The low-carb lifestyle has been a point of contention for dieticians and individuals, with some questioning its nutritional value. 



As interest in low-carb diets skyrockets, it is increasingly important to dispel any misconceptions that undermine the potential benefits of a low-carb lifestyle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-low-carb-diets">New perspective on low-carb diets</h2>



Recently, a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition busted one of the top myths about low-carb diets - that they leave you undernourished. Contrary to this belief, the research reveals that strategically planned low-carb diets can meet, and sometimes surpass, one’s dietary needs.



According to Dr. Beth Bradley, a co-author of the study from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/cals/nfs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont’s Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences</a>, many Americans struggle to get the nutrients they need from typical food choices. 



"Low-carb eating patterns can actually help promote better diet quality and close critical nutrient gaps," said Dr. Bradley. 



The researchers evaluated the nutritional composition of three distinct 7-day low-carb meal plans. Two of these were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-and-keto-diets-rapidly-transform-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ketogenic diets</a>, comprising roughly 20 grams and 40 grams of net carbs daily, while the third had around 100 grams of net carbs daily.



All three diets meet the key requirement for low-carb diets, which is under 130 grams of carbs per day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-packed-with-nutrients">Packed with nutrients</h2>



Each of these meal plans exceeded the average nutrient needs for essential vitamins such as A, C, D, E, K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12. This was applicable for men and women aged 31-70. 



Dr.Bradley emphasized that low-carb eating patterns can actually help promote better diet quality, further dismissing the belief that these diets result in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/micronutrient-deficiency-rates-are-soaring-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient deficiency</a>.



However, for specific sub-populations with higher needs, such as younger women and older adults, a few nutrients like iron and calcium might fall slightly short. This highlights the importance of individualized nutritional planning when adopting a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-exactly-constitutes-a-low-carb-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-carb lifestyle</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-about-fiber">How about fiber?</h2>



One of the most notable findings from the study revolved around fiber. The meal plans with 40 grams and 100 grams of net carbs succeeded in meeting the daily fiber needs of women aged 31-70.



“The idea that a low-carb diet must also be low in fiber is simply not supported by the data,” noted Dr. Bradley. She emphasized that “high-fiber foods are actually an important part of a low-carb lifestyle, in part because <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fiber-rich-diets-reduce-antimicrobial-resistance-in-the-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiber-rich</a> food choices can help lower net carbohydrate intake.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-and-fat-consumption">Protein and fat consumption</h2>



While the protein content of these meal plans exceeded the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), they still fell within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range of 10-35% of daily calories. The diets were lower in saturated fat and sodium compared to the average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthier-american-diets-could-greatly-benefit-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American diet</a>.



However, the diets slightly exceeded recommendations for these components, providing more beneficial omega-6 to omega-3 and sodium to potassium ratios.



“Which foods your nutrients come from and how they fit within the broader context of your overall diet may play a more important role in determining health outcomes," said Dr. Bradley. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-low-carb-lifestyles">A new era of low-carb lifestyles</h2>



The research ultimately reinforces evidence that supports the role of a low-carb lifestyle in promoting a balanced diet, overall well-being, and controlling or even reversing diet-related diseases.



While some individuals may need dietary supplements to meet their personal needs, a low-carb diet provides a robust nutritional foundation for a healthy lifestyle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-health-implications-of-low-carb-diets">Broader health implications of low-carb diets</h2>



Low-carb diets go beyond improving nutrient intake; they also have significant implications for managing chronic conditions. For individuals with metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, low-carb diets help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.



These diets are also linked to better cardiovascular health, as they can improve omega-6 to omega-3 ratios and balance sodium and potassium intake, reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.



In terms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-are-great-for-weight-loss-regardless-of-the-type/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight management</a>, low-carb diets can promote satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption, making them a sustainable option for those aiming to manage their weight. 



