Nuclear fission has powered our world and medical advancements for decades, yet some of its secrets have remained elusive. 



One of the biggest puzzles? What exactly happens when an atom's nucleus splits apart at its "neck rupture" point.



Aurel Bulgac, a physics professor at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, has been delving into this very question. He and his team set out to simulate the intricate particle dance during this critical moment of fission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supercomputer-tackles-the-quantum-realm">Supercomputer tackles the quantum realm</h2>



To tackle this challenge, Bulgac's team collaborated with researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory (<a href="https://www.lanl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LANL</a>). 



They harnessed the immense computing power of the Summit supercomputer at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (<a href="https://www.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ORNL</a>). 



This was the first fully microscopic, quantum many-body simulation of a nucleus's neck rupture.



"This is probably the most precise and most carefully obtained theoretical description of neck rupture, without any assumptions and simplification," Bulgac remarked. "We have a very specific prediction, which until now didn't exist."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rules-and-dynamics-of-nuclear-fission">Rules and dynamics of nuclear fission</h2>



For over 80 years, scientists have proposed various models to explain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-misinformation-rumors-spread-like-nuclear-reactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fission dynamics</a>. The classic "liquid drop" theory likened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atomic-nucleus-made-of-quarks-and-gluons-reproduced-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the nucleus</a> to a charged fluid sphere that splits and sends out particles when disturbed. 



But Bulgac's findings suggest a different story.



First off, the team discovered that neck rupture isn't random. Instead, the spot where the nucleus eventually splits is determined well before the actual scission. 



Moreover, they found that the proton neck snaps earlier than the neutron neck, meaning neutrons hold the neck together just before it fully breaks.



Perhaps most intriguingly, they confirmed the existence of scission neutrons. These are neutrons emitted right as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-wobble-how-scientists-manipulated-the-nucleus-of-a-single-titanium-atom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nucleus splits</a>. 



"There were people saying they exist, and others saying they don't exist. We see them, we don't see them, and so on," Bulgac noted. 



Their simulation not only showed that scission neutrons are real but also detailed where they go and how much energy they carry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuclear-fission-and-scission-neutrons">Nuclear fission and scission neutrons</h2>



The team's simulation revealed that scission neutrons are emitted in two distinct ways. Some shoot out sideways, perpendicular to the direction the fission fragments move. 



Others emerge from the "noses" of the splitting fragments due to waves of matter sent during the neck's snap.



"After we put everything together and ran the simulation, we found out certain things that were totally unexpected: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molten-salt-could-reshape-the-future-of-nuclear-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutrons coming out</a> sideways and then in the direction of the moving fragments," Bulgac said. 



"These types of distinct spectra are something that none of the earlier models predicted. Moreover, they are very high energy, so they should have properties very distinct from thermal neutrons."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-very-super-computer-simulation">A very "super" computer simulation</h2>



Running such a detailed simulation wasn't easy. The team used the entire Summit supercomputer for almost 1 million node-hours. 



Each run took about 15 hours and covered nuclei like uranium-238, plutonium‑240, and californium-252 under various conditions.



"An absolutely crucial tool was the use of supercomputers at Oak Ridge, starting with Jaguar and Titan, then Summit," Bulgac explained. "Without them, all this would have been impossible. Absolutely impossible."



The mathematical framework behind the simulation is something Bulgac has been refining since the early 2000s. 



Instead of tracking every single particle, his approach focuses on the overall distribution of particles in space, making the complex problem more manageable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-nuclear-fission">What's next for nuclear fission?</h2>



The next big step is testing these predictions in the real world. Bulgac has already begun conversations with experimentalists eager to verify the findings.



"We used precise values for the parameters that describe this phenomenon -- and nothing else. And these are the results we got," he stated. "Now, if they are not true, then there is a very big question: what's wrong with the theory?"



It's a pivotal moment. If experiments confirm the simulation, it could reshape our understanding of nuclear fission. If not, it opens up new avenues of inquiry.



"At the moment, it's very hard to see what would be wrong, but we have to wait and see," Bulgac said. "If you make a prediction, it is confirmed or not confirmed, and then you must look and see. This is how physics proceeds."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Understanding the nuances of nuclear fission isn't just an academic exercise. It has practical implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tonga-eruption-had-the-energy-of-five-nuclear-explosions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear energy</a> production, medical applications, and even our grasp of fundamental physics.



By shedding light on the scission process and the behavior of scission neutrons, Bulgac's work could lead to more efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-designs-nuclear-fission-reactor-to-provide-electricity-on-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear reactors</a> or new technologies harnessing fission.



The publication of the team's paper in the journal Physical Review Letters has already sparked interest. Scientists around the world are eager to see where this research leads.



For those of us outside the lab, it's a reminder of how much there still is to learn about the forces that shape our universe. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-nuclear-physics">New chapter in nuclear physics</h2>



As experiments get underway to test these findings, the scientific community watches with bated breath. 



Whether confirming or challenging Bulgac's simulation, the results will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of nuclear fission.



And perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, we'll look back on this research as a turning point -- a moment when we peeled back another layer of the atomic world and discovered something truly remarkable.



Who would have thought that after all these years, the simple act of an atom splitting could hold so many surprises?



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.242501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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What exactly happens when the nucleus of an atom splits in two? Science just found out

Nuclear fission has powered our world and medical advancements for decades, yet some of its secrets have remained elusive. One of the biggest puzzles? What exactly happens when an atom's nucleus splits apart at its "neck rupture" point. Aurel Bulgac, a physics professor at the University of Washington, has been delving into this very question. He and his team set out to simulate the intricate particle dance during this critical moment of fission. Supercomputer tackles the quantum realm To tackle this challenge, Bulgac's team collaborated with researchers...

Can you think of a narcissistic character who etched a profound mark on your memory? Regina George from Mean Girls or Nate Jacobs from Euphoria, perhaps? Teenagers, aren't they? Narcissism can manifest at any age, making these characters unforgettable.



Deftly conducted by researchers from none other than the reputable <a href="https://www.unibe.ch/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bern</a>, this intriguing study presents some captivating insights. The seasoned scientist leading the troop was Dr. Ulrich Orth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-narcissism-and-age">Narcissism and age</h2>



The researchers endeavored to understand if narcissism, a personality trait rather notorious, ebbs, flows, or remains static with age. 



Roping in data from an impressive selection of 51 previous studies involving a whopping 37,247 patients between the tender age of eight and a ripe old 77, they examined three different types of narcissism closely - agentic, antagonistic, and neurotic.



Agentic narcissism showers feelings of grandiosity, superiority, and a high need for admiration. 



Antagonistic narcissism is characterized by arrogance, entitlement, and low empathy, while neurotic narcissism involves emotional hypersensitivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-factor-shows-a-declining-curve">Age factor shows a declining curve</h2>



The crunch point is here. The team's efforts bore fruit in revealing that all three types of narcissism decline with age. 



However, there's a twist in the tale. People's narcissism relative to their peers doesn't significantly metamorphose over time. 



To put it in a nutshell, if you were Mr. or Ms. Narcissistic among your peers as a child, chances are high you'd continue holding that title well into adulthood.



"This was true even across very long periods of time, which suggests that narcissism is a stable personality trait," Dr. Orth shared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-and-how-of-it-all">‘Why’ and ‘how’ of it all</h2>



Now, you might be wondering why or how this happens. Well, you're not alone. While the University of Bern researchers didn't delve into the possible reasons behind these findings, they hope their study will kindle the flames for future research.



"One theory posits that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-type-can-accurately-predict-your-relationship-status/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social roles</a> we take on in adulthood, for example as a partner, a parent, an employee, lead to the development of more mature personality characteristics, including lower levels of narcissism," Dr. Orth suggested.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-vs-nurture">Nature vs. nurture</h2>



One of the burning questions this study reignites is the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. Are we born with narcissistic traits, or are they sculpted by our environment and experiences? 



While the University of Bern study sheds light on how narcissism can decline with age, it leaves open the question of whether genetic predisposition or life circumstances play a more pivotal role. 



Some psychologists argue that early childhood experiences, such as parenting styles and peer interactions, significantly shape narcissistic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cryptocurrency-investors-linked-to-dark-personality-traits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tendencies</a>. 



Conversely, others underline the role of inherent personality traits that manifest regardless of external influences.



Further research examining these differing perspectives is essential to understand the intricate dance between nature and nurture in the development of narcissism.



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



The findings from this study also bear substantial implications for mental health interventions. Understanding that narcissism can diminish over time provides a beacon of hope for therapeutic practices aimed at mitigating extreme narcissistic traits. 



Mental health professionals can better tailor their interventions by focusing on enhancing empathy, emotional regulation, and fostering healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-has-a-profound-influence-on-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social interactions</a>. 



Additionally, the study underscores the importance of early intervention in childhood and adolescence, potentially steering individuals away from entrenched narcissistic patterns that could have long-lasting repercussions on their personal and professional lives. 



As research continues to evolve, nuanced approaches in psychological therapies could emerge, informed by the life-span changes in narcissistic traits highlighted by the University of Bern's innovative study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture-of-narcissism-and-age">Bigger picture of narcissism and age </h2>



Dr. Orth opines that these findings hold significant implications as high levels of narcissism influence people's lives in several ways. 



The narcissistic individuals and perhaps even more, the lives of their families and friends are impacted.



Now that we've dished out the findings and their implications, it's time to ponder. 



Do you know people who fit the bill? How do these insights influence your understanding of their behavior? And most crucially, how can society use this understanding to foster a healthier environment?



As they say, "knowledge is power." Let's use it well.



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Narcissism declines with age but remains stable relative to peers

Can you think of a narcissistic character who etched a...

Whale strandings are a common occurrence along the East Australian Coastline. Yet, what's often overlooked is the question of what to do with the whale remains, a topic that's now sparking considerable debate and scientific interest.



Cue the entrance of Griffith University's <a href="https://whalesandclimate.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whales and Climate Research Program</a>. Led by Dr. Olaf Meynecke, the program is pioneering an innovative new approach to this conundrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respectful-disposal-of-whale-remains">Respectful disposal of whale remains</h2>



Dr. Meynecke is known for his tireless efforts in marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-felt-less-stressed-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>. He is now on an unusual mission - the sustainable and respectful disposal of whale remains.



"As we’ve seen more and more whales stranding on beaches in past years, the effective, safe and culturally sensitive removal of whale remains near or on public beaches has become a major issue,” he said. 



“Our study shows that forecasting of where whale remains might end up when floating at sea is possible with surprisingly high accuracy.”&nbsp;



He also tells the story of a 14m female humpback whale, found floating lifeless off Queensland's Noosa Heads in July 2023, possibly to due to ship strike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-odyssey-of-a-corpse">Odyssey of a corpse</h2>



The humpback's remains were intercepted before they washed ashore. Then began their journey as the carcass was repositioned 30km offshore. 



Equipped with a satellite tag, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-north-atlantic-right-whales-have-fewer-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale's voyage</a> was tracked as it drifted in the wind and ocean currents for six days before settling on the seabed.



Death is a natural part of life, and in the words of Dr. Meynecke, this unfortunate event opened the door to a scientific first. 



The humpback's passing allowed researchers to test and establish a prediction method for whale drift trajectory.



Not only did this provide valuable data, but it also meant the whale's nutrients could remain in the marine ecosystem while aiding authorities in their decision-making process.



Here's a startling fact, Australia's go-to method of dealing with washed-up whale remains has been landfill. 



There are seven known methods of whale removal like composting, natural decomposition on the beach, sinking the remains, and even using explosives. Each, however, comes with its own set of challenges, from public health risks to logistical nightmares.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-way-is-a-win-win-scenario">Nature's way is a win-win scenario</h2>



Enter offshore towing. It's a method that's been used here and internationally, but with mixed success. 



Drawbacks include remains washing back to shores or obstructing shipping lanes. But Dr. Meynecke's research might just change that.



Dr. Meynecke's findings serve as an initial tool to predict where the whale remains would drift. This could retain the decomposition nutrients within the marine ecosystem -- a huge win for marine life. Scavengers like tiger sharks often play a role in breaking down the remains.



“Perished whales provide a substantial nutrient source for marine ecosystems, and strategically placing whale remains offshore can enhance nutrient cycling and foster biodiversity, contribute to carbon removal and marine floor enrichment for up to seven years,” Dr. Meynecke said. 



“Their gradual decomposition sustains scavengers and detritivores, and support microbial communities and deep-sea organisms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-handling-whale-remains">Handling whale remains</h2>



“The best strategy for handling whale remains depends on multiple factors and should be decided on a case-by-case basis. Offshore disposal can be an ethical, cost-effective, and safe option if managed appropriately," noted Dr. Meynecke.  



“By integrating scientific research and practical management strategies presented in our study, we can enhance our ability to predict and effectively manage the drift of whale remains, ensuring that ecological benefits are maximized while minimizing adverse impacts.” 



While each case should be decided individually, offshore disposal emerges as an ethical, cost-effective, and safe option if managed properly. 



Through scientific research and practical management strategies, we can predict and manage the drift of whale remains, maximizing ecological benefits while minimizing adverse impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-engagement-and-education">Community engagement and education</h2>



A key but often overlooked aspect of sustainable whale disposal is community engagement.



Educating the public about the ecological benefits of offshore disposal is important. Involving local communities in cleanup and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-whales-epic-voyage-exposes-perils-of-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitoring</a> efforts can foster a sense of stewardship. Additionally, shared responsibility can be achieved through these actions.



Workshops, awareness campaigns, and citizen science initiatives can demystify scientific processes and garner public support. 



Empowering communities with knowledge can lead to more informed discussions and cohesive efforts in marine conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-marine-conservation">Future of marine conservation</h2>



The advancements in the sustainable disposal of whale remains signify a broader trend towards more integrated and ecosystem-based approaches to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine conservation</a>. 



Future research could explore the long-term impacts of various disposal methods on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.



Integrating technology, such as drones and AI, could enhance monitoring and predictive capabilities, making offshore disposal even more efficient and reliable.



Innovative solutions by Dr. Meynecke provide hope for sustainable coexistence with ocean life as we deepen our understanding and respect for marine ecosystems.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jmse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Marine Science and Engineering</a>.



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Sustainable benefits of whale remains and their proper disposal

Whale strandings are a common occurrence along the East Australian...

Recent studies have shown that incorporating artificial intelligence in the creative process can have some surprisingly beneficial effects, especially for those who struggle with creativity.



However, these advancements may come with an unexpected quandary: a potential reduction in the diversity and novelty of our collective storytelling.



Renowned researchers from two highly reputed institutions - the University of <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/institutes/idsai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter Business School, Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence</a> and the <a href="https://mgmt.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL School of Management</a>, have delved into this riveting topic, exploring the involvement of AI in the realms of creativity and story-writing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-enhances-creativity-but-at-what-cost">AI enhances creativity, but at what cost?</h2>



Insights from the study indicated that AI assistance was able to "professionalize" stories, making them more enjoyable to read due to an increase in unexpected plot twists and generally improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-ai-writing-illustration-drastically-reduces-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">writing</a> quality. The result? Content that was far from dull.



In an experiment involving 300 participants, each asked to write a micro story aimed at young adults, AI proved to be a significant asset for those deemed less creative. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-perform-better-when-they-think-ai-is-helping-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-assisted</a> stories were up to 26.6% better written and 15.2% less boring than their human-only counterparts.



The borrowed intelligence, however, offered limited benefits to the participants who were naturally more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-outperforms-humans-in-creativity-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creative</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-creativity-vs-collective-novelty">Individual creativity vs. collective novelty</h2>



While AI does seem to enhance individual creativity, the study also indicates a resultant decline in collective novelty. 



The AI-assisted stories showcased notable similarities to one another, pointing towards a loss of variety and diversity in content generation.



The research was carried out with the participants divided into three groups. Some had no access to AI help, some could utilize ChatGPT to provide a three-sentence starting idea, and others could choose from up to five AI-generated ideas. 



The quality of these stories was then assessed by 600 individuals, based on their novelty and "usefulness." 



The results showed that writers with access to AI witnessed the most significant improvements in their creativity. Their stories scored 8.1% higher for novelty and 9% higher for usefulness compared to those written without AI assistance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-level-playing-field">A level playing field</h2>



An exciting revelation from this study was the capability of AI to level the playing field between less and more creative writers. 



By providing less creative writers access to five AI ideas, their novelty improved by 10.7% and usefulness by 11.5% compared to those who used no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-teaching-other-robots-its-no-longer-science-fiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI concepts</a>. 



The writing quality, enjoyability, and intrigue of the stories were significantly enhanced, putting writers with low creativity scores on par with their more creative counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-in-creativity">The future of artificial intelligence in creativity</h2>



Despite these positive impacts, there's a more significant underlying concern. Using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-applications-can-use-as-much-power-as-entire-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI</a>’s embeddings application programming interface (API), the researchers identified a 10.7% increase in similarity between stories that used one generative AI idea, compared with the group that wrote without AI assistance.



Professor Oliver Hauser, Deputy Director of the Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, highlighted the importance of this study. 



“This is a first step in studying a question fundamental to all human behavior: how does generative AI affect human creativity? Our results provide insight into how generative AI can enhance creativity, and removes any disadvantage or advantage based on the writers’ inherent creativity.”



Professor Anil Doshi from the UCL School of Management added: “While these results point to an increase in individual creativity, there is a risk of losing collective novelty. If the publishing industry were to embrace more generative AI-inspired stories, our findings suggest that the stories would become less unique in aggregate and more similar to each other.”



Professor Hauser warned that this downward spiral shows parallels to an emerging social dilemma: if individual writers find out that their generative AI-inspired writing is evaluated as more creative, they have an incentive to use generative AI more in the future, but by doing so the collective novelty of stories may be reduced further. 



"In short, our results suggest that despite the enhancement effect that generative AI had on individual creativity, there may be a cautionary note if generative AI were adopted more widely for creative tasks."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn5290" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Artificial intelligence boosts creativity, but reduces variety

Recent studies have shown that incorporating artificial intelligence in the...

Around a million years ago, in what is now Spain, tusks and bones were buried in a deadly quicksand trap, revealing a remarkable tale of early human survival, fierce beasts, and natural hazards. 



This ancient site became a converging point for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-humans-first-evolve-in-europe-ape-skull-sparks-new-debate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earliest European humans</a> and scavenging hyenas.



Drawn by the ensnared prey of the enormous extinct elephant, Mammuthus meridionalis, these early humans and predators found themselves in a deadly dance for survival. 



The tale of this entangled drama was unearthed by diligent researchers from the <a href="https://www.uma.es/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Malaga (UMA)</a>, shedding light on a forgotten chapter of prehistoric life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-in-plain-sight">Hidden in plain sight</h2>



The hotspot in question is the archaeological site of Fuente Nueva 3 (FN3), nestled in Granada's Guadix-Baza Depression, which is part of the renowned Orce region. 



This unique area is a treasure trove of historical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/476000-year-old-ancient-woodworking-discovery-rewrites-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artifacts</a>, offering a rich tapestry of human and animal activity from a distant past. Among the notable discoveries are lithic assemblages – stones meticulously carved by our ancestors.



The researchers uncovered compelling evidence of human presence dating back an astonishing 1.4 million years. These ancient inhabitants left behind unmodified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-humans-hunted-elephants-with-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stones</a>, which were likely used as percussion tools to fracture bones and access the nutrient-rich marrow within.



Furthermore, these early humans may have employed these stones as primitive projectiles, hurling them to fend off scavenging hyenas and secure their hard-earned sustenance. 



The site paints a vivid picture of early human ingenuity and adaptation in a challenging and competitive environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-lethal-trap">Nature's lethal trap</h2>



The UMA researchers, led by Professor Paul Palmqvist and Professor María Patrocinio Espigares, made a stunning discovery. 



The fertile layers of FN3 contained two different archaeological levels: lower and upper. Both levels were brimming with skeletal remains and lithic tools.



The lower level included a high density of manuports, hinting at increased hominin activity. The upper layer displayed remains of megaherbivores, particularly Mammuthus meridionalis, which suggested the increased involvement of giant hyenas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-quicksand-quandary">The quicksand quandary</h2>



The researchers analyzed the differences in the faunal assemblages in the two levels along with the particle size in the fertile layers. 



They found that the lower layer predominantly consisted of silts and clays, while the upper layer contained fine sands. 



“These fine sand sediments, deposited close to the paleolake that was in the region, would also contain slightly saline water, a mixture that explains that they could have worked as quicksand, where larger animals were trapped,” noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-savage-scavengers-feast">Savage scavengers' feast</h2>



The upper level, with its fine sands, had acted as a natural quicksand trap, effectively ensnaring the megaherbivores that roamed the area. 



Once trapped, the massive creatures could not escape, and their half-sunken carcasses became a grim beacon for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-find-evidence-of-cannibalism-among-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scavengers</a>.



Hyenas and early humans alike were drawn to these easy targets, capitalizing on the unfortunate demise of the megaherbivores. 



The evidence of their presence is abundantly clear: lithic assemblages and coprolites (fossilized hyena excrement) scattered across the site paint a vivid picture of this ancient scavenging behavior.



This remarkable discovery offers significant insights into the survival strategies of our ancestors, revealing how they adapted to and exploited their environment. It highlights the intricate interactions between early humans and other species, showcasing a complex web of life and death that shaped the course of evolution. 



Furthermore, it marks the first description of a natural quicksand trap in a fossil deposit of such critical importance to human evolution, underscoring the profound impact of natural hazards on the history of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mechanics-of-quicksand-traps">The mechanics of quicksand traps</h2>



Understanding how these quicksand traps formed requires a detailed study of the soil and water conditions at the time. 



The researchers plan to investigate the sedimentary processes and water salinity that contributed to the formation of quicksand, which acted as a death trap for large animals and a feasting ground for scavengers.



The discovery at FN3 in Spain is not an isolated incident. Similar quicksand traps have been identified in other parts of the world, providing a broader understanding of how these natural phenomena influenced animal and human behavior.



Future research will compare these sites to gather more comprehensive data on the role of quicksand traps in prehistoric ecosystems.



The UMA team, which includes researchers from Complutense University of Madrid and Tarragona, plan to carry out more in-depth studies of the upper and lower archaeological levels and other significant sites within the Orce region.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41513-024-00241-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Iberian Geology</a>.



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Mammoth remains found in deadly quicksand trap

Around a million years ago, in what is now Spain,...

Ultrasound technology is now at the forefront of modulating the brain's natural phenomena, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-daydream-to-awareness-the-brains-alert-mechanism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daydreaming</a>, random fantasizing, and spontaneous thoughts, which open doors to creativity and reflection.



While it might seem unusual to attempt to control or modify these free-flowing thoughts, a new development in neuroscience aims to do just that. 



The goal isn't to stifle our creative channels but to enhance our ability to stay present and mindful in the moment.



Researchers from the prestigious <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> have discovered that low-intensity ultrasound technology can be used to non-invasively modulate a specific region of the brain associated with activities like daydreaming, memory recall, and future envisioning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultrasound-tech-and-brain-networks">Ultrasound tech and brain networks</h2>



The focus of this technological intervention is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-is-a-powerful-tool-to-boost-brain-health-and-overall-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">default mode network</a> (DMN), a connected system of brain areas that are particularly active during introspective activities, such as daydreaming.



Utilizing a specific low-intensity ultrasound technology, termed "transcranial-focused ultrasound" or TFUS, the researchers aimed to subtly alter this network.



Brian Lord, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher in the University of Arizona's Department of Psychology, proudly stated: "We are the first to show that the default mode network can be directly targeted and noninvasively modulated."



Lord further clarified that one area of the DMN, the posterior cingulate cortex, plays a significant role in how the mind engages with experiences. 



This network brings stories to life in our minds, revives past memories, and carves future scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-narratives-mindfulness-and-the-now">Narratives, mindfulness, and the now</h2>



Fascinating as this narrative forming process is, it does not come without potential drawbacks. 



Lord pointed out that while it contributes to a cohesive sense of oneself, such constant internal narrative-making can thwart our ability to be truly present in each moment.



To combat this, Lord's team employed TFUS to stimulate specific brain areas noninvasively, with millimeter precision. 



TFUS carries an advantage over other noninvasive brain stimulation methods such as transcranial electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, due to its capacity to penetrate below the cortex.



Thirty participants underwent TFUS stimulation targeted at the posterior cingulate cortex of the DMN. 



To measure the effects, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to observe changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain activity</a>.



Participants reported on their feelings and experiences before and after the TFUS treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultrasound-s-impact-on-brain-health">Ultrasound's impact on brain health</h2>



The experiment concluded that TFUS could reduce the brain's connectivity within the DMN and influence participants' mindfulness and subjective experiences, including their sense of self and perception of time.



"The best part is you are using a minimal amount of energy to alter brain activity. You are just giving a gentle push to the brain with low-intensity ultrasound," explained Lord.



The potential benefits are profound. The ability to target and alter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-impairs-brain-network-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain networks</a> widens the doors to unique precision therapeutics, medical treatments specifically tailored to an individual's characteristics, lifestyle, and environment. Plus, it paves the way to possibly treat mood disorders like depression and anxiety.



"Unlike neuroimaging techniques where you can only make correlations with brain activity, noninvasive stimulation tools like TFUS allow you to probe the brain and develop causal models," Lord said. "That's a really powerful thing for the whole field of neuroscience."



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



As promising as TFUS technology is, it also brings forth important ethical considerations. 



The ability to modulate brain activity noninvasively raises questions about consent, privacy, and potential misuse. It's crucial that the field sets stringent guidelines to ensure that such powerful tools are used responsibly. 



Researchers and ethicists must work hand-in-hand to create a framework that upholds the integrity of both scientific exploration and individual rights.



Moreover, future research should aim to explore the long-term effects of TFUS on brain networks and behavior. 



While initial studies are promising, understanding the sustained impact of this technology will be vital for its integration into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asking-for-consent-before-touching-someone-cultivates-trust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapeutic practices</a>. 



Continued collaboration across disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, and ethics, will be essential to harness the full potential of TFUS while safeguarding human well-being.



This research from the University of Arizona opens new possibilities in the field of neuroscience, potentially revolutionizing our approach to mindfulness and mental health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1392199/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Human Neuroscience</a>.



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Ultrasound waves can enhance mindfulness and brain health

Ultrasound technology is now at the forefront of modulating the...

Usually, <a href="https://www.spacex.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX</a> is synonymous with innovative space solutions, a name that sparks hopes of an extraterrestrial future. However, a recent incident involving the company's Falcon 9 rocket has left a dent in their otherwise stellar reputation.



A SpaceX rocket has gone off course for the first time in nearly a decade, marooning the company's Starlink internet satellites in a lower-than-intended orbit, spelling their inevitable plunge back to Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spacex-rocket-falcon-9">SpaceX rocket Falcon 9</h2>



This mishap occurred during the launch of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/falcon-9-ties-spacex-records-for-most-consecutive-reuse-rocket-launches/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Falcon 9 rocket</a> from California. The unfortunate event unfolded on Thursday night, taking its flight with 20 Starlink satellites onboard - a mission that was destined to fail within minutes.



The unexpected culprit? A malfunction in the upper-stage engine, resulting from a liquid oxygen leak, as explained by SpaceX on Friday.



Now, just picture half of those satellites, lost in space, being on the receiving end of a desperate rescue attempt. SpaceX's flight controllers tried to elevate them to a higher orbit using onboard ion thrusters. 



However, reality struck hard when it was clear that the thrust could not compensate for negligibly low orbit of just 84 miles above Earth. Basically, this was less than half of the intended distance. SpaceX confirmed this predicament, stating that the maximum available thrust was far from enough to salvage the situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fate-of-the-satellites">Fate of the satellites</h2>



The fate of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthcare-satellite-will-reveal-the-climate-effects-of-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellites</a>? A dramatic reentry into the atmosphere, resulting in a fiery demise. The company, however, didn’t share any timelines as to when this might occur. It's worth noting that SpaceX has over 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, providing internet service to some of the remotest corners of the world.



The Federal Aviation Administration has since put its foot down. They insist that the issue be resolved. No future Falcon rockets will be given the green light until then. 



What about the other upcoming SpaceX missions? Unfortunately, there's a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the issue, with crewed flights and a private spacewalk mission on the line.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-risks-of-spacex-rocket-malfunction">Potential risks of SpaceX rocket malfunction</h2>



The fallout from this incident raises several crucial concerns, primarily regarding the safety of future missions. 



With a significant pending queue of launches, any recurring technical issues might imperil the schedules and operational safety of forthcoming missions. 



Moreover, there's an inherent risk of collision with other celestial objects, an area that demands immediate attention and effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-m9-5-flare-region-3654-strong-solar-activity-causes-radio-blackouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solutions</a>. 



Each malfunctioning satellite re-entering the Earth's atmosphere brings the potential for debris, albeit with controlled and calculated demise projections. The broader implication, however, is rooted in the need for heightened scrutiny and rigorous testing protocols before future launch authorizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spacex-s-contingency-plan">SpaceX’s contingency plan</h2>



SpaceX, never one to shy away from challenges, is reportedly working on contingency measures to address the current predicament. 



Foremost on their agenda is conducting a thorough investigation to diagnose the exact cause of the liquid oxygen leak that led to the engine malfunction. They are also exploring potential design modifications and additional safety redundancies to prevent the recurrence of such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anomalies</a>. 



Collaboration with regulatory bodies like the <a href="https://www.faa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal Aviation Administration</a> ensures an integrated approach to troubleshooting. 



SpaceX’s transparent communication with stakeholders and the public remains a cornerstone in maintaining trust and managing expectations during this turbulent phase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture">The bigger picture</h2>



In the grander scope of space exploration, occasional setbacks are not uncommon and often serve as steep learning curves. Despite the current challenges, SpaceX’s endeavors have profoundly transformed the industry, pioneering reusable rocket technology and commercial space travel. 



The lessons gleaned from this incident will neither diminish their past achievements nor deter future advancements. The relentless pursuit of innovation and space exploration continues to inspire hope that humanity's reach will extend beyond our planet. 



While the immediate horizon appears daunting, the bigger picture hints at a resilient and adaptive organization poised to overcome adversity and continue its mission towards space colonization and global connectivity.



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



Despite these hiccups, Jared Isaacman, the tech entrepreneur set to lead the private flight, remains optimistic about SpaceX's Falcon 9. He places his faith firmly in its "incredible track record" and its integrated emergency escape system.



SpaceX's last rocket mishap dates back to 2015, during a cargo run to the space station. This was followed by another explosion the following year during ground testing. 



Despite the recent setback, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk remains confident. He believes that a high flight rate will make it easier to identify the problem and implement the necessary corrections. The question is, how soon can SpaceX bounce back from this setback? Only time will tell.



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Starlink satellites are stranded in low orbit after rocket malfunction

Usually, SpaceX is synonymous with innovative space solutions, a name...

Just as you enjoy a picnic by the calming view of a lake, it's disheartening to know that those serene waters are in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-losing-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grave danger</a>. Lakes worldwide are facing an unsettling trend of warming – their temperatures are skyrocketing at an unprecedented rate.



The scientific details behind this concern are meticulously drawn out in a recent study. This research is the work of a collaborative team of limnologists and climate modelers from various backgrounds.



The lead scientist, Dr. Lei Huang, garnered his postdoctoral research experience from the<a href="https://ibsclimate.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> IBS Center for Climate Physics</a> in Busan, South Korea, and now resides at Capital Normal University in Beijing, China.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-lake-warming">Behind the lake warming</h2>



The team's findings are indeed sobering. If the current rate of anthropogenic warming - warming caused by human activities - continues until 2100, the surface and subsurface waters of our beloved lakes are set to heat up at a rate they've never encountered before.



Imagine, the conditions that sustained rich biodiversity and important ecological services of lakes could be history soon.



The team made this prediction using a state-of-the-art climate computer model known as the Community Earth System Model (version 2), covering the period from 1850-2100 CE.



This model is a novelty in its field, as it seamlessly integrates the dynamics of lake systems with the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hundred-paths-into-the-future">Hundred paths into the future</h2>



Ever wondered how scientists predict future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-tsunamis-are-an-emerging-climate-linked-hazard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>? Here's an example - rather than running the computer model into the future only once, the scientists used an ensemble of 100 past-to-future simulations. 



These simulations ran on "Aleph," one of South Korea's fastest computers at the <a href="https://www.ibs.re.kr/eng.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Basic Science</a>, producing slightly different versions of natural climate variability while also factoring in the warming effects of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.



With this manifold approach, the scientists could separate the naturally occurring lake temperature variations from those caused by human actions. The team was able to predict when lake temperatures would permanently cross natural bounds – a situation they refer to as "no-analog" conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delving-deeper">Delving deeper</h2>



While surface warming affects creatures in the shallower parts, some organisms can relocate vertically to cooler depth layers. Therefore, it's not just the surface, but how the warming seeps into the subsurface layers needs considerable attention as well.



Dr. Iestyn Woolway, a NERC Independent Research Fellow at <a href="https://www.bangor.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bangor University</a>, UK, and a corresponding author of the study, highlights this crucial aspect.



According to Dr. Woolway, the subsurface layers of tropical lakes, which house rich biodiversity, will be the first to face these unprecedented conditions when global warming reaches about 2.4°C (36.32°F) above pre-industrial conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-reduce-lake-warming">Steps to reduce lake warming</h2>



Tackling lake warming requires both individual and collective action. Here are some steps to mitigate this issue: 



<ul>
<li>Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Support afforestation and reforestation projects, as trees absorb CO2. Implement green infrastructure like green roofs and urban forests to lower temperatures.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Enhance water conservation efforts by fixing leaks and using water-saving fixtures. Advocate for clean energy policies and international agreements like the Paris Agreement. Increase public awareness through community programs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/shasta-lake-is-full-for-the-second-consecutive-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">education</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Support research and monitoring of lake temperatures. Protect wetlands and riparian zones to absorb heat and pollutants. </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystems-at-stake">Ecosystems at stake</h2>



"Our study reveals synchronous emergence of no-analog conditions in tropical lake subsurface layers, driven by rapid downward transmission of warming signals during frequent lake mixing events," said Dr. Woolway.



"In contrast, high-latitude lakes partly shield subsurface layers from surface&nbsp;warming&nbsp;through stratification, delaying or sometimes even preventing no-analog climates at depths."



These no-analog lake climates won't just stop at warming the lakes; they can trigger severe disruptions in ecosystems, warned Professor Axel Timmermann, a co-author of the study, and Director of the IBS Center for Climate Physics.



Lake organisms, compared to their terrestrial and marine counterparts, often find it hard to migrate to more optimal climates. Hence, understanding the timing of the emergence of no-analog conditions is vital for adaptation, planning, and climate mitigation in lake ecosystems.



As you now gaze at the gentle ripples of the lake, it's clear that our lakes are not simply bodies of water, but an integral part of our ecosystems – an area we can't afford to ignore. So, isn't it time we took some serious steps to prevent such a catastrophic future?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01491-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Lakes are warming toward the point of no return

Just as you enjoy a picnic by the calming view...

In the world of archaeology and anthropology, the Neanderthal has long been a subject of intrigue and speculation. 



Ever since the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-structure-of-neanderthal-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal bones</a> were unearthed in 1856, these ancient hominins have posed a string of questions.



Were they different or similar to us? Did our ancestors coexist peacefully or clash with them? What was their relationship with the recently discovered Denisovans, a Neanderthal-like group that dwelled in Asia and South Asia? 



The narrative of Neanderthals and other early humans is replete with such queries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-paradigm-shift">A paradigm shift </h2>



An international team of geneticists and AI specialists, led by Professor Joshua Akey from <a href="https://lsi.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University’s Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics</a>, is reshaping our understanding of early human history.



By delving deep into genetic intricacies, the team has uncovered evidence of extensive genetic intermingling among early human groups, implying a closer connection than previously assumed.



Liming Li, a professor at <a href="https://med.seu.edu.cn/en/22005/list.psp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southeast University</a> in China, underscored the significance of the discovery. “This is the first time that geneticists have identified multiple waves of modern human-Neanderthal admixture.”



The research was carried out while Li was an associate research scholar in Professor Akey’s laboratory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sliding-dynamics-of-ancient-human-relations">Sliding dynamics of ancient human relations</h2>



According to Professor Akey, our direct ancestors parted ways with the Neanderthal lineage around 600,000 years ago and developed modern physical traits approximately 250,000 years ago.



From that point until the Neanderthals vanished - a time frame of about 200,000 years - there was consistent interaction between modern humans and Neanderthal populations.



“For the vast majority of human history, we've had a history of contact between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-lived-side-by-side-45000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern humans</a> and Neanderthals,” said Professor Akey, shedding light on this complex interspecies relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-neanderthals">A new perspective on Neanderthals</h2>



Neanderthals, formerly framed as slow and dull, are now seen as adept hunters and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-glue-created-and-used-underestimated-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool constructors</a>. They possessed advanced techniques to treat injuries and were well-adapted to Europe’s chilly climate.



These revelations suggest that there is a much more nuanced story about these hominin groups, which included our own ancient human ancestors, in addition to Neanderthals and Denisovans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-ancestral-gene-flow">Shedding light on ancestral gene flow</h2>



By analyzing genomes from 2,000 present-day humans and three Neanderthals, plus one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-denisovan-species-humans-lived-undisturbed-tibetan-plateau-160000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denisovan</a>, the researchers created a map of gene flow among these groups over the past 250,000 years.



The strategic application of the genetic tool IBDmix, using machine learning techniques, was instrumental in decoding the genome. This tool was designed by Professor Akey’s team as an alternative to the traditional method of comparing human genomes against a reference population.



The researchers discovered evidence of multiple waves of contact between modern humans and Neanderthals, contradicting earlier genetic data. 



“Most genetic data suggests that modern humans evolved in Africa 250,000 years ago, stayed put for the next 200,000 years, and then dispersed out of Africa 50,000 years ago to populate the rest of the world," said Professor Akey.



“Our models show that there wasn’t a long period of stasis, but that shortly after modern humans arose, we've been migrating out of Africa and coming back to Africa, too.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-disappearance-of-neanderthals">The disappearance of Neanderthals</h2>



The breakthrough realization came when Li and Akey chose to look for modern-human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-belong-to-the-same-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> in the Neanderthal genomes, and not vice versa.



The final twist in the saga was the revelation that the Neanderthal population was smaller than what was previously believed. 



The researchers estimate that the Neanderthal population included around 2,400 breeding individuals, which about 1,000 fewer than expected. This new understanding sheds light on how the Neanderthals disappeared around 30,000 years ago.



" I don’t like to say ‘extinction,’ because I think Neanderthals were largely absorbed,” said Akey. His idea is that Neanderthal populations slowly shrank until the last survivors were folded into modern human communities.



Professor Akey’s assimilation model resonates with a hypothesis proposed by Fred Smith, an anthropology professor, in 1989.



“Our results provide strong genetic data consistent with Fred’s hypothesis. Neanderthals were teetering on the edge of extinction, probably for a very long time," noted Professor Akey.



"We just demographically overwhelmed Neanderthals and incorporated them into modern human populations.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi1768" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Neanderthals and humans had multiple waves of contact

In the world of archaeology and anthropology, the Neanderthal has...

Get ready to hop into a journey through time as we explore the fascinating world of ancient kangaroos, delving into an era when these remarkable creatures roamed the prehistoric landscapes of Australia.



Imagine a kangaroo - not the modern hopping creatures we all know and love - but a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/end-of-an-era-woolly-mammoth-remains-tell-an-intriguing-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammoth</a> "giant wallaby" who roamed the Earth millions of years ago.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-that-survive-mass-extinctions-arent-always-boring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colossal ancestors</a> were a far cry from the agile, bounding kangaroos of today, embodying a different kind of majesty and movement.



Intriguing new research reveals that these extinct relatives of our contemporary kangaroos moved in quite a different fashion. 



Unlike their modern descendants who are known for their characteristic hopping, these ancient giants, known as Protemnodon, exhibited a unique mode of locomotion that sheds new light on the diverse evolutionary history of marsupials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-giant-wallaby-kangaroos">Meet the giant wallaby kangaroos</h2>



Diving into the Pleistocene era, between two and a half million to ten thousand years ago, we introduce you to a particular extinct kangaroo species known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protemnodon-kangaroo-fossils-may-explain-their-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Protemnodon</a>, endearingly referred to as the giant wallaby.



This fascinating period in Earth's history saw the rise and fall of numerous unique and extraordinary creatures, with Protemnodon standing out among them.



Several of these predecessors to our modern kangaroos were far larger, but contrary to what you might assume, the latest findings suggest that they were not hopping around.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walking-the-walk-on-four-legs">Walking the walk...on four legs</h2>



Previously, it was thought that despite their larger size, these ancient kangaroos hopped around much like their current-day descendants. 



However, newly published findings from a team of researchers reveal that these mega-marsupials were primarily quadrupedal, displaying a preference for moving about on all four legs.



Billie Jones, a former masters student at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, had initially speculated that the giant wallaby was more likely to be quadrupedal.



The research team confirmed this theory by taking a quantitative look at the limb proportions of the animal.



An interesting discovery was that Protemnodon's limb proportions were quite unlike that of any living kangaroos. In particular, its short feet support the assumption that Protemnodon was primarily a quadrupedal creature.



“There had been some speculation in a graduate thesis from the University of Uppsala that it might have been more quadrupedal in its habits compared to living kangaroos," noted Jones, the lead author of the study. 



“This new paper draws on a couple of previous quantitative studies that looked at the anatomy of the humerus (upper arm bone) in a diversity of mammals, and concluded that&nbsp;Protemnodon&nbsp;habitually put more weight on its forelimbs than kangaroos today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-of-movement-among-kangaroos">Diversity of movement among kangaroos</h2>



Interestingly, Protemnodon isn't the first instance of non-hopping kangaroos discovered by the scientists at Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences. 



In previous research, experts at Bristol had shown that another subfamily of kangaroos - the sthenurines - were bipedal striders instead of hoppers.



This diverse range of locomotion within the kangaroo family suggests a greater variety of habitats in ancient Australia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-held-by-ancient-bones">Secrets held by ancient bones</h2>



Analysis of the extinct giant wallaby's limb bones provide further evidence that Protemnodon was not well-equipped for hopping. The ankle bones, for instance, were unsuited to withstand the stresses of hopping.



Professor Christine Janis, the supervisor of the study, added that the extinct giant wallaby Protemnodon was likely a poor hopper at best.



The evidence suggests that Protemnodon most likely moved around quadrupedally, bounding on all fours similar to how tree-kangaroos move on the ground.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-habitats-and-ecosystems">Ancient habitats and ecosystems</h2>



The locomotion style of Protemnodon suggests that these ancient kangaroos adapted to a diverse range of habitats.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinct-giant-kangaroo-discovered-in-papua-new-guinea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fossil</a> evidence indicates that these quadrupedal kangaroos likely thrived in forested regions and grasslands, where dense vegetation and varied terrain made hopping less efficient.



Their movement on all fours would have enabled them to navigate through these environments more effectively, accessing food sources and avoiding predators.



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



Understanding the diverse locomotive adaptations of ancient kangaroos like Protemnodon provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marsupials-are-key-to-healthy-ecosystems-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marsupials</a>.



These findings can inform current conservation efforts by highlighting the importance of preserving varied ecosystems that support different forms of locomotion. 



Protecting diverse habitats ensures the survival of modern kangaroos and their relatives, allowing them to continue their unique evolutionary journeys.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10914-024-09725-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Mammalian Evolution</a>.



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Giant kangaroos of the past didn't hop - they walked on all fours

Get ready to hop into a journey through time as...

Have you ever considered the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock the secrets of advanced quantum computing? 



This once seemingly impossible feat may soon become a reality, as suggested by new research from Australia's national science agency, <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSIRO</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-quantum-computing-noise">AI and quantum computing noise</h2>



The research, published in the prestigious Physical Review Research journal, presents a fascinating and important concept. 



It indicates AI's remarkable potential to process and resolve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-giant-leap-forward-breakthrough-ultra-pure-silicon-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum errors</a>, which are famously termed as 'qubit noise'. 



Now, why do these quantum errors matter so much in the universe of quantum computing? 



This noise, which arises from various sources such as environmental interference and imperfections in the quantum system, apparently is the largest hurdle in transitioning quantum computers from being purely experimental devices to practical, everyday tools. 



Overcoming this noise barrier is crucial because it will enable quantum computers to achieve their full potential, performing complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calculations at speeds unimaginable</a> with classical computers. 



The application of AI in this context could be a significant step towards realizing the dream of functional and reliable quantum computing technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-from-bits-to-qubits">Moving from bits to qubits</h2>



For those curious about the term 'qubit,' let's delve into a brief overview. In conventional computers, information is stored and processed in 'bits,' each representing either 0 or 1 based on binary principles. 



This binary system is the foundation for all computations, from simple arithmetic to complex algorithms, in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-computers-verify-errors-made-by-quantum-computers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classical computing</a>.



Quantum computers, however, operate with quantum bits or 'qubits.' Unlike traditional bits, qubits can represent 0, 1, or both 0 and 1 simultaneously, thanks to the principles of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, specifically superposition. 



This allows qubits to exist in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple states at once</a>. Additionally, qubits can exhibit entanglement, where the state of one qubit is intrinsically linked to the state of another, regardless of distance. 



These extraordinary properties of qubits promise a level of computing power far beyond that of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-outperformed-new-type-traditional-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conventional computers</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-ai-in-quantum-computing">Role of AI in quantum computing</h2>



But here's the catch. Qubits, despite their immense computational potential, are incredibly delicate and prone to disturbances from their environment. 



Their fragility leads to quantum computers often churning out 'noise,' or errors, in their outputs, which can significