbor, by ten-fold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-messier-33-m33-galaxy">Inside the Messier 33 (M33) galaxy</h2>



The core of M33 is dominated by vibrant hues of pink and red glowing from regions of nebulosity. Amidst this colorful chaos, M33 shelters abundant dust and gas, the raw ingredients for star formation. 



Add to this the presence of ionized hydrogen clouds or H-II regions, and we're looking at a stellar breeding ground.



But unlike many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> whose star formations are often triggered by galactic collisions, M33's firework display of starbirth plays out on a different stage. 



The galaxy's neat, ordered spiral arms imply minimal interaction with other galaxies, leading experts to believe that the star formation is the result of molecular cloud collisions within M33 itself.



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



Take a closer gaze at the image, and you'll see the star-studded graininess come to life. It isn't mere noise; rather, it's the glow of countless stars visible due to the proximity of M33. 



This galaxy is one of fewer than a hundred close enough for the <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> to analyze its individual stars, revealing their beauty and intricate details. 



The view not only showcases the stars but also emphasizes the vastness and wonder of our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-signs-of-a-black-hole">No signs of a black hole </h2>



It may seem unusual to observe that M33, also known as the Triangulum Galaxy, lacks a central bulge and shows no signs of a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> at its core. 



This characteristic appears peculiar for a spiral galaxy, as most galaxies of this type typically host densely packed stars and supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-found-in-mysterious-milky-way-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, making their absence noteworthy. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/m33_star-forming-region_hubble-space-telescope_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/m33_star-forming-region_hubble-space-telescope_NASA_1s.webp" alt="Messier 33 (M33) is the third largest galaxy in our Local Group of galaxies. Credit: NASA/ESA" class="wp-image-1942718"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Messier 33 (M33) is the third largest galaxy in our Local Group of galaxies. Credit: NASA/ESA</figcaption></figure>



However, M33 belongs to a unique group of galaxies known as "pure disk galaxies." In these galaxies, the classic structures associated with spiral formations are not present, highlighting the diverse nature of galaxy formation and evolution in the universe.



Understanding M33 aids astronomers in unraveling the complexities of galactic structures and the factors influencing their development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-messier-33-m33-galaxy">Insights from the Messier 33 (M33) galaxy</h2>



As we contemplate the significance of M33, we also need to consider its role within the broader cosmic tapestry. 



This galaxy provides a glimpse into a potentially primordial state of galactic evolution. Situated on the outskirts of the Local Group, M33 is in a dance of gravitational influence with its larger neighbors - Andromeda and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



Its relatively pristine environment, devoid of significant disturbances from galactic collisions, preserves clues about the early universe's star formation processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-collision-course">Potential collision course </h2>



M33 galaxy's peaceful existence might be heading for a dramatic turn. It seems set on a potential collision course with both the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy. 



This image forms part of a broader survey of M33, aimed at refining our understanding of topics such as interstellar medium physics, star-formation processes, and stellar evolution. 



As astronomers continue to focus their powerful telescopes on this cosmic wonder, they are steadily filling in the gaps of our knowledge about M33 and the vast expanse of space that it calls home. 



With each new discovery, we come one step closer to understanding the intricacies of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-novae-star-explosion-may-be-origin-phosphorus-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> and our place within it.



So as we contemplate this stunning image of M33 captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, let us also appreciate the remarkable journey that has brought us these insights and marvel at the mysteries yet to be revealed. 



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Image Credit: NASA, ESA, M. Boyer (STScI), and J. Dalcanton (University of Washington); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)



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Messier 33: The unusual galaxy without a central black hole

Recently, the Hubble Space Telescope turned its gaze to the...

In 1977, something peculiar happened. A radio telescope at the Ohio State University -- the Big Ear, captured a peculiar signal from outer space. This signal was so astonishing that it made astronomer Jerry Ehman utter a profound "WOW!" Now, decades later, the mystery surrounding the signal might finally be unraveling.



This revelation comes from the diligent research undertaken by scientists from the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo. 



Their findings are not pointing towards extraterrestrial activity. At least, not yet. According to their analysis, this signal captured at <a href="http://www.bigear.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Ear radio observatory</a> was likely caused by a natural microwave laser slamming into Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthly-origins-or-not">Unearthly origins or not?</h2>



For years, there had been countless theories attempting to explain the origin of the "WOW!" signal. 



Some exclaimed it as a "hello" from an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraterrestrial-life-moons-planets-detected-single-grain-ice-floating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alien civilization</a>, while others suggested it was an unusual frequency produced by an abundance of atomic hydrogen in the universe.



The central puzzle was the unique nature of the signal - not only powerful but also registered in a narrow band of frequencies around 1420 MHz. 