While not a universal solution, the potential benefits of low-carb diets make them a valuable tool in supporting overall health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1449109/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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Low-carb diets have more nutritional value than expected

The low-carb lifestyle has been a point of contention for dieticians and individuals, with some questioning its nutritional value. As interest in low-carb diets skyrockets, it is increasingly important to dispel any misconceptions that undermine the potential benefits of a low-carb lifestyle. New perspective on low-carb diets Recently, a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition busted one of the top myths about low-carb diets - that they leave you undernourished. Contrary to this belief, the research reveals that strategically planned low-carb diets can meet, and sometimes surpass,...

According to a new study from the <a href="https://www.escardio.org/Congress-Home">European Society of Cardiology</a>, poor sleep can lead to heart disease. Lack of quality sleep may be a sign of a serious cardiovascular issue such as ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Researchers conducted a study of almost 13,000 people to determine if there are distinguishable sleep disturbance patterns associated with each of these heart conditions.

"Poor sleep is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as ischaemic heart disease and stroke but the kind of sleep disturbances that are most risky is not well documented," said lead researcher Dr Nobuo Sasaki. "'Poor sleep' includes too short or too long sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and difficulty maintaining sleep."

In order to investigate the different patterns of sleep disturbance between the two conditions, the researchers analyzed 12,876 residents of Hiroshima, Japan, who were scheduled for a regular health check. 773 of the patients had a history of ischaemic heart disease, while 560 patients had a history of stroke. The remaining 11,543 had no cardiovascular disease.

The team evaluated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rem-sleep-risk-dementia/">sleep</a> habits of the patients using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-reporting survey about sleep quality which produces seven component scores. These scores measure aspects of sleep such as sleep duration, sleep quality, difficulty in maintaining sleep, and use of sleeping pills.

The experts calculated a global PSQI score which ranged from 0 to 21 for each patient using the sum of the seven component scores. Higher scores indicated poorer sleep quality. These “poor sleep" ratings were found in 52 percent of patients with ischaemic heart disease and 48 percent of patients with a history of stroke.

"The proportion of people suffering from sleep disturbances is around 1.5-fold higher among patients with previous ischaemic heart disease or stroke compared to those with no history of cardiovascular disease,” explained Dr. Sasaki.

"Interestingly only patients with ischaemic heart disease reported difficulty maintaining sleep and short sleep duration," he continued. "Difficulty maintaining sleep reflects an increase in sleep fragmentation, which refers to brief moments of waking up and causes overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and adrenocortical axis."

The findings of the study will be presented today at the <a href="https://www.escardio.org/Congresses-%26-Events/ESC-Congress">Congress of the European Society of Cardiology</a> in Barcelona, Spain.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Poor sleep can actually kill you

According to a new study from the European Society of...

White shark sightings off the coast of Massachusetts startled beachgoers and closed multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-cape-cod-rising/">Cape Cod</a> beaches last week. Experts say the sharks are most likely arriving to the area in pursuit of seals, and do not pose a major threat to humans.

Cleveland Bigelow was paddleboarding approximately 30 yards off the shore of Marconi Beach when he was thrown off his stand-up board by a white shark. The shark bit the board, but Bigelow escaped without injury. 

"I would be telling you a fish story if I said that I wasn't scared," Bigelow told <a href="http://www.wcvb.com/">WCVB</a>. "I count my blessings from God.”

14 miles south of the incident, a white shark attacked a seal just feet from the shore at Nauset Beach. Surfers and swimmers panicked to get to safety as a large pool of blood appeared in the water.

In recent years, great whites have been appearing in larger numbers off Cape Cod in the summertime. Researchers believe that they are attracted to a thriving seal population, which has been growing since the 1972 federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Scientists also believe that changing ocean currents and the depletion of food due to overfishing are also explanations for the presence of more white sharks in the region.

Marie Levine is the executive director of the <a href="https://www.sharks.org/">Shark Research Institute</a> in Princeton, New Jersey.

