Ever notice how nature doesn't stick to a single "theme"? Fields of wildflowers seamlessly transition into hardy shrubs, which give way to towering trees as you venture deeper into a landscape. This is not just coincidence. 



A recent study has brought to light nature's ingenious plan behind this apparent randomness in landscapes and habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-habitats-different-stories">Different habitats, different stories</h2>



A study conducted across 30 field sites in the UK has revealed the magic behind mother nature’s multi-faceted design. The research was led by a team of ecologists at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>.



The experts took on the task of answering some of the most pressing questions in conservation and land management. Their findings shed new light on the interplay of species across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landscapes-with-different-habitats-greatly-increase-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various habitats</a>.



Why does this matter? Well, imagine a sprawling landscape as a complex jigsaw puzzle. Each distinct habitat - whether woodland, farmland, or urban area - represents a unique piece of this puzzle. 



According to the research, fitting together different habitat "pieces" leads to a more complete, richer, and vibrant picture of biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscapes-and-habitats">Landscapes and habitats</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Talya Hackett is an alumnus of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences who is currently affiliated with the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>. 



"Conservation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration projects</a> are increasingly focusing on landscape-scale efforts. Yet, data on species interactions are often limited to specific habitats, such as woodlands, farmland, or urban areas," said Dr. Hackett.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-balance-of-multi-habitat-landscapes">Ecological balance of multi-habitat landscapes</h2>



The researchers unearthed significant differences in food web structures among landscapes containing one, two, or three habitats. 



The multi-habitat landscapes hosted a greater number of species and displayed an evenly distributed abundance. The diversity was not just in numbers but also in species type, with unique habitat specialists rounding off the mix.



The research offers a fresh perspective on ecosystem stability. The "multi-habitat landscape model" demonstrates an enhanced resistance to species loss. Think of it as a safety net for biodiversity.



Lose a species in one habitat, and another from a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-changing-tundra-landscapes-affect-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different habitat steps</a> in to balance the scales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-multi-habitat-landscapes">Significance of multi-habitat landscapes</h2>



Elaborating on this fascinating concept, co-lead author Professor Jane Memmott explained that landscapes are more than just a sum of their individual habitats.



They present unique properties, such as increased resilience against species loss and improved pollination, transcending their components' individual capabilities.



Taking a detour from traditional conservation strategies, the study emphasizes the importance of maintaining multi-habitat landscapes.



Our natural environments are a vibrant interplay of unique habitats that are all interconnected. It's like a relay race where each habitat passes the baton to the next, facilitating a seamless flow of life and energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-approach-to-conservation">Comprehensive approach to conservation</h2>



Study co-author Dr. Alix Sauve noted that understanding the symbiotic relationships between habitats is key when planning new nature reserves.



Dr. Suave suggests that the landscape context of potential sites should be considered to maximize ecosystem function and long-term stability.



The study examined over 11,000 species interactions. Wild strawberries served as the "test plant" for assessing pollination efficiency within different landscapes. The results confirmed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diseases-flourish-in-city-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat diversity</a> positively impacts pollination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-on-the-horizon">What's on the horizon?</h2>



The study has opened a Pandora's box of exciting research opportunities. The team plans to delve into investigating the effects of specific habitat combinations and their compatibility. 



Moreover, future studies might also explore other ecological functions such as seed dispersal and decomposition in multi-habitat landscapes.



This has considerable implications for agricultural practices too. It could enhance food production, pest control, and overall ecosystem health. Ultimately, the research highlights the interconnected nature of ecosystems at the landscape scale.



"Mobile species effectively glue the various habitats together, underscoring the intricate connections that sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services," said Professor Memmott.



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



To preserve our natural world in all its splendid diversity, we need to shift our focus from individual habitats to a multi-habitat landscape approach. 



Our role in nature's symphony is to maintain the harmony between different habitats to ensure the melody of biodiversity continues to play.



Just like how a landscape is a mosaic of habitats, the future of conservation management lies in embracing this multi-faceted approach. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07825-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Landscapes with a mix of habitats are biodiversity hotspots

Ever notice how nature doesn't stick to a single "theme"? Fields of wildflowers seamlessly transition into hardy shrubs, which give way to towering trees as you venture deeper into a landscape. This is not just coincidence. A recent study has brought to light nature's ingenious plan behind this apparent randomness in landscapes and habitats. Different habitats, different stories A study conducted across 30 field sites in the UK has revealed the magic behind mother nature’s multi-faceted design. The research was led by a team of ecologists at...

Global increases in temperatures due to climate change are having detrimental consequences for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/">plants</a>, which tend to flower earlier than before and rush through the reproductive process, leading to less fruit and seeds.&nbsp;



In a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304714120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, an international team of scientists has unveiled a new mechanism that plants use to sense temperature, which could lead to solutions to counteract some of climate change’s negative impacts on plant growth, flowering, and seed production.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-key-protein-involved">Key protein involved&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that the key thermosensor of plants’ circadian clock – which determines their growth, metabolism, and when they flower – is EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3), a protein playing a vital role in plant development.&nbsp;



By integrating environmental cues such as light and temperature with internal developmental signals, this protein regulates the expression of flowering genes and determines when flowers grow and bloom.



The researchers investigated the molecular mechanism of how ELF3 works in vitro and in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. They discovered that, as the temperature rises, ELF3 undergoes a process known as “phase separation,” meaning that two liquid phases co-exist, in a similar way to oil and water.



“We believe that when it goes through phase separation, it sequesters different protein partners like transcription factors, which translates into faster growth and early flowering as a function of elevated temperature,” said senior author Chloe Zubieta, an expert in Cellular Physiology at the <a href="https://www.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/">University of Grenoble Alpes</a>.&nbsp;



“We are trying to understand the biophysics of the prion-like domain inside ELF3, which we think is the responsible for this phase separation.”



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



Since ELF3 is a flexible protein with no well-defined structure, it cannot be studied using X-ray crystallography. Instead, the researchers used a method called Small Angle X-ray Scattering and discovered that the prion-like domain forms a higher order monodisperse oligomer that is vital for phase separation.&nbsp;



Similar to a ball of about 30 copies of the protein, this oligomer acts as a scaffold in order to interact with other proteins in the plant cell. When the scientists increased the temperature, the spheres came together to form a liquid phase and, later on, an ordered lamellar stack.&nbsp;



Further experiments, using electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction on beamline ID23-1, confirmed these initial results.



“If we manage to tune when phase separation occurs as a function of temperature, by mutating different amino acid residues, we could ultimately delay flowering of plants under warmer conditions, allowing them to establish more biomass and make more fruits and seeds,” explained lead author Stephanie Hutin, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.cea.fr/">French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission</a>&nbsp;(CEA).



“Therefore, the next step in this research will be to add a different form of the ELF3 gene to the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and to see what happens when we grow them at warm temperatures. If our model is correct, we could do the same in crop species that have trouble adapting to warmer conditions,” she concluded.



<h2 id="h-more-about-plant-flowering">More about plant flowering&nbsp;</h2>



Flowering in plants refers to the process in which a plant produces flowers. This is a critical phase in the life cycle of flowering plants (angiosperms) because it's when sexual reproduction occurs.



Flowering is controlled by a variety of environmental factors, genetic factors, and hormonal controls.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-environmental-factors">Environmental factors</h3>



These include photoperiodism (the length of daylight), temperature, and in some cases, water availability. For example, some plants flower only after exposure to certain lengths of daylight or darkness, while others need a period of cold (vernalization) to induce flowering.



<h3 id="h-genetic-factors">Genetic factors</h3>



The inherent genetic make-up of a plant also determines when and how it will flower. Certain genes are involved in the process of floral initiation, development, and maturation.



<h3 id="h-hormonal-controls">Hormonal controls</h3>



Phytohormones such as auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and ethylene are also involved in the regulation of flowering.



During the flowering process, a plant's shoot apical meristem changes from a vegetative meristem, which produces leaves, to a floral meristem, which produces the parts of a flower. The flowers themselves are specialized reproductive structures that include sepals, petals, stamens (male organs), and carpels (female organs).



