The morning ritual of walking the dog might be more than just a daily chore for older adults. New research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin has revealed the significant benefits of regular dog walking for older adults.



The researchers found that walking a dog frequently can improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and lower the fear of falling - an important factor in maintaining independence and quality of life as people age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-falls-major-concern-for-older-adults">Falls: Major concern for older adults</h2>



Falls are a leading cause of hospital admissions among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-all-aging-cells-are-bad-some-help-to-heal-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older people</a> and the most common cause of accidental death in later life. 



They often lead to fractures, including hip fractures, which can result in a loss of independence, increased reliance on healthcare services, admission to nursing homes, and even premature death. 



In Ireland, <a href="https://tilda.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TILDA</a> data shows that around 30% of people over the age of 70 experience a fall every year, and one in eight require emergency care due to a fall.



With an aging population, the number of older adults experiencing falls will only increase in the coming decades. 



This makes fall prevention a critical issue. Identifying simple, cost-effective strategies to reduce the risk of falls is essential for improving public health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. 



Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain strength, balance, and mobility, but finding enjoyable and sustainable ways to stay active is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-walks-benefit-older-adults">Dog walks benefit older adults</h2>



The study analyzed data from over 4,100 adults aged 60 and older who participated in TILDA Wave 5. 



The team categorized participants into two groups: those who walked their dogs at least four times a week and those who either did not own a dog or owned a dog but did not walk it regularly.



By using self-reported data on falls and fear of falling, combined with objective mobility assessments through the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, the researchers were able to determine whether regular dog walking had a measurable impact on fall risk and mobility.



The TUG test is a well-established method used to assess mobility and fall risk in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-undergo-very-rapid-change-aging-at-two-very-specific-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adults</a>. Participants are timed as they stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down again. 



The time taken to complete the task is a strong predictor of fall risk, with slower times indicating reduced mobility and a higher likelihood of falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-dog-walks-and-improved-mobility">Regular dog walks and improved mobility </h2>



The results of the study showed a clear link between regular dog walking and improved mobility. Participants who walked their dogs frequently completed the TUG test significantly faster than those who did not, with an average time of 10.3 seconds compared to 11.7 seconds for the group that did not walk a dog regularly.



This suggests that regular dog walking helps maintain agility and physical function, both of which are critical for preventing falls.



In addition to better mobility, regular dog walkers were also found to be 40% less likely to experience unexplained falls. 



This is a significant finding, as falls often lead to serious injuries and long-term disability. By engaging in regular walking with a dog, older adults may improve their balance and coordination, making them less prone to sudden falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-fear-of-falling">Reduced fear of falling</h2>



Another important outcome of the study was the reduction in fear of falling among dog walkers. Fear of falling is a major concern for many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adu</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/">lts</a> and can lead to a cycle of inactivity, reduced confidence, and further mobility decline. 



The study found that participants who walked their dogs regularly were 20% less likely to report fear of falling. This suggests that dog walking not only has physical benefits but also plays a crucial role in maintaining psychological well-being and confidence in mobility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-walking-is-more-than-just-exercise">Dog walking is more than just exercise</h2>



While physical activity in general is known to have numerous health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-25-years-of-research-revealed-about-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a>, this study suggests that the specific activity of dog walking provides unique advantages. 



Unlike structured exercise programs, which some older adults may find difficult to maintain, walking a dog is an enjoyable and routine-based activity that provides both motivation and companionship.



"While this may be partly due to increased physical activity, it is also likely that increased social interaction, companionship, and purpose derived from having a dog also plays an important role,"&nbsp;said Professor Robert Briggs, consultant geriatrician at St James’s Hospital and Trinity College, and co-author of the study.&nbsp;



"We see how important pets are in the lives of older people we encounter both in St James's Hospital and the TILDA study, and it is therefore heartening to see the benefits borne out in this study."



"Our findings highlight the value of regular dog walking as a simple and accessible activity that not only improves physical health but also has benefits for mental well-being and confidence among older adults," said study lead author Dr. Eleanor Gallagher, Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-healthy-aging">Encouraging healthy aging</h2>



The study reinforces the idea that health-promoting activities should be both enjoyable and easy to incorporate into daily life. 



Walking a dog provides structure, companionship, and motivation - elements that help older adults stay consistent with their physical activity. Unlike other forms of exercise, which may feel like a chore, dog walking offers a sense of purpose and social connection, making it more sustainable over the long term.



For older adults looking to improve their mobility, reduce their risk of falls, and maintain their independence, adopting or regularly walking a dog may be a simple yet highly effective solution. 



The benefits extend beyond just physical health, contributing to overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discrimination-speeds-up-aging-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a> and a higher quality of life in later years. 



As research continues to highlight the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, studies like this one offer practical and accessible strategies to help older adults age healthily and confidently.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/gerona/glaf010/7951863?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences</a>. 



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Dog walking improves mobility and prevents falls in older adults

The morning ritual of walking the dog might be more than just a daily chore for older adults. New research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin has revealed the significant benefits of regular dog walking for older adults. The researchers found that walking a dog frequently can improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and lower the fear of falling - an important factor in maintaining independence and quality of life as people age. Falls: Major concern for older adults Falls are a leading...

New research reveals that owners who believe their horses experience emotions and treat them with care significantly improve the health of these animals.&nbsp;



For millions in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), working horses are essential to agriculture, transport, and household tasks. In these settings, healthy horses directly support livelihoods, emphasizing the mutual benefit of compassionate animal care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attitudes-toward-horse-emotions">Attitudes toward horse emotions</h2>



Conducted by the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> and <a href="https://www.thebrooke.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooke</a>, a charity dedicated to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal welfare</a>, this study examined 299 horse owners and their animals in Senegal’s regions of Diourbel, Louga, and Thiès. 



The researchers assessed owners’ attitudes towards their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-domestic-horses-have-ancestors-in-russia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horses</a>, asking questions about their beliefs in the animals’ ability to feel emotions like pain. They then evaluated the horses’ welfare. 



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309149" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>, highlight a powerful link between an owner’s empathy and their horse’s physical condition, suggesting that fostering compassionate care could enhance conditions for working horses globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-horses-as-a-lifeline-for-communities">Horses as a lifeline for communities</h2>



Working horses and other equids are integral to household income in LMICs. Research by Brooke in Senegal showed that families with horses can increase agricultural production by up to 78% for certain crops, and similar findings exist across other countries. 



These animals are also critical for tasks like water transportation and livestock feeding.



A spokesperson for Brooke explained that the health and welfare of working equids is intimately linked to their owners.&nbsp;



“If animals become sick or injured and are unable to work, this has a direct impact on the income-generating opportunities and well-being of the communities who depend on them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-empathy">The impact of empathy</h2>



Researchers discovered a clear relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sports-coaches-are-more-effective-when-they-lead-with-empathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">empathy</a> and animal welfare. 



Owners who believed in their horses’ capacity to feel emotions tended to provide more care in the form of nutrition and veterinary attention.&nbsp;



Horses of empathetic owners had healthier body conditions and overall improved welfare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-of-the-study">Key findings of the study</h2>



The study revealed that owners who attributed sentience to their horses - recognizing their capacity for pain or emotion - had animals with better physical health, benefiting from consistent nutrition and proper housing.



In addition, higher household income and financial stability were associated with better care for animals. These households were more likely to provide adequate food, shelter, and medical support for their horses.



Furthermore, the researchers found that owners with positive attitudes toward their horses ensured better living conditions, showing that a compassionate approach to animal care directly contributes to improved welfare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-socio-economic-and-cultural-ties">Socio-economic and cultural ties</h2>



The study highlighted that socio-economic stability is also essential to animal welfare. Households that could consistently meet their own needs were better able to invest in their animals’ needs.&nbsp;



This stability allows for consistent veterinary care, nutrition, and shelter. Financial support for these households, therefore, has the potential to improve animal welfare on a broader scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-connection-with-horses">Emotional connection with horses</h2>



Study senior author Leanne Proops, a lead researcher at the University of Portsmouth, emphasized the strong link between owner empathy and horse welfare.



“Our research highlights the profound connection between human attitudes and animal welfare. When owners view their horses as sentient beings capable of feeling, they are more likely to invest in their care.”&nbsp;



Proops noted that this knowledge could guide welfare organizations toward fostering empathy in communities, as it directly enhances animal welfare.



She also pointed out that this relationship works in both directions: owners may downplay an animal’s capacity for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-have-healthier-lives-when-owners-acknowledge-their-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a> to protect themselves from distress when they cannot fully care for them. 



Insights from this study could help drive policies that protect working animals, secure funding for welfare initiatives, and raise awareness about the benefits of empathetic care in improving both human and animal lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizing-horse-emotions">Recognizing horse emotions</h2>



The study offers a valuable perspective for welfare organizations, policymakers, and communities. Recognizing that animals are sentient beings deserving of care can improve their welfare and productivity, directly benefiting the people who rely on them.&nbsp;



Emphasizing this human-animal connection has the potential to foster sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships in low and middle-income countries where working animals are essential to community life.



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Recognizing emotions in horses can improve their health

New research reveals that owners who believe their horses experience...

We might want to start considering a diversity makeover for the simulation game 'Farmville,' making it more environmentally conscious and modeling it to promote biodiverse farming practices.



Why, you ask? Because research has found that adding a dash of plant diversity to agricultural systems can effectively accelerate the carbon consignment potential of the soils.



This is a significant discovery, and is particularly relevant as the agriculture industry strives to decrease its carbon footprint.



Plant diversity could be our very own secret ingredient to sustainable, eco-friendly agriculture and food production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-diversity-and-sustainable-agriculture">Plant diversity and sustainable agriculture</h2>



It is no secret that the progress and intensification of farming have taken a toll on our soils - depleting their health and releasing carbon into the atmosphere.



Since a vast portion of our planet is dedicated to farming, it is pertinent that agricultural systems take a leading role in climate change mitigation strategies.



However, there has been a roadblock in these efforts due to our limited knowledge about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-distinguish-between-good-and-bad-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-microbe</a> interactions. A team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/de.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> set out to investigate.



The study, led by Luiz Domeignoz-Horta, shows that the key to augmenting soil carbon storage lies within our reach by simply increasing plant diversity in agricultural fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-benefits-of-plant-diversity">Potential benefits of plant diversity </h2>



The researchers took their study to Finland, where they launched the TwinWin experiment.



The goal of the research was to explore how varying levels of plant diversity could influence soil's microbial processes, especially when integrated with a staple crop like barley.



Over the course of the study, the experiment tested barley grown alone and alongside eight different plant species - each carefully selected for their prospective benefits to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-soils-produce-a-symphony-of-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a> and resilience.



These species included nitrogen-fixing and deep-rooting varieties. The plants were chosen to enhance nutrient cycling, improve soil structure, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-diversity-for-better-carbon-storage">Plant diversity for better carbon storage</h2>



The focus of the experiment was on microbial carbon use efficiency - a measure of how effectively microbes transform carbon inputs into fresh biomass without releasing it as carbon dioxide.



The scientists gauged microbial growth, soil respiration, and community dynamics through molecular sequencing and stable isotope tracking. The team kept a keen eye on the movement of carbon within the soil microbial communities.



"We found that higher plant diversity fostered stronger positive interactions between microbes in the rhizosphere - the area around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autophagy-what-makes-plant-roots-grow-faster-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant roots</a> - which ultimately improved the community carbon use efficiency," said Domeignoz-Horta.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-green-avalanche">The green avalanche</h2>



Moreover, a higher variety of plants positively impacted overall plant biomass production without causing a drop in barley yields, demonstrating that this practice can maintain crop output while enhancing soil carbon retention. 



It is clear that plant diversity plays a crucial role in influencing microbial physiology, promoting healthier ecosystems and offering an eco-friendly solution to agricultural carbon sequestration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-light-for-carbon-farming">Green light for "carbon farming"</h2>



While implementing plant diversity in farming systems could be labor-intensive for small-scale farmers, they remain key stakeholders in sustainable farming.



"Nevertheless, our results suggest that with the right policy support, encouraging diverse crop mixtures could become a key component of ‘carbon farming,’ helping to sequester more carbon in soils while maintaining agricultural productivity," said Domeignoz-Horta.



"This could pave the way for new climate-resilient farming practices that benefit both the environment and farmers."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-path-forward-for-sustainable-agriculture">A path forward for sustainable agriculture</h2>



The findings from the TwinWin experiment highlight the untapped potential of plant diversity in agriculture. 



By enhancing microbial interactions and improving soil carbon storage, diverse crop mixtures can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. 



However, realizing this potential requires a shift in farming practices and broader policy support to encourage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-footprint-a-new-frontier-in-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable</a>, biodiversity-focused approaches. 



With increased awareness and commitment from stakeholders, plant diversity could redefine the future of agriculture, offering a resilient, eco-friendly solution that benefits both farmers and the planet. 



The research suggests that the path to a more sustainable future starts with embracing the natural synergy between plants and soil and harnessing the power of biodiversity to build healthier ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52449-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How plant diversity can help combat climate change

We might want to start considering a diversity makeover for...

We share, we like, we comment, and we connect. This is the digital age, and for many young people, social media has become inescapable. Now that it's such a big part of everyday life, it is important to consider how social media affects our mood.



As technological interaction permeates youth culture, societal concerns about its impact on social and emotional health emerge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-like">More than just a "like"</h2>



The heart icon on social media <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-who-are-active-on-social-media-are-just-as-active-offline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">platforms</a> represents more than just a "like." It signals validation, acceptance and, in some cases, triggers a rush of dopamine.



A group of investigators from the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a> believes that youth might indeed have a heightened sensitivity to this feedback, affecting their engagement levels and overall mood. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-likes-and-anxiety">Social media "likes" and anxiety</h2>



You might think, what's the harm in "likes"? However, the research team highlights a potential downslide. The pursuit of "likes" could amplify anxiety levels among youngsters, pushing them to use the apps far more than they wish to.



"Adolescence is a developmental period during which both reward and rejection sensitivity are particularly strong, and these have, respectively, been linked to increased impulsive behavior and depressive symptoms," said study co-author Wouter van den Bos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-responses-among-youth">Emotional responses among youth</h2>



Taking a unique three-step approach, the team examined real Instagram posts, created a computational model to gauge "like" sensitivity, and conducted an experimental study simulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a> features.



The third leg involved neuroimaging, revealing that social media feedback sensitivity links to individual variations in amygdala volume. 



These complementary studies provide strong evidence that young people may indeed be more responsive to social media feedback than adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-shifts-due-to-social-media">Mood shifts due to social media</h2>



This heightened sensitivity presents an intriguing predicament. While receiving "likes" can boost a sense of connectivity and improve mood among youth, it could also create an addictive pull, leading to excessive app usage.



On the flip side, given their sensitivity to social media feedback, young people might abandon the platforms quicker than adults when the "likes" dwindle, potentially leading to negative mood shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-social-media-engagement">Redefining social media engagement</h2>



As the team's results suggest, the design of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-use-increases-smoking-vaping-risks-among-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media platforms</a> may have both positive and negative effects on youth. The researchers propose that the platforms should alter incentive mechanisms, shifting the emphasis from "likes" to more meaningful engagement.



Furthermore, the focus should not only be on developing the digital literacy of young people but also on promoting effective emotional regulation in online environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-the-challenges">Navigating the challenges</h2>



As discussions around social media's impact continue to evolve, educators, parents, and policymakers face the challenge of mitigating negative effects while harnessing positive potentials.



Strengthening digital literacy programs can empower young people to critically evaluate online content, enhancing their resilience against the allure of superficial validations such as "likes."



Moreover, having open dialogues about mental health and digital well-being can give young people the tools they need to navigate the complexities of digital interactions.



By promoting an environment of awareness and understanding, stakeholders can guide young individuals towards a balanced approach to online engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-towards-the-future">Looking towards the future</h2>



The technological landscape is ever-changing, and as we look to the future, adapting to these shifts is imperative. 



Researchers and platform developers need to collaborate to continuously assess the impact of social media on mental health, creating features that prioritize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-less-time-on-social-media-improves-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">user well-being</a>.



Future research could explore interventions to support those negatively affected by social media's powerful draw. Engaging young people in the conversation and allowing their voices to shape both platforms and policies will be crucial.



Bridging generational divides in digital comprehension can redefine how social media is perceived and utilized, creating a healthier relationship between youth and technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-changes-and-social-media-likes">Mood changes and social media "likes"</h2>



"While social media plays an important role in fostering some aspects of youth development, such as identity formation and social connection, our study reveals that it may also present challenges, particularly relating to young people’s moods," said Ana da Silva Pinho, lead author of the study.



"Given the growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, it is crucial that we further understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fomo-what-are-we-afraid-of-missing-out-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young people</a> engage with and respond to social media, while also addressing the unique aspects of their developmental stages."



With increasing worries about social media's impact on mood and mental health, Pinho emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of young people's interaction with and responses to social media, bearing in mind the unique characteristics of their developmental stages.



While our digital footsteps continue to deepen, it's essential to remember that every "like" counts - in more ways than one.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp8775" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Social media 'likes' have a strong emotional effect on young people

We share, we like, we comment, and we connect. This...

Do you ever wonder why we humans tend to like being around each other? It may seem like the hustle and bustle of everyday life might make us crave solitude, but a new study suggests otherwise. Being social might help you live longer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-together-living-longer">Living together, living longer</h2>



Being social equals living longer. This intriguing correlation was uncovered by researchers at the University of Oxford. 



They discovered animal species that are more social live longer and remain fertile for longer than their more solitary counterparts. From humans to jellyfish, this is a universal trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-animals-live-longer-and-better">Social animals live longer and better</h2>



But what does it mean to be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-expectations-of-men-are-bad-for-their-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social</a>? Well, social animals reap many benefits from living in groups, like sharing resources, better protection against predators, and support in raising offspring. 



Of course, everything has its downsides, including sociality. Living in close quarters can lead to disease spread, increased competition, and even conflicts and aggression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facing-hardships-together">Facing hardships together</h2>



Moving beyond birds and mammals, researchers at <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford</a> broadened their perspective, studying 152 animal species across different taxonomic groups. 



What they found was that more social species live longer, delay maturity, and have a higher chance of successful reproduction.



Despite certain challenges, it appears being social offers more good than bad. Social animals might struggle to adapt to rapidly changing environments, but they show remarkable resilience when facing hardships together. 



Being social comes with a few unavoidable costs, yet the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-bonding-can-positively-shape-the-success-of-a-group/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall benefits</a> outweigh them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-influence-on-survival">Social influence on survival</h2>



Here's another interesting fact. The researchers found that being social can influence an animal's ability to reproduce or survive as they age, a phenomenon known as senescence. 



For instance, having social allies can fend off predators, extending lifespan, while the stress of social hierarchies could have the reverse effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-costs-and-benefits-of-being-social">Costs and benefits of being social </h2>



The study was led by Professor Rob Salguero-Gómez, an expert in the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford.



“Sociality is a fundamental aspect of many animals. However, we still lack cross-taxonomic evidence of the fitness costs and benefits of being social," said Professor Salguero-Gómez. 



"Here, by using an unprecedented number of animal species this work has demonstrated that species that are more social (most monkeys, humans, elephants, flamingos, and parrots) display longer life spans and reproductive windows than more solitary species (some fish, reptiles, and some insects)."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sociality-as-a-spectrum">Sociality as a spectrum</h2>



Coming from the traditional binary perspective of social and non-social creatures, this study recognizes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-diversity-in-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sociality</a> as a spectrum. That means there are intermediate levels of sociality found in species like wildebeests, zebras, and certain birds.



The data for this study were accessed from the open access COMADRE Animal Matrix Database, curated by Salguero-Gómez’s research team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-benefits-beyond-living-longer">Social benefits beyond living longer</h2>



As we emerge from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, this research reminds us of the tangible benefits of being social creatures. 



“In a post-COVID era, where the impacts of isolation have been quite tangible to humans (a highly social species), the research demonstrates that, across a comparative lens, being more social is associated with some tangible benefits," noted Salguero-Gómez.



While the findings are compelling, the researchers are not stopping here. They will expand the database and combine it with lab work and modeling to estimate how social populations buffer against (or fail to with) climate change.



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



The University of Oxford team is keen on transcending the present understanding of social animals by exploring new dimensions and emerging questions on living longer. 



Their future research will include probing the genetic basis of social behavior and its evolutionary implications. By integrating genomic data, the researchers aim to illustrate how genetic variants may influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-theory-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend-proven-by-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social structures and behaviors</a> across species. 



This line of inquiry not only promises to reveal insights into the genetic underpinnings of sociality but also holds potential implications for conserving endangered social species by understanding the genetic threats they face in changing habitats.



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



The research highlights the essential nature of social connections in promoting longevity and resilience.



Policy-makers and community leaders can harness these insights to foster environments that encourage social interaction and community building as part of public health strategies. 



Initiatives focusing on reducing social isolation, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly, can directly impact health outcomes and enhance overall societal well-being. 



This study confirms the belief that social connectivity is not merely a preference but a biological necessity for thriving.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2022.0459" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B)</a>.



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Survival of the friendliest: Social animals live longer

Do you ever wonder why we humans tend to like...

Scientists often wonder how their ancestors took their first shaky steps from the watery realms onto the dry earth. A unique, interdisciplinary team of researchers led by the University of Cambridge used an innovative approach to explore this mystery. Their research involves studying fossils with the help of robots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-innovation">Embracing innovation</h2>



The best mysteries tend to have incomplete clues. The evolution of life from water to land is one of those mysteries. Our primary puzzle pieces? Limited fossil evidence.



This sparse evidence leaves researchers with an incomplete picture of how life transitioned from living in the water to thriving on land.



“Since fossil evidence is limited, we have an incomplete picture of how ancient life made the transition to land,” said lead author&nbsp;Dr. Michael Ishida&nbsp;from Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.eng.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Engineering</a>.



“Palaeontologists examine ancient fossils for clues about the structure of hip and pelvic joints, but there are limits to what we can learn from fossils alone. That’s where robots can come in, helping us fill gaps in the research, particularly when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-creatures-of-the-past-inspire-the-future-of-soft-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying major shifts</a> in how vertebrates moved.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-and-fossils">Robots and fossils</h2>



How do researchers fill in the gaps of an incomplete puzzle? Enter paleo-inspired robots and the modern-day "walking fish."



Nature inspired the works of scientists at the Bio-Inspired Robotics Laboratory at Cambridge, led by Professor Fumiya Iida.



Using a combination of modern creatures like the mudskipper and ancient fossil evidence, scientists designed robotic models to test the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-soft-robot-crawls-moves-like-origami-folds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theories</a> of early land movement mechanics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-expand-on-fossil-evidence">Robots expand on fossil evidence</h2>



The primary challenge these researchers face? The lack of comprehensive fossil records. 



“In some cases, we’re just guessing how certain bones connected or functioned,” said Ishida. “That’s why robots are so useful - they help us confirm these guesses and provide new evidence to support or rebut them.”



That's the beauty of using robots in this context. Robots don't need complete, perfectly preserved fossil evidence.



They support and validate those educated guesses about the missing pieces, offering evidence that either affirms or challenges <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robosapiens-ai-project-making-industrial-robots-more-free-thinking-adaptable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existing theories</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-robots-in-paleontology">Potential of robots in paleontology </h2>



This blend of robotics and paleontology is a novelty in scientific circles. "There are only a few groups doing this kind of work,” said Ishida.



Robots provide insights into the mechanics of extinct animals that neither fossils nor modern species can achieve. They could hold the key to unlocking the secrets of long-extinct creatures' biomechanics.



As the researchers continue their work actively building their paleo-robots, they anticipate results within the coming year.



It's not just about deepening the understanding of evolutionary biology. They see potential for fostering collaborations between engineers and researchers from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse f</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/">ields</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-and-evolutionary-biology">Technology and evolutionary biology</h2>



The interdisciplinary approach undertaken by the Cambridge team highlights the synergy between technology and evolutionary biology. By synthesizing insights from both fields, researchers explore ancient evolutionary paths with unprecedented precision.



Robots serve as proxies for extinct organisms. This allows scientists to experimentally validate hypotheses regarding limb functions and terrestrial locomotion in early vertebrates.



The dynamic interaction propels the understanding of evolution and advances the capabilities of robotic design by infusing them with adaptable, nature-inspired mechanisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-science-and-beyond">Modern science and beyond</h2>



The implications of this research extend far beyond historical inquiry. As robotic technology evolves, its applications may expand into diverse fields such as medicine and environmental science.



Developing agile, efficient robots with adaptive traits derived from ancient life forms could revolutionize prosthetic designs or lead to innovative exploration tools for extreme environments on Earth and other planets.



By learning from the evolutionary past, scientists can address contemporary challenges and set the stage for future technological advancements guided by natural principles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-unraveling-fossil-evidence">Robots unraveling fossil evidence</h2>



This research offers a fresh perspective on how ancient life transitioned from water to land.



By bridging the gap between the past and the present with robotics, researchers provide a unique approach to studying evolution, one step at a time.



Professor Iida is a fellow of Corpus Christi College and Dr. Ishida is a postdoctoral research associate at <a href="https://www.cai.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gonville and Caius College</a>, Cambridge.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adn1125" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Robotics.</a>



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When fossil evidence is limited, robots can help

Scientists often wonder how their ancestors took their first shaky...

Sparrows experience a dwindling social circle as they grow older, just as most humans do. It appears that sparrow friends tend to drift apart over time. But why does this happen?



A dedicated team of researchers has sought to decipher this intriguing phenomenon through a fascinating study that lends fresh insights into the social dynamics - not only of birds - but of aging individuals across species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-sociability-with-age">Changes in sociability with age</h2>



Older adults may reduce their social interaction due to being selective or because there are fewer companions of the same age. Here's the puzzling question though, are these same factors at play in the avian world?



To investigate, researchers from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> set out to study an isolated population of sparrows on Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel.



Unlike humans, with complicated, multifaceted social lives, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-bird-species-face-extinction-risks-in-the-neotropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird population</a> offers a simpler way to unravel the reasons behind the changes in sociability that come with age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives-of-sparrows">Social lives of sparrows</h2>



The researchers studied the social networks of the sparrows on the island. The findings revealed that like humans, older sparrows showed a reduced number of friends.



The reason for this could be the lack of evolutionary pressure to maintain sociability. While friendliness helps younger birds survive and breed more successfully, the same isn't true for older <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-pollutes-local-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>.



"This evolutionary mechanism may also be at work in humans – it could be that older people are less inclined to new friends as they age," said lead researcher&nbsp;Dr. Julia Schroeder, an expert in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial.



"Combined with fewer same-age potential friends available, this could be a factor in the loneliness crisis among older people.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-and-evolution">Aging and evolution</h2>



Dr. Schroeder suggests that this evolutionary mechanism might operate similarly in humans, leading to fewer social interactions as they age.



Combined with the decreasing number of potential friends of the same age, this factor heavily contributes to the increasing loneliness among the elderly.



“Our study is one of the first to suggest that birds, like mammals, also reduce the size of their social network as they age. Specifically, the number of friendships, and how central a bird is to the wider social network, declined with age,” said study co-author&nbsp;Dr. Jamie Dunning, now at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sparrows-and-their-friends">Sparrows and their friends</h2>



Lundy Island is home to a closed population of sparrows, meaning that no individual arrives or leaves the island.



This unique characteristic enabled the research team to collect comprehensive and accurate data on the local sparrow population, including their ages, breeding success, and social networks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives-of-aging-sparrows">Social lives of aging sparrows </h2>



Previous research by the team had shown that a good social network proved beneficial to sparrows in successfully breeding. 



However, the current research focuses on whether friendliness continues to be advantageous at the other end of the life span. It seems that with age, not being friendly doesn't have a cost.



“’Friendliness’, at least for sparrows, may change with age. When they’re young, it helps them to make friends, giving them an evolutionary ‘benefit,'" noted Dr. Schroeder.



"But once they’ve reproduced, it seems like being unfriendly has no evolutionary ‘cost’ - there are no downsides that mean those genes wouldn’t be passed on."



The findings from this study might help us understand similar age-related conditions in humans.



“Ultimately, the study of friendliness with age - whether it be in sparrows or humans - may help us understand how to help older people make new friends, and reduce the burden of loneliness,” noted Dr. Schroeder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research </h2>



The insights derived from studying the sparrows on Lundy Island extend beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian social dynamics</a>, offering broader implications for conservation efforts. 



Understanding the natural social structures and how they change with age can inform conservationists about the needs of older individuals in small, isolated populations. 



This knowledge is vital in making decisions about habitat management and the social environments necessary to support diverse age groups in conservation programs. 



Considering age-specific social requirements may improve efforts to maintain biodiversity and ensure the well-being of aging wildlife in their natural habitats.



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



The study on Lundy Island paves the way for future research to explore additional factors influencing social behavior in aging populations.



One promising avenue is to examine the role of environmental variables, such as changes in food availability or climate conditions, that might shape these social patterns. 



Additionally, extending similar studies to different species and ecosystems could unveil further correlations and differences, enriching our understanding of the evolutionary and ecological dimensions of aging across the animal kingdom. 



Ultimately, the study brings us a step closer to understanding the mechanisms at play in the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social behavior</a> with age.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/2024/379/1916" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Sparrows have fewer friends as they age, just like people

Sparrows experience a dwindling social circle as they grow older,...

A team of paleontologists has made a significant discovery near Rangely, Colorado - unearthing a new species of fossil mammal about the size of a muskrat that lived during the age of dinosaurs.&nbsp;



Led by paleontologist Jaelyn Eberle from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>, the researchers published their findings in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310948" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-mammal-among-colorado-dinosaurs">Small mammal among Colorado dinosaurs</h2>



The fossil, identified from a jawbone fragment and three molar teeth, has been named Heleocola piceanus, which means “swamp dweller” in Latin.&nbsp;



This small mammal roamed Colorado roughly 70 to 75 million years ago, during a period when much of the American West was submerged under a vast inland sea.



“Colorado is a great place to find fossils, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-mammals-had-slower-growth-rates-and-lived-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a> from this time period tend to be pretty rare,” said Eberle, who is also the curator of fossil vertebrates at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/cumuseum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Museum of Natural History</a>. “So it’s really neat to see this slice of time preserved in Colorado.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-find-in-a-familiar-fossil-landscape">Rare find in a familiar fossil landscape</h2>



While the fossils of massive Late Cretaceous dinosaurs like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-change-their-minds-about-tyrannosaurus-rex-dinosaur-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus</a> and Triceratops ancestors dominate the era's narrative, the discovery of H. piceanus reveals that smaller creatures also thrived alongside these giants.&nbsp;



Despite its modest size compared to dinosaurs, H. piceanus was relatively large for mammals of that era, according to Eberle.



Eberle is particularly pleased to see this discovery come from Rangely, a small town in northwest Colorado near the Dinosaur National Monument.&nbsp;



“It’s a small town, but, in my experience as a paleontologist, a lot of cool things come out of rural environments,” she said. “It’s nice to see western Colorado have an exciting discovery.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snapshot-of-colorado-s-ancient-ecosystem">Snapshot of Colorado's ancient ecosystem</h2>



The discovery helps to reconstruct a picture of Colorado's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-river-landscape-lies-beneath-the-east-antarctic-ice-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient landscape</a>, one that would be barely recognizable today.&nbsp;



Study co-authors John Foster and ReBecca Hunt-Foster have been exploring this part of Colorado for about 15 years. 



They describe the region from 70 million years ago as a boundary where land met water - teeming with life such as turtles, duck-billed dinosaurs, and large crocodiles in wetlands and estuaries.



“The region might have looked kind of like Louisiana,” said Hunt-Foster, a paleontologist at Dinosaur National Monument. “We see a lot of animals that were living in the water quite happily like sharks, rays, and guitarfish.”



Foster recalls the excitement of spotting the mammal jaw fragment within a slab of sandstone collected in 2016. 



“I said, ‘Holy cow, that’s huge,’” said Foster, a scientist at the <a href="https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/utah-field-house/">Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum</a> in Vernal, Utah.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-giant-among-its-peers">A giant among its peers</h2>



Before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs around 66 million years ago, most mammals were relatively small, about the size of modern mice or rats.&nbsp;



Eberle, who typically identifies these ancient mammals by their tiny teeth, noted that H. piceanus was an outlier - likely weighing over two pounds, much larger than most other mammals from the same period. Its teeth suggest a diet of plants, supplemented by insects or other small animals.



While much attention is focused on dinosaurs, this discovery emphasizes the importance of ancient mammals in understanding ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous.&nbsp;



“They’re not all tiny,” Eberle said. “There are a few animals emerging from the Late Cretaceous that are bigger than what we anticipated 20 years ago.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-invertebrate-fossils">Preserving invertebrate fossils </h2>



Hunt-Foster highlighted the importance of the Mountain West for fossil enthusiasts and researchers, urging visitors to respect these historical treasures.&nbsp;



She advised people who come across vertebrate fossils, such as those of dinosaurs, to refrain from collecting them and instead document the location with a photo and inform a museum or public land agency.



“We have scientists that come from all over the world specifically to study our fossils,” she said. “We really are lucky.”



The discovery of Heleocola piceanus not only enriches our understanding of prehistoric Colorado but also serves as a reminder of the region's rich paleontological heritage and the need to protect it for future generations.



Image Credit: Brian Engh -LivingRelicProductions.com, courtesy of Utah Field House of Natural History



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‘Swamp dweller’ found in Colorado lived among the dinosaurs

A team of paleontologists has made a significant discovery near...

After a successful seven-month expedition on the International Space Station (ISS), Crew-8 astronauts have safely returned to Earth, landing off the Florida coast. Their journey exemplifies the boundless possibilities of space exploration.



The Crew-8 astronauts devoted their energy to an array of research investigations, all sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory.



The scope of these investigations was impressively broad, covering a diverse range of fields including in-space production applications (InSPA), advancements in life and physical sciences, and the development of cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing future space missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-in-space-production">Focus on in-space production</h2>



A significant portion of their mission focused on in-space production applications, a key area of interest for both the <a href="https://issnationallab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS National Laboratory</a> and NASA.



Moreover, the team contributed to many ongoing projects during their expedition, all of which have the potential to revolutionize diverse areas of our lives on Earth.



For instance, there was a fascinating collaboration involving the Cedars Sinai Medical Center, geared towards developing techniques that facilitate the in-space production of stem cells.



This project may ultimately have a significant impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future treatment</a> of heart diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and other diseases.



Simultaneously, Redwire Corporation, in partnership with Eli Lilly and Company along with Butler University, led projects that utilized the Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory (PIL-BOX) to crystallize organic molecules in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a>. 



The knowledge derived from this research could lead to the development of novel therapeutics to treat a multitude of conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-diagnostics-and-imaging-in-space">Enhancing diagnostics and imaging in space</h2>



Another intriguing project supported by the astronauts was from the University of Notre Dame, aiming to enhance ultra-sensitive biosensors. 



This research, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, could revolutionize early and asymptomatic cancer detection among other medical diagnostics.



Adding a technological flavor to their mission, the astronauts conducted testing on Big Sky, a high-resolution single-sensor camera developed by Sphere Entertainment. 



The successful trials of Big Sky in the microgravity environment could be the start of a new era in entertainment and content capture for Sphere, a next-generation medium based in Las Vegas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crew-8-research-supports-future-missions">Crew-8 research supports future missions</h2>



In the last part of their mission, the Crew-8 astronauts began laying the groundwork for the future, supporting projects set to launch on NASA's upcoming Crew-9 mission.



One such project was led by Isabel Jiang, a recent high school graduate from California who is now a freshman at Yale.



Jiang's experiment aims at understanding the effects of radiation on gene editing mechanisms - the results could provide insight into genetic risks for certain diseases during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmonaut-brains-are-rewired-during-long-spaceflights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long spaceflights</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-production-in-space">Plant production in space</h2>



Simultaneously, another investigation from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Rhodium Scientific aimed to compare the growth of Arabidopsis plants at two different orbital altitudes. 



The implications of this research could be invaluable, particularly in the realm of crop production for long-duration <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-astronaut-sets-record-for-longest-space-mission-by-an-american/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space missions</a> and in high-radiation environments.



Thus, the successful conclusion of the Crew-8 mission is a testament to the incredible potential of human ingenuity in the unique environment of space.



The Crew-8 endeavors help to support future space missions and also advancements here on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-crew-8-astronauts">The legacy of Crew-8 astronauts </h2>



The achievements of the Crew-8 mission extend far beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-ten-scientific-breakthroughs-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific breakthroughs</a> aboard the ISS, encompassing advancements that could reshape various fields and industries.



By conducting pioneering experiments and technological demonstrations, these astronauts have laid essential groundwork for future space endeavors.



Their work has not only advanced our understanding of microgravity effects on biological systems and material sciences but also opened new avenues for space-based manufacturing and technology development.



Moreover, the mission's collaborative projects - spanning educational institutions, private enterprises, and international partnerships - highlight the importance of global cooperation in space exploration.



With Crew-8’s successful return, NASA and its partners are already looking ahead to how these insights can support longer missions, including potential journeys to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 



The legacy of Crew-8 is a testament to how human ingenuity, when paired with the unique environment of space, can propel innovation that benefits life on Earth and prepares us for the next frontier.



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Crew-8 astronauts have blazed a trail for future space missions

After a successful seven-month expedition on the International Space Station...

When research scientist Gary Longo first analyzed the genomic data from sardine samples collected off the West Coast, he thought he had made a mistake.&nbsp;



Initially, it appeared that, besides the Pacific sardines that are common in the area, many of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> were a different species. 



“It was a total shock,” Longo recalled. After further comparing the genetic code to other known species, he had a revelation: “That was the ‘aha moment’ when we realized we were looking at a second species of sardine.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mix-of-japanese-and-pacific-sardines">Mix of Japanese and Pacific sardines </h2>



The analysis revealed that in the 345 sardine samples collected during NOAA Fisheries’ 2021 and 2022 Coastal Pelagic Species Surveys, all of the samples from 2021 were Pacific sardines. 



However, the 2022 samples contained a mix of Pacific sardines and Japanese sardines. Further examination of 825 additional sardine samples collected the following year showed a similar result, with many being Japanese sardines - previously undocumented in this part of the ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-journey-of-japanese-sardines">Long journey of Japanese sardines </h2>



Japanese sardines were previously known only from the west side of the North Pacific Ocean near Asia. The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Ecology</a>, showed that Japanese sardines have made their way to the waters off the United States. 



These sardines, which look nearly identical to their Pacific cousins, can only be distinguished through genetic analysis.&nbsp;



The team used advanced genomic sequencing techniques, analyzing millions of genetic markers and constructing full mitochondrial genomes to confirm the identity of the sardines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-testing-of-sardines">Genetic testing of sardines </h2>



In 2022 and 2023, Japanese sardines were found from Washington State to southern California, sometimes schooling with Pacific sardines.&nbsp;



The newcomers were typically one to three years old, common adult ages for sardines. Wondering if these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> had been overlooked in previous surveys, the researchers turned to the genetic archives at the <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/southwest-fisheries-science-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Fisheries Science Center</a>. 



Genetic testing of sardine samples collected between 2013 and 2021 showed no signs of Japanese sardines, suggesting that their arrival on the West Coast is a recent phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-ocean-conditions">Changing ocean conditions</h2>



The detection of Japanese sardines coincided with a period of low Pacific sardine populations, which may have made their presence easier to spot.&nbsp;



The 2022 NOAA Fisheries survey was the first to record Japanese sardines, suggesting that the species arrived around that time.&nbsp;



More were found in 2023, though it remains uncertain how long they have continued to move eastward. Researchers are currently analyzing samples from the 2024 survey to track their movements further.



The arrival of Japanese sardines raises many questions about the evolving conditions of the North Pacific.&nbsp;



Previous genetic studies estimated that Pacific and Japanese sardines diverged around 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, separated by glacial periods that cooled the North Pacific.&nbsp;



While there have been examples of western Pacific species reaching the U.S. coast - often transported by debris carried by currents - this appears different.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japanese-sardines-leading-ecological-shifts">Japanese sardines leading ecological shifts</h2>



The study suggests that recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heatwaves-are-expanding-their-reach-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine heatwaves</a> warmed the North Pacific, creating a suitable habitat corridor that Japanese sardines may have followed across the ocean.



“Small coastal pelagic fish such as sardines are good indicators of change,” explained Longo. “Often they are the first ones we see responding to shifting temperatures because they have short generation times, are highly mobile, and can use a variety of habitats.”&nbsp;



According to the researchers, the Japanese sardines could represent the “leading edge” of broader ecological shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-future-for-japanese-sardines">Uncertain future for Japanese sardines</h2>



The presence of Japanese sardines along the West Coast poses more questions than answers.&nbsp;



“A lot of fish distributions change as ocean conditions change. Now the question is whether Japanese sardines will die out over time, or will they persist in this new part of their range,” said co-author Matthew Craig, a research scientist at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.



One crucial unknown is whether the two sardine species can interbreed, which would significantly affect their interaction in the California Current ecosystem.&nbsp;



Understanding these dynamics is key to determining how the influx of Japanese sardines could impact the management of sardine populations along the West Coast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-long-term-monitoring">Importance of long-term monitoring</h2>



Longo and Craig have returned to the lab to analyze around 700 new samples from the 2024 Coastal Pelagic Species Survey. They aim to sequence the DNA of these samples, tracing the ongoing presence and movement of Japanese sardines in the region.&nbsp;



The findings could reshape scientists’ understanding of sardine distribution and how changes in ocean conditions impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-the-distribution-of-marine-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a>.



“This is one of those remarkable discoveries that never would have happened if scientists had not been out there, looking,” said Kristen Koch, director of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. “The long-term records from earlier surveys also help us understand how unusual it is.”



The unexpected presence of Japanese sardines in the Pacific Ocean highlights the importance of continued monitoring and research, offering new insights into how marine species may respond to a rapidly changing world.



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Japanese sardines may be signaling major shifts in the ocean

When research scientist Gary Longo first analyzed the genomic data...

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reveals that between 71 and 95 million people in the United States - more than 20% of the country's population - may be relying on groundwater containing detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for their drinking water.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> are synthetic chemicals commonly used in various products, including non-stick cookware, fast-food packaging, and firefighting foams. 



Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are resistant to breaking down in the environment and can accumulate over time, raising concerns about drinking water quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimates-nbsp-of-contaminated-groundwater">Estimates&nbsp;of contaminated groundwater </h2>



This research provides the first national estimates of PFAS occurrence in untreated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> that supplies both public and private wells.



The <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a> scientists analyzed 1,238 groundwater samples collected nationwide to determine how factors like urban development and well depth impact PFAS presence. 



The study also offers an interactive online map, allowing users to view probability estimates of PFAS contamination across different regions. These predictive results are intended for evaluation at state, regional, and national levels rather than individual households.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-and-regulatory-standards">Health risks and regulatory standards</h2>



Exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been linked to adverse health effects in humans, according to the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA). 



Recognizing the potential risks, the EPA has established legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels for six types of PFAS in drinking water supplied by public systems.&nbsp;



However, private well owners are responsible for the maintenance, testing, and treatment of their water, and may not have the same access to resources as public water suppliers.&nbsp;



Those concerned about PFAS levels in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking water</a> are advised to consult EPA guidelines or contact local officials and water suppliers for testing and treatment options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution-of-contaminated-groundwater">Distribution of contaminated groundwater </h2>



The study identifies states with the largest populations relying on potentially contaminated groundwater.&nbsp;



For public water supplies, Florida and California top the list. Regarding private wells, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio have the highest numbers of people potentially affected.&nbsp;



In Massachusetts, for instance, the source water for 86% to 98% of people relying on groundwater from public supplies could be contaminated with PFAS.&nbsp;



Similarly, in Connecticut, 67% to 87% of private well users may be exposed to contaminated groundwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methodology-and-key-findings">Methodology and key findings</h2>



USGS researchers utilized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-revolutionize-drug-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> models to predict areas with a higher likelihood of PFAS contamination. They combined this information with data on population reliance on groundwater for drinking purposes. 



The researchers found that both public and private wells are at risk, though they typically draw water from different depths - public wells are usually deeper than private ones.



The analysis tested for 24 common types of PFAS out of more than 12,000 known varieties. The most frequently detected compounds were perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-groundwater-contamination">Widespread groundwater contamination </h2>



“This study's findings indicate widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater that is used for public and private drinking water supplies in the U.S.,” said Andrea Tokranov, USGS research hydrologist and lead author of the study.&nbsp;



Tokranov noted that the new predictive model can help prioritize areas for future sampling to help ensure people aren't unknowingly drinking contaminated water.



“This is especially important for private well users, who may not have information on <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> in their region and may not have the same access to testing and treatment that public water suppliers do,” said Tokranov.



The study underscores the need for increased testing and monitoring of groundwater sources, particularly in areas identified as high-risk.&nbsp;



While the predictive model does not provide PFAS concentration levels or account for any remediation efforts, it serves as a valuable tool for guiding future research and informing public health strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-scope-of-the-issue">Understanding the scope of the issue</h2>



The USGS emphasizes that testing is the only definitive way to confirm the presence of PFAS contaminants in drinking water.&nbsp;



The predictive model is a starting point for understanding the scope of the issue at larger scales.&nbsp;



Communities, policymakers, and individuals are encouraged to utilize these findings to address potential risks associated with PFAS in groundwater and to take appropriate measures to ensure safe drinking water for all.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.ado6638" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Millions of people in the U.S. rely on contaminated groundwater 

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reveals...

Just below the surface of our vast oceans, there exists a a tiny layer less than 2 millimeters deep. This ultra-thin layer, termed "ocean skin," is ever so slightly cooler than the water directly beneath it.



This subtle temperature difference might not seem like much, but it acts as an efficient gatekeeper for one of the world's most notorious greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide (CO2).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-of-ocean-skin">Temperature of ocean skin</h2>



According to new research, the slightly cooler temperature of the ocean skin increases the amount of CO2 the ocean can absorb. 



The theory is not new – it has been suggested by lab work and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-is-melting-fast-but-a-slowing-ocean-current-could-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theoretical studies</a> but had not been observed successfully in the open seas.



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>'s Penryn Campus in Cornwall used advanced measurements to confirm that the ocean skin's temperature indeed aids in carbon absorption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-absorbed-in-the-atlantic">CO2 absorbed in the Atlantic</h2>



The team conducted its study in the Atlantic Ocean. Their findings suggest that the Atlantic absorbs roughly 7% more CO2 each year than was previously estimated. 



While 7% might sound like a trivial increase, when applied across all oceans, this additional carbon absorption equates to one and a half times the carbon captured annually by the vast Amazon rainforest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-skin-and-climate-change">Ocean skin and climate change</h2>



The global ocean acts as a massive sink, absorbing about a quarter of our carbon emissions. This process helps to slow down climate change. However, it also harms the ocean. The new study takes us a step closer to understanding these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-mitigate-climate-change-with-deep-ocean-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex dynamics</a>.



"Our findings provide measurements that confirm our theoretical understanding about CO2 fluxes at the ocean surface," said lead author Dr. Daniel Ford, a biological and physical oceanographer at the University of Exeter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-conference">Climate change conference</h2>



As we approach the COP29 climate change conference next month, the significance of this research is amplified. 



Understanding the role of oceans in absorbing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-makes-metals-in-the-ocean-more-toxic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a> helps to improve global carbon assessments, which in turn can guide efforts to reduce emissions.