And despite theories ranging from alien broadcasts to cosmic collisions, the inability to pick up the signal again left astronomers scratching their heads.



But the tenacity of <a href="https://phl.upr.edu/about/abel_mendez" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Abel Méndez</a> and his team has finally shed light on this enduring cosmic mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-wow-signal">Decoding the WOW! signal</h2>



Their study was initiated using the now-defunct Arecibo Observatory's Radio Emissions from Red Dwarf Stars (REDS) project. 



The goal was straightforward -- to comb through the archives and see if anything similar to the "WOW! signal" had ever been spotted.



Their search led to the discovery of a few signals strikingly similar yet fainter than the original signal. Surprisingly, these signals all originated from a red dwarf star named Teegarden's Star, just 12.5 light-years from Earth.



 "Our latest observations, made between February and May 2020, have revealed similar narrowband signals near the hydrogen line, though less intense than the original Wow! signal," notes Professor Méndez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-microwave-laser">Natural microwave laser</h2>



What sets Teegarden's Star apart is an intriguing environment around it - clouds of cool atomic hydrogen. 



When the intense light from the red dwarf hits these clouds, they stimulate a powerful burst of microwave energy in the 1420 MHz band. This phenomenon results in a natural microwave laser or, in scientific terms, a maser.



The scientists believe that the "WOW! signal" was likely a similar, albeit more potent, maser burst. But what could have caused such enormous energy? 



The researchers think it was a neutron star, or to be precise, a specific type of neutron star called a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fastest-spinning-magnetar-reveals-secrets-of-neutron-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetar</a>.



Magnetars are remnants of collapsed stars that have exploded into supernovae. What remains is a dense, super-rotating, magnetic core. 



When a burst from a magnetar collides with a hydrogen gas cloud, it can trigger a colossal maser burst, just like the "WOW! signal".



Although this alignment is rare, it offers a plausible explanation why the signal hasn't been heard since.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revisiting-the-wow-signal">Revisiting the WOW! signal</h2>



So, can we finally put the alien life speculation to rest? According to this research, it seems so. The scientists have concluded that the "WOW! signal" is more likely a product of complex cosmic phenomena than evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-hellish-planet-venus-can-help-us-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life beyond Earth</a>.



Perhaps this will temper some of our high expectations that any ambiguous signal received from space is a call from our extraterrestrial neighbors. 



However, as the enduring fascination with the "WOW! signal" proves, we will continue to look towards the stars and wonder who else might be out there.



The next time you look up at the night sky, remember that some of mystery's allure lies in its solution. And the story of the "WOW! signal" shows that sometimes the answers are as astounding as the questions.



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



The team at Arecibo plans to continue their research, exploring extensive sets of observations from the REDS project.



As for the rest of us, let's continue to marvel at the mysteries that cosmic space sends our way. Because, every "WOW!" we utter leads us on an unpredictable journey, deeper into understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-energy-flash-brighter-than-a-galaxy-traveled-8-billion-light-years-to-reach-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vast universe</a> around us.



The study is published in <a href="https://arxiv.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a>.



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New details on 'WOW!' signal transmitted from deep space

In 1977, something peculiar happened. A radio telescope at the...

When you envision the picturesque landscapes of Rhön, a broad expanse of rolling hills and forests in central Germany, springs might not be the first thing to come to mind in the context of global conservation.



However, for Stefan Zaenker, a conservation officer for the state of Hesse, these water sources are of utmost importance.



Leading a team of volunteers, Zaenker runs through a checklist before heading into the forest: “Are rubber boots disinfected to prevent introducing potentially harmful microorganisms into the wetland? Are the team app and GPS functioning correctly? Have enough flags been packed?” 



The mission is to locate and map the area's hidden springs, and document the lifeforms they harbor. Far too little is known about where springs occur and what species they harbor, noted Zaenker.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-role-of-springs-in-ecosystems">Critical role of springs in ecosystems</h2>



Zaenker, along with volunteers from the Hesse Association for Cave and Karst Research, spends much of his spare time on this critical task, focusing on Rhön and a nearby national park. 



He believes that springs play a crucial role in human life and biodiversity, connecting groundwater to the sunlit world. 



"Without a continual connection to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-has-a-vital-role-in-ecosystem-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a>, which also feeds rivers, many landscapes would quickly dry up and become hotter," said Zaenker.



Springs also serve as habitats for highly specialized species, some of which alternate between the outdoor nightlife and the dark realm of groundwater during the day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-springs-and-global-conservation-strategies">Springs and global conservation strategies</h2>



Despite their importance, springs rarely receive the attention they deserve in global conservation strategies, overshadowed by more prominent ecosystems like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-when-rivers-jump-their-banks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>, bogs, and coral reefs. 



In the United States, for instance, springs do "not appear to be a prominent feature on the conservation radar," according to Kirsten Work, a zoologist from <a href="https://www.stetson.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stetson University</a> in Florida. 



Yet, these small, seemingly inconspicuous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-source-water-exceeds-safe-drinking-limits-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water sources</a> support more than 10 percent of U.S. endangered species, including the Comal Springs riffle beetle and the endangered White River springfish, highlighting their critical ecological role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-hidden-springs-of-germany">Mapping the hidden springs of Germany</h2>



In Germany, a country known for its efficient bureaucracy, the assumption that all natural features are thoroughly documented is widespread. 



However, Zaenker challenges this belief. “I can stand right next to an impressive spring with water flowing out, but the official topographical map shows nothing,” said Zaenker.



These undocumented springs, legally protected habitats denoted by blue dots on maps, pose a significant question for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>: "How can we effectively protect these important habitats if we don’t even know they exist?"



During one of their missions, Zaenker's team discovered eight new helocrene springs, where water seeps diffusely into a marsh or bog. 



To an untrained eye, these might look like mere puddles, but Zaenker identifies them as critical habitats. His team meticulously logs the positions of these springs, measures pH levels and electrical conductivity, and collects samples to assess <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water quality</a> and identify plant and animal species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-perspectives-on-spring-conservation">Global perspectives on spring conservation</h2>



Ecologist Larry Stevens, co-founder of the Springs Stewardship Institute and author of Springs of the World: Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation, echoes Zaenker's concerns.



Stevens describes springs as “canaries in coal mines” due to their role in signaling water table declines and biodiversity loss. 



“Springs are often isolated from one another geographically, and many have been in place for millennia, making them hotspots for new species to arise and refuges for species that have lost their habitats elsewhere,” said Stevens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-springs-face-threats-worldwide">Springs face threats worldwide</h2>



Despite their significance, springs often go unnoticed as people no longer rely on them for water, turning instead to municipal supplies. This has led to springs being piped, tapped, built over, and polluted.



A concerning trend highlighted by Stevens and other researchers is the rapid decline in groundwater levels globally. 



A study conducted by the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>, using data from 170,000 monitoring wells, reveals that groundwater levels are declining by up to 50 centimeters per year in some regions. 



In Germany, despite periods of intense rainfall, a water deficit from years of drought persists, underscoring the need for proactive conservation measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-future-conservation">Hope for future conservation</h2>



Zaenker's extensive survey in the Rhön region stands out for its detail and impact. Over two decades, he has mapped exactly 8,000 springs, about ten times the number officially listed.



The data has been integrated into the geographical information system used by forest authorities, ensuring that these vital habitats are protected during logging operations.



Although official mapmakers have yet to recognize these efforts, Zaenker remains optimistic.



 “When they are ready to represent all springs as protected habitats with blue dots, our vast database will be ready to guide the process,” he says, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to safeguard these overlooked but invaluable ecosystems.



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Springs are crucial habitats that are overlooked in conservation efforts

When you envision the picturesque landscapes of Rhön, a broad...

Cluster, a trailblazing mission by the European Space Agency (ESA), is nearing its end with a historic "targeted re-entry" into Earth's atmosphere.



For over 24 years, the four satellites of Cluster have provided valuable insights into Earth's magnetic environment and its interactions with solar wind.



As the mission concludes, it marks not only the end of a significant era in space exploration but also the beginning of new standards in sustainable space practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-earth-s-magnetic-shield">Observations of Earth's magnetic shield</h2>



Launched in 2000, the Cluster mission comprised four satellites that tirelessly observed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-solar-shockwave-has-cracked-earths-magnetosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetosphere</a>, the powerful magnetic shield that protects our planet from solar wind. 



In the years since their launch in 2000, these satellites - Rumba, Salsa, Samba, and Tango - have studied how solar wind particles interact with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic environment</a>, a phenomenon known as space weather.



"For over two decades, Cluster has shown us time and time again how important the magnetosphere is in shielding us from the solar wind," said Philippe Escoubet, Cluster Mission Manager. "It has watched the effects of solar storms to help us better understand and forecast space weather."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-salsa">The return of Salsa</h2>



Even a mission as important as Cluster must eventually conclude. ESA has taken the initiative to use the mission's termination to demonstrate responsibility in mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space debris</a>, an issue that has gained international attention.



On September 8, 2024, Salsa, the first of the four satellites, will re-enter Earth's atmosphere over the remote South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Area. The targeted region is as far from populated regions as possible.