The main goal of flowering is to enable reproduction. This can occur through self-pollination, where the pollen from the stamen fertilizes the ovules in the carpel of the same flower, or cross-pollination, where pollen is transferred from the stamen of one flower to the carpel of another flower, often by wind or animals.&nbsp;



After fertilization, the ovules develop into seeds and the surrounding ovary ripens into a fruit. The seeds can then be dispersed to give rise to new plants.



Flowering is a complex process that scientists are still studying to understand fully. Researchers use model organisms like the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) to investigate the molecular biology underlying flowering.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Why do plants flower earlier in a warming world?

Global increases in temperatures due to climate change are having...

In a study led by Dr. Lujendra Ojha of <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/">Rutgers University</a>, scientists report that Earth-like planets with potential to harbor liquid water could be about 100 times more common than previously believed.



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-35187-4">Nature Communications</a>, is a game-changer for our understanding of the universe. It also opens an intriguing new chapter in the search for extraterrestrial life.



“It was estimated that around one rocky planet around every 100 stars would have liquid water,” Dr. Ojha said at the Goldschmidt geochemistry conference held in Lyon, France. 



“The new model shows that if the conditions are right, this could approach one planet per star - so we are a hundred times more likely to find liquid water than we thought.”



With at least 100 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy, this study dramatically broadens the potential stage for the existence of life. As Dr. Ojha put it, “that represents really good odds for the origin of life elsewhere in the universe.”



<h2 id="h-many-stars-could-host-earth-like-planets">Many stars could host Earth-like planets&nbsp;</h2>



Traditionally, scientists have considered Earth-like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-exoplanets-could-have-enough-water-to-be-habitable/">exoplanets</a> with surface water bodies like oceans, lakes, and rivers to be scarce. 



However, this new research suggests that many stars could indeed host planets. They only need the right geological conditions to sustain liquid water beneath their surface.



Our own solar system provides examples of subterranean oceans. Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, as well as Europa and Ganymede, which are moons of Jupiter, are believed to harbor saltwater oceans encased within icy shells. Even dwarf planets like Pluto and Ceres, and potentially several moons of Uranus, are believed to possess underground oceans.



<h2 id="h-liquid-water-is-essential">Liquid water is essential&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Ojha emphasized the significance of water for life as we know it. He said, “We know that the presence of liquid water is essential for life.” 



This research sheds light on the potential for liquid water to exist in places that hadn't been seriously considered before. “This significantly increases the chances of finding environments where life could, in theory, develop.”



This groundbreaking conclusion comes from a closer look at how planets, seemingly frozen on their surface, could have liquid water oceans beneath their crust. 



A couple of primary mechanisms make this possible. First, the heat from radioactivity within the planet's core can warm the water enough to prevent it from freezing. This is similar to what we observe in Antarctica and the Canadian Arctic. Also, the gravitational effects of the larger planets they orbit can prevent freezing.



<h2 id="h-red-dwarf-stars">Red dwarf stars&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also highlighted the role of red dwarf stars, the most abundant star type in the Milky Way. They found that a significant percentage of planets orbiting red dwarf stars could produce their own heat.&nbsp;



“We found that when one considers the possibility of liquid water generated by radioactivity, it is likely that a high percentage of these exoplanets can have sufficient heat to sustain liquid water - many more than we had thought,” explained Dr. Ojha.



<h2 id="h-wet-moons">Wet moons</h2>



Furthermore, the experts drew attention to the solar system’s wet moons. Their interiors are continuously churned due to the strong gravitational effects from the large planets they orbit. This is similar to the lunar influence on our Earth's tides but on a grander scale.



Enceladus and Europa are considered top contenders for life in our solar system. Several space agencies have already launched missions to explore these intriguing moons. 



Notably, the European Space Agency's JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) mission, which commenced in April 2023, is slated to orbit Ganymede following numerous flybys of Europa and Callisto. 



NASA is not far behind with its Europa Clipper. This mission is set to launch in October 2024 and conduct 32 flybys of Europa from 2030.



<h2 id="h-more-about-earth-like-planets">More about Earth-like planets&nbsp;</h2>



An Earth-like planet, also referred to as a "terrestrial" or "telluric" planet, is a planet that is similar to Earth in key characteristics. These include size, mass, and composition. 



They are primarily composed of rock and metal, and have solid surfaces. The term "Earth-like" often suggests a similarity not only in physical properties but also in potential habitability.



<h3 id="h-key-characteristics">Key characteristics&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-size-and-mass">Size and mass</h4>



Earth-like planets are usually close to Earth in size and mass. Too large, and the planet might become a gas giant. Too small, and it may not be able to hold onto an atmosphere.



<h4 id="h-location-in-the-habitable-zone">Location in the habitable zone</h4>



The planet should ideally be located in its star's habitable zone (often referred to as the "Goldilocks Zone"). This is where conditions might be just right – not too hot, not too cold – for liquid water to exist on the planet's surface.



<h4 id="h-rocky-composition">Rocky composition</h4>



Earth-like planets are composed mainly of silicate rocks or metals. They have a hard surface that can potentially support oceans, continents, and life as we know it.



<h4 id="h-presence-of-an-atmosphere">Presence of an atmosphere</h4>



A significant atmosphere can help regulate temperature and protect the planet from stellar radiation and meteor impact.



<h4 id="h-surface-water">Surface water</h4>



The presence of liquid water is a critical aspect of "habitability." As we currently understand, every life form we know on Earth requires water to survive.



—-



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Earth-like planets may be more common than we ever imagined

In a study led by Dr. Lujendra Ojha of Rutgers...

In the scorching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/europe-experienced-its-hottest-summer-on-record-in-2022/">summer</a> of 2022, record-breaking heatwaves swept across Europe, marking it as the hottest summer ever documented in the continent's history.&nbsp;



These unprecedented events ignited forest fires, spurred droughts, and dried up major rivers. Even more devastatingly, a new study has linked Europe's record heat to an estimated 61,672 deaths between May 30 and September 4, 2022.



The grim results, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02419-z">Nature Medicine</a>, highlight the catastrophic human toll of intensifying global warming trends.



Eurostat, the European statistical office, had previously reported a significant spike in mortality for that period, yet the contribution of extreme heat had not been precisely quantified.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The current study was a collaborative effort by experts at the <a href="https://www.isglobal.org/en">Barcelona Institute for Global Health</a> (ISGlobal), an institution supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, and the French National Institute of Health (Inserm).



The researchers accessed temperature and mortality data for 2015-2022 from 823 regions spanning 35 European countries. Collectively, the data represented a population of over 543 million people.&nbsp;



Based on this information, the team developed epidemiological models to estimate temperature-attributable mortality for each region and week of the summer period.



Throughout the summer of 2022, sweltering heat was relentless, with above-average temperatures occurring every week. The hottest weather lingered from mid-July to mid-August, coinciding with the most deadly period of heat-related mortality. In this month alone, a staggering 38,881 deaths were recorded.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-geographical-disparities">Geographical disparities</h2>



Italy endured the highest number of heat-related fatalities, with 18,010 deaths. Spain and Germany followed with 11,324 and 8,173 deaths respectively.&nbsp;



When the data is adjusted by population, Italy again emerges as the most affected, with 295 heat-related deaths per million, followed by Greece (280), Spain (237), and Portugal (211). The European average was calculated at 114 deaths per million.



In terms of temperature anomalies, France experienced the warmest conditions with temperatures rising +2.43°C above the average values for the period 1991-2020. Switzerland (+2.30°C), Italy (+2.28°C), Hungary (+2.13°C), and Spain (+2.11°C) were also severely impacted.



<h2 id="h-mortality-rate-and-gender">Mortality rate and gender</h2>



The study further highlighted a troubling disparity in terms of age and gender. Older age groups, particularly women, were disproportionately affected. Overall, 4,822 victims were under 65 years of age, 9,226 were between 65 and 79, and 36,848 were over the age of 79.