The ocean skin discovery has been included in the team's data submission to this year's Global Carbon Budget assessment, contributing to our collective understanding of carbon fluxes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-ocean-skin">Analyzing ocean skin</h2>



The team's research was focused on ship observations gathered during two European Space Agency projects.



State-of-the-art CO2 flux systems measured tiny differences in CO2 in the air swirling towards the ocean surface and away again, complemented by high-resolution temperature measurements.



“This work is the culmination of many years of effort from an international team of scientists," said Dr. Ian Ashton, also from the University of Exeter.



"The European Space Agency’s support for science was instrumental in putting together such a high-quality measurement campaign across an entire ocean.” 



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



As scientists refine our understanding of the oceans’ carbon absorption capabilities, the implications for climate models are substantial. 



Accurately accounting for the increased CO2 uptake by the ocean skin layer can transform predictive models, offering more precise future climate scenarios.



Moreover, this knowledge empowers policymakers to craft more informed environmental strategies, leveraging marine-based carbon sequestration as a cornerstone for mitigation efforts. 



As these models become more robust, they will inform international policy and funding decisions, further driving innovation in climate solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-science-and-policy">Bridging science and policy</h2>



The intersection of scientific discovery and policy formulation is critical in addressing the global climate crisis. 



The ocean skin research underscores the importance of integrating scientific insights into actionable policy, thus bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world implementation. 



Organizations and governments must work in concert to translate these findings into tangible actions, such as investing in ocean preservation initiatives and incorporating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-sea-levels-are-rising-faster-than-anywhere-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean health</a> into climate action frameworks. 



As nations prepare for the upcoming COP29 conference, this research crystallizes the role the oceans play, advocating for marine ecosystems’ inclusion in the global climate agenda as they serve as essential buffers against rising CO2 levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-skin-and-climate-regulation">Ocean skin and climate regulation</h2>



Dr. Gavin Tilstone, an expert in the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (<a href="https://pml.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PML</a>), emphasized the importance of the findings.



"This discovery highlights the intricacy of the ocean’s water column structure and how it can influence CO₂ draw-down from the atmosphere," said Dr. Tilstone.



"Understanding these subtle mechanisms is crucial as we continue to refine our climate models and predictions. It underscores the ocean's vital role in regulating the planet's carbon cycle and climate."



With these new insights on ocean skin, we can better appreciate how even the subtlest mechanisms in our oceans have profound implications for Earth's climate. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01570-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Ocean’s hidden 'skin' could protect us from climate change

Just below the surface of our vast oceans, there exists...

Have you ever had that gnawing feeling, that sense of unease when everyone you know seems to be at an exciting event, but you're not? That sense of dread is known as "fear of missing out," or FOMO, and it's a growing phenomenon in our interconnected digital world.



FOMO is the perception that others are living better lives, having more fun, and just generally experiencing more than you. It's a feeling that has intensified with the rise of social media platforms.



In fact, a survey by OnePoll revealed that as many as 69% of Americans have experienced FOMO at some point in their lives. The question is, why do we feel this way?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-roots-of-fomo">The roots of FOMO</h2>



New <a href="https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/10/what-fuels-our-fear-missing-out" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> from the <a href="https://business.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell SC Johnson College of Business</a> has discovered that FOMO is driven much more by the potential impact on our future relationships than by missing out on the actual events themselves.



Essentially, we fear that missing out on group activities with friends could lead them to exclude us in the future.



Interestingly, the same study found that people who already have some level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-social-media-use-makes-teens-more-likely-to-start-smoking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social anxiety</a> are more prone to experiencing FOMO.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-source-of-fomo-social-bonding">Real source of FOMO: Social bonding</h2>



What makes FOMO even more interesting is that it's not about missing out on events with strangers or unimportant social groups. Rather, it's about fearing the loss of opportunities to bond with close-knit social groups.



Study co-author Jacqueline Rifkin is an assistant professor in the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management.



"FOMO is not about the missed event per se: If we miss a group dinner at a restaurant, we're not really upset about the missed food and drink," said Rifkin.



"What we're upset about is the fact that we missed the chance to bond, connect and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-figured-out-why-people-like-to-take-selfies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">make memories</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-events-and-fear-of-missing-out">Social events and fear of missing out</h2>



Rifkin's co-authors include Cindy Chan, an assistant professor at the Rotman School of Management, <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>; and Barbara Kahn, a professor at the Wharton School.



Together, they conducted a series of seven experiments involving more than 5,000 individuals. The team studied real, recalled, and imagined FOMO when people missed out on social events such as concerts, retreats, or general social gatherings.



One of the experiments indicated that missing a major concert of your favorite performer can trigger some FOMO, but not too much. However, if your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-expectations-of-men-are-bad-for-their-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social group</a> was at the concert and you weren’t, the FOMO is greatly amplified.



Similarly, if your social group attended a special event without much social bonding, like a solo meditation session, this also didn't trigger much FOMO. On the flip side, missing out on stressful events that involve a lot of social bonding can spark significant levels of FOMO.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-combat-fomo">How to combat FOMO</h2>



The research provides valuable insights into ways to combat FOMO. For example, the researchers found that after seeing social media posts of missed social events, those who took a moment to reflect on past bonding experiences felt less FOMO.



"This suggests that reminding oneself of the meaningful relationships we already have can help mitigate the anxiety surrounding missing out," Rifkin said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-s-most-prone-to-fomo">Who's most prone to FOMO?</h2>



Individuals who have a greater need for social connection, or who suffer from social anxiety, are more likely to experience FOMO. 



These folks are also more likely to worry excessively about the social cost of missing events and might find themselves compulsively checking social media for updates.



"FOMO has significant implications for mental health. It has been linked to reduced well-being, compulsive smartphone use, and even distracted driving," Rifkin said. 



She noted that addressing FOMO is crucial in the context of the ongoing&nbsp;mental health&nbsp;crisis and the so-called "loneliness epidemic."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-mindfulness-and-strong-bonds">Focus on mindfulness and strong bonds</h2>



This research calls for a broader understanding of FOMO. It's not just a phenomenon impacting young social media users, but anyone in a valued social group. It's an essential insight that underscores the importance of social bonding.



Plus, identifying these specific triggers of FOMO paves the way for future research to design and test coping techniques and strategies. 



"Developing strategies that help us challenge our beliefs about the negative consequences of missing out could potentially help," Rifkin said. 



"For instance, based on our results, encouraging individuals to engage in mindfulness practices and focus on the strong relationships we currently have could be one way to stave off FOMO. Ultimately, reminding ourselves that we belong, and not getting carried away with what could happen to us, can help."



So, the next time you feel FOMO creeping up on you, remember: that unease is less about the event you're missing, and more about the fear of missing out on meaningful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonding</a>.



The study is published in the <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2025-36987-001.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Personality and Social Psychology</a>.&nbsp;



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FOMO: What are we really afraid of missing out on?

Have you ever had that gnawing feeling, that sense of...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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