Bruno Sousa, Cluster Operations Manager, emphasized ESA's commitment to space safety. He noted that back in January, Salsa’s orbit was tweaked to make sure that it experiences its final steep drop on September 8th from an altitude of roughly 110 kilometers to 80 kilometers.



"This gives us the greatest possible control over where the spacecraft will be captured by the atmosphere and begin to burn up," said Sousa.



Despite the predictability of this re-entry, ESA acknowledges that there is still much to learn about how spacecraft behave in the lower atmosphere. To gather valuable data, ESA is considering observing Salsa's re-entry from an aircraft, which would offer insights to enhance the safety of future returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cluster-s-legacy-sustainable-space-practices">Cluster's legacy: Sustainable space practices</h2>



Cluster's targeted re-entry is not just about concluding a mission; it sets a standard for sustainable space practices.



Tim Flohrer, head of ESA’s Space Debris Office, noted: "By studying how Salsa burns up, which parts might survive, for how long and in what state, we will learn much about how to build ‘zero-debris’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/burning-up-of-satellites-severely-harms-ozone-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellites</a>."



The knowledge gained will help ESA develop safer, more predictable re-entry strategies for future missions, such as Smile and Proba-3.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion-of-the-cluster-mission">Conclusion of the Cluster mission</h2>



Following Salsa's re-entry, the remaining satellites - Rumba, Samba, and Tango - will enter "caretaker" mode to avoid collisions. They are scheduled for similar controlled re-entries, with the last goodbye set for August 2026.



This farewell, however, is more of a passing of the baton to the next generation of ESA missions, ensuring that the pioneering work of Cluster continues to inform and inspire.



Smile, a collaboration with the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>, is slated to launch in late 2025 and will continue to explore the complex magnetic environment surrounding Earth, building upon the pioneering work of Cluster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cluster-s-impact-on-space-weather-prediction">Cluster's impact on space weather prediction</h2>



The Cluster mission has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a>, a field critical to protecting both space assets and technological systems on Earth. 



By capturing detailed measurements of the magnetosphere's response to solar wind, Cluster has helped scientists develop better models to predict the impact of solar storms. 



These models are crucial for forecasting space weather events that can disrupt satellite communications, affect GPS signals, and even pose risks to astronauts aboard the International Space Station.



In the end, the lessons learned from the Cluster mission will have implications far beyond its current lifecycle, serving as a reminder that responsible stewardship of space is essential as we continue to explore the cosmos.



Image Credit: European Space Agency 



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Cluster’s final mission: A fiery return to Earth

Cluster, a trailblazing mission by the European Space Agency (ESA),...

What does it mean to be wise? While each person may have their unique interpretation of wisdom, a recent study led by researchers at the University of Waterloo reveals some surprisingly consistent patterns in how we perceive wisdom across cultures and continents.



The study highlights that wisdom often encompasses qualities such as empathy, introspection, and the ability to see beyond immediate circumstances, supporting deeper connections among individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-perceiving-wisdom">Science of perceiving wisdom</h2>



The study was focused on the principles guiding our perception of wisdom in various spheres of life, including politics, science, and everyday interactions.&nbsp;



No matter where the participants hailed from, their notions of wisdom revolved around two key dimensions: reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness.



Reflective orientation is all about logical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transcendent-thinking-promotes-brain-growth-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thinking</a>, controlling one's emotions and applying knowledge effectively. On the other hand, socio-emotional awareness includes paying attention to the social context and caring for others' feelings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-consensus">A global consensus</h2>



“To our surprise, the two dimensions emerged across all cultural regions we studied, and both were associated with explicit attribution of wisdom,”&nbsp;said Dr. Maksim Rudnev, a postdoctoral research associate in psychology at <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterloo</a> and lead author of the study.&nbsp;



The implications of the research extend beyond academia. The findings provide profound insights into how people worldwide judge, trust, and support influential figures, be it leaders or educators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wisdom-politics-and-perception">Wisdom, politics and perception</h2>



Dr. Igor Grossmann is the senior corresponding author of the study and director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/wisdom-and-culture-lab/">Wisdom and Culture Lab</a>&nbsp;at the University of Waterloo.



“While both dimensions of wisdom work together, people associate wisdom more with the reflective orientation. If someone is viewed as not able to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intelligent-minds-take-longer-to-solve-difficult-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflect and think</a> logically, then perceptions of them as socio-emotionally competent and moral won’t compensate,” said Dr. Grossman.



“You could see it in the immediate aftermath of the infamous Trump-Biden 2024 presidential debate: both candidates did not appear reflective, yet Trump seemed to have won the debate with many viewers perceiving Biden as socio-emotionally well-meaning but cognitively frail.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-research-effort">Collaborative research effort</h2>



The study was a collaborative effort involving 26 research institutions, coordinated by the Geography of Philosophy consortium with researchers representing the North and South Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe.