Gender-specific data revealed that heat-attributable mortality was 63% higher in women than in men. This manifested as 35,406 premature deaths (or 145 deaths per million) in women compared to 21,667 (or 93 per million) in men.&nbsp;



This increased susceptibility to heat was observed across the population but was especially pronounced in women over 80, who had a mortality rate 27% higher than their male counterparts. Conversely, men under 65 and those aged 65-79 saw higher mortality rates than women by 41% and 13% respectively.



<h2 id="h-summer-deaths-in-2003">Summer deaths in 2003</h2>



The disastrous summer of 2022 is comparable to the deadly 2003 heatwave, which caused over 70,000 excess deaths.&nbsp;



According to Joan Ballester Claramunt, the lead author of the study and a researcher at ISGlobal, the summer of 2003 was a rarity even when accounting for anthropogenic warming observed up until that point.&nbsp;



The events of 2003 exposed the deficiencies in health systems' capacity to handle climate-related emergencies, leading to the implementation of prevention plans in subsequent years.



Contrastingly, the temperatures recorded in the summer of 2022 were not exceptional when compared to the recent temperature series. This affirms that warming has accelerated over the last decade.&nbsp;



"The fact that more than 61,600 people in Europe died of heat stress in the summer of 2022, even though, unlike in 2003, many countries already had active prevention plans in place, suggests that the adaptation strategies currently available may still be insufficient," noted Joan Ballester Claramunt.



<h2 id="h-prevention-plans-urgently-needed">Prevention plans urgently needed</h2>



Hicham Achebak, a researcher at Inserm and ISGlobal, echoed Ballester's sentiment, emphasizing the pressing need to reassess and bolster prevention plans. This need is particularly urgent given the escalating warming trends and the fact that Europe is experiencing warming rates up to 1°C higher than the global average.



The researchers project a bleak future if effective adaptive responses are not implemented. The team estimates that, in the absence of such measures, the continent could face an average of more than 68,000 premature deaths each summer by 2030 and exceed 94,000 by 2040.&nbsp;



This stark prediction highlights the urgent need to address the age and gender gaps in vulnerability to heat, improve adaptation strategies, and, most importantly, tackle the root causes of the accelerating climate crisis.



—-



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Deadly summer: More than 61,000 deaths linked to Europe's 2022 heatwaves

In the scorching summer of 2022, record-breaking heatwaves swept across...

Currently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-material-biodegradable-soil/">plastic</a> mulch films are extensively used in agricultural practices. When tucked in around the base of plants, they can help control weeds and pathogens, reduce water evaporation, and prevent soil splashing on fruit.&nbsp;



However, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.calpoly.edu/">California Polytechnic State University</a> (Cal Poly), the plastic mulch used to support the growth of Californian strawberries sheds large quantities of plastic fragments that negatively impact soil quality. Such a situation is likely to occur in the case of other crops too, suggesting that this method’s risks may outweigh its benefits.



“What we are seeing is a huge quantity of macroplastic material – particles bigger than 5mm across - being shed where the mulch is used to enhance strawberry production. These can remain in the soil for decades or longer,” said study lead author Ekta Tiwari, a postdoctoral fellow in Geochemistry at Cal Poly.



<h2 id="h-plastic-fragments-accumulate-for-decades">Plastic fragments accumulate for decades</h2>



Although the mulch is removed after the crop’s seasonal production is complete, even careful land stewardship by farmers fails to remove all the plastic, since fragments usually adhere to the soil after removal.&nbsp;



After decades of annual plastic mulch application and removal, even in extremely well-managed fields, there is a significant accumulation of plastic fragments.



“We carried out a systematic survey of strawberry fields after the seasonal removal of these plastic film. We found that the distribution was fairly uniform. On field surfaces alone, we found up to 213,500 macroplastic particles per hectare. That doesn’t include subsurface particles, which we did not survey," explained Tiwari.



"In addition, we are currently analyzing the same soil samples for&nbsp;microplastics, which are smaller particles, less than 5mm across; these are not yet included in our findings."



<h2 id="h-plastic-mulch-degrades-soil-quality">Plastic mulch degrades soil quality</h2>



By using a groundbreaking method called Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the experts found that most of the particles were polyethylene. Moreover, the analysis revealed that, as the levels of microplastic pollution increased, soil moisture content, microbial respiration, and plant-available nitrogen decreased.



“The plastic mulch provides benefits, but at the expense of long-term soil quality. It’s difficult and expensive to remove these particles from the soil, so once they are there they can stay there indefinitely. We tend to think that strawberries are simply things to be enjoyed, but this shows that even something as delicious as fresh strawberries can come with a cost to the environment. We are working with the manufacturers to see if we can mitigate these costs,” Tiwari said.



<h2 id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



Since the current study has only focused on macroplastic pollution, the researchers are now evaluating the level of microplastic pollution too. Providing reliable data on the extent of plastic pollution in the U.S. agricultural system could help improve land management practices and assess the biogeochemical consequences of plastic accumulation in agricultural soils.



Although there are alternatives to using polyethylene mulches – such as biodegradable plastic mulches or natural mulches like straw – such methods come with additional costs, which makes them less popular among farmers. Further research is needed to identify cost-effective techniques that could protect crops, while avoiding the negative impacts of plastic mulch.



The study was presented the <a href="https://conf.goldschmidt.info/goldschmidt/2023/meetingapp.cgi">Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference</a> in Lyon, France (9-14 July).



<h2 id="h-more-about-plastic-mulch">More about plastic mulch</h2>



Plastic mulch is a product used in farming and gardening to suppress weeds and conserve water. It's made from a thin layer of plastic film that is placed over the soil with the plants growing through slits or holes in the plastic. Here are some key points about plastic mulch:



<h3 id="h-weed-control">Weed control</h3>



Plastic mulch forms a physical barrier between the soil and the atmosphere, thus preventing weed seeds from germinating and growing. This is because most weed seeds need light to germinate, and the plastic mulch blocks this light.



<h3 id="h-moisture-conservation">Moisture conservation</h3>



Plastic mulch acts as a barrier to evaporation, reducing the amount of water that is lost from the soil. This helps to conserve water and can be especially useful in regions where water is scarce or in times of drought.



<h3 id="h-soil-temperature-regulation">Soil temperature regulation</h3>



Depending on its color, plastic mulch can either absorb or reflect sunlight, thus affecting the temperature of the soil underneath.&nbsp;



Black plastic mulch absorbs sunlight and warms the soil, which can be beneficial for warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers. Conversely, white or silver plastic mulch reflects sunlight and can help to keep the soil cooler, which can be beneficial for cool-season crops.



<h3 id="h-increased-crop-yield">Increased crop yield</h3>



By suppressing weeds, conserving water, and helping to regulate soil temperature, plastic mulch can contribute to increased crop yield.



Despite these benefits, there are also several potential drawbacks to using plastic mulch. One is that it is a form of non-biodegradable waste, which can contribute to environmental pollution. Additionally, the use of plastic mulch can lead to soil degradation over time due to reduced organic matter decomposition and soil biodiversity.&nbsp;



To address these issues, some farmers and gardeners use biodegradable mulches, which provide many of the same benefits but break down over time to reduce waste and soil degradation.



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Plastic mulch used in strawberry production leads to long-term pollution

Currently, plastic mulch films are extensively used in agricultural practices....

The escalating threat of climate change, characterized by soaring temperatures and increasing drought, paints a grim future for America's forests.&nbsp;



A recent study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/">UC Santa Barbara</a> and University of Utah has found that while the majority of U.S. forests have the capacity to adjust to these harsh conditions, the rate of adaptation is not swift enough to escape the environmental stress.



The experts conducted a comprehensive investigation into the susceptibility of woodlands to severe drought conditions. The study, published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652486">Global Change Biology</a>, was focused on mathematical models and data from both the U.S. Forest Service and plant physiologists.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-good-news-and-bad-news">Good news and bad news</h2>



"We were concerned to find that forests were not changing fast enough to avoid increased water stress due to climate change," said study lead author Greg Quetin, who serves as an assistant project scientist at the UCSB Department of Geography.&nbsp;



Despite the concern, Quetin also emphasized the silver lining that lies ahead, stating that most forests in the continental U.S. contained enough functional diversity to increase their drought tolerance through shifts in species composition.



<h2 id="h-how-forests-adapt">How forests adapt</h2>



Forests can adopt various strategies to adapt to drier conditions. Individual trees can modify their activities, physiology, and gene expression in response to the environmental changes they encounter.&nbsp;



Moreover, species that are inherently drought-tolerant can gain dominance in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-single-gene-could-control-biodiversity-in-an-ecosystem/">ecosystem</a>. Evolutionary dynamics can also play a role in the form of natural selection, resulting in alterations in species composition, although the impact would likely be minimal over the next century given the long lifespan of trees.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The team's primary focus was to discern whether the traits and species present in the nation's forests could allow them to acclimate to the impending climate changes without triggering widespread mortality.&nbsp;



Quetin and his team analyzed data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis program - a comprehensive database maintained by the U.S. Forest Service that provides insights into the health and conditions of the country's woodlands. They also leveraged information from the Xylem Functional Traits Database, containing measures of tree physiology and hydraulic traits.



Building on this robust foundation of data, the team devised a model simulating a forest's reaction to heightened water stress, including processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and growth, as well as plant stress.&nbsp;



To understand how changes in leaf area could alleviate stress caused by changing environmental conditions, the researchers also integrated an optimization technique into the model.



Study co-author Professor Lee Anderegg noted: "All the data to date suggest that leaf area is just the biggest lever that individual trees can throw to manage water stress." Therefore, forests situated in drier regions are expected to develop sparser canopies, while forests in wetter areas can sustain dense foliage.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



Upon running their model, the researchers found that approximately 88% of forests across the continental U.S. possess the requisite species diversity and trait variability to adjust to climate change, and these forests have already begun the transition. However, the speed of adaptation lagged behind the rate that the model indicated as necessary to prevent increased water stress and subsequent mortality.



Study co-author Professor Anna Trugman commented: "It’s concerning that we don’t see the required shifts that our model predicts need to happen." Despite this, she remains hopeful, emphasizing that biodiversity could act as a significant buffer against the impacts of climate change on a given forest.



The rising concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere add a layer of complexity to the study. While higher levels of CO2 allow plants to decrease their pore size, thus limiting water loss and maintaining their photosynthesis rates, the drier atmosphere associated with a warming climate could increase water loss from leaves.



The energy costs involved in transporting this water cannot be overlooked either, as observed in a previous paper by the authors.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-ongoing-research">Ongoing research&nbsp;</h2>



Currently, the team is gathering data on the physiological changes in trees following climate-driven fires in Sequoia National Park. This will help to establish the extent to which trees can adjust their physiology, and to explore whether they can avert future water stress entirely through changes to their leaf area.



Forests are already demonstrating signs of change. As the atmosphere becomes drier, sparse canopies will become increasingly common, and the mix of species within woodlands will likely deviate from historical norms.&nbsp;



These transformations will also impact the carbon storage capacity of forests, which currently sequester about 30% of human-made emissions. Recent findings from the group indicate a probable decrease in this capacity under climate change.



As we move forward, it becomes increasingly crucial to adopt management strategies that facilitate forest adaptation. Anderegg emphasizes the need to see forests not as static entities, but as dynamic systems that need to change in harmony with the shifting climate.&nbsp;



This gradual transition could avert catastrophic events such as wildfires and widespread tree deaths, thereby protecting forests, wildlife, and nearby human communities.



—-



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America's forests are in a race against climate change

The escalating threat of climate change, characterized by soaring temperatures...

According to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/">University of Reading</a>, warmer springs are causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-bees-struggle-to-recover-after-extreme-weather-events/">bees</a> in the UK to wake up earlier from hibernation, threatening the pollination of important crops such as apples or pears.&nbsp;



The experts found that, for each degree Celsius rise in temperature, wild bees emerge from their nests 6.5 days earlier on average. This could cause them to lose sync with the plants on which they depend and thus have less food to consume, meaning they may not have sufficient energy to pollinate crops effectively, or may even miss crop blossom completely.



“Rising temperatures are making life tougher for bees. Warmer conditions mean bees emerge from hibernation earlier, but there may not be enough food to provide energy for them when they start buzzing about,” said study lead author Chris Wyver, a doctoral student in Entomology at Reading.



“Matching wake-up dates with plant flowering is vital for newly emerged bees because they need to find pollen and nectar to increase their chances of survival and produce offspring. A mismatch means bees cannot pollinate effectively."&nbsp;



"Less natural pollination could lead to farmers needing to use managed honeybees, meaning greater costs, which may be passed on to consumers. We could see even more expensive apples, pears, and vegetables in supermarkets as a result.”



<h2 id="h-alarming-results">Alarming results</h2>



By using over 350,000 individual recordings of bees emerging from hibernation, the researchers examined 88 different species of wild bees over a period of four decades in order to identify shifts in emergence dates, both over time and in relation to temperature changes.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that, on average, the 88 species emerged four days earlier per decade, with some species emerging earlier than others (since different species of bees respond differently to changing temperatures). The results are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10284.">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study</h2>



With winters projected to be one to 4.5 degrees Celsius warmer and up to 30 percent wetter by 2070, spring is likely to continue to start earlier and affect bees even more radically.&nbsp;



These shifts in bee emergence will have a major impact on plants that are heavily dependent on pollination, such as apple trees, which might not be ready to flower by the time bees emerge from hibernation.



<h2 id="h-fruitwatch">FruitWatch&nbsp;</h2>



To better understand how climate change affects the flowering of fruit trees and pollination by bees, the scientists have recently set up <a href="https://fruitwatch.org/ords/r/livefw/fruit-watch101/home?tz=1:00">FruitWatch</a>, a project encouraging people to report when fruit trees in their gardens and nearby parks start to flower.&nbsp;



Users’ submissions – of which over 6,500 have been received in two years – will help researchers build a larger and more reliable database documenting the impact of climate change on a variety of ecosystems.



<h2 id="h-more-about-bee-hibernation">More about bee hibernation&nbsp;</h2>



Not all bees hibernate, but many do experience a period of reduced activity or dormancy during the colder months, which could be likened to hibernation.



In temperate climates, most species of bees are seasonal creatures that are most active during the warmer months of the year. As temperatures drop and food sources become scarce, many bees enter a kind of "winter rest."



For example, honey bees do not hibernate in the traditional sense. Instead, they cluster together in their hives to stay warm, shivering their bodies to generate heat and feeding on the honey they collected during the warmer months. The queen is protected at the center of the cluster.



By contrast, bumblebees do experience a form of hibernation. The mated queens are usually the only members of the bumblebee colony to survive the winter, hibernating underground and emerging in spring to establish a new colony.



Many solitary bees, like mason bees and leafcutter bees, have a life cycle that involves a period of dormancy during the winter, but they spend this time as larvae or pupae in their nests, not active adults.



So while "hibernation" may not be the scientifically accurate term for all bee species, many bees do have adaptations to survive the winter in some form of dormant state.&nbsp;



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Bees emerge from hibernation 6.5 days earlier for each degree of warming

According to a new study led by the University of...

As Earth grows warmer due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-the-world-look-in-2100-due-to-climate-change/">climate change</a>, the potential health effects on the human population are becoming more visible and concerning. One such emerging health risk seems to be a marked increase in serious vision impairment, particularly among older adults, living in warmer regions of the United States.



A comprehensive study involving 1.7 million people has provided strong evidence for this alarming correlation. The study reveals that older adults living in regions with average temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, which is comparable to the warm climate of South Florida, are significantly more likely to suffer from blindness or difficulties in seeing, even with glasses.



"The link between vision impairment and average county temperature is very worrying if future research determines that the association is causal," explained Esme Fuller-Thomson, the co-author of the study and director of the <a href="https://aging.utoronto.ca/">University of Toronto's Institute of Life Course and Aging</a>.&nbsp;



This concern is intensified in the light of climate change predictions that project a rise in global temperatures. "It will be important to monitor if the prevalence of vision impairment among older adults increases in the future,” said Fuller-Thomson.



<h2 id="h-disturbing-trends">Disturbing trends</h2>



The research uncovered a disturbing trend: compared to residents of counties with average temperatures less than 50 degrees F, the odds of severe vision impairment rose in tandem with temperature increases.&nbsp;



The likelihood was 14 percent higher for residents of counties with temperatures ranging from 50-54.99 degrees, and 24% higher in places where average temperatures fell between 55-59.99 degrees. For those living in regions with even warmer climates, the odds of vision loss were a staggering 44% higher.



Remarkably, the link between higher temperatures and vision impairment remained strong even when demographic factors like age, sex, and income were taken into consideration.&nbsp;



"It was powerful to see that the link between vision impairment and temperature was consistent across so many demographic factors including income," said study co-author Elysia Fuller-Thomson, a graduate student at the University of Toronto.



The researchers found this correlation was stronger among individuals aged 65 to 79 compared to those aged 80 and above. The link was also found to be more prevalent among men than women. However, the exact reason why temperature has such an impact remains an enigma.



<h2 id="h-underlying-causes">Underlying causes</h2>



The team proposed potential causes for this correlation, such as increased ultraviolet light exposure, air pollution, infections, and degradation of folic acid with rising temperatures.&nbsp;



The consequences of this development are alarming, considering that vision problems are a significant cause of disabilities and functional limitations. They contribute to falls and deteriorate the quality of life among older adults.



The research was focused on data from six consecutive waves of the American Community Survey, targeting Americans aged 65 and above. Average temperature data was obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and combined with the survey data to draw these conclusions.



These critical findings have been recently published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/iope20">Ophthalmic Epidemiology</a>, pointing to an urgent need for further investigation into the links between climate change and health.



<h2 id="h-more-about-vision-impairment">More about vision impairment&nbsp;</h2>



Vision impairment refers to a decrease in the ability to see to a certain degree that can't be corrected fully with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery. It is often characterized by partial or complete loss of sight or inability to see clearly.



<h3 id="h-various-types">Various types&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-low-vision">Low vision</h4>



This is a significant reduction of visual function that cannot be fully corrected by glasses or contact lenses. People with low vision may have difficulty performing everyday tasks like reading, recognizing faces, or crossing the street.



<h4 id="h-legal-blindness">Legal blindness</h4>



In the U.S., this is defined as vision that's 20/200 or worse in the better seeing eye with the best possible correction, or a field of vision that is 20 degrees or less.



<h4 id="h-color-blindness">Color blindness</h4>



This is the inability to see colors in a normal way. The most common type is red-green color blindness, but there are many variations and degrees of color blindness.



<h4 id="h-night-blindness">Night blindness</h4>



People with night blindness (nyctalopia) have difficulty seeing in low light conditions or at night.



<h4 id="h-blindness">Blindness</h4>



This is the complete lack of vision. Blindness can be due to genetic mutations, injuries, diseases, or age-related conditions.



<h3 id="h-causes">Causes</h3>



Causes of vision impairment include eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts; systemic diseases like diabetes; and injuries or accidents. Sometimes, vision impairment can be present from birth.



<h3 id="h-treatments">Treatments&nbsp;</h3>



Treatments for vision impairment can include glasses, contact lenses, visual aids, vision rehabilitation, and surgery, depending on the type and cause of vision impairment.&nbsp;



However, some forms of vision impairment cannot be reversed. In such cases, resources and training can help individuals to adapt to their vision loss and maintain a high quality of life.



—--



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Rising temperatures linked to vision impairment

As Earth grows warmer due to climate change, the potential...

A colossal fissure tearing through the southeastern part of Africa might be an omen of a geographical shift, according to recent scientific observations.&nbsp;



This gigantic rupture, approximately 2,000 miles long, has been slowly stretching wider by about an inch each year, and may eventually divide the African continent in two, leading to the formation of Earth's sixth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-ancient-ocean-floor-surrounds-the-earths-core/">ocean</a>.



Countries nestled along the southeastern seaboard of Africa, stretching from Ethiopia to Mozambique, could end up as part of a gargantuan island, paving the way for a fresh, vast expanse of sea.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-eastern-african-rift-ears">Eastern African Rift (EARS)</h2>



This geographical phenomenon, known as the Eastern African Rift (EARS), is believed to have initiated around 22 million years ago. However, a significant surge of activity over the past few decades has spurred a renewed scientific interest.



In 2005, a noticeable crack emerged in the deserts of Ethiopia. This apparent manifestation of the ongoing tectonic process has been expanding at a rate of an inch per year.&nbsp;



The Eastern African Rift is a consequence of two tectonic plates - the Somali plate in the east and the Nubian plate in the west - slowly drifting apart. Although this has been known, the precise mechanisms behind this tectonic separation remained a mystery until recently.



<h2 id="h-when-will-the-continent-split">When will the continent split?</h2>



A study released in June proposed that the rift is being propelled by a massive ejection of super-heated rock, originating from the planet's core.&nbsp;



Despite this startling discovery, it's crucial to note that Africa is not expected to sever completely for at least another five million years. Once the split does occur, Somalia and parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania will form a new continent.



"What we do not know is if this rifting will continue on its present pace to eventually open up an ocean basin, like the Red Sea, and then later to something much larger, like a small version of the Atlantic Ocean," said Ken Macdonald, a professor at the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>.



"Or might it speed up and get there more quickly? Or it might stall out, as the Atlantic did before it commenced to true seafloor spreading? At the present rate, a sea about the size of the current Red Sea might form in about 20-30 million years.”



<h2 id="h-new-cracks-are-appearing">New cracks are appearing</h2>



Geologists have been monitoring the appearance of new cracks indicative of this ongoing shift. For instance, a 35-mile fissure that emerged in 2005 already suggests the formation of a new sea near Ethiopia.&nbsp;



Furthermore, a separate fissure tore through Kenya in 2018 after heavy rainfall, prompting evacuations and causing disruption to roadways. Macdonald believes that more such cracks will continue to appear due to the action of the Eastern African Rift.



The 2018 crack, according to Geologist David Adede, was originally filled with volcanic ash. However, the intense rainfall washed away the material, revealing the underlying fissure. While the process was gradual, some locals reported feeling the ground shake, making the situation seem abrupt and swift.



Researchers have hypothesized that the expansion of EARS is due to the Somali and Nubian tectonic plates drifting apart, a notion confirmed by a 2004 study conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/">Delft University of Technology</a> in the Netherlands.&nbsp;



The Eastern African Rift, stretching from the Gulf of Aden in the north to Zimbabwe in the south, is a complex system of deep valleys, steep escarpments, and volcanic peaks. It represents an ongoing process of continental rifting, wherein Earth's crust is gradually pulled apart.



<h2 id="h-what-is-driving-the-rift">What is driving the rift?</h2>



The <a href="https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/">Geological Society of London</a> suggests that this tectonic phenomenon could be due to the heat flow from the asthenosphere, the hotter, weaker, upper part of Earth’s mantle between Kenya and Ethiopia.&nbsp;



Confirming this hypothesis, a recent study from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/">Virginia Tech</a> employed 3D simulations and discovered that the rift was indeed being driven by the so-called African Superplume, which was responsible for the unusual deformations beneath the system.



Geophysicist D. Sarah Stamps explained the different deformation styles of a rifting continent using an easy-to-understand analogy: “If you hit Silly Putty with a hammer, it can actually crack and break. But if you slowly pull it apart, the Silly Putty stretches. So on different time scales, Earth’s lithosphere behaves in different ways.”



Tahiry Rajaonarison, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.nmt.edu/">New Mexico Tech</a>, added, “We confirmed previous ideas that lithospheric buoyancy forces are driving the rift, but we’re bringing new insight that anomalous deformation can happen in East Africa.”



<h2 id="h-the-debate-continues">The debate continues</h2>



As scientists continue to investigate these geographical phenomena, the 2018 crack continues to spark debate within the scientific community. While some believe it's a real-time indication of continental separation, others contend that such rapid progression is highly unlikely.&nbsp;



Amid this scientific discourse, people like Eliud Njoroge Mbugua, a local resident, bear the brunt of these geological upheavals. Mbugua claimed to have witnessed the crack splitting his home, and he barely managed to gather some of his possessions before his house collapsed.



For now, the future course of the African continent's tectonic journey remains a matter of speculation and scientific discovery.



—--



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African rift: Massive crack could split the continent in half

A colossal fissure tearing through the southeastern part of Africa...

Looking back into the origins of our world billions of years ago, celestial bodies were beginning to form in the gargantuan, swirling disk of dust, gas, and rocky debris that orbited our sun.&nbsp;



This process, known as accretion, gradually gave rise to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-our-galaxys-planets-could-be-habitable/">planets</a>, moons, and asteroids that populate our cosmic landscape. Scientists continue to grapple with understanding the complex procedures that gave birth to planets, including Earth.



<h2 id="h-magma-holds-clues">Magma holds clues</h2>



One of the primary methods that researchers use to understand Earth's formation is the examination of magma, the molten or semi-molten natural rock, which emerges from deep within the Earth's core.&nbsp;



Magma samples contain chemical signatures that chronicle our planet's birth - detailing the timing and nature of the constituent materials that contributed to the formation of Earth. This is similar to how fossils offer us clues about the biological past of Earth.



In a groundbreaking new study from the <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/">California Institute of Technology</a>, evidence suggests that early Earth was created from hot, parched materials. This revelation suggests that water arrived relatively late in the history of Earth's formation.&nbsp;



The study fundamentally alters our understanding of our planet's creation story, shedding light on a crucial chapter in Earth's development. The research was conducted in the laboratories of Professor Francois Tissot and Yigang Zhang from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Weiyi Liu, a graduate student at Caltech, is the first author of the paper published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv">Science Advances</a>.



<h2 id="h-samples-from-earths-mantle">Samples from Earths mantle&nbsp;</h2>



Even though humans have not yet developed a way to physically penetrate into the heart of our planet, the interior is not entirely inaccessible to us. Deep within Earth's mantle, rocks can make their way to the surface through volcanic eruptions, bringing important samples with them.



These parental magmas can originate from different strata within the Earth, including the upper mantle, which starts roughly 15 kilometers beneath the surface and stretches to around 680 kilometers; or the lower mantle, extending from 680 kilometers down to the core - mantle boundary approximately 2,900 kilometers beneath our feet.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-chemical-signatures">Chemical signatures&nbsp;</h2>



By analyzing magmas from varying depths, scientists are able to infer information about the distinct chemical composition of Earth's layers.



The formation of Earth was not an overnight phenomenon, but was a protracted process involving materials gradually coming together over a vast span of time. Through the study, the team was able to discern that the early Earth was primarily composed of desiccated, rocky substances.&nbsp;



The chemical signatures derived from the planet's depths indicated an absence of so-called volatiles, which are substances that readily evaporate, like water and iodine. By contrast, the upper mantle samples contained a higher proportion of volatiles, three times that found in the lower mantle.&nbsp;



Liu developed a model based on these chemical ratios, demonstrating that Earth initially formed from arid, rocky materials and that significant infusion of life-essential volatiles, including water, transpired during the last 15 percent (or less) of Earth's formation.



<h2 id="h-planetary-formation-theories">Planetary formation theories</h2>



The research significantly contributes to the ongoing dialogue around planetary formation theories - a field that has witnessed multiple paradigm shifts in the past decades and continues to be the locus of vibrant scientific debate. It also provides predictions for the nature of other terrestrial planets like Mercury and Venus, which are presumed to have been formed from similar dry materials.



Tissot emphasizes the importance of space exploration in this context: "Space exploration to the outer planets is really important because a water world is probably the best place to look for extraterrestrial life."&nbsp;



"There hasn't been a mission that's touched Venus's surface for nearly 40 years, and there has never been a mission to the surface of Mercury. We need to be able to study those worlds to better understand how terrestrial planets such as Earth formed."&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-earth-s-water">More about Earth's water</h2>



Earth's water constitutes a significant part of the planet's unique identity, playing a crucial role in sustaining a wide array of life forms. Until recently, it was widely accepted that water was a key part of Earth's formation. However, the Caltech study has introduced a significant paradigm shift in this understanding.



According to the new study, the early Earth, contrary to previous assumptions, was a barren, arid place, consisting mainly of hot, dry materials. Magma evidence strongly suggests that Earth's abundant water - essential for life as we know it - made a rather late appearance in the planet's formative history.



The late addition of water to Earth's composition has far-reaching implications for our understanding of life's evolution. The late addition of water could mean that life also started to evolve relatively late in Earth's history.



—--



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When did Earth get its water? Much later than expected, study suggests

Looking back into the origins of our world billions of...

Researchers at the <a href="https://www.uc.edu/">University of Cincinnati</a> have found compelling evidence that extinct dwarf hippos, once indigenous to the island of Madagascar, were forest dwellers as opposed to their mainland African counterparts that favored open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-can-be-managed-to-benefit-biodiversity-and-soil-health/">grasslands</a>. The study illuminates the significant role that forests played in Madagascar's ecological past, challenging previous notions about the island's landscape.



In the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10402">Plants, People, Planet</a>, the experts report that the extensive grasslands that currently dominate Madagascar are more a result of recent human-driven changes than a naturally sustained habitat influenced by the island's large vegetarian fauna.



<h2 id="h-malegasy-hippos">Malegasy hippos</h2>



When Madagascar detached from mainland Africa around 150 million years ago, it evolved independently, nurturing a unique ecosystem secluded in the Indian Ocean. Unlike the mainland that was populated with elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and other large mammals, Madagascar had small hippos.



These dwarf or Malagasy hippos were much smaller than their four-ton relatives - the common hippos. Still yet, the dwarf hippos were one of the island's largest land animals, along with Nile crocodiles and the gigantic flightless elephant bird.&nbsp;



The Malagasy hippos, roughly the size of a cow, bore a striking resemblance to the endangered pygmy hippos presently inhabiting the forests and swamps of Liberia and Guinea in West Africa, noted study lead author Professor Brooke Crowley.



“Ecologically, we think the Malagasy dwarf hippos were pretty close to the pygmy hippos that live in forests in West Africa,” said Professor Crowley. This assertion is based on an isotopic analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen found in the bones of the extinct Malagasy dwarf hippos, providing a 'fingerprint' of the animals' diet, thereby shedding light on their preferred habitats.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers sampled bones from both museums and ones they collected on the island, and the analysis revealed that the dwarf hippos did not regularly graze on grass in dry, open habitats, even in regions presently dominated by grassland.&nbsp;



On the contrary, they seemed to favor plants found in wetter, forested landscapes. This finding suggests that forests were more prevalent before human interference began to alter the landscape for agriculture, domestic livestock grazing, and obtaining firewood and building materials.



The common hippopotamus, found on the mainland, is a known lover of grass, earning it its name from the Greek words for “river horse.” As part of their nocturnal routine, they depart from the safety of rivers and waterholes to graze on fresh grass, returning only at dawn.&nbsp;



However, the researchers found that grass represented only a small part of the diet of Malagasy dwarf hippos, who were more inclined to feed on sedges and leaves, behaving more like browsers than grazers.



<h2 id="h-human-impacts">Human impacts</h2>



“For years we’ve seen evidence that these animals were not grazers,” said study co-author Professor Laurie Godfrey of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She argues that the extinction of hippos on the island was likely triggered by the advent of permanent human communities transitioning from hunting and gathering to pastoralism and crop cultivation



Professor Godfrey calls this theory the "Subsistence Shift Hypothesis," an extension of a similar idea previously proposed by noted archaeologist Robert Dewar. “There is pretty compelling convergent evidence showing that many of the extinct animals disappeared in a short window of time coinciding with the transition of people from hunting and gathering to pastoralism,” said Professor Crowley.



<h2 id="h-conservation-actions">Conservation actions</h2>



Given the importance of forests for Madagascar's wildlife as underlined by the study, Professor Crowley advocates for the restoration of native forests on the island. She contests the idea that grasslands were a critical habitat, at least not for the island's hippos.&nbsp;



“Some colleagues argue that grasslands are ancient and that we need to protect and manage them like we do forest,” says Crowley, “I would argue that forests are far more important. We are not contending that grasses did not exist in the past, but pointing out that there is no evidence for large grasslands devoid of trees prior to about 1,000 years ago.”



Emphasizing the urgent need for novel conservation efforts, the researchers concluded: “It is clear that Madagascar faces a biodiversity crisis much greater than that which it has already endured. Preventing this crisis will demand new conservation actions.”&nbsp;



—-



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Dwarf hippos of Madagascar were forest dwellers, not grazers

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found compelling evidence...

The consumption of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during pregnancy could potentially alter the normal course of fetal development, with implications for the lifelong health of the offspring, according to new research from <a href="https://www.ohsu.edu/">Oregon Health &amp; Science University</a> (OHSU).



Published today in the journal <a href="https://clinicalepigeneticsjournal.biomedcentral.com/">Clinical Epigenetics</a>, this preclinical study has shed light on a topic that has, until now, remained largely shrouded in uncertainty due to a lack of data on the safety of prenatal cannabis use.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research</h2>



THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, is a substance whose usage and availability are surging across the United States.&nbsp;



As its popularity rises, so does the prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy, particularly during the critical first trimester. This is a period when the developing fetus is highly susceptible to environmental influences, with many women resorting to cannabis to alleviate morning sickness.&nbsp;



However, despite the escalating use, the potential ramifications of prenatal cannabis use on fetal development have not been definitively established.



This pioneering study by the OHSU team aimed to delve into the long-term health implications of THC use during pregnancy.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-alterations-to-the-epigenome">Alterations to the epigenome&nbsp;</h2>



The study, conducted in a non-human primate model, found that prenatal THC exposure resulted in alterations to the placental and fetal epigenome – the intricate chemical modifications to DNA that oversee gene regulation and expression.&nbsp;



These changes, disturbingly, paralleled those seen with several prevalent neurobehavioral conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.



“Cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs and is widely available across the country, so there is a common perception that it's completely safe to use. The reality is that cannabis still carries many health risks for certain populations, including those who are pregnant," said study lead author Dr. Lyndsey Shorey-Kendrick, a computational biologist at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC).



Dr. Shorey-Kendrick underscores the need to comprehend these impacts more deeply to inform patients about the risks effectively and promote safer habits during the vulnerable prenatal period.



The researchers administered THC in daily edibles to a nonhuman primate model, comparing the results to a placebo group. In particular, the experts investigated the epigenetic changes in key areas signifying healthy prenatal development, including the placenta and the fetal lung, brain, and heart.



<h2 id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study</h2>



The analyses revealed that THC exposure fundamentally altered the epigenome, a process wherein the information encoded in a gene is translated into a function or an observable trait.&nbsp;



With every gene making up DNA uniquely coded to contribute to various bodily and brain functions, any interference with the epigenetic processes due to drug exposure raises concerns – particularly during a critical developmental period like pregnancy.



Significant changes were observed in genes related to common neurobehavioral disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Such conditions are associated with unfavorable health outcomes in childhood and adolescence, including impaired memory and verbal reasoning abilities, as well as heightened hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.



<h2 id="h-future-implications-of-the-research">Future implications of the research&nbsp;</h2>



The team, including prominent researchers Dr. Eliot Spindel, Dr. Elinor Sullivan, Dr. Owen McCarty, and Dr. Jason Hedges, hopes their findings will improve the limited literature on THC use during pregnancy. The experts also hope to influence patient counseling and the future development of public health policies addressing cannabis.



Study co-author Dr. Jamie Lo, associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the OHSU School of Medicine, noted that discussing cannabis use is not a common practice among providers dealing with pregnant patients or those attempting to conceive.&nbsp;



"I hope our work can help open up a broader dialogue about the risks of cannabis use in the preconception and prenatal period, so we can improve children's health in the long run," said Dr. Lo.



The research thus serves as a stark reminder that a deeper understanding of cannabis and its potential effects during pregnancy is a public health necessity.



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THC exposure during pregnancy linked to life-long health risks

The consumption of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during pregnancy could potentially alter...

For those who dream of witnessing the northern lights, an opportunity could present itself next week. The aurora borealis is expected to be visible over 17 U.S. states on Thursday, July 13.



The states that could potentially get a glimpse of this rare spectacle include Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Hampshire, Washington, Vermont, Idaho, Massachusetts, Wyoming, and Indiana.



<h2 id="h-what-causes-the-northern-lights">What causes the northern lights?</h2>



The northern lights, one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena, are caused by the interaction between the sun's solar winds and Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-can-switch-their-perception-of-earths-magnetic-field-on-and-off/">magnetic field</a>.&nbsp;



"Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centered on the magnetic pole of Earth," explains the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/">NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center</a>.



This collision results in the emission of light, an effect similar to how neon lights operate. "The collisions produce light much like how electrons flowing through gas in a neon light collide with neon and other gases to produce different colored light bulbs."



<h2 id="h-exciting-forecast-for-next-week">Exciting forecast for next week</h2>



Recent forecasts from the <a href="https://www.gi.alaska.edu/">University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute</a> suggest a surge in auroral activity on the night of July 13, with the possibility of this captivating light show becoming visible in several parts of Canada and the United States.



The predictions indicate that the northern lights could illuminate the night skies in the northern regions of 17 U.S. states, provided the weather conditions remain favorable.&nbsp;



"Auroral activity will be high(+). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis," reports the UAF Institute.



<h2 id="h-when-and-how-to-view-the-northern-lights">When and how to view the northern lights&nbsp;</h2>



For those fortunate enough to be in these regions, the ideal window for viewing the aurora borealis is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. Enthusiasts are advised to move away from city lights to enjoy a clearer and brighter view of the northern lights.



The brightness and visibility of the aurora significantly depend on the level of geomagnetic activity. As the anticipated date draws closer, NOAA will be closely monitoring the activity and will release its own forecast to aid potential viewers.



Notably, the last major northern light event in the U.S. occurred during a geomagnetic storm in late April, where the lights were visible across 30 U.S. states including parts of Iowa, North Dakota, and Kansas. Next week's event could offer another rare opportunity to witness this celestial fantasy.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-northern-lights">More about the northern lights&nbsp;</h2>



The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a captivating natural light display predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. The lights form when solar particles enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with molecules of oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements.



The interaction between these particles and atmospheric molecules results in the emission of light, producing a vibrant, ethereal spectacle of green, red, yellow, blue, and violet.&nbsp;



The particular color of the light display depends on the type of gas particles involved in the collision and the altitude at which the collision occurs. For instance, green light, the most common color seen in the auroras, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above Earth's surface.



The term "aurora borealis" is derived from the Latin words "aurora" (meaning dawn) and "borealis" (meaning north). Similarly, its southern counterpart is known as the aurora australis, or southern lights.



The occurrence and strength of the northern lights are closely linked to solar activity. They are most commonly seen during periods of high solar activity such as during a solar maximum, when sunspots and solar flares are more frequent.&nbsp;



However, the lights can occur anytime the Earth passes through a region of space affected by solar wind, a stream of charged particles released from the sun.



The northern lights have fascinated humans for centuries, and are featured in the folklore and mythology of many cultures. Today, they continue to draw tourists from around the world to high-latitude regions like Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska, where the northern lights are a regular spectacle.



While they are a year-round phenomenon, northern lights are more easily observed in the winter months due to the extended hours of darkness. It's also worth noting that clear skies are essential for observing these lights. Places with low light pollution are the best spots for viewing.



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Rare spectacle: Northern lights may be visible in 17 states next week

For those who dream of witnessing the northern lights, an...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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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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Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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 <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;



"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.



"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;



According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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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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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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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 <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



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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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. 



According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.



"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.



"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."



Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;



"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.



The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.



"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.



"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."



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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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

Closeup,Of,Fresh,Green,The,Napier,Bush,Grass,As,Animal

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/">NTU Singapore</a> reveals that some plants can remove toxic heavy metals from soil.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed samples of various tropical plant species to test for levels of heavy metals and metalloids. The study showed that there are existing plants with high levels of these contaminants, which means that these species are great candidates for drawing pollutants out of the soil.&nbsp;



Among the plants examined in the study, 12 species had accumulated several types of heavy metals and metalloids. These plants are widely available, including species that are native to Singapore.



“In a small nation like Singapore, land may be repurposed to support new development plans, so it is important that we have a green and sustainable way to remediate land that is contaminated," said Professor Lam Yeng Ming.



"We set out to uncover how to better make use of tropical plants to do phytoremediation and through advanced characterization techniques, we showed how some of these tropical plant species can be an environmentally friendly and literally a 'green' way to remove contaminants in soil."&nbsp;



"Phytoremediation also has benefits of cost effectiveness, simplicity of management, aesthetic advantages, and long-term applicability and sustainability. The strategy prevents erosion and metal leaching by stabilizing or accumulating heavy metals, so that helps reduce the risk of contaminant spread.”



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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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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Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes why herbicides are not as effective in killing weeds anymore. In the 20th century, chemical companies developed thousands of herbicides. The most commonly used herbicide was glyphosate, which was introduced in 1974.



Over the past few decades, dozens of species of weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Depending on the site of action, the part of the plant that an herbicide interacts with, weeds may even be resistant to herbicides that have not been developed yet.&nbsp;



With increasing resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides, weeds are - once again - becoming a major concern for farmers.&nbsp;



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.

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) describes a dust storm on Mars that was nearly twice the size of the United States. As the storm covered the southern hemisphere of the planet, some of NASA’s explorers had to delay their normal activities.



NASA’s Insight lander put itself in a "safe mode" for 11 days to conserve battery power because solar power was disrupted by the dust. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter postponed flights until conditions improved.



"A fleet of NASA orbiters monitor Martian dust storms like this one and serve as lifelines to Earth by relaying data from the rovers and lander on the ground back to the team. This includes the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and Odyssey," reports JPL.



"Dust storms like this recent one start close to the ground and are spread by wind as they rise – warming the cold Martian atmosphere."



The images in the video were captured by NASA’s Curiosity as the dust rolled in. A fleet of orbiters monitored the dust storm from above, relaying data from Mars’ explorers back to scientists on Earth.



Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



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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.

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.



Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;The Hara Forest Protected Area is a network of shallow waterways and forest located between the island and the mainland. This protected region is home to sea turtles, snakes, and more than 150 species of migrating birds.



Qeshm is famous for its wide range of&nbsp;ecotourist&nbsp;attractions, such as the&nbsp;Hara marine forests. According to environmentalists, about 1.5 percent of the world birds and 25 percent of Iran's native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-hummingbirds-avoid-sexual-harassment-by-looking-like-males/">birds</a> annually migrate to the forests, which are the first national geo park in Iran.



Tourists are also drawn to the island to see an age-old Portuguese&nbsp;fort, historic mosques, the&nbsp;Seyyed Mozaffar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bibi Maryam&nbsp;shrines, and the "Valley of Stars."



The average temperature on the island is 81 degress and the region is often hot and humid. From June to August, the island is described as being oppressively hot. The ideal time to visit is during the winter season. 



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique.&nbsp;



"Inhambane Bay is a deep inlet into which the small Mutamba River flows," says ESA. "On one side of the bay lies the historical city of Inhambane, capital of the Inhambane Province, while the sister city of Maxixe, the economic capital of Inhambane, sits across from it. The province is the second largest grower of cashews, after Nampula, and it also produces coconut and citrus fruits."



The beaches of Barra and Tofo are popular with tourists. There are also coral reefs along the long coastline of Inhambane, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.



"Mozambique’s extensive coastline heightens the country’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones that develop in the Indian Ocean as well as storm surge flooding," says ESA.



"More than half of the population lives in low lying coastal areas, putting communities at risk. Inhambane Bay was dangerously close to where Cyclone Idai made landfall in 2019 causing widespread destruction to the country."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, one of the largest tidewater outlet glaciers in Greenland. The glacier is located on the east coast of the Greenland ice sheet.



As human-induced climate change continues to drive up temperatures, global ice loss is accelerating at an alarming rate. ESA reports that, over the past decade alone, 3.5 trillion tons of ice have melted from the Greenland ice sheet. This is enough to cover the UK with meltwater 15 meters deep.



Based on satellite imagery, researchers determined that Kangerlussuaq entered a new phase of rapid retreat and acceleration in 2017. In their study, published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2019.00123/full">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>,&nbsp; the experts report that the glacier's ice front is now at its most retreated position since the early 20th century.



"Given Kangerlussuaq’s previous impacts on both the magnitude and pattern of ice sheet wide mass loss, we predict that its new phase of retreat, acceleration and thinning will markedly enhance the south-east region’s contribution to increasing discharge from the ice sheet," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"More broadly, accurate forecasting of the ice sheet’s contribution to sea level rise will require a deeper understanding of, and responses to, these non-linear ice dynamic processes."



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Kangerlussuaq Glacier 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 the complex relationship between ocean and climate. ESA's Climate Change Initiative will help us understand how oceans influence the climate and how climate change is impacting the oceans.&nbsp;



"Earth’s oceans are huge heat stores, soaking up 93% of the excess heat from human activity over the past 70 years. Ocean currents redistribute heat around the planet, from the Equator to the poles. Where this ocean heat goes influences weather patterns and regional climate," explains ESA.



"As well as absorbing heat, oceans are a natural carbon sink, absorbing a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. This has led to the acidification of ocean water, threating marine life."



The amount of heat and carbon dioxide soaked up by the ocean depends on specific variables, including phytoplankton, temperatures, waves, salinity, and ice cover. Satellites can be used to measure these variables from space.



"From their unique vantage point, satellites provide key information for understanding the complexities of our planet and monitoring environmental issues," says ESA.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the importance of monitoring the shape of the sea surface, which is constantly changing. These observations have many applications, such as ship routing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-modem-ocean-is-a-tough-place-for-whales-to-survive/">ocean</a> current forecasting, and debris tracking.



"A project supported by the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities recently investigated a new technique to measure sea surface topography very precisely," reports ESA.



"The technique involves looking at satellite navigation (GNSS) signals that have been reflected off of the sea surface at very low angles. At these so-called grazing angles, waves and surface roughness have very little impact on the reflection process; the sea surface acts as a very smooth mirror."



Estel Cardellach is the principal investigator at the Institute for Space Studies of Catalonia, who first submitted the idea for the project.



“In a mirror-like reflection the phase of the signal can be tracked – it is continuous," said Cardellach. "Different surface heights result in different phase measurements. It gives a very precise measurement of the surface altitude at a few centimetres’ precision.”



The researchers developed a GNSS receiver and set up an experiment in the Balaeric Islands to collect signals from the receiver that were reflected off the sea surface. Ultimately, these signals will provide improved measurements of the shape of the sea surface.



Image/ Video 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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a> describes how scientists are using autonomous sound sensors to monitor deforestation in the Amazon. By recording soundscapes, the experts can determine which animals are present through their distinct sounds.&nbsp;



Using this method, sounds can be used as scientific measurements to analyze the effects of deforestation. The researchers will gain a better understanding of how the acoustics of a forest can be used to measure its health.&nbsp;



"From space, parts of the Amazon rainforest that have previously been logged or burned may look lush and green, like a place buzzing with activity and full of sounds. But inside the rainforest, the animal life may tell a different story, of a harsh environment and a quieter soundscape," says NASA.



Video Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center&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

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon through sounds

[sendtonews key="u0TYxxqfF7-2186404-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA’s...