"We are the interloper in the ocean," Levine told the <a href="https://www.ap.org/en-us/">Associated Press</a>. "White sharks prey on seals. Seals come ashore, so if seals are coming ashore on any beach, people should stay out of the water there. It's just common sense."

Greg Skomal is a state biologist in Massachusetts who has been studying the migratory patterns of white sharks. His team has electronically tagged dozens of animals for their research, and identified 80 sharks off Cape Cod in 2014, 141 in 2015, and 146 in 2016. 

While data for 2017 is not yet available, Skomal said there is evidence that great whites are spreading out to cover most of Cape Cod’s eastern coast. He indicates, however, that the event at Nauset Beach is a perfect example of why there is no need to panic.

"We had people who were surfing, we had swimmers, and we had a shark attack a seal among them all," said Skomal. "That's a level of selection that we need to realize. The shark decided the seal was the prey item."

There have been no fatal shark attacks reported in the United States so far this year, and sharks have not killed a person in Massachusetts since 1936.

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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

Shark sightings shut down beaches on Cape Cod

White shark sightings off the coast of Massachusetts startled beachgoers...

Polyphenols play an important role in our health and well being as they are known to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, protect against unwanted pathogens, and reduce cancerous tumors. Polyphenols are everywhere, especially in cocoa, olive oil, apples, grapes, and cherries. Now, a new study by the <a href="https://www.escardio.org/">European Society of Cardiology</a> has found that dark chocolate enriched with extra virgin olive oil is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as extra virgin olive oil and cocoa are both high in polyphenols. 

The team of researchers tested the differing effects of dark chocolate with extra virgin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frying-food-olive-oil-health/">olive oil</a> and the Italian Panaia red apple, which also has high levels of polyphenols. 

“Fruits and vegetables exert their protective effects through plant polyphenols, which are found in cocoa, olive oil, and apples. Research has found that the Italian Panaia red apple has very high levels of polyphenols and antioxidants,” said Dr. Rossella Di Stefano, a cardiologist at the <a href="https://www.unipi.it/index.php/english">University of Pisa</a>, Italy and the lead author of the study. 

Dr. Di Stefano observed the effects that polyphenol-rich foods had on individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, and whether polyphenols inhibited atherosclerosis progression. Atherosclerosis is the slow buildup of fatty deposits or plaque that, over time, clog arteries and can have fatal consequences. 

The study followed 14 men and 12 women with cardiovascular risk factors. The participants were then were given 40 grams of dark chocolate for 28 days. The chocolate was enriched with either extra virgin olive oil or Panaira red apple and was given for 14 consecutive days each. 

The participants were also subject to urine and blood tests before and after the study. The researchers found that after the study was completed, the dark chocolate with olive oil had a significant impact on cardiovascular health. 

The researchers found increased EPC, or endothelial progenitor cells, which are important for vascular repair.

“We found that small daily portions of dark chocolate with added natural polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil was associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile. Our study suggests that extra virgin olive oil might be a good food additive to help preserve our 'repairing cells', the EPC,” said Dr. Di Stefano.

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By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Dark chocolate with olive oil improves cardiovascular health

Polyphenols play an important role in our health and well...

Climate change will cause a major shift in the patterns of electricity consumption in Europe, according to a team of scientists from the United States and Germany. A higher demand for air conditioning will put more pressure on power grids that are already strained.

The researchers used hourly electricity usage data from 35 countries in Europe. These countries are all connected by the world's largest synchronous electrical grid. The research team investigated how changes in climate could influence the intensity of peak load events and overall power usage.

The study revealed that if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-carbon-emissions-soil-microbes/">carbon emissions</a> continue at the current rate, the highest demand for European power will shift from countries like Sweden or Norway to countries like Portugal or Spain, and in most countries the annual peak load will shift from winter to summer by the end of the century.

Leonie Wenz from the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/pik-frontpage">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a> is the lead author of the study. He explained that the patterns of electricity consumption turned out to be very similar across all of the European countries that were examined. 

"We use this common characteristic as a basis for estimating future electricity consumption under climate change - that is beyond the current temperature range,” said Wenz. “That way, those European countries that are already experiencing very hot temperatures today serve as examples for the future of cooler countries.”

Co-author Max Auffhammer from the University of California, Berkeley, said that
“quantifying the connection between heat and human behavior is at the frontier of climate change research.”

“There now is ample evidence that when it's hot outside, air quality suffers, people are more stressed, aggressive, violent and less productive, mortality and crime rates rise,” said Auffhammer. “All sectors of the economy are affected by thermal stress, from the residential to the commercial, agricultural to the industrial sector.” 

Auffhammer explained that the automatic way that humans respond to high outdoor temperatures is to cool their indoor environments, which requires the consumption of large amounts of electricity. 

“This increased demand for air conditioning will put pressure on electricity grids when it is hot outside and generation and transmission infrastructure are already strained," he added.

The study, published in the <a href="http://www.pnas.org/">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, revealed that overall electricity consumption of Europe will not be affected by climate change, but the shift in seasonal and spatial usage will create major challenges.

"This will have important ramifications for the transmission infrastructure, peak-generating capacity and storage requirements - to adapt to the warming that is already unavoidable due to past greenhouse gas emissions,” said co-author Anders Levermann. “The easiest way to limit the impacts of climate change remains to keep the Paris climate guardrail, that is to limit the temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius."

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Climate change will transform electricity usage in Europe

Climate change will cause a major shift in the patterns...

People in the United States consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, which translates to about 146 billion cups per year. Now, a new study from Barcelona has found some good news for coffee lovers, as higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death. The study’s results concluded that coffee could be beneficial part of a healthy diet. 

The study used data from the <a href="https://www.unav.edu/departamento/preventiva/sun">Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra</a> (SUN) project, a study that began in 1999. The researchers used the SUN project to examine 20,000 people, focusing on their food preferences, coffee consumption, lifestyle, and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as previous health conditions. 

The researchers followed up with the participants for 10 years, looking at mortality rates and decreasing health conditions. The results concluded that within the ten year period, participants who drank more coffee had a lower risk of death. 

Specifically, the researchers determined that those who drank four cups of coffee a day had a 64% lower risk of death compared to those who never drank coffee. For every cup of coffee consumed on a daily basis, the higher the percentage of lowering the risk of mortality. 

The researchers did make sure to factor in other considerations, such as adherence to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-proves-eat/">Mediterranean diet</a> and socioeconomic features to see if drinking coffee was at all correlated. But ultimately they discovered a distinct connection between higher coffee consumption and a longer lifespan. 

“In the SUN project, we found an inverse association between drinking coffee and the risk of all-cause mortality, particularly in people aged 45 years and above. This may be due to a stronger protective association among older participants,” said Dr. Adela Navarro, a cardiologist at <a href="http://www.cun.es/en/">Hospital de Navarra,</a> Pamplona, Spain. 

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By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Higher coffee consumption linked to lower risk of death

People in the United States consume 400 million cups of...

For anyone looking to adopt a pet, it can be overwhelming to decide which companion will best complement your lifestyle. Animals have personalities as colorful and diverse as people, and finding the right pet can make a big difference in your life. 

Studies have shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/difference-animal-shelters-rescues/">pet</a> owners are happier and healthier than people who do not have pets. You want to give your pet a great quality of life as well, and that comes very naturally if you select a furry friend who is compatible with your personality. 

German Shepherds

For the disciplined and driven person, you need a pet who is every bit as capable as you are. Known for their obedience, German Shepherds are intelligent and hardworking. You are too focused on your goals to worry about being popular, and the socially reserved German Shepherd will not mind at all.

Labrador Retriever

If you are an outdoors person who is friendly and inquisitive, you need a Labrador Retriever by your side. These outgoing dogs never meet a stranger, and they are athletic and playful enough to keep up with your energetic lifestyle. This match is even more ideal if you are drawn to the water, as Labrador Retrievers are excellent swimmers.

French Bulldogs

If you are laid back, reserved, and your idea of exercise is a quiet walk in the evening, you need a French Bulldog. He does not require a ton of exercise and is happy just chasing a ball while you watch the television. In fact, your French Bulldog will grow into quite the couch potato in his adult years. He is mainly quiet and politely unsociable, just like you.

Siberian Huskies

On the other hand, if you are an extroverted daredevil with a love for the mountains, the Siberian Husky makes the perfect sidekick. These dogs thrive in cold weather and love rugged hikes and hard work. They are gentle, good-natured, and alert, yet not overly suspicious or aggressive. They love the company of humans and will fit right in with your adventurous group of friends.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

For the quiet homebody who is affectionate and easygoing, your match made in heaven is  the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs are sweet and compassionate and get along with everyone. The only thing your little dog will love as much as lying in your lap is sleeping in it. This gentle dog just goes with the flow and lives in the moment.

Cats

Despite how perfect some of these dog breeds may be for your personality, if you are too busy to devote time to a dog then you may want to consider adopting a more independent pet. Cats, for example, may be a better fit for the person who is never home. Some breeds such as Siamese cats and Burmese cats, however, depend more on human contact than others.

The best approach to adopting a pet is to do your research. If you have children or other pets, it is important to learn about the temperament of an animal before bringing it home. Some shelters will let you walk a dog or even take it for a hike, which is a great way to get to know a new animal. 

<a href="https://www.petfinder.com/">Petfinder.com</a> offers a searchable list of pets from over 12,000 shelters and rescue groups in the the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Here you can search for birds, cats, dogs, and even horses which are available for adoption in your local area. No matter what animal you decide to adopt, just remember that by adopting you are saving a life, and finding the right pet can drastically improve your life as well.

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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

Adopting a pet that fits your personality

For anyone looking to adopt a pet, it can be...

According to a new study from <a href="http://drexel.edu/">Drexel University</a>, losing a consistent amount of weight from week to week actually increases sustained weight loss for longer. 

Researchers asked 183 people who were overweight or obese to enroll in a year long weight loss program that replaced meals. They asked members to self-monitor and count calories, increased physical activity, and had weekly weigh-ins and group sessions. 

The participants were then weighed two years after the program was completed to monitor if their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/higher-incomes-more-exercise/">weight loss</a> efforts were sustained outside of the program. 

The study found that participants who had lost more weight in the first few weeks, or whose weights fluctuated, were less likely to have stayed on track two years later and had poorer weight loss results with the final weigh in. Conversely, those who had sustained a regular results early on, losing the same amount of weight from week to week, had better results two years later. 

Researchers also discovered that negative food behaviors like emotional eating or binge eating didn’t affect the results, as those who weren’t prone to those behaviors had uneven results and lost fewer pounds by the end of the study. 

According to the study,  sustained weight loss from week to week will yield the best results. 

“Settle on a weight loss plan that you can maintain week in and week out, even if that means consistently losing ¾ of a pound each week,” said Michael Lowe, a psychology professor at Drexel. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Slow, consistent weight loss linked to sustained success

According to a new study from Drexel University, losing a consistent...

Whether or not you enjoy exercise may depend largely on your genetic makeup, according to a new study. 

Exercising, especially if you’re not in the daily habit of it, can be tiresome and like pulling teeth. Like any healthy practice, cultivating a habit and finding the right programs, workouts, and routines that fit your personal needs can take work.

But a study from <a href="https://www.vu.nl/en/">Vrije Universiteit </a>(VU University) in Amsterdam has discovered that genetic makeup is linked your own personal enjoyment of exercise. 

These findings could help create custom exercise programs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-youth-helps-memory/">workout</a> methods to fit personal needs and levels of enjoyment, rather than a “one size fits all” model. 

Researchers from VU conducted their study by looking at sets of twins and siblings. They had the participants undergo vigorous workouts while monitoring their responses, reactions, and enjoyment levels before, during, and after exercising. 

The researchers examined 115 identical twins, 111 sets of non-identical twins, and 35 siblings, all of whom completed a cycling workout and a treadmill run. 

The results found that enjoyment of exercise was indeed genetic, with identical twins sharing similar reactions during the workouts. The researchers also looked at exercise habits outside of the study and found that those twins and siblings that reported a higher enjoyment during exercise and did more regular exercise than those whose enjoyment levels were lower. 

From here, the researchers hope to be able to identify and isolate which specific genes are responsible for exercise enjoyment. The team also discussed how further research can help coordinate custom exercise programs for people whose dislike of exercise is not necessarily a symptom of laziness, but is actually hereditary. 

--

By <a href="mailto: Kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Love of exercise is actually genetic

Whether or not you enjoy exercise may depend largely on...

Opioid addiction in the United States has become a national health crisis, one that still seems far from under control. The problem is that science still doesn’t have a firm grasp on what motivates drug abuse and addiction in humans. 

A new study from the <a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/">University of Utah Health</a> used zebrafish to examine addiction and the corresponding neural responses in the brain. Zebrafish are a small tropical fish whose genetic makeup and neural pathways are incredibly similar to humans, which makes them excellent lab specimens.

The researchers dosed a group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebrafish-spinal-discs-repair/">zebrafish</a> with hydrocodone, a common pain medication. They then created a self-administering set-up whereby conditioned zebrafish would have to swim over a panel in their tank to trigger the release of the dosed out drug. 

Water flow in the tank would flush out the drug and the zebrafish would have to keep swimming over the trigger to release the drug. 

“The fish needed to perform an action to get the drug rather than receiving it passively. Drug-seeking has been modeled before in rodents and primates, but having a model to study this in zebrafish could move the [study of addiction] forward,” said Gabriel Bossé, first author of the study. 

The zebrafish sought out the drug and increased the number of doses if placed in a shallower tank of water to compensate for the stress of the situation. The researchers also found that the fish exhibited classic signs of withdrawal within 48 hours of the last dose administered.

As of now, the only available treatments for people with opioid addictions are substitution therapies, which have an extremely low success rate and have been linked to a high likelihood of relapse. 

The similar comparisons of zebrafish and humans in responses to opioid misuse could lead to promising new therapies to help hinder drug seeking behavior. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The fish that could help science fight opioid addiction

Opioid addiction in the United States has become a national...

Ask anyone about the upcoming Taylor Swift album and you’ll likely receive a divisive mix of responses, ranging from excitement to indifference to anger. What makes a pop song “good” can be subjective, as many factors can influence personal tastes. A favorite song might be linked to a nostalgic happy memory, for example, or contain lyrics that resonate with a personal experience. Now, a new study from <a href="https://www.georgetown.edu/">Georgetown University</a> found that some songs are so popular and preferred over others due to harmonic structure.

The researchers analyzed 545 songs from the Billboard Hot 100 charts between 1958 and 1991, looking specifically at how popular the song was, its harmonic structure, and if the chord progressions followed an unexpected pattern. 

Harmony and harmonic structure refer the way notes are grouped together to make chords and their movement along the page. There are certain harmonic progressions we are all familiar, with and a popular running joke among musicians is identifying the same chord progressions used in hundreds of pop songs from the Beatles to Mariah Carey to Lady Gaga. 

The researchers discovered a song’s popularity depends on its harmonic structure and how far the progressions deviate from the norm. Harmonic surprise involves the response we have to music that follows an unpredictable harmony.

"The most popular songs tend to include relatively rare chords, that is, they typically have high harmonic surprise," said lead researcher Norberto Grzywacz, a Professor of Neuroscience and Physics at Georgetown University. 

Because the chord progression deviates from our expectations, it might trigger a reward response in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brains-detect-pitch-meaning/">brain</a> that scientists theorize is linked to a song’s popularity. 

Grzywacz also found that the most well-loved songs have harmonic surprise in the verses but return to familiar territory in the chorus. 

 "The release of tension from surprising sections of a song to common choruses is also signaled positively by the reward centers. Our research reveals that the brain has a deep-rooted preference, which can affect whether people enjoy a piece of music," said Grzywacz.

Professor Grzywacz plans to use the results to form a new theories on how the brain perceives beauty and worth in art, extending beyond music. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Why we like some songs and dislike others

Ask anyone about the upcoming Taylor Swift album and you’ll...

The brain training program Lumosity claims it can boost brain health and raise your IQ, but has been under scrutinization by both scientists and the <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2016/01/05/brain-training-lumosity/">Federal Trade Commission</a>, but many users claim positive results from using the website. Now, a new study from the <a href="http://berkeley.edu/">University of California, Berkeley</a> examined the effects that higher education had on cognitive functioning and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-youth-helps-memory/">cognitive decline</a>.

The researchers used data from nearly 200,000 Lumosity subscribers from the US, Canada, and Australia. Lumosity and Lumos Labs provided data that would have been near impossible to compile outside of the controlled website in a lab setting. 

Researchers found that the higher the level of education attained, the more it improved cognitive performance and hindered age-related mental decline. In other words, a higher education has the potential to keep your mental faculties sharper for longer. 

The study found that subscribers with higher education levels performed better in the brain games that focused on reasoning and processing speed. The study also found that education level didn’t affect the ways that new information was learned, just that higher education levels enhanced cognitive performance. 

“The fact that the cognitive tests were not similar to what is learned in school is a strength of the study: It speaks to the idea that schooling doesn't merely impart knowledge - it also provides the opportunity to sharpen core cognitive skills,” said Silvia Bunge, a professor of psychology at Berkeley and one of the study’s lead researchers.

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By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Continued education helps you stay sharp later in life

The brain training program Lumosity claims it can boost brain...

Marijuana is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States for both medical and recreational use. As cannabis gradually becomes easier to access legally, it’s important that studies are done to examine the risks as well as the benefits of its use. Previous studies have found that marijuana use may affect kidney function in animals – which is rather concerning – but the data in humans has been limited. 

Dr. Julie Ishida of the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/">University of California, San Francisco</a>, has recently published a study that is the first of its kind, and looks to narrow the gap in knowledge on marijuana use and kidney function. She and her colleagues looked at the potential links between marijuana use and kidney function in healthy young adults.

Appearing in the most recent issue of <a href="http://cjasn.asnjournals.org/">Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology</a>, this analysis looked at data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which included repeated assessments of cannabis use and kidney outcomes.

In their analysis, the researchers discovered that at the start of the study, individuals with higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-owners-medical-marijuana/">marijuana</a> use had lower kidney function. However, in a follow-up, they found that marijuana use was not associated with change in kidney function over time, or the appearance of albumin in the urine – a sign of kidney damage.

The researchers concluded that marijuana use was not associated with any change in kidney function, but noted that more research is necessary. 

Dr. Ishida explains, “Results from our observational study in young adults with normal kidney function may not translate into a clinically meaningful difference and may be insufficient to inform decision-making concerning marijuana use; however, it is possible that the association between marijuana use and kidney function could be different in other populations such as older adults or patients with kidney disease, so additional research is needed.”

Hopefully, as more states legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use, studies such as this will become more commonplace. It’s important we understand the risks of what we put into our bodies, even if the government legalizes our right to do so.

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By <a href="mailto:certz@earth.com">Connor Ertz</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

No evidence that marijuana use affects human kidney function

Marijuana is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States for...

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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

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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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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