A total of 2,707 enthusiastic participants from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds compared and rated the wisdom of 10 individuals and themselves. 



How was this measured? They were presented with a real-life scenario involving a difficult choice with no clear right or wrong, and then asked to reflect and rate.



“Interestingly, our participants considered themselves inferior to most exemplars of wisdom in regard to reflective orientation but were less self-conscious when it comes to socio-emotional characteristics,” said Dr. Rudnev.



“Understanding perceptions of wisdom around the world has&nbsp;implications for leadership, education and cross-cultural communication.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wisdom-perception-across-cultures">Wisdom perception across cultures</h2>



Cultural context plays a significant role in shaping how wisdom is perceived and valued. Different cultures may place varying degrees of emphasis on the importance of reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness.



For instance, in collectivist societies, wisdom may be more closely associated with the ability to navigate social interactions and promote community harmony. 



Conversely, in individualistic cultures, traits such as critical thinking and rational decision-making may be more pronounced in the definition of wisdom. 



This nuanced understanding broadens our appreciation of wisdom as a fluid construct, deeply embedded within the fabric of cultural norms and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-is-shaped-by-both-past-and-future-experience-and-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">values</a>.



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



Understanding the fundamental dimensions of wisdom provides invaluable insights for leadership and education. 



Leaders who embody both reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness are likely to earn greater trust and respect from their constituents. 



Moreover, in educational settings, promoting these qualities in students can lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/self-compassion-enhances-relationship-satisfaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more thoughtful</a> and empathetic individuals, capable of navigating complex social dynamics. 



Encouraging reflective practices, such as critical thinking exercises and social-emotional learning, can cultivate a generation of wise leaders and citizens equipped to address the multifaceted challenges of an interconnected world.



Ultimately, understanding perceptions of wisdom across the globe has far-reaching consequences. It not only influences leadership and education but also plays a significant role in cross-cultural communication.



"It is the first step in understanding universal principles in how others perceive wisdom people in different contexts," concluded Dr. Rudnev.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50294-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How do we recognize wisdom in people?

What does it mean to be wise? While each person...

Climate policy has become a global priority, with nations around the world striving to implement effective measures to combat climate change. 



However, the conversation around these policies often becomes entangled in debates over which approaches genuinely reduce emissions and which fall short of making real progress.



Moreover, many discussions focus primarily on mainstream policies, overlooking numerous lesser-known but potentially impactful measures. 



A recent study aims to broaden this perspective by providing a comprehensive analysis of various climate policy instruments implemented over the past two decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-endeavor">A collaborative endeavor</h2>



This monumental study is a result of the joint efforts of several notable institutions. Among them, the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a> (PIK) and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) have taken the lead.



Also contributing their knowledge and expertise were experts from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, the University of Victoria, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).



Aiding this endeavor is an innovative digital resource, the "Climate Policy Explorer." This tool provides an in-depth overview of the results and methodology involved and is accessible to the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-new-perspectives">New insights, new perspectives</h2>



"We systematically evaluated policy measures that have rarely been studied until now, providing new insights into well-designed combinations of complementary policy instruments," noted study co-author Nicholas Koch.



"Our findings demonstrate that more policies do not necessarily equate to better outcomes. Instead, the right mix of measures is crucial. For example, subsidies or regulations alone are insufficient; only in combination with price-based instruments, such as carbon and energy taxes, can they deliver substantial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-pricing-is-effective-in-reducing-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emission reductions</a>."



To illustrate this point, the study brings up specific examples such as bans on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coal-fired-power-generation-weakened-by-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal-fired</a> power plants and combustion engine cars. 



The research shows that these measures do not result in significant emissions reductions when implemented alone. Successful implementations are observed only when coupled with tax or price incentives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-policy-interventions">Climate policy interventions</h2>



The team examined 1,500 policy interventions implemented from 1998 to 2022. The scope included a wide range of climate policy instruments, encompassing everything from energy-related building codes to purchase subsidies for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mariculture-is-highly-sustainable-and-climate-friendly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate-friendly</a> products and carbon taxes.



The experts identified 63 successful policy interventions with total CO2 emission reductions between 0.6 billion and 1.8 billion metric tons. 



“While it remains challenging to precisely disentangle the effects of individual measures within a policy mix, our 63 success cases provide systematic insights into effective policy combinations, and show how well-designed policy mixes depend on sectors and the development level of countries," said lead author Annika Stechemesser.



"This knowledge is vital for supporting policymakers and society in the transition to climate neutrality.”



The Climate Policy Explorer offers invaluable insights into specific countries, sectors, and policy measures. 



Whether you're interested in the pilot emissions trading systems in China, the UK's minimum carbon price, the US's approach to the transportation sector, or Germany's eco-tax reform, the interactive tool provides a wealth of information. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policy-innovation-and-climate-action">Policy innovation and climate action</h2>



As the world grapples with the realities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, the development of innovative policies has become increasingly vital.



The study highlights that traditional approaches, such as direct regulations and subsidies, are not sufficient on their own. Innovations in policy design and implementation are necessary to achieve substantial and sustainable emission reductions.



One such innovation highlighted by the study is the integration of digital platforms like the Climate Policy Explorer. This tool allows policymakers and researchers to track and analyze the effectiveness of various policy measures across different sectors and regions, facilitating a more data-driven and evidence-based approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservatives-liberals-unite-climate-action-despite-different-beliefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate action</a>.



The study points to specific instances where innovative policies have shown promise. For example, the adoption of dynamic carbon pricing models that adjust based on real-time market data can provide more efficient and adaptive responses to changing economic and environmental conditions. 



Another example is the use of blockchain technology to ensure transparency and accountability in carbon offset programs. 



By embracing these innovations, countries can not only enhance their ability to meet emission targets but can also achieve economic growth and development through new green technologies and industries.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl6547" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Two decades of climate policy: What works and what doesn't

Climate policy has become a global priority, with nations around...

When you stroll through a northern forest, you might not realize that you're meandering through a precious carbon vault. Its soils lock away carbon dioxide that trees absorb and use for photosynthesis, helping our planet breath a little easier. But what happens when the climate becomes too hot to handle?



This was the focus of an intriguing study led by Peter Reich from the University of Michigan. With decades of dedication to understanding our natural world, Reich is the director of the Institute for Global Change Biology at U-M.



The results of the study may change what we know about global warming and the role of our faithful forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-so-cool-side-of-global-warming">Not-so-cool side of global warming</h2>



Global warming is known to turn up the heat on our planet, but it may be turning up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-can-store-the-most-soil-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure on our soils too</a>. 



Reich's team discovered that as temperatures rise, soils lose more carbon than plants can replace. The carbon escapes back into the atmosphere, contributing to an ominous cycle of increasing temperatures and mounting carbon emissions.



"This is not good news because it suggests that, as the world warms, soils are going to give back some of their carbon to the atmosphere," said Reich.&nbsp;



Study lead author Dr. Guopeng Liang was a postdoc researcher at the University of Minnesota during the study. He is currently a postdoc researcher at <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> and an exchange fellow at the Institute for Global Change Biology.



"The big picture story is that losing more carbon is always going to be a bad thing for climate," said Dr. Liang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-carbon-cycle-in-soils">Varying carbon cycle in soils</h2>



Understanding how temperature fluctuations affect the carbon cycle within soils is crucial for forecasting future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-pool-of-global-soil-carbon-alters-climate-change-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate changes</a>. Our forests are not just picturesque havens for wildlife; they hold approximately 40% of the Earth's soil carbon.



Several studies have been conducted to ascertain how climate change may alter the carbon flux from forest soils. However, most of these studies are relatively short, lasting no more than three years, and they tend to examine warming in the soil or the air above it, but not both.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-experiments">Unique experiments</h2>



Reich and his team broke away from the traditional methodologies, conducting what is believed to be the first experiment of its kind. 



The experts meticulously controlled not just the soil temperatures, but also the above-ground temperatures in open air- all without the use of any enclosures and, they kept this study running for over a dozen years.



"Our experiment is unique. It's far and away the most realistic experiment like this in the world," Reich asserts.



The project received financial support from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Minnesota</a>. 



Collaborators from these institutions, along with the <a href="https://illinois.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, joined forces with Reich and Liang for this study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-respiration-and-carbon-cycle">Soil respiration and carbon cycle</h2>



The team explored two warming scenarios at two sites in northern Minnesota, each consisting of 36 plots. They found that soil respiration - the process that releases carbon dioxide - increased by 7% under a modest warming scenario and by a whopping 17% under the more extreme case.



Interestingly, they also found that soil moisture, which decreases at warmer temperatures due to faster water loss from plants and soils, can restrict this carbon release. Microbes, essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-rooted-crops-can-significantly-improve-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil respiration</a>, prefer wetter soils, thus the drier soils limit their activity.



"The take-home message here is that forests are going to lose more carbon than we would like. But maybe not as much as they would if this drying wasn’t happening," said Reich.



