An,Artist's,Illustration,Of,A,Black,Hole,In,Interstellar,Space

Astronomers recently discovered the biggest pair of black hole jets ever observed and named this system Porphyrion. Imagine something so massive that it lines up 140 Milky Way galaxies back to back. Then multiply that thought by two. It's almost too much for our minds to fathom, but that's exactly what they found.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-black-hole-jet-system-porphyrion">Meet black hole jet system Porphyrion</h2>



Martijn Oei is a <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a> postdoctoral scholar with a flair for digging into the mysteries of the universe. His recent work published in a new Nature paper has everyone talking.



Oei and his team discovered this enormous pair of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> jets named Porphyrion. Derived from Greek mythology, Porphyrion is a fitting moniker for a structure with such colossal proportions.



This jet megastructure not only spans 23 million light-years in total length, but it also dates back to when our universe was just 6.3 billion years old. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/black-hole-jet_23-million-light-years_Porphyrion_credit-Caltech-Oei_Martijn_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/black-hole-jet_23-million-light-years_Porphyrion_credit-Caltech-Oei_Martijn_1s.webp" alt="An artist's illustration of the longest black hole jet system ever observed. Nicknamed Porphyrion after a mythological Greek giant, these jets span roughly 7 megaparsecs, or 23 million light-years. That is equivalent to lining up 140 Milky Way galaxies back-to-back. Porphyrion dates back to a time when our universe was less than half its present age. Credit: Caltech" class="wp-image-1945007"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An artist's illustration of the longest black hole jet system ever observed. Nicknamed Porphyrion after a mythological Greek giant, these jets span roughly 7 megaparsecs, or 23 million light-years. That is equivalent to lining up 140 Milky Way galaxies back-to-back. Porphyrion dates back to a time when our universe was less than half its present age. Credit: Caltech</figcaption></figure>



That's less than half its present age of 13.8 billion years. To put that into perspective, it's like the universe was still in its adolescence.



These ferocious outflows of energy, with a total power output equivalent to trillions of suns, emanate from a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/directly-detecting-dark-matter-primordial-black-holes-simple-as-monitoring-mars-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> at the heart of a distant galaxy. 



Before Porphyrion, the record-holder for the largest jet system was Alcyoneus, another giant named after a figure in Greek mythology. 



Alcyoneus, discovered in 2022 by the same team, measures about the equivalent of 100 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Ways</a>. Comparatively, the Centaurus A jets, the closest major jet system to Earth, only spans 10 Milky Ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaking-up-the-neighborhood">Shaking up the neighborhood</h2>



What makes Porphyrion's discovery more groundbreaking is the implications it holds for our understanding of galaxy formation. 



Co-author George Djorgovski, professor of astronomy and data science at <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>, provided some insights on this.



"Astronomers believe that galaxies and their central black holes co-evolve, and one key aspect of this is that jets can spread huge amounts of energy that affect the growth of their host galaxies and other galaxies near them,” he says. "This discovery shows that their effects can extend much farther out than we thought."



But Porphyrion's scale reveals that the effects of these jets may extend far beyond our previous understanding.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="D4GGVHtxYz-3864208-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scanning-the-cosmos-and-black-hole-jets">Scanning the cosmos and black hole jets</h2>



The discovery of Porphyrion is part of a larger sky survey, which unveiled a staggering number of similar structures -- over 10,000.



This massive population of gargantuan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-captured-redirecting-jets-beams-like-death-star-weapon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jets</a> was found using Europe's <a href="https://www.astron.nl/telescopes/lofar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LOFAR</a> (LOw Frequency ARray) radio telescope.



"Giant jets were known before we started the campaign, but we had no idea that there would turn out to be so many," says Martin Hardcastle, second author of the study and a professor of astrophysics at the <a href="https://www.herts.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hertfordshire</a> in England. 



"Usually when we get a new observational capability, such as LOFAR's combination of wide field of view and very high sensitivity to extended structures, we find something new, but it was still very exciting to see so many of these objects emerging."



The origins of Porphyrion took the team across continents and observatories. They used the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in India and supplementary data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. 



The observations pointed the team to a hefty galaxy, about 10 times more massive than our Milky Way, as the birthplace of Porphyrion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-hole-jet-system-porphyrion-s-size">Black hole jet system Porphyrion's size</h2>



Porphyrion resides a mind-boggling 7.5 billion light-years from Earth. Its far-off residency and its emergence from a radiative-mode black hole suggest that it may not be a lone titan, but the harbinger of countless colossal jets yet to be discovered. 



Oei suggests as much, saying, "We may be looking at the tip of the iceberg."



There are still many unanswered questions surrounding these giant black hole jet systems. How do they extend so far and get so big without destabilizing? 



"Martijn's work has shown us that there isn't anything particularly special about the environments of these giant sources that causes them to reach those large sizes," says Hardcastle, who is an expert in the physics of black hole jets. 



"My interpretation is that we need an unusually long-lived and stable accretion event around the central, supermassive black hole to allow it to be active for so long -- about a billion years -- and to ensure that the jets keep pointing in the same direction over all of that time. What we're learning from the large number of giants is that this must be a relatively common occurrence," Hardcastle concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surrounding-influence-and-magnetism">Surrounding influence and magnetism</h2>



How do they influence their surroundings? And perhaps most intriguingly, have these giant jets spread magnetism throughout the cosmos?



"We know magnetism pervades the cosmic web, then makes its way into galaxies and stars, and eventually to planets, but the question is: Where does it start?" Oei rightly says.



This research is the exciting beginning of a new chapter in our understanding of the universe. With the discovery of Porphyrion, we're reminded that we still have a lot to uncover about the mysteries of the cosmos. Even a sky full of stars is just the beginning.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07879-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Video Credit: Caltech 



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Largest black hole jets ever seen are 23 million light years long

Astronomers recently discovered the biggest pair of black hole jets ever observed and named this system Porphyrion. Imagine something so massive that it lines up 140 Milky Way galaxies back to back. Then multiply that thought by two. It's almost too much for our minds to fathom, but that's exactly what they found. Meet black hole jet system Porphyrion Martijn Oei is a Caltech postdoctoral scholar with a flair for digging into the mysteries of the universe. His recent work published in a new Nature paper has...

Long considered cold-blooded behemoths, new research challenges the conventional wisdom about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megaraptor-species-named-fujianipus-yingliangi-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. The study suggests that some of these ancient creatures may have been <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/sites/news/files/styles/large_image/public/dromaeosaur_in_the_snow_by_davide_bonadonna_squared_-_hd_cropped_again.jpg?itok=yP90Eftt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warm-blooded</a>, a revelation that could rewrite our understanding of their evolutionary history and physiology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impact-on-dinosaurs-warm-blooded-traits">Climate impact on dinosaurs' warm-blooded traits</h2>



Picture this: It's the Early Jurassic period. Intense volcanic activity triggers a global warming event known as the Jenkyns event. This dramatic climate shift leads to the extinction of various plant species. It paves the way for the emergence of many new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-of-the-dinosaurs-were-warm-blooded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> groups.



But what's truly remarkable is the impact of this environmental crisis. It may have been the catalyst for endothermy, which is the ability to internally generate heat. This trait is a defining characteristic of mammals and birds.



Endothermy allowed certain dinosaurs to thrive in changing climates. This adaptation enabled them to maintain high activity levels and survive in colder environments. The evolution of endothermy marks a significant turning point in dinosaur physiology. It highlights their incredible ability to adapt to environmental challenges.



"Our analyses show that different climate preferences emerged among the main <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-less-intelligent-than-modern-day-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> groups around the time of the Jenkyns event 183 million years&nbsp;ago,"&nbsp;explained study lead author Dr. Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza of <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/earth-sciences/ucl-earth-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Earth Sciences</a>.



