Since 1990, childhood obesity has significantly increased on all continents, nearly doubling in prevalence. Although the United States currently has the highest prevalence, many other nations are not very far behind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-childhood-obesity-worldwide-nbsp">Childhood obesity worldwide&nbsp;</h2>



For instance, in Southern European countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain, 10 to 15 percent of children are obese, and, although Eastern European countries have for the moment slightly lower rates, they are experiencing a rapid surge which may soon match Southern Europe.&nbsp;



At a global level, Asia has almost half of all overweight children under five, while Africa has one-quarter of such children. Finally, in Latin America, nearly 20% of children under 20 are overweight.&nbsp;



And sadly, a great number of developing countries currently face not only the challenge of&nbsp; overweight/obesity in their children, but also malnutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epidemic-levels-of-childhood-obesity-nbsp">Epidemic levels of childhood obesity&nbsp;</h2>



This obesity epidemic leads to a variety of health issues, including childhood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-drug-called-rilmenidine-dramatically-slows-aging-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertension</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-drug-called-rilmenidine-dramatically-slows-aging-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a>.&nbsp;



Recently, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> (FAU) has discussed these challenges and provided possible solutions in a commentary published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10995-024-04001-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Maternal and Child Health Journal</a>.



Study lead author Charles H. Hennekens is a professor of medicine and preventive medicine at FAU.&nbsp;



“Pediatric overweight and obesity have reached epidemic levels in the U.S. and are becoming a pandemic globally. These conditions lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and lipid disorders, which contribute to metabolic syndrome,” said Hennekens.



“In adults, these issues significantly increase the risks of heart attacks, stroke, liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis and certain cancers - many of which are now occurring at younger ages.”



Hennekens noted that through coordinated clinical and public health efforts, we can address these troubling trends and work toward a healthier future for children and families globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misconceptions-about-childhood-obesity-nbsp">Misconceptions about childhood obesity&nbsp;</h2>



In the United States, a preschooler is considered overweight if their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-and-bmi-do-not-accurately-reflect-a-persons-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body mass index</a> (BMI) surpasses the 85th percentile.&nbsp;



Previous research has shown that such children are at a significantly higher risk of being overweight in their adolescence than those with a BMI at the 50th percentile. This highlights the current misconception that children can simply “outgrow” overweight problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-daily-activity-among-children-nbsp">Boosting daily activity among children&nbsp;</h2>



According to the experts, health care providers and public health practitioners face great challenges in their attempts to boost daily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/any-type-of-physical-activity-can-help-protect-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> among children, which could significantly increase metabolic rates, lower BMI, and reduce risks of coronary heart disease later in life.



“With declining physical education in schools and excessive time spent on electronic devices, many children fail to meet recommended activity guidelines,” said co-author Panagiota “Yiota” Kitsantas, the chair of FAU’s Department of Population Health and Social Medicine.&nbsp;



“This sedentary behavior contributes to overweight and obesity through poor diet, reduced sleep, and decreased physical activity. Encouraging organized, enjoyable activities rather than competitive ones can help children achieve necessary physical activity levels.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors-to-childhood-obesity-nbsp">Contributing factors to childhood obesity&nbsp;</h2>



However, the scientists warn that while increasing the amount of physical activity among children is necessary, it is far from sufficient to have a large impact on the rates of childhood overweight and obesity. 



This is due to the fact that other major contributors are the increase of foods containing high quantities of sugars, together with the consumption of ultra-processed foods.



“Nearly 70 percent of the average U.S.-based child’s diet is made up of ultra-processed foods,” Hennekens said. “Moreover, consumption of ultra-processed foods among children under 24 months is rising worldwide, triggering not only the potential of developing obesity but also decreased immunological protection.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-ultra-processed-foods-nbsp">The role of ultra-processed foods&nbsp;</h2>



Although further research is needed to clarify which components of ultra-processed foods lead to weight gain in children, it is already clear that a diet high in such foods is connected to increasing rates of overweight and obesity.



“Evidence suggests that enhancing school lunch nutritional standards could help reduce obesity, particularly among low-income children,” Kitsantas said.&nbsp;



“We recommend adopting school food policies that remove ultra-processed foods from menus and promote healthier alternatives, alongside educational programs on healthy eating, despite the challenges posed by external influences on children.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-measures-nbsp">Public health measures&nbsp;</h2>



Some of these challenges include the use of social media and advertising, which affects children’s food choices and behaviors such as sharing unhealthy food posts.