So, next time you walk through a northern forest, take a moment to appreciate the complex and vital role it plays in our planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon cycle</a>. Like an unsung hero, the soil beneath our feet strives to trap carbon, despite the escalating global temperatures.



As we continue to unravel the secrets of our natural world, remember to do your part in preserving it. After all, our future depends on the choices we make today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01512-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Warming soils release more carbon than plants can replace

When you stroll through a northern forest, you might not...

About 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid slammed into Earth after traveling 2.7 billion miles, causing a mass extinction during the Cretaceous period the killed the dinosaurs. After ruling the planet for roughly 165 million years, the dinosaurs were gone.



But where did this asteroid come from? This age-old question has intrigued scientists for years.



The recent discovery of a rare earth element called ruthenium offers some exciting clues. The study suggests that the deadly asteroid that caused the dinosaur extinction might have originated from a region far beyond Jupiter, called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eris-and-makemake-icy-dwarf-planets-in-our-own-solar-system-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kuiper Belt</a>.



This discovery has the scientific community buzzing and could really change how we view Earth's history and the potential cosmic threats we face.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rocks-scientists-and-ruthenium">Rocks, scientists, and ruthenium</h2>



Mario Fischer-Godde, an esteemed geochemist from the <a href="https://portal.uni-koeln.de/en/uoc-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cologne</a>, leads this pioneering research. It was his relentless inquisitiveness that led to a new understanding of the origins of the catastrophic asteroid.



Fischer-Godde's research centers around the analysis of ruthenium isotopes discovered in sediment samples from the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.



His findings challenge the long-standing belief that the asteroid, known as the Chicxulub impactor, originated from the inner regions of the asteroid belt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ruthenium-and-the-dinosaur-extinction">Ruthenium and the dinosaur extinction</h2>



Ruthenium might not be a name you hear every day, but it played a key role in Fischer-Godde's discovery.



This rare metal, usually found in tiny amounts on Earth and in certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-impact-crater-dates-back-to-the-end-of-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of asteroids</a>, provided essential clues that helped scientists track down the origins of the killer asteroid that changed the course of Earth's history.



Its unique properties and scarcity make it a really interesting topic to explore. It's amazing how something so obscure in our everyday lives could help us unlock such huge mysteries, shedding light on the cosmic events that have shaped our planet and even life itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicxulub-impact">Chicxulub impact</h2>



When that dinosaur-killing asteroid, around 6 to 9 miles wide, hit Earth about 66 million years ago, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it was a total disaster</a>. 



The impact released an insane amount of energy, like billions of atomic bombs, leading to massive fires, tsunamis, and a thick cloud of dust that blocked out sunlight for months.



The fallout was brutal, causing mass extinction -- including our dinosaur pals, who had roamed the Earth for over 165 million years -- and leaving a huge crater in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucat%C3%A1n_Peninsula" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula</a> known as the Chicxulub crater.



This crater, about 150 kilometers wide, is a powerful reminder of that catastrophic event that changed life as we know it.



The aftermath sparked a series of environmental shifts that eventually allowed mammals, and later humans, to rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-extinction-and-the-chicxulub-crater">Dinosaur extinction and the Chicxulub crater</h2>



How did Fischer-Godde figure out that the Chicxulub impactor probably came from the Kuiper Belt instead of being a comet? 



His detailed research looked at the asteroid's unique makeup, especially focusing on the presence of ruthenium isotopes.



This finding was a big deal since it provided solid evidence against earlier theories that suggested a comet was behind the impact -- an idea based on simulations done just last year.



By analyzing the isotopic ratios and comparing them to known celestial bodies, Fischer-Godde made a strong case that the Chicxulub impactor's characteristics fit better with asteroids from the Kuiper Belt, changing how we think about the origins of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catastrophic event</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroids-and-planetary-defense">Asteroids and planetary defense</h2>



This game-changing discovery by Fischer-Godde is not just about unraveling the mysteries of the past, but also about anticipating the future.



Understanding the origins of the Chicxulub impactor is key in preparing for similar cosmic threats, especially considering that even a rare encounter with a C-type asteroid could spell disaster.



"If we find that earlier mass extinction events could also be related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-ryugu-holds-clues-about-bombardment-in-the-early-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C-type asteroid</a> impacts, then… if there's ever going to be a C-type asteroid on an Earth-crossing orbit, we have to be very careful," Fischer-Godde cautions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-cosmic-collisions-and-earth-s-history">Linking cosmic collisions and Earth’s history</h2>



Every cosmic collision since the Chicxulub impact has left a lasting mark on Earth's history. By studying these events, scientists can piece together how space has shaped our planet's environment and life.



Fischer-Godde's research gives us valuable insights into Earth's past and potential future threats, reminding us of our shared journey in this vast universe.



His findings have changed how we view the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs, showing it as a celestial body that traveled from a far-off part of our solar system.



By analyzing ruthenium isotopes, he and his team are solving ancient mysteries while also setting the groundwork for future planetary defense strategies.



These efforts highlight the complex connection between life on Earth and cosmic events, reminding us once again of our place in the greater cosmos.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk4868" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Cosmic equivalent of a 'blindfolded full-court shot' caused the dinosaur extinction

About 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid slammed into...

Upon the momentous collision of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft with an asteroid moon named Dimorphos in 2022, the course of the celestial body's evolution took an unexpected turn. 



The impact left such a profound mark that the moon was rendered significantly deformed, creating a significant crater and reshaping its form to the point of derailment from its original path. 



Scientists believe that the newly restructured Dimorphos might now be undergoing a chaotic "tumble" in its attempts to regain gravitational balance with its parent asteroid, Didymos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dart-impact-study">The DART impact study</h2>



“For the most part, our original pre-impact predictions about how DART would change the way Didymos and its moon move in space were correct,” said Derek Richardson, a professor of astronomy at the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>.



“But there are some unexpected findings that help provide a better picture of how asteroids and other small bodies form and evolve over time.” 



In a recent study published in the Planetary Science Journal, Richardson and his team describe significant post-impact observations and possible implications for future asteroid research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dimorphos-from-hamburger-to-football">Dimorphos: From hamburger to football</h2>



One of the biggest surprises was the degree to which the DART impact transformed the shape of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-rocks-nasa-dart-asteroid-deflection-mission-may-impact-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dimorphos</a>. 



According to Richardson, the asteroid moon, originally oblate like a hamburger, assumed a more prolate figure, comparable to a stretched football, after the collision. 



“We were expecting Dimorphos to be prolate pre-impact simply because that’s generally how we believed the central body of a moon would gradually accumulate material that’s been shed off a primary body like Didymos,” Richardson explained. 



“But this result contradicts that idea and indicates that something more complex is at work here. Furthermore, the impact-induced change in Dimorphos’ shape likely changed how it interacts with Didymos.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-of-the-dart-impact">Ripple effects of the DART impact</h2>



Richardson noted that despite the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-will-crash-a-spacecraft-into-an-asteroid-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DART spacecraft impacting only the moon</a>, the moon and the main asteroid remain interlinked through gravity.



The debris scattered by the impact of the spacecraft disturbed the equilibrium between the moon and the asteroid, resulting in a shorter orbit of Dimorphos around Didymos.



Interestingly, Didymos' shape remained unchanged, suggesting that the larger asteroid's body is sturdy and rigid enough to retain its shape even after losing mass to create its moon.



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



The results of the DART impact hold significant ramifications for future exploration. The European Space Agency has planned a follow-up mission to the Didymos system for October 2024.



“Originally, Dimorphos was probably in a very relaxed state and had one side pointing toward the main body, Didymos, just like how Earth’s moon always has one face pointing toward our planet,” Richardson noted. 



“Now, it’s knocked out of alignment, which means it may wobble back and forth in its orientation. Dimorphos might also be ‘tumbling,’ meaning that we may have caused it to rotate chaotically and unpredictably.”



The team is now waiting to find out when the ejected debris will clear from the system and when Dimorphos will regain its previous stability. 



“It could take a hundred years to see noticeable changes in the system, but it’s only been a few years since the impact. Learning about how long it takes Dimorphos to regain its stability tells us important things about its internal structure, which in turn informs future attempts to deflect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-algorithm-may-reveal-hundreds-of-potentially-hazardous-asteroids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hazardous asteroids</a>,” said Richardson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-long-term-defense-strategy">A long-term defense strategy</h2>



Richardson and his team hope that <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/hera-will-investigate-the-aftermath-of-the-dart-asteroid-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hera</a>, the European Space Agency’s mission, will provide more information about DART’s impact. 



By late 2026, Hera will arrive at the binary asteroid system containing Dimorphos and Didymos to assess the internal properties of both asteroids for the first time. This will provide a more detailed analysis of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-released-boulders-with-the-explosive-capacity-of-an-atomic-bomb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DART mission</a> and its implications for the future.



“DART gave us insight into complicated gravitational physics that you can’t do in a lab, and all of this research helps us calibrate our efforts to defend Earth in the event of an actual threat,” said Richardson.



“There’s a nonzero chance that an asteroid or comet will approach and endanger the planet. Now, we have an additional line of defense against these kinds of external threats.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/ad62f5">Planetary Science</a>.



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DART impact sent asteroid into a chaotic and unpredictable tumble

Upon the momentous collision of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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