"The adoption of endothermy, perhaps a result of this environmental crisis, may have enabled theropods and ornithischians to thrive in colder environments."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theropods-and-ornithischians">Theropods and ornithischians</h2>



Theropods, the group that includes the iconic T. rex and Velociraptor, and ornithischians, which include relatives of the plant-eating Stegosaurus and Triceratops, were the first to embrace this newfound ability to regulate their body temperature. 



This allowed the dinosaurs to venture into colder climates, where they could remain active for longer periods, grow faster, and produce more offspring.



"Theropods also include birds and our study suggests that birds' unique temperature regulation may have had its origin in this Early Jurassic epoch,"&nbsp;noted co-author Dr. Sara Varela of the <a href="https://www.uvigo.gal/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidade de Vigo</a>.



But what about the other major dinosaur group, the sauropods? These gentle giants, including the Brontosaurus and Diplodocus, opted to stick to warmer climates. They achieved this by growing to enormous sizes, which helped them retain heat due to their smaller surface area to volume ratio.



"Sauropods, on the other hand, which stayed in warmer climates, grew to a gigantic size at around this time – another possible adaptation due to environmental pressure,"&nbsp;said Dr. Varela.&nbsp;"Their smaller surface area to volume ratio would have meant these larger creatures would lose heat at a reduced rate, allowing them to stay active for longer."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-revolution-from-cold-to-warm-blooded">Dinosaur revolution from cold to warm-blooded</h2>



This study fundamentally challenges the long-held notion that all dinosaurs were cold-blooded. It reveals a more complex picture of their physiology. Dinosaurs were not uniform in thermoregulation. They showcased diverse adaptations to their environments.



The evolution of endothermy, or warm-bloodedness, occurred in <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-birds-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theropods</a> and ornithischians during the Early Jurassic period. This development was potentially triggered by environmental pressures like the Jenkyns event. It gave them a significant edge over their cold-blooded counterparts.



This adaptation allowed dinosaurs to thrive in colder climates. It drove their diversification and success. The ability to internally regulate body temperature was pivotal in dinosaur evolution. This trait potentially contributed to the rise of birds - the only surviving dinosaur lineage.



This new understanding of dinosaur physiology opens up intriguing research avenues. It prompts scientists to re-evaluate long-held assumptions about their biology, behavior, and evolutionary trajectories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-blooded-dinosaur-evolution">Warm-blooded dinosaur evolution</h2>



While this study offers fascinating insights into the evolution of warm-blooded traits in dinosaurs, many questions remain unanswered. For instance, researchers are still unsure exactly how this adaptation occurred and what other factors may have contributed to its emergence.



"This research suggests a close connection between climate and how dinosaurs evolved,"&nbsp;said co-author Dr. Juan L. Cantalapiedra of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales.&nbsp;"It sheds new light on how birds might have inherited a unique biological trait from dinosaur ancestors and the different ways dinosaurs adapted to complex and long-term environmental changes."



As researchers continue to delve into the mysteries of dinosaur evolution, one thing is certain. These ancient creatures were far more complex and fascinating than we ever imagined. Their ability to adapt to diverse environments showcases their evolutionary ingenuity. 



Each new discovery adds layers to our understanding of dinosaur biology and behavior. Fossil evidence continues to surprise scientists with unexpected traits and adaptations. Advances in technology and methods allow for deeper exploration of their physiology.



And who knows what other surprises they might have in store for us? The world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-debunk-bergmanns-rule-classic-climate-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> remains full of undiscovered secrets waiting to be unveiled.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00525-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224005256%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Some dinosaurs became warm-blooded to survive climate change

Long considered cold-blooded behemoths, new research challenges the conventional wisdom about...

A team of astronomers led by the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) and the <a href="https://www.uliege.be/cms/c_8699436/en/uliege" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liège</a> in Belgium has discovered a unique, low-density <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-planet-discovered-with-an-ocean-not-far-from-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> orbiting a distant star within our Milky Way galaxy. This finding could provide significant insights into the formation of such massive, lightweight planets.



The newly identified gas giant, WASP-193b, is notably larger than Jupiter, yet much less dense. Researchers determined that the planet is 50 percent larger than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-may-exist-on-one-of-jupiters-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a> but only a tenth as dense, with a density comparable to cotton candy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-planet-with-incredibly-low-density-nbsp">Giant planet with incredibly low density&nbsp;</h2>



WASP-193b is the second least dense planet discovered so far, following the smaller, Neptune-like Kepler 51d. Its combination of large size and extremely low density makes it an outlier among the more than 5,400 known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>.



“To find these giant objects with such a small density is really, really rare,” said lead author Khalid Barkaoui, a postdoctoral fellow in astronomy at MIT. “There’s a class of planets called puffy Jupiters, and it’s been a mystery for 15 years now as to what they are. And this is an extreme case of that class.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-explanation-for-how-the-planet-formed">No explanation for how the planet formed</h2>



“We don’t know where to put this planet in all the formation theories we have right now, because it’s an outlier of all of them,” added co-author Francisco Pozuelos, a senior researcher at the <a href="https://www.iaa.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Astrophysics of Andalucia</a>. 



“We cannot explain how this planet was formed, based on classical evolution models. Looking more closely at its atmosphere will allow us to obtain an evolutionary path of this planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-cotton-candy-planet">Discovery of the “cotton candy planet”</h2>



The planet was first detected by the <a href="https://wasp-planets.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wide Angle Search for Planets</a> (WASP), an international collaboration operating two robotic observatories. These observatories use wide-angle cameras to monitor the brightness of thousands of stars across the sky.



Between 2006 and 2008, and again from 2011 to 2012, the WASP-South observatory recorded periodic dips in light from WASP-193, a nearby sun-like star 1,232 light years away. These dips indicated a planet blocking the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a>'s light every 6.25 days. The amount of light blocked during each transit helped estimate the planet's super-Jupiter size.



To determine the planet's mass, which would reveal its density and composition, astronomers used radial velocity techniques. This involves analyzing a star’s light spectrum as a planet orbits it. The gravitational pull of an orbiting planet shifts the star's spectrum, providing clues about the planet’s mass.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficult-to-detect-due-to-low-density">Difficult to detect due to low density</h2>



For WASP-193b, astronomers collected high-resolution spectra but struggled to detect the planet’s mass due to its low density.



“Typically, big planets are pretty easy to detect because they are usually massive, and lead to a big pull on their star,” explained co-author Julien de Wit, an assistant professor of planetary sciences at MIT. 



“But what was tricky about this planet was, even though it’s big - huge - its mass and density are so low that it was actually very difficult to detect with just the radial velocity technique. It was an interesting twist.”



“WASP-193b is so very light that it took four years to gather data and show that there is a mass signal, but it’s really, really tiny,” Barkaoui added.



“We were initially getting extremely low densities, which were very difficult to believe in the beginning,” Pozuelos said. “We repeated the process of all the data analysis several times to make sure this was the real density of the planet because this was super rare.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-super-fluffy-cotton-candy-planet-nbsp">Super fluffy cotton candy planet&nbsp;</h2>



The team confirmed that the planet is indeed extremely light, with a mass approximately 0.14 times that of Jupiter and a density of about 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter.&nbsp;



For comparison, Jupiter's density is 1.33 grams per cubic centimeter, and Earth's is 5.51 grams per cubic centimeter. WASP-193b’s density is similar to that of cotton candy, which is about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter.



“The planet is so light that it’s difficult to think of an analogous, solid-state material,” Barkaoui explained. “The reason why it’s close to cotton candy is because both are mostly made of light gasses rather than solids. The planet is basically super fluffy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intriguing-mystery-of-wasp-193b">Intriguing mystery of WASP-193b</h2>



The researchers believe WASP-193b is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, like other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-gas-planets-are-cosmic-wrecking-balls-that-wreak-havoc-in-habitable-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas giants</a>. Its inflated atmosphere likely extends tens of thousands of kilometers further than Jupiter's atmosphere.&nbsp;



How such an atmosphere can expand so much while remaining so light remains unexplained by current planetary formation theories.



To better understand this fluffy planet, the team plans to use a technique developed by de Wit to analyze its atmosphere’s temperature, composition, and pressure at various depths.&nbsp;



These characteristics will help accurately determine the planet’s mass. For now, WASP-193b is considered an excellent candidate for further study by observatories like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-detects-signs-of-life-on-exoplanet-k2-18b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.



“The bigger a planet’s atmosphere, the more light can go through. So it’s clear that this planet is one of the best targets we have for studying atmospheric effects. It will be a Rosetta Stone to try and resolve the mystery of puffy Jupiters,” de Wit concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02259-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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New planet is as light as cotton candy, but bigger than Jupiter 

A team of astronomers led by the Massachusetts Institute of...

Close,Up,Of,Colorful,Atomic,Particle,Background,Science,3d,Illustration

In the realm of quantum physics, proximity plays a crucial role. As atoms interact more strongly when they are positioned closely together, scientists have long sought ways to arrange them as tightly as possible in quantum simulators. 



These simulators allow researchers to explore exotic states of matter and build novel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum materials</a>. However, there has been a limit to how close atoms could be positioned...until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atoms-in-very-close-quarters">Atoms in very close quarters</h2>



Typically, scientists cool the atoms to a stand-still and use laser light to arrange them, but the wavelength of light has restricted the minimum distance between particles to around 500 nanometers.



Now, a team of physicists at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> has developed a breakthrough technique that enables them to position atoms a mere 50 nanometers apart. To put this into perspective, a red blood cell measures about 1,000 nanometers in width.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-the-power-of-dysprosium">Harnessing the power of dysprosium</h2>



The MIT team, led by Wolfgang Ketterle, the John D. MacArthur Professor of Physics, demonstrated their new approach using <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-is-dysprosium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dysprosium</a>, the most magnetic atom in nature. 



By manipulating two layers of dysprosium atoms and precisely positioning them 50 nanometers apart, they observed magnetic interactions 1,000 times stronger than if the layers were separated by the previous limit of 500 nanometers.



"We have gone from positioning atoms from 500 nanometers to 50 nanometers apart, and there is a lot you can do with this," says Ketterle. "At 50 nanometers, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-quantum-coherence-chemical-reaction-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior of atoms</a> is so much different that we're really entering a new regime here."



Furthermore, the researchers were able to measure two new effects caused by the atoms' proximity: thermalization, where heat transfers from one layer to another, and synchronized oscillations between the layers. These effects diminished as the layers were spaced farther apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-optical-resolution-limit">Overcoming the optical resolution limit</h2>



Conventional techniques for manipulating and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/x-ray-single-atom-captured-by-scientists-for-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arranging atoms</a> have been limited by the wavelength of light, which typically stops at 500 nanometers. This optical resolution limit has prevented scientists from exploring phenomena that occur at much shorter distances.



"Conventional techniques stop at 500 nanometers, limited not by the atoms but by the wavelength of light," explains Ketterle. "We have found now a new trick with light where we can break through that limit."



The team's innovative approach begins by cooling a cloud of atoms to about 1 microkelvin, just above absolute zero, causing the atoms to come to a near-standstill. 



They then use two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-controlled-at-room-temperature-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser beams</a> with different frequencies and circular polarizations to create two groups of atoms with opposite spins.



Each laser beam forms a standing wave, a periodic pattern of electric field intensity with a spatial period of 500 nanometers. 



By tuning the lasers such that the distance between their respective peaks is as small as 50 nanometers, the atoms gravitating to each laser's peaks are separated by the same distance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stabilizing-the-lasers-for-atom-positioning">Stabilizing the lasers for atom positioning</h2>



To achieve this level of precision, the lasers must be extremely stable and resistant to external noise. The team realized they could stabilize both lasers by directing them through an optical fiber, which locks the light beams in place relative to each other.



"The idea of sending both beams through the optical fiber meant the whole machine could shake violently, but the two laser beams stayed absolutely stable with respect to each others," says lead author and physics graduate student Li Du.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-strange-quantum-phenomena">Observing strange quantum phenomena</h2>



By applying their technique to dysprosium atoms, the researchers observed two novel quantum phenomena at the extremely close proximity of 50 nanometers. 



First is collective oscillation, where vibrations in one layer caused the other layer to vibrate in sync. Next is thermalization, where one layer transferred heat to the other purely through magnetic fluctuations in the atoms.



"Until now, heat between atoms could only by exchanged when they were in the same physical space and could collide," notes Du. "Now we have seen atomic layers, separated by vacuum, and they exchange heat via fluctuating magnetic fields."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atom-positions-and-quantum-simulators">Atom positions and quantum simulators</h2>



The team's results introduce a new technique that can be applied to many other atoms to study quantum phenomena. 



They believe their approach can be used to manipulate and position atoms into configurations that could generate the first purely magnetic quantum gate. 



This would be a key building block for a new type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-giant-leap-forward-breakthrough-ultra-pure-silicon-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computer</a>.



"We are really bringing super-resolution methods to the field, and it will become a general tool for doing quantum simulations," says Ketterle. "There are many variants possible, which we are working on."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positioning-atoms-for-better-quantum-computers">Positioning atoms for better quantum computers</h2>



In summary, the MIT team's pioneering technique opens up a new frontier in quantum physics, enabling scientists to explore previously inaccessible phenomena and build novel quantum materials. 



By positioning atoms a mere 50 nanometers apart, they have unlocked a realm where magnetic interactions reign supreme and quantum effects emerge in stunning clarity. 



As researchers continue to refine and expand upon this approach, they inch closer to the development of purely magnetic quantum gates and the realization of cutting-edge quantum computers. 



The future of quantum simulations looks brighter than ever, and the possibilities are limited only by the imagination of the scientists who dare to push the boundaries of what is possible.



The study's co-authors include Pierre Barral, Michael Cantara, Julius de Hond, and Yu-Kun Lu, all members of the MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms, the Department of Physics, and the Research Laboratory of Electronics at MIT.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh3023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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‘Impossible’ quantum effects observed in atoms positioned closely together

In the realm of quantum physics, proximity plays a crucial...

During its 59th close flyby of Jupiter on March 7, 2024, NASA's Juno mission captured breathtaking views of the giant planet's colorful belts and swirling storms, including the iconic Great Red Spot. However, upon closer examination, the images revealed something more: <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/amalthea_jupiter-moon_juno-spacecraft_NASA_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two glimpses of the tiny moon</a> Amalthea.



Amalthea, discovered by Edward Emerson Barnard in 1892, was the last planetary satellite to be found by direct visual observation. 



Named after the mythical goat who nursed the infant Zeus in Greek mythology, Amalthea is the largest of Jupiter's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inner moons</a> and the fifth-largest moon overall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amalthea-s-unique-characteristics">Amalthea's unique characteristics</h2>



With dimensions of 250 × 146 × 128 kilometers, Amalthea has an irregular shape and a low average density of around 0.85 g/cm³, indicating that it is composed mostly of ice with a small fraction of rock. 



Orbiting Jupiter at a distance of approximately 181,400 kilometers, Amalthea completes one orbit around the gas giant in just under 12 hours.



Interestingly, Amalthea is the reddest object in the solar system and gives out more heat than it receives from the Sun. 



This phenomenon may be due to electric currents induced in the moon's core as it orbits within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter's powerful magnetic field</a>, or it could be caused by tidal stresses from Jupiter's gravity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-jupiter-s-moon-amalthea-influences-its-ring-system">How Jupiter's moon Amalthea influences its ring system</h2>



Amalthea's orbit lies within Jupiter's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-turbulent-atmosphere-includes-a-high-speed-jet-stream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">main ring system</a>, and the moon is thought to be a significant contributor to the ring's dust content. 



Its surface is heavily cratered, with the largest crater, Pan, measuring about 90 kilometers in diameter. The moon's surface also features a number of bright patches, which are believed to be relatively fresh impact craters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galileo-gets-the-first-up-close-view">Galileo gets the first up-close view</h2>



The Galileo spacecraft provided the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/amalthea_jupiter-moon_galileo-spacecraft_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first detailed images of Amalthea</a> during its mission to study the Jovian system from 1995 to 2003, revealing the moon's irregular shape and heavily cratered surface. 



Although no dedicated missions to Amalthea are currently planned, future missions to study the Jovian system may provide further insights into this intriguing inner moon.



At the time that the first of these two images was taken, the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/juno/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juno spacecraft</a> was about 165,000 miles (265,000 kilometers) above Jupiter's cloud tops, at a latitude of about 5 degrees north of the equator. 



Citizen scientist Gerald Eichstädt made these images using raw data from the JunoCam instrument, applying processing techniques to enhance the clarity of the images.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amalthea-and-the-significance-of-jupiter-s-inner-moons">Amalthea and the significance of Jupiter's inner moons</h2>



Jupiter's inner moons, including Amalthea, are important for several reasons:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-formation-and-evolution-of-the-jovian-system">Understanding the formation and evolution of the Jovian system</h3>



Studying the inner moons can provide insights into how they formed and evolved alongside Jupiter, offering clues about the early history of our solar system.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-on-jupiter-s-ring-system">Influence on Jupiter's ring system</h3>



The inner moons, particularly Amalthea, are thought to be significant contributors to the dust content in Jupiter's ring system. Investigating their role in shaping and maintaining the rings can help us better understand the dynamics of planetary ring systems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-physical-properties">Unique physical properties</h3>



Jupiter's inner moons exhibit unusual characteristics, such as Amalthea's low density and high heat output. Exploring these properties can help scientists develop new theories about the composition and internal structure of small, irregular moons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tidal-forces-and-orbital-resonances">Tidal forces and orbital resonances</h3>



The inner moons are subjected to strong tidal forces from Jupiter and may also interact with each other through orbital resonances. Studying these interactions can provide valuable information about the complex gravitational dance within the Jovian system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amalthea-tiny-moon-with-a-big-impact">Amalthea: Tiny moon with a big impact</h2>



In summary, the Juno mission's serendipitous capture of Amalthea during its 59th flyby of Jupiter has provided us with a tantalizing glimpse into the fascinating world of this tiny, yet influential moon. 



As we continue to explore the Jovian system, we eagerly anticipate the discoveries that future missions and citizen scientists will uncover, further unraveling the mysteries surrounding Amalthea and its role in shaping Jupiter's complex environment. 



Through these endeavors, we will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of not only this mythical moon but also the intricate dynamics at play within our solar system's largest and most captivating planetary system.



<a href="https://missionjuno.swri.edu/junocam/processing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JunoCam’s raw images</a> are available for the public to peruse and process into image products.



More information about NASA citizen science <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/citizenscience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">can be found here</a>.



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Jupiter’s tiny moon Amalthea captured by the Juno spacecraft

During its 59th close flyby of Jupiter on March 7,...

In the face of natural disasters like flooding, fire <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/fire-ants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> demonstrate a remarkable survival tactic. These tiny creatures come together, interlocking to form a buoyant structure akin to a raft. 



This living raft is not only about survival but also represents a dynamic, adaptive system, much like the materials scientists aspire to create.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fire-ants-shape-material-science">How fire ants shape material science</h2>



Professor Rob Wagner from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> has taken a deep dive into understanding these natural phenomena.



Previously part of the Vernerey Soft Matter Mechanics Lab, Professor Wagner has been exploring how fire ants adjust and change their structure under various conditions. His research aims to decipher the secrets of these living systems to enhance our material sciences.



“Living systems have always fascinated me because they achieve things that our current engineered materials cannot - not even close,” said Wagner.



He highlighted the contrast between passive materials used today, like metals and ceramics, and the active, energy-converting mechanisms observed in living systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mimicking smart behaviors</h2>



In their recent work, the team investigated how fire ant rafts react to mechanical stress. They observed that unlike polymers that flow or break under different stresses, the ant bonds held strong consistently.



“Many polymers are held together by dynamic bonds that break, but can reform,” explained Professor Wagner. “When pulled slowly enough, these bonds have time to restructure the material so that - instead of fracturing - it flows like the slime our kids play with, or soft-serve ice cream."



"When pulled very fast, though, it breaks more like chalk. Since the rafts are held together by ants clinging onto one another, their bonds can break and reform. So, my colleagues and I thought they’d do the same thing.”



However, the researchers found that the ants’ bonds did not weaken or flow regardless of the pulling speed. Professor Wagner speculates that the fire ants intensify their grip under stress, likely due to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-build-mini-eiffel-tower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a> instinct that maintains cohesion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Catch bond behavior</h2>



The phenomenon where bonds strengthen under force is termed "catch bond behavior." This feature likely serves as a protective mechanism, enhancing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-role-colony-neurobiology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a>'s cohesion, crucial for their survival.



“As you pull on typical bonds with some amount of force, they’re going to let go sooner, and their lifetime goes down - you’re weakening the bond by pulling on it. That is what you see in almost any passive system,” noted Professor Wagner. “But in living systems, because of their complexity, you can sometimes have catch bonds that hold on for longer durations under some range of applied force."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fire ants inspire the next wave of engineered materials</h2>



Looking ahead, Professor Wagner believes that replicating catch bonds in engineered materials could revolutionize various fields. This adaptation could significantly improve the durability and functionality of biomedical implants, adhesives, fiber composites, and components used in soft robotics.



Inspired by collective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queen-behavior-changes-based-on-social-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect behaviors</a>, other researchers are also venturing into materials with responsive mechanical properties. 



“A natural progression of this work is to answer how we can get the interactions between these ribbons or other soft building blocks to ‘catch’ under load like the fire ants and some biomolecular interactions do,” said Professor Wagner.



The ongoing research inspired by fire ants not only deepens our understanding of nature but also paves the way for innovations in material science, illustrating once again how much we can learn by observing the world around us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about fire ants</h2>



Fire ants are remarkable engineers, constructing intricate nests that serve both as shelters and as a means of regulating their internal environment. 



These ants start building by digging out soil with their mandibles, creating underground networks of tunnels and chambers. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fire ant nests</h3>



The architecture of a fire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-nests-could-help-humans-build-better-transportation-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant nest</a> is primarily designed to maintain a stable internal climate, protect against predators, and manage water ingress during rain.



The nests vary in depth and complexity based on the soil type and environmental conditions. In sandy soils, fire ants can build deeper and more elaborate tunnels, while in clay-rich soils, the structures might be shallower but spread wider.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Air flow and temperature&nbsp;</h3>



Fire ants also cleverly use the soil they excavate to build mounds above ground, which help regulate the nest’s temperature and provide an emergency exit during floods.



These mounds are not just piles of dirt; they are engineered to optimize air flow and temperature. The tunnels within allow heat from the sun-warmed mound to circulate down and warm the nest on cool days, and conversely, let heat escape to the cooler earth when it’s hot above ground.&nbsp;



This natural air conditioning is crucial for the survival and productivity of the colony, as it helps maintain an optimal environment for raising their young.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2314772121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>. 



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Fire ants can teach us how to create stronger materials

In the face of natural disasters like flooding, fire ants...

In another example of how truth is often stranger than fiction, scientists have taken a significant step towards turning the sci-fi concept of "warp drives" into a feasible reality. 



According to Einstein's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theory of relativity</a>, going faster than the speed of light is off-limits in the real world. For this reason, warp drives, like the one powering spaceships in Star Wars and other science fiction movies, have always been firmly in the realm of imagination -- until now.



New research, led by Dr. Jared Fuchs from <a href="https://www.appliedphysics.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Physics</a> and published in the prestigious Classical and Quantum Gravity journal, presents a new solution to one of the long-standing challenges in realizing warp drive technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-warp-drive-concept">Traditional warp drive concept</h2>



The traditional sci-fi concept of a warp drive involves distorting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacetime</a> in a very specific way: compressing it in front of the ship and expanding it behind. 



In theory, this would allow the ship to effectively travel faster-than-light without actually exceeding the speed limit locally.



However, previous studies of this idea suggested that it would require exotic forms of matter with "negative energy density." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-negative-energy-density">Understanding negative energy density</h2>



In our everyday experience, energy is always positive. Even in a vacuum, there is a small amount of positive energy called the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/may-the-4th-be-with-you-chemistry-of-star-wars-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vacuum energy</a>" or "zero-point energy." 



This is a consequence of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, which states that there are always fluctuations in the energy of a system, even at the lowest possible energy state.



The existence of negative energy density is highly speculative and problematic within the framework of known physics. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laws of thermodynamics</a> and the energy conditions in general relativity seem to prohibit the existence of large amounts of negative energy density.



Some theories, such as the Casimir effect and certain quantum field theories, do predict the existence of small amounts of negative energy density under specific conditions. However, these effects are typically very small and confined to microscopic scales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-warp-drive-technology">New approach to warp drive technology</h2>



This is where the new study comes in. Applied Physics researchers identified a new way in which warp technology might one day be possible. The team introduced the concept of a "constant-velocity subluminal warp drive" aligned with the principles of relativity.



The new model eliminates the need for exotic energy, using instead a sophisticated blend of traditional and novel gravitational techniques to create a warp bubble that can transport objects at high speeds within the bounds of known physics.



"This study changes the conversation about warp drives," said lead author Dr. Fuchs. "By demonstrating a first-of-its-kind model, we've shown that warp drives might not be relegated to science fiction."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warp-factory-enabling-warp-drive-spacetimes">Warp factory: Enabling warp drive spacetimes</h2>



The team's theoretical model for a new type of warp bubble uses traditional and innovative gravitational techniques, made possible with their publicly-available tool <a href="https://appliedphysics.org/warp-drive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warp Factory</a>.



This solution enables the transportation of objects at high but subluminal speeds without the need for exotic energy sources. This can be achieved by engineering warp drive spacetimes to gravitate like ordinary matter, which is a first-of-its-kind solution.



"Although such a design would still require a considerable amount of energy, it demonstrates that warp effects can be achieved without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exotic forms of matter</a>," added Dr. Christopher Helmerich, co-author of the study. "These findings pave the way for future reductions in warp drive energy requirements."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-g-forces-for-passengers">No g-forces for passengers</h2>



Unlike in planes or rockets, passengers in a warp craft experience no g-forces. This is a stark contrast to some sci-fi fantasies. The team's research shows how we might construct such a craft using regular matter.



"While we're not yet packing for interstellar voyages, this achievement heralds a new era of possibilities," explained Gianni Martire, CEO of Applied Physics. "We're continuing to make steady progress as humanity embarks on the Warp Age."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dawn-of-faster-than-light-travel">Dawn of faster-than-light travel?</h2>



The team at Applied Physics is now focused on addressing these challenges as they continue to refine their models and collaborate across disciplines and institutions to turn this once-fantastical dream into reality.



As we stand on the threshold of a new era in space exploration, the prospect of warp drives becoming a reality tantalizes us more than ever. With each new discovery and breakthrough, we inch closer to the stars and the boundless possibilities that await us in the vast expanse of the cosmos.



As humanity begins the chase for faster-than-light travel, perhaps using warp drives, we can only imagine the incredible adventures and revelations that the universe has in store for us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6382/ad26aa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Classical and Quantum Gravity</a>.



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Faster-than-light 'warp speed' interstellar travel now thought to be possible

In another example of how truth is often stranger than...

A recent discovery in Brazil's Ubajara National Park is challenging our understanding of primate intelligence and tool use.&nbsp;Capuchin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rhesus-monkeys-quickly-learn-that-patience-is-rewarding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a>,&nbsp;long known for their cleverness,&nbsp;have been observed using tools found in their natural habitat to unearth hidden food sources.&nbsp;



This remarkable behavior,&nbsp;captured on video by researchers,&nbsp;showcases the intricate strategies and adaptability of these small primates.&nbsp;



By studying their tool use,&nbsp;scientists are gaining valuable insights into the evolution of cognitive abilities across species,&nbsp;potentially reshaping our understanding of the origins of tool use and intelligence.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="pnN2m1v6Yt-3625839-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-used-by-capuchin-monkeys">Tools used by capuchin monkeys</h2>



In the depths of Brazil's Ubajara National Park,&nbsp;pint-sized capuchin monkeys have been caught on camera putting on a masterclass in tool use.&nbsp;These clever critters aren't just monkeying around; they're strategically excavating underground nests to snag delicious trapdoor spiders.



Scientists recorded 214 instances of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-changes-social-behavior-in-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a> showing off their digging prowess,&nbsp;using a variety of techniques:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hands-only</h3>



Capuchin monkeys sometimes rely solely on their paws to dig for food. They use their hands to scrape and excavate the soil, showcasing their dexterity and strength.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stone-digging</h3>



These monkeys select specific rocks to assist in digging. They choose smaller, lighter sandstone rocks to break up compacted soil, increasing their efficiency in reaching underground food sources.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stick-probing</h3>



Capuchin monkeys use sticks as tools to reach into deep burrows. They use the sticks to probe and extract food, such as spiders and their egg sacs, from tight spaces.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stone-stick combo</h3>



Capuchin monkeys combine the use of stones and sticks for digging. They use a stone to break the surface soil, then a stick to probe deeper, making their tool use more effective and versatile.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-tool-use">Seasonal tool use </h2>



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-monkeys-are-much-smarter-than-we-thought-they-were/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a> aren't just clever; they're adaptable too. Researchers observed that capuchin monkeys altered their digging tactics based on the season and the available tools. 



They showed an ability to select the appropriate tool for the conditions, whether it was a dry summer day or a muddy monsoon season. This adaptability highlights their intelligence and resourcefulness in varying environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-see-monkey-dig">Monkey see, monkey dig</h2>



The use of tools among capuchin monkeys isn't a new discovery.&nbsp;Scientists have been documenting these "Monkey Stone Age" behaviors for a while now.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;it's not just capuchins who are handy with tools; orangutans have also been observed using plants for medicinal purposes.



The discovery of tool use in capuchin monkeys dates back to 2004 when botanist Alicia Ibáñez observed white-faced capuchins using rocks to open sea almonds and shellfish in Panama's Coiba National Park.&nbsp;Since then,&nbsp;similar behaviors have been observed in other capuchin species across South America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tool-time-in-the-rainforest">Tool time in the rainforest</h2>



For 21 months,&nbsp;researchers from the <a href="https://www5.usp.br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> closely observed these digging monkeys,&nbsp;documenting their every move.&nbsp;They found that the monkeys were quite picky about their tools,&nbsp;choosing lighter sandstone rocks for digging compared to the heavier rocks they use for cracking nuts.



"We predict that capuchin monkeys use hands-only in looser soil, and stone-digging in compacted and tougher soil," noted the researchers. They also suggested that capuchin monkeys actively choose stone tool positions, which increases efficiency when digging in tough soil.



The monkeys showed a preference for using sticks when raiding spider burrows,&nbsp;sometimes even using their free hand to block the burrow exit and prevent their prey from escaping.



"Adult males sometimes hold the probe in one hand and place the other hand on the side of the burrow, apparently to prevent the spider from falling and running away," explained the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-tool-use">Monkey tool use</h2>



Interestingly, the researchers found that using tools didn't necessarily improve the monkeys' success rate in obtaining food. Whether they used tools or just their bare hands, their success rate remained around 83 percent. This raises the question: why use tools at all?



The researchers speculate that the monkeys might use tools to target larger prey or to reduce the time and effort required for digging. Tools could help them access food that is harder to reach or requires more effort to obtain, making their foraging process more efficient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-stone-age">Monkey Stone Age</h2>



As researchers continue to study the complex behaviors of these clever capuchin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-snow-monkeys-have-learned-to-fish-for-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a>,&nbsp;we're getting a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of tool use and intelligence in primates.&nbsp;



It seems the Stone Age isn't just for humans anymore; our primate cousins are proving that they too have a knack for using tools to get what they want.



This discovery raises intriguing questions about the origins of tool use and the cognitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visual-cues-initiate-the-brains-decision-to-cooperate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">abilities</a> of animals.&nbsp;It's a reminder that the animal kingdom is full of surprises,&nbsp;and there is still much to learn about our fellow creatures on this planet.&nbsp;



The research is published in the journal <a class="" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-61243-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



Video Credit: Capuchin Culture Project in Scientific Reports (2024)



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Capuchin monkeys seen on video using clever tools to gather food

A recent discovery in Brazil's Ubajara National Park is challenging...

New research led by <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> suggests that chatbots, often perceived as neutral, may actually reinforce existing ideologies and contribute to increased polarization on contentious issues. 



This study challenges the common belief that chatbots provide impartial information and reveals how conversational search systems might deepen societal divisions and make individuals more susceptible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-deception-is-a-growing-issue-that-we-cannot-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manipulation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biased-responses-from-chatbots-nbsp">Biased responses from chatbots&nbsp;</h2>



“Because people are reading a summary paragraph generated by AI, they think they’re getting unbiased, fact-based answers,” said lead author Ziang Xiao, an assistant professor of computer science at Johns Hopkins who specializes in human-AI interactions.&nbsp;



“Even if a chatbot isn’t designed to be biased, its answers reflect the biases or leanings of the person asking the questions. So really, people are getting the answers they want to hear.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-chatbots-affect-online-search-behaviors-nbsp">How chatbots affect online search behaviors&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists explored how chatbots affect online search behaviors by comparing interactions with different search systems.&nbsp;



Participants, numbering 272, were asked to express their initial thoughts on various controversial topics like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-health-deterioration-in-hospital-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health care</a>, student loans, or sanctuary cities. They were then directed to gather more information using either a chatbot or a traditional search engine developed for the study. 



After reviewing the search results, participants wrote a second essay and responded to questions about the topic. They were also exposed to two articles with opposing viewpoints and asked to evaluate the trustworthiness of the information and the extremity of the views.



The study revealed that because chatbots provide a narrower scope of information and echo users’ pre-existing beliefs, participants who used them were more entrenched in their original positions and reacted more strongly against opposing viewpoints.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echo-chamber-effect">Echo chamber effect</h2>



“People tend to seek information that aligns with their viewpoints, a behavior that often traps them in an echo chamber of like-minded opinions,” explained Xiao. “We found that this echo chamber effect is stronger with the chatbots than traditional web searches.”



This effect arises partly because of how users interact with chatbots - posing full questions instead of keywords, leading to responses that are narrowly focused on either the benefits or drawbacks of an issue, based on the phrasing of the question.



“With chatbots, people tend to be more expressive and formulate questions in a more conversational way. It’s a function of how we speak,” Xiao said. “But our language can be used against us.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-a-more-polarized-society-nbsp">Potential for a more polarized society&nbsp;</h2>



AI developers can design chatbots to detect clues in questions that indicate a user’s preferences and biases, allowing the AI to tailor its responses accordingly. For example, the researchers tested a chatbot programmed with a hidden agenda to agree with users, which intensified the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-48-million-americans-deny-that-climate-change-is-real/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">echo chamber</a> effect.



Attempts to mitigate this effect by training a chatbot to offer contrary opinions proved ineffective, as did efforts to encourage fact-checking by linking to source information - few participants followed these links.



“Given AI-based systems are becoming easier to build, there are going to be opportunities for malicious actors to leverage AIs to make a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-behavior-groups-people-into-opposing-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polarized society</a>. Creating agents that always present opinions from the other side is the most obvious intervention, but we found they don’t work,” said Xiao.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-chatbots-nbsp">More about chatbots&nbsp;</h2>



Chatbots are computer programs designed to simulate conversation with human users, primarily through the internet. They are widely used in customer service to provide users with instant responses to inquiries and to handle simple tasks, freeing up human agents for more complex issues.&nbsp;



Chatbots are built using various technologies, including predefined scripts and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lawless-superintelligence-zero-evidence-ai-control-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a>. AI chatbots, in particular, can learn from interactions and improve over time, becoming more efficient in understanding and responding to user requests. 



They are implemented in various platforms, such as websites, messaging apps, and virtual assistants, making them accessible and convenient for a broad range of uses.&nbsp;



From booking appointments to providing weather updates and supporting e-commerce transactions, chatbots have become an integral part of digital interaction.



The findings of the study were presented at the <a href="https://chi2022.acm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association of Computing Machinery’s CHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems</a>.



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Chatbots are not impartial - they tell us what we want to hear

New research led by Johns Hopkins University suggests that chatbots,...

If you thought <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-20-minute-conversation-with-a-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a> was just for humans, think again. A fascinating new study has revealed that sperm whales, those majestic giants of the deep, have their own unique "vocal styles" – and they might even be picking up tips from their neighbors.



Imagine if your way of speaking – your rhythm,&nbsp;your pauses,&nbsp;your inflections – was as distinct as your fingerprint.&nbsp;That's the idea behind vocal style.&nbsp;



Scientists have long known that sperm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-tagging-helps-decode-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> communicate using rhythmic patterns of clicks called "codas," but this study has delved deeper into the&nbsp;structure&nbsp;of these codas,&nbsp;revealing vocal patterns that are unique to each whale.



The research team,&nbsp;from Project Cetacean Translation Initiative (<a href="https://www.projectceti.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CETI</a>) and collaborating institutions,&nbsp;developed a new method to analyze these click patterns,&nbsp;creating a kind of "vocal fingerprint" for each whale or whale clan.&nbsp;They then used this information to explore how these styles might be influenced by social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vocal-style-of-whale-clans">The vocal style of whale clans</h2>



Sperm whales are known for their complex social structures,&nbsp;living in multilevel societies that facilitate the transmission of knowledge and cultural behaviors.&nbsp;



These societies are divided into "clans," groups of whales that share a common vocal repertoire.&nbsp;Think of it like having a regional accent – you can often tell where someone is from based on how they speak.



But what if your accent started to change based on who you were hanging out with?&nbsp;That's what seems to be happening with sperm whales.&nbsp;The study found that whales living in close proximity to other clans were more likely to develop similar vocal styles,&nbsp;even if they weren't part of the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/language-like-patterns-decoded-in-sperm-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clan</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-in-whale-vocal-communication">Social learning in whale vocal communication</h2>



"The increase in similarity of non-identity coda vocal styles is most likely the result of social learning," explained lead author Antonio Leitao. 



"Identity codas are consistently maintained to allow the recognition of fellow clan members,&nbsp;but we believe that social learning between clans leads to a more similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baleen-whales-cannot-escape-human-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocal</a> style with other whales that are within acoustic range."



This social learning isn't just about mimicry,&nbsp;though.&nbsp;It's about whales adapting their communication styles based on their social environment,&nbsp;much like we humans do.&nbsp;It's a testament to the intelligence and adaptability of these incredible creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



The Atlantic dataset comprised two different clans and had rich annotations of the coda types recorded, the identity of the vocalizing whales, and their social relations. The Pacific dataset collected since 1978 was also used to determine the whales’ clan membership based on the similarity of their vocal style.



These vast datasets allowed the researchers to create detailed "subcoda trees" for each whale or clan, revealing the intricate patterns that make up their unique vocal styles. Understanding how whales communicate has important implications for conservation efforts.  



"Our results strengthen previous results on the use of identity codas as symbolic markers, while supporting cultural transmission and social learning of vocalizations among whales of different clans," noted senior author Giovanni Petri. 



This means that protecting whale populations isn't just about protecting individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>; it's about protecting their rich cultural heritage.



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



This study is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding whale vocal styles and communication. 



The authors suggest that future research could delve deeper into the mechanisms behind this social learning, exploring questions like: How exactly do whales learn from each other? What are the benefits of adapting one's vocal style? How does this learning impact the overall culture of a whale clan? 



By investigating these questions, scientists hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of whale communication and the role social learning plays in their societies.



The study's findings have implications beyond the world of whales. The methodology developed by the research team could be used to study communication in other species. 



Future research may give us a deeper understanding of how social learning shapes vocal and cultural transmission in the animal kingdom. Who knows, maybe one day we'll even be able to crack the code of whale language altogether.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/96362v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>.



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Sperm whales learn the vocal styles and dialects of their neighbors

If you thought communication was just for humans, think again. A...

The best microphone in the world might have an unexpected source: spider silk. Spiders weave <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-closer-to-unlocking-the-secrets-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">webs</a> to trap insects, but the sticky strands also help spiders hear. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spider-silk-and-sound-detection">Spider silk and sound detection</h2>



Unlike human eardrums and conventional microphones that detect sound pressure waves, spider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-can-help-human-cells-kill-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silk</a> responds to changes in the velocities of air particles as they move through a sound field. 



This sound velocity detection method remains largely underexplored compared to pressure sensing, but it holds great potential for high-sensitivity, long-distance sound detection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wide-range-of-sound-frequencies-nbsp">Wide range of sound frequencies&nbsp;</h2>



By investigating how spiders listen to their environments through webs, a team of researchers from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton  University</a> found that spider webs match the acoustic particle velocity for a wide range of sound frequencies. 



“Most insects that can hear sound use fine hairs or their antennae, which don’t respond to sound pressure,” said Ronald Miles, a professor of mechanical engineering at Binghamton. “Instead, these thin structures respond to the motion of the air in a sound field. I wondered how to make an engineered device that would also be able to respond to sound-driven airflow.&nbsp;



“We tried various man-made fibers that were very thin, but they were also very fragile and difficult to work with. Then, Dr. Jian Zhou was walking in our campus nature preserve and saw a spider web blowing in the breeze. He thought spider silk might be a great thing to try.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bridge-spiders-detect-their-prey">How bridge spiders detect their prey</h2>



Before building such a device, the team needed to prove that spider webs truly respond to sound-driven airflow. To test this hypothesis, they simply opened their lab windows to observe the Larinioides sclopetarius, or bridge <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-the-first-ancestors-of-scorpions-and-spiders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a>, that live on windowsills. 



Bridge spiders are particularly known for their affinity for man-made structures, where they build their large, circular webs to catch flying insects such as moths and flies.



The researchers played sound ranging from 1 Hz to 50 kHz for the spiders and measured the spider silk motion with a laser vibrometer.&nbsp;



The experiment revealed that the sound-induced velocity of the silk was the same as the particles in the air surrounding it, confirming the mechanism that these spiders use to detect their prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spider-silk-inspires-new-microphones-nbsp">Spider silk inspires new microphones&nbsp;</h2>



“Because spider silk is, of course, created by spiders, it isn’t practical to incorporate it into the billions of microphones that are made each year,” Miles said. “It does, however, teach us a lot about what mechanical properties are desirable in a microphone and may inspire entirely new designs.”



Thus, the innovative use of spider silk to detect sound velocities may pave the way for improved audio detection devices that surpass the capabilities of current pressure-sensitive microphones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-spider-silk">More about spider silk</h2>



Spider silk is renowned for its impressive mechanical properties, which include high tensile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-produced-by-genetically-modified-silkworms-is-6x-stronger-than-kevlar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strength</a> and elasticity. This makes it stronger, by weight, than steel and almost as stretchy as rubber. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-technology-nbsp">Sound technology&nbsp;</h3>



Recent research, such as the Binghamton University study, has explored how spider silk could also have applications in sound technology. The fine threads can carry vibrations across their span, and some types of spiders use the vibrations traveling through their webs as a way to communicate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-use-their-webs-to-detect-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detect prey</a> or mates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximum-sound-performance-nbsp">Maximum sound performance&nbsp;</h3>



The properties of spider silk could make it useful for creating new types of sound sensors or acoustic devices. For instance, because spider silk can be fine-tuned during its production - by adjusting its thickness and tension - it might be adapted for use in highly sensitive microphones or speakers that require minimal material mass but maximum performance. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-aids-nbsp">Hearing aids&nbsp;</h3>



Researchers are also investigating if spider silk can improve the quality of microphones for hearing aids, potentially providing clearer sound than traditional materials. This intersection of natural material science with technology highlights the potential of biomimicry - using designs inspired by nature to solve human problems.



The Binghamton study was presented by Ronald Miles on May 16 as part of a <a href="https://awc.caa-aca.ca/index.php/AWC/AWC2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joint meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the Canadian Acoustical Association</a>.



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Spider silk could pave the way for powerful microphones

The best microphone in the world might have an unexpected...

Sabre-toothed cats, with their iconic elongated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smilodon-fatalis-young-saber-toothed-cats-had-double-fangs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fangs</a>, have captured imaginations for centuries. We picture them as fierce predators, their teeth glistening in the sun as they stalk their prey. 



But how did these incredible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-saber-toothed-marsupial-fossil-found-in-the-tatacoa-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> evolve such specialized weapons? Recent research has revealed some surprising answers, challenging our understanding of evolution and extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sabre-toothed-traits-and-fangs">Sabre-toothed traits and fangs</h2>



Scientists, led by Narimane Chatar from the <a href="https://www.uliege.be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liège</a>, have used cutting-edge 3D scanning technology to analyze the skulls and mandibles of both modern and extinct felines. Their findings challenge the traditional view of two distinct groups: sabre-toothed and non-sabre-toothed.



Instead, they discovered a fascinating continuum of forms. "From a morphological point of view, the skull of a present-day small cat is just as strange and modified as that of a large sabre-toothed felid," explained Dr. Margot Michaud. 



This means that the tiny house cat and the fearsome Smilodon are not as different as we once thought, but rather two ends of a spectrum that has evolved over millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rise-of-sabre-toothed-fangs">The rise of sabre-toothed fangs</h2>



Another surprising finding is the speed at which sabre-toothed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-sabertooth-cat-discovered-in-south-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> evolved. These ancient predators were on an evolutionary fast track, rapidly developing their distinctive elongated canines and robust jaw structures. 



Compared to their non-sabre-toothed counterparts, sabre-toothed species exhibited significantly faster rates of morphological change early in their evolutionary history. 



This swift adaptation allowed them to efficiently occupy specialized niches, which played a crucial role in their dominance as apex predators of their time. However, this rapid evolution came at a cost, as it also made them more vulnerable to environmental changes and extinction pressures.



"Among other fascinating discoveries, we have shown that craniomandibular integration in sabre-toothed species is reduced, facilitating greater adaptability and diversification in the jaw and cranial morphology," said Dr. Michaud. This flexibility allowed them to rapidly specialize, but as we'll see, it may have also contributed to their downfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction-of-sabre-toothed-cats">Extinction of sabre-toothed cats</h2>



Despite their impressive evolutionary speed, sabre-toothed cats are extinct. The research suggests that their specialization, while initially advantageous, might have made them more vulnerable to environmental changes. 



This phenomenon, known as the "macroevolutionary ratchet," proposes that evolution sometimes favors specialization, which can lead to greater vulnerability in the long run.



"Some of these feline predators, particularly the sabre-toothed species, rapidly occupied fairly specialized niches, which made them more susceptible to extinction," explained Dr. Davide Tamagnini. 



This means that their success in adapting to specific environments may have ultimately led to their demise when those environments shifted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predators-and-the-future-of-our-ecosystems">Predators and the future of our ecosystems</h2>



The study of these ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sabertooth-skull-offers-new-clues-about-the-extinct-mammal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> offers valuable insights into the dynamics of ecosystems and the risks associated with specialization. 



"Predators have their own evolutionary pathways and risks of extinction. Studying how ancient predators prospered and declined provides us with information about the possible futures of our ecosystems," said Professor Valentin Fischer.



While sabre-toothed cats, with their iconic fangs, may be gone, their legacy lives on. Their story reminds us of the delicate balance between adaptation and extinction, and the complex dance of evolution. 



As we look to the future, we can learn from the past. The macroevolutionary ratchet, while a potential threat, is not inevitable. By understanding the risks of specialization, we can work to conserve diverse ecosystems and protect species from the dangers of over-specialization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



The research on fangs of sabre-toothed cats has overturned many of our assumptions about these fascinating creatures. They were not simply a group of isolated predators, but part of a vast continuum of feline forms. 



Their rapid evolution and specialization, while initially successful, may have ultimately contributed to their extinction. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the past, we uncover new insights into the present and the future. 



The story of the sabre-toothed cat is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving biodiversity. It is a tale of evolution, extinction, and the ongoing struggle for survival in a changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00529-3?rss=yes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Sabre-toothed fangs evolved rapidly, but this came at a cost

Sabre-toothed cats, with their iconic elongated fangs, have captured imaginations...

The majestic pyramids of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mummified-baboons-in-egypt-where-did-they-come-from-and-how-did-they-get-there/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Egypt</a> have long captivated our imaginations. Their towering presence is a testament to the ingenuity and power of an ancient civilization.&nbsp;But why were these monumental structures built in a seemingly inhospitable desert landscape?&nbsp;A new discovery may hold the answer – a long-lost branch of the Nile River,&nbsp;now buried beneath sand and farmland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-branch-of-the-nile-near-pyramid-fields">Branch of the Nile near pyramid fields</h2>



Using satellite imagery, experts identified potential locations of an ancient river branch near the pyramid fields. They confirmed their findings through geophysical surveys and sediment cores. 



The researchers detected river sediments and former channels beneath the land, indicating the presence of a 64-km-long former river branch that once flowed near the pyramid fields. They have proposed that the river branch be named "Ahramat," which means pyramids in Arabic.



The ancient branch of the Nile may have played a pivotal role in pyramid construction and accessibility. The river made transporting massive stone blocks and other materials to the construction sites easier. 



This discovery could explain why pyramid fields are concentrated along this particular strip of desert near Memphis. The river's proximity made these areas easily accessible at the time of construction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pyramids-and-nile-river-waterways">Pyramids and Nile River waterways</h2>



The Ahramat branch flowed near a staggering 31 pyramids, including the iconic Giza pyramid complex. This close proximity indicates that the river served as a vital transportation route. The ancient Egyptians likely used the river to move massive stone blocks and other construction materials to the pyramid sites.



Intriguingly, many pyramids have causeways that end at the proposed riverbanks of the Ahramat Branch. This alignment supports the idea that the waterway was instrumental in their construction. 



The experts found that these causeways likely connected the pyramid sites to the river. This further suggests that the Nile's Ahramat branch played a crucial role in transporting materials needed for building the pyramids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demise-of-the-nile-river-branch">Demise of the Nile River branch</h2>



So, what happened to this once-mighty river? The researchers believe that increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/dust-storm-in-egypt-and-libya/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">windblown</a> sand, linked to a major drought that began approximately 4,200 years ago, likely caused the branch to migrate eastward. This migration, combined with the accumulation of sand, eventually led to the river silting up and disappearing.



This finding underscores the impact of environmental changes on human societies throughout history. As the Ahramat branch dwindled, the ease of accessing the pyramids diminished. It would have become more difficult to transport materials and maintain the structures. 



Ultimately, the loss of the river contributed to the abandonment of the pyramid fields and the mysteries that surround them today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egyptian-archaeology">Egyptian archaeology</h2>



The discovery of the Ahramat branch opens up exciting new possibilities for archaeological exploration. Researchers can now focus on identifying other extinct Nile branches. This will allow them to pinpoint potential sites for future excavations and uncover more hidden treasures along these ancient riverbanks.



By finding more extinct Nile branches, researchers can prioritize archaeological efforts in these areas. This targeted approach will enhance our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization. 



Additionally, it will help protect Egyptian cultural heritage by highlighting significant sites that need preservation. Future research in this area holds great promise for revealing further secrets of Egypt's rich history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-nile-more-than-just-a-river">The Nile: More than just a river</h2>



The Nile has always been more than just a source of water for Egypt. It has served as a lifeline, providing sustenance to the land and its people. 



Beyond its role in agriculture, the Nile acted as a transportation artery, facilitating trade and movement across the region. For millennia, it has been a cultural touchstone, central to the identity and development of Egyptian civilization.



The discovery of the Ahramat branch underscores this deep, intricate relationship between the river and the rise of one of the world's most fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-unwrap-the-3000-year-old-mummy-of-king-amenhotep-i/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">civilizations</a>. This ancient river branch once played a crucial role in the construction and accessibility of Egypt's pyramids, aiding the transport of massive stone blocks and other materials.



As we continue to unravel the secrets of the pyramids and the ancient Egyptians who built them, we are reminded that even the most enduring monuments are subject to the forces of nature and the passage of time. 



The Ahramat branch may be lost to history, buried beneath desert and farmland, but its legacy lives on. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-branch-of-the-nile-was-used-to-build-giza-pyramids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pyramids</a> that stand today are a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of the Nile. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01379-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Egypt's pyramids were built along a buried branch of the Nile River

The majestic pyramids of Egypt have long captivated our imaginations....

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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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



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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.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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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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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes why experts are studying zebrafish to gain a better understanding of how the immune system responds to injury. Zebrafish have the ability to repair and regenerate organs.



“Organ regeneration offers an exciting opportunity for studying the immune system and to inquire why some species can regenerate organs like the heart or missing limbs while others like humans cannot,” explained Dr. Tatjana Piotrowski.



Zebrafish sensory organ hair cells are an ideal system to investigate the pathways and cell types involved in regeneration since they are easily destroyed with antibiotics and begin regenerating within five hours. This enabled the researchers to identify the exact timing and genetic programs for each anti-inflammatory macrophage activation state.&nbsp;



“Our hypothesis is that human macrophages do not receive the proper chemical activation 'cocktail' to instruct pro-regenerative processes,” said Dr. Nicolas Denans. “Identifying the molecular recipe of macrophage activation in zebrafish may one day enable us to design regenerative immunotherapies in humans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The new evidence is a valuable resource for comparative studies on the genetic programs involved in macrophage-mediated repair and regeneration. In other words, different types of injuries may induce different kinds of inflammatory responses. We want to decipher whether this 'language' is universal or if there are a variety of dialects."



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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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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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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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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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...