“Despite recommendations from the World Health Organization and public health authorities to restrict food marketing aimed at children, few countries have implemented such measures,” Hennekens explained.&nbsp;



“The effectiveness of existing regulations in today’s media landscape is uncertain, creating an opportunity for health providers and public health practitioners to educate families about the impact of this advertising.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-the-public-health-crisis">Managing the public health crisis </h2>



The scientists argue that tackling the rising pediatric obesity epidemic requires a multidimensional approach. In 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed World Health Organization’s guidelines, while releasing their own recommendations for managing this public health crisis.&nbsp;



The guidelines suggest that healthcare providers and public health professionals address the social determinants of health, utilize motivational interviewing to encourage changes in nutrition and physical activity habits, and consider options like pharmacotherapy or surgery to achieve individualized patient objectives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-the-troubling-trends">Reversing the troubling trends</h2>



Yet, the study authors argue that although there are approved drug therapies available, maternal and child health care providers should employ therapeutic lifestyle changes before prescribing pharmaceutical interventions.



“While the ultimate goal is prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity as well as metabolic syndrome, to paraphrase Voltaire, we should not ‘let the perfect be the enemy of the good,’” Hennekens said.



“Health care and public health professionals must collaborate across disciplines to address these issues with patients, families, communities and policymakers. United efforts can help reverse these troubling trends and ensure a healthier future for children worldwide,” Kitsantas concluded.



-----



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Childhood obesity rates are surging worldwide

Since 1990, childhood obesity has significantly increased on all continents, nearly doubling in prevalence. Although the United States currently has the highest prevalence, many other nations are not very far behind. Childhood obesity worldwide&nbsp; For instance, in Southern European countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain, 10 to 15 percent of children are obese, and, although Eastern European countries have for the moment slightly lower rates, they are experiencing a rapid surge which may soon match Southern Europe.&nbsp; At a global level, Asia has almost half of...

Beer before liquor? Quantity, not drinking order, gets you hungover “Beer before liquor, never been sicker” but “beer before wine and you’ll feel fine” have long been catchy Beer before liquor? Quantity, not drinking order, gets you hungover sayings offering caution to the order of drinking different types of alcohol. 

Whichever way the saying goes, a new study has found that no matter how you strategize the order of your drinks, you’ll still get a hangover.

A <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/holiday-parenting-hangovers/">bad hangover</a> is more than just an unpleasant side-effect of drinking too much, and hangovers can make people sick, sensitive to light and sounds, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hangovers-induce-anxiety/">anxious</a>, and decrease performance at work or school. 

Hangovers occur when blood-alcohol levels decrease and return to zero. While everyone seems to have their own tried and true hangover remedy, people also spout old folk sayings as a way to prevent a severe hangover episode the morning after a night of drinking. 

These sayings aren’t just specific to the  English language, and other countries like France and Germany have their own old sayings when it comes to what someone should drink and the best order to drink in.  Even though there is little evidence to prove these claims, they remain popular aphorisms that have stood the test of time. 

Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uni-wh.de/en/uwh-international/start/">Witten/Herdecke University</a> in Germany and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge </a>conducted a study to put the matter to rest once and for all and to see there was any truth to these folk sayings. Beer before liquor? Quantity, not drinking order, gets you hungover 

The results of the study were published in the journal American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 

For the study, the researchers recruited 90 volunteers between the ages of 19 and 40, and participants were split into three groups. One group drank two and a half pints of beer followed by four large glasses of wine. The members of the second drank the same quantities as the first group but in the opposite order. The third group was allowed only to drink wine or beer but never mix the two. 

A week later, the researchers switched up the drinking order of the groups which allowed both the researchers and the participants themselves to better assess if drinking different beverages impacts hangover severity. Beer before liquor? Quantity, not drinking order, gets you hungover 

The participants recorded their level of drunkenness at the end of each session, and the next day the researchers asked the participants to rather their hangovers on a scale of 0 to 56. 

None of the participants had a comparatively worse hangover, and all hangovers were rated generally the same. The researchers also couldn’t find any determining factors like age, sex, body weight, or drinking habits that predicted hangover intensity. 

“Using white wine and lager beer, we didn't find any truth in the idea that drinking beer before wine gives you a milder hangover than the other way around,” said Jöran Köchling the first author of the study. “The truth is that drinking too much of any alcoholic drink is likely to result in a hangover. The only reliable way of predicting how miserable you'll feel the next day is by how drunk you feel and whether you are sick. We should all pay attention to these red flags when drinking.” 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Beer before liquor? Quantity, not drinking order, gets you hungover

Beer before liquor? Quantity, not drinking order, gets you hungover...

It’s been a commonly held stereotype that smart people wear glasses, but a new genetic study found there is some truth to the famous trope. 

The study, which is the largest genetic study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fetal-exposure-air-pollution/">cognitive function</a> ever conducted, shows that people with higher intelligence are more likely to have poor eyesight. 

Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/">University of Edinburgh</a> reviewed data from over 300,000 people from North America, Australia, and Europe. 

The data came from previous studies with participants ages 16 to 102 who had been asked to take several tests that measured general cognitive ability. 

According to the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5783453/Scientists-148-DNA-regions-impact-intelligence.html">Daily Mail</a>, the data showed that people with higher cognitive functions were 30 percent more likely to need glasses than people who had lower cognitive abilities.

Intelligence was linked to good cardiovascular and mental health as well as a longer lifespan. 

Researchers also found connections between reaction time and bipolar and ADHD as well as genetic links between cognitive ability and hypertension. 

The results, published in the journal Nature, could help with better-understanding diseases that cause cognitive decline like Alzheimer's and how intelligence and genetics influence longer, healthier lives. 

“The discovery of shared genetic effects on health outcomes and brain structure provides a foundation for exploring the mechanisms by which these differences influence thinking skills throughout a lifetime,” said Gail Davies, an author of the study in a statement. 

The researchers identified 148 genomic regions that correlate with intelligence, memory, mental processing time, and spatial awareness. 

58 of the genes identified had never been reported before, emphasizing the importance of large sample sizes in studies in order to truly understand trends, associations, and risk factors. 

“I am surprised by the long list of health-related traits that show genetic overlaps with performance on cognitive tests. I've been working on human intelligence for years, and it was a long time before I appreciated how health relevant it is; our new study reinforces that appreciation,” Ian Deary, the lead author of the study, told <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/does-wearing-glasses-mean-you-are-smarter-yes-suggests-new-genetic-study-948629?spJobID=1031401659">Newsweek.</a>

The researchers were not able to explain why certain genetic traits were linked to intelligence and poor eyesight, but the study could help pave the way for studies that further investigate these findings. 

“Genetic studies of cognitive function are in their infancy, but this study is important in its sample size and power to detect novel associations between genes and traits,” Natasha Sigala, a neuroscience professor who was not involved in the research, told Newsweek. “We are trying to map out constellations of genes that work together to create our amazingly complex and adaptive brain. In that sense, this study boldly goes further than anyone has gone before.”

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Study finds that people who wear glasses actually are smarter

It’s been a commonly held stereotype that smart people wear...

Coping with a terminal illness can be exceedingly difficult, but new research finds that it also offers a unique opportunity for growth and wisdom. 

Most people would define wisdom as the accumulation of all the knowledge, lessons and experiences at any given point in one’s life. 

Researchers from the <a href="http://som.ucsd.edu/">University of California San Diego School of Medicine</a> were curious to see if the nature of wisdom changed for those people who knew they were nearing the end of their time, such as those diagnosed with a terminal illness or in hospice care. 

“This is an extremely challenging time, a confluence of learning to accept what's happening while still striving to grow and change and live one's remaining life as best one can,”  said Dilip V. Jeste, the senior author. “It's this paradox that, if embraced, can lead to even greater wisdom while confronting one's own mortality.”

The study was published in the journal International Psychogeriatrics. 

For the study, 21 hospice patients ages 58 to 97 in the last six months of their lives were asked to describe the core characteristics of wisdom and how their illness had affected their definition of wisdom. 

The participants were interviewed by mental health professionals and asked questions about how they define wisdom. The interviews were taped and later analyzed by the researchers. 

The components of wisdom as defined by the patients were prosocial behaviors, social decision making, emotional regulation, openness to new experience, acknowledgment of uncertainty, spirituality, self-reflection, sense of humor and tolerance.

After speaking with the patients and evaluating the interviews, the researchers found that the nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/working-class-smarter-relationships/">wisdom</a> changed for the patients and that growth and acceptance had become a central part of their lives. 

Acceptance and learning to cope with the challenges while still embracing opportunities for growth and change was often discussed in the interviews.   

“It wasn't passive 'giving up,' but rather an active coping process,” said Dr. Lori P. Montross-Thomas, the study’s first author. “They emphasized how much they appreciated life, taking time to reflect. There was a keen sense of fully enjoying the time they had left and in doing so, finding the beauty in everyday life.” 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>,<a href="https://www.earth.com/"> Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The nature of wisdom changes toward the end of life

Coping with a terminal illness can be exceedingly difficult, but...

Based on the carbon footprint of what more than 16,000 Americans eat in a day, researchers have found that diets which are environmentally friendly are also healthier. The study is the first to compare the climate impact of foods to their nutritional value using real-world data about what Americans are eating.

“The good news here is that there are win-win solutions with diets that are healthier for people and planet,” said study co-author Martin Heller of the <a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a> Center for Sustainable Systems.

“Big reductions in food-related emissions don't require eliminating foods entirely: moderate shifts away from red meat and toward beans, eggs or chicken can lead to significant improvements in both health and our diet's carbon footprint.”


Study lead author Diego Rose is a professor of Nutrition and Food Security at <a href="https://tulane.edu/">Tulane University</a>'s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

“People whose diets had a lower carbon footprint were eating less red meat and dairy - which contribute to a larger share of greenhouse gas emissions and are high in saturated fat - and consuming more healthful foods like poultry, whole grains and plant-based proteins,” said Professor Rose. 

The researchers developed an extensive database linking <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/new-cattle-feed-methane-emissions/">greenhouse gas emissions</a> to the production of specific foods, and incorporated the results of a large national survey which revealed what the respondents were eating in a typical 24-hour period. Next, the team ranked diets by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per 1,000 calories consumed and then divided them into five equal groups.

After assessing the nutritional value of foods using the U.S. Healthy Eating Index, the experts determined that Americans in the lowest-carbon footprint group ate a healthier diet. However, these diets also contained some low-emission items that are not healthy, such as added sugars and refined grains. Furthermore, the diets among this group had lower amounts of iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

The highest-impact diets had greater quantities of meat, dairy, and solid fats per 1,000 calories. Diets in this category were found to contribute to five times the amount of emissions compared to those in the lowest-impact group.

Heller concluded, “We hope these findings will help the public and policymakers recognize that improving diet quality can also help the environment.”


The study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ajcn">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Diets that are better for the environment are also healthier

Based on the carbon footprint of what more than 16,000...

Air pollution increases the risk of miscarriage as much as smoking. Air pollution increases the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/london-air-pollution-deadly-asthma-attack/">cardiovascular and respiratory disease</a> and is responsible for millions of deaths every year.

Children are especially vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution, and now a new study has found that air pollution can also negatively impact fetal development during pregnancy. 

Researchers led by the <a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/">Huntsman Cancer Institute</a> in Salt Lake City and the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/">University of Utah</a> discovered that air pollution increases the risk of miscarriage as much as smoking does. 

The study, which was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001502821832154X#!">Fertility and Sterility</a>, is the first of its kind to examine how short-term exposure to air pollution impacts pregnancy.

“It’s pretty profound,” Matthew Fuller, a co-author of the study, told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jan/11/air-pollution-as-bad-as-smoking-in-increasing-risk-of-miscarriage">The Guardian</a>. “If you compare that increase in risk to other studies on environmental effects on the foetus, it’s akin to tobacco smoke in first trimester pregnancy loss.” 

The researchers reviewed 1,398 cases of women who had experienced a miscarriage in and around Salt Lake City between 2007 and 2015 in the hopes of establishing a link between air pollution and spontaneous pregnancy loss. 

After analyzing the different cases, the researchers found that exposure to increases levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in particular over a period of one week correlated with a 16 percent increase in miscarriage. 

Nitrogen dioxide is emitted from diesel vehicles. NO2 levels in Salt Lake City are comparable to other large cities like London and Paris, and the study shows how dangerous exposure to diesel fumes and air pollution is to pregnancy. 

“Many of us think there is an effect [of air pollution] on our health, but to find out there are actual effects on unborn children is very upsetting,” Fuller told The Guardian.

Global CO2 and NO2 emissions will need to be mitigated in order to reduce the negative health impacts of air pollution including disease and early death. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Paid for by <a href="http://earth.com">Earth.com</a>

Air pollution increases the risk of miscarriage as much as smoking

Air pollution increases the risk of miscarriage as much as...

A new study from <a href="https://www.bcm.edu/">Baylor College of Medicine</a> has revealed that twins have more corresponding traits than what was previously realized. An international team of experts has found that twins share a molecular level of similarity beyond their identical genes which has an influence on their biological qualities, and may even influence their risk of getting cancer.

“The characteristics of an individual depend not only on genes inherited from the parents but also on epigenetics, which refers to molecular mechanisms that determine which genes will be turned on or off in different cell types,” said senior author Dr. Robert A. Waterland. “If we view one's DNA as the computer hardware, epigenetics is the software that determines what the computer can do.”

Epigenetics is a process by which chemical tags are used to mark which genes will be expressed in different types of cells. A lot of previous research has been focused on methyl chemical tags, in particular, because of their association with the development of cancer.

For the current study, the team examined a group of genes called metastable epialleles. It has been suggested that methyl tags are randomly added to metastable epialleles during early embryonic development and maintained throughout life.

“We expected that the patterns of methyl tags added to metastable epialleles would be equally random in identical twins and fraternal twins,” said Waterland. “Instead, we found that the methylation patterns matched almost perfectly in identical twins, a degree of similarity that could not be explained by the twins sharing the same DNA. We call this phenomenon 'epigenetic supersimilarity.’"

Identical twins form when the embryo splits into two parts and each continues to develop. The authors created and tested a simple model to demonstrate the occurrence of epigenetic supersimilarity.

“If, in this group of genes, the epigenetic markers are established before the embryo splits into two, then the markers will be the same in both twins,” said Waterland. “In essence, both twins inherit an intimate molecular memory of their shared developmental legacy as a single individual. On the other hand, genes at which epigenetic markers are set after the embryo splits can have greater epigenetic differences between the two twins.”

Even though there are a relatively small group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genes-body-stays-sleep/">genes</a> that are affected by epigenetic supersimilarity, the researchers discovered that many of these genes are associated with cancer. To determine whether these epigenetic markers might influence the risk of cancer, the team collaborated with experts in Melbourne, Australia. 

“By analyzing peripheral blood DNA samples from healthy adults in our study, we have been able to show that methylation at epigenetically supersimilar genes is associated with risk of subsequently developing several types of cancer, including lung, prostate and colorectal cancer,” said study co-author Dr. Roger Milne, head of Cancer Epidemiology at <a href="https://www.cancervic.org.au/">Cancer Council Victoria</a>.

“Our findings should prompt a re-evaluation of previous genetic studies on twins,” said Waterland. "For decades, researchers have studied genetically identical twins to estimate what proportion of disease risk is determined by one's genes. To the extent that epigenetic supersimilarity affects risk of disease, as our results indicate, genetic risk estimates based on twin studies have been inflated.”

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/">Genome Biology</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Twins have more in common than just identical genes

A new study from Baylor College of Medicine has revealed...

A new study from <a href="http://www.physoc.org/">The Physiological Society</a> has found that genetics can influence how the heart responds to exercise. An individual's heart rate and blood pressure during <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/listening-music-exercise-fight-fatigue/">physical activity</a> may provide early warning signs of future issues with the heart or blood vessels.

People experience an increase in heart rate and blood pressure when they exercise, but the extent of this increase varies among different individuals. The reason for this variation has been unclear, but the new study provides evidence that genetic differences in receptors across skeletal muscles make a significant contribution. 

Previous research has found that abnormally large spikes in blood pressure during exercise are a strong predictor of high blood pressure later in life. It is important to understand why people react differently to exercise in order to identify risk factors, which could lead to early monitoring and treatment for future issues. 

Researchers at the <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/">University of Guelph</a> in Canada measured the heart rate and blood pressure of 200 healthy young men and women before and during a handgrip exercise. The DNA of the individuals was also evaluated for genetic risk factors.

The scientists determined that the presence of two common genetic mutations in skeletal muscle receptors led to higher blood pressure during exercise compared to people who did not have them. The effect was found to be particularly strong in men.

“This research suggests the presence of these receptors can contribute to larger blood pressure responses during exercise - a risk factor for future problems with the heart or blood vessels,” said study co-author Philip J. Millar. “It is important to examine why we saw this difference mainly in men, and to understand the specific mechanisms behind how these genetic variants influence their heart rate and blood pressure responses to exercise.”

The study is published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14697793">The Journal of Physiology</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Genetics determine how your heart responds to exercise

A new study from The Physiological Society has found that...

Researchers from <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/">Exeter University</a> and the <a href="https://www.brighton.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Brighton</a> have found that chocolate and red wine are “the secret to beating wrinkles.” The surprising new study found that substances which occur naturally in red wine and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-chocolate-cardiovascular-health/">dark chocolate</a> can revitalize old cells.

“This is a first step in trying to make people live normal lifespans, but with health for their entire life,” said lead researcher Lorna Harries. “Our data suggests that using chemicals to switch back on the major class of genes that are switched off as we age might provide a means to restore function to old cells.”

As we age, our skin tissues accumulate senescent cells. These cells are metabolically active but have lost the ability to replicate and to correctly regulate the output of their genes. Senescent cells also have fewer splicing factors, which help cells to effectively respond to challenges in their environment.

The researchers applied compounds called resveratrol analogues - chemicals based on a substance naturally found in red wine, dark chocolate, red grapes and blueberries - to cells in culture. The chemicals caused splicing factors, and the cells started to look younger and began replicating within hours.

“When I saw some of the cells in the culture dish rejuvenating I couldn’t believe it. These old cells were looking like young cells. It was like magic,” said co-author Dr.Eva Latorre. “I repeated the experiments several times and in each case the cells rejuvenated. I am very excited by the implications and potential for this research.”

The study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/295/6598/587">BMJ Cell Biology</a>, may lead to more effective anti-aging treatments. Professor Richard Faragher says that the discovery of cell rejuvenation shows “the enormous potential of aging research to improve the lives of older people.”

“At a time when our capacity to translate new knowledge about the mechanisms of aging into medicines and lifestyle advice is limited only by a chronic shortage of funds, older people are ill-served by self-indulgent science fiction. They need practical action to restore their health and they need it yesterday,” said Professor Faragher.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Chocolate and red wine can actually help you fight wrinkles

Researchers from Exeter University and the University of Brighton have...

A new study found that eating garlic can combat age-related changes in gut bacteria that are associated with <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/moving-older-adults-preserve-memory/">memory issues</a>. These health benefits come from a compound in garlic called allyl sulfide.

"Our findings suggest that dietary administration of garlic containing allyl sulfide could help maintain healthy gut microorganisms and improve cognitive health in the elderly," said co-lead researcher Jyotirmaya Behera, PhD, from the <a href="http://louisville.edu/">University of Louisville</a>.

The team set out to better understand how the gut microbiota — that being the collective term for the trillions of gut microorganisms — changes with age and how it may be linked to other age-related health issues.

"The diversity of the gut microbiota is diminished in elderly people, a life stage when neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's develop and memory and cognitive abilities can decline," said co-author Neetu Tyagi, PhD, also from the University of Louisville. "We want to better understand how changes in the gut microbiota relate to aging-associated cognitive decline."

Behera, Tyagi, and their team fed allyl sulfide to 24-month-old mice, which correlates to humans aged 56 to 69. These mice were compared to controlled 4-month- and 24-month-old mice who were not taking oral allyl sulfide.

The older mice taking allyl sulfide showed better short- and long-term memory, spatial memory, and overall gut health than the older mice not taking the allyl sulfide.

Researchers found via further experimentation that reduced gene expression of neuronal-derived natriuretic factor (NDNF) in the brains of older mice not taking allyl sulfide is to blame for their cognitive decline. Mice who were consuming allyl sulfide showed higher levels of NDNF gene expression. NDNF was just recently discovered by scientists at the University of Louisville and is pertinent to long-term and short-term memory consolidation.

Furthermore, the team found that when mice were fed allyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide gas was produced in the gut lumen. This gas acts as a messenger molecule that prevents intestinal inflammation. Therefore, the researchers believe that by restoring gut health, the allyl sulfide in garlic promotes memory consolidation.

More experimentation is needed to better understand gut health and memory, however this new information could potentially lead to garlic being used as a memory treatment within the aging human population.

These findings will be shared at the <a href="http://www.the-aps.org/">American Physiological Society</a> annual meeting during the <a href="https://experimentalbiology.org/2019/home.aspx">2019 Experimental Biology meeting</a>, which runs from April 6th to April 9th in Orlando, Florida.

--

By <a href="mailto:oliviagharvey24@gmail.com">Olivia Harvey</a>, <a href="http://earth.com">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Garlic can enhance memory by improving gut health

A new study found that eating garlic can combat age-related...

Aerobic exercise boosts cognitive ability even for young people. Aerobic exercise can help slow age-related declines in cognition, goal-setting, and problem-solving for adults, according to new research.

Studies have shown that exercise has many positive benefits including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-cancer-risk/#">decreasing cancer risk</a>, and improving overall health and wellbeing. But now, researchers from <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/">Columbia University</a> found aerobic exercise, in particular, can help improve executive function even in young adults starting at age 20.

Executive function refers to a set of cognitive processes that are key to planning and achieving goals and day-to-day to tasks.

Previous research had found that aerobic exercise benefits the elderly, but this is one of the first studies of its kind to prove that the benefits apply to all ages and could serve as a preventive measure against age-related mental decline.

132 individuals with below average aerobic abilities aged 20 to 67 participated in the study and the researchers assigned the participants to either an aerobic exercise training program of their choice or a core-strengthening program.

The participants worked out at a local YMCA four times a week while wearing heart rate monitors. The researchers also tested each participant’s executive function abilities, attention, language, and episodic memory.

After 24 weeks, the participants who assigned the aerobic exercise regime showed significant improvement in executive function, and although all age groups had increased executive function, the benefits were more significant for the older age groups.

Brain scans also showed that aerobic exercise increased the amount of gray matter in the brain.

The results, published in the journal Neurology, show that regular aerobic exercise could help combat mental declines and improve deteriorated mental processes.

“Executive function usually peaks around age 30,” said Yaakov Stern, the leader of the study. “and I think that aerobic exercise is good at rescuing lost function, as opposed to increasing performance in those without a decline.”

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Aerobic exercise boosts cognitive ability even for young people

Aerobic exercise boosts cognitive ability even for young people. Aerobic...

Why sleep deprivation spells out bad news for your gut. Individuals who work night shifts, travel across time zones, or struggle with <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/insomnia-heart-failure-stroke/">sleep deprivation</a> tend to become overweight and experience gut inflammation. 

However, scientists have not been able to find the physical link between odd sleep patterns and gut health until now. 

A group of researchers from the <a href="http://first.fchampalimaud.org/en/the-foundation/champalimaud-centre-unknown/">Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown</a> in Lisbon have discovered that the function of a grouping of immune cells, known to be influencers of gut health, is directly controlled by the brain’s circadian clock, which is dependent on the daylight cycle.

"Sleep deprivation, or altered sleep habits, can have dramatic health consequences, resulting in a range of diseases that frequently have an immune component, such as bowel inflammatory conditions,” said lead researcher Henrique Veiga-Fernandes. "To understand why this happens, we started by asking whether immune cells in the gut are influenced by the circadian clock."

As the researchers explain, almost all the cells within the body follow the circadian rhythm through expression of “clock genes,” which inform cells of the time of day and therefore help organs and bodily systems to function properly and anticipate sleep, eating, and other daily necessities.

Although these clock genes are autonomous, they still must be synchronised in order to work properly. 

"The cells inside the body don't have direct information about external light, which means that individual cell clocks can be off,” Veiga-Fernandes said. "The job of the brain's clock, which receives direct information about daylight, is to synchronise all of these little clocks inside the body so that all systems are in synch, which is absolutely crucial for our wellbeing.”

Upon analyzing the types of immune cells present in the intestine, the researchers discovered that Type 3 Lymphoid Cells (ILC3s) are particularly susceptible to upsets to the clock genes. 

"These cells fulfill important functions in the gut: they fight infection, control the integrity of the gut epithelium and instruct lipid absorption,” said Veiga-Fernandes. "When we disrupted their clocks, we found that the number of ILC3s in the gut was significantly reduced. This resulted in severe inflammation, breaching of the gut barrier, and increased fat accumulation."

Having seen this reaction, the team needed to investigate why the number of ILC3s in the gut is directly affected by the brain’s circadian clock. Upon analyzing how disrupting the circadian clock influenced the expression of different genes in ILC3s, the team found that the “molecular zip code” was missing.

ILC3s need to express a protein on their membrane, which acts as a molecular zip code, as the researchers explained. This zip code instructs ILC3s where to migrate. When the brain’s circadian input is not present, the ILC3s could not express this zip code, and therefore, could not reach their final destination.

"This mechanism is a beautiful example of evolutionary adaptation,” Veiga-Fernandes said. "During the day's active period, which is when you feed, the brain's circadian clock reduces the activity of ILC3s in order to promote healthy lipid metabolism. But then, the gut could be damaged during feeding. So after the feeding period is over, the brain's circadian clock instructs ILC3s to come back into the gut, where they are now needed to fight against invaders and promote regeneration of the epithelium."

"It comes as no surprise then, that people who work at night can suffer from inflammatory intestinal disorders,” he continued. “It has all to do with the fact that this specific neuro-immune axis is so well-regulated by the brain's clock that any changes in our habits have an immediate impact on these important, ancient immune cells."

"The concept that the nervous system can coordinate the function of the immune system is entirely novel,” he concludes. “It has been a very inspiring journey; the more we learn about this link, the more we understand how important it is for our wellbeing and we are looking forward to seeing what we will find next.”

This breakthrough is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1579-3">Nature</a>.

--

By <a href="mailto:oliviagharvey24@gmail.com">Olivia Harvey</a>, <a href="http://earth.com">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: Shutterstock/elwynn

Why sleep deprivation spells out bad news for your gut

Why sleep deprivation spells out bad news for your gut....

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Experts identify a protein that may be the key to healthy aging. In a groundbreaking new study, researchers at the <a href="https://www.mdc-berlin.de/">Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine</a> (MDC) have identified a protein that has a major influence on healthy <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbiome-promotes-healthier-aging/">aging</a> by supporting muscle strength and lifespan. 

The experts found that animals lacking the protein LIN-53 have severe muscle defects and limited mobility. A deficiency of LIN-53 was also linked to premature death. 

In the Gene Regulation and Cell Fate Decision Lab, a team led by Dr. Baris Tursun investigated the function of LIN-53 in roundworms. The findings may ultimately lead to studies on the human version of the protein.

"Identifying the genetic factors that play a role in linking lifespan and healthspan is key for understanding human health and aging-related diseases such as muscular dystrophy," said Dr. Tursun. 

LIN-53 binds to molecules called histones that are wrapped tightly inside of long DNA strands within the cell nucleus. Histone modifications can turn gene expression levels up or down, ultimately affecting the development, function, and lifespan of an organism. 

Because of its interaction with histones, LIN-53 is considered an "epigenetic factor," which can influence the activation and deactivation of gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence.

The researchers set out to determine whether LIN-53 has an influence on the lifespan and healthspan of an organism. The team also wanted to learn if lifespan and healthspan are directly related.

"Usually when we age, we experience aging symptoms accompanied by muscle loss," explained Dr. Tursun. "Is this all coincidence or is it linked, and if so, how it is linked? Our paper is one of the first to show an epigenetic link."

When the researchers knocked out the gene for LIN-53 in Caenorhabditis elegans, this affected the roundworm's ability to move and shortened its lifespan. LIN-53 affected muscle development through the molecular complex NuRD, yet affected lifespan through a separate complex, Sin3. 

According to the experts, the fact that these distinct pathways both involve LIN-53 strongly indicates that the protein is a link between healthspan and lifespan.

"LIN-53 is part of seven different molecular complexes regulating chromatin modification and structure," said study first author Stefanie Müthel. "I was surprised and excited that we were able to clearly define the complexes important for healthspan and lifespan."

"We all want to age in a healthy manner," said Dr. Tursun. "Once we understand the links between aging and all the accompanying detrimental effects, then we can begin to think about how to unlink them."

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14749726">Aging Cell</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: Tursun Lab, MDC

Experts identify a protein that may be the key to healthy aging

Experts identify a protein that may be the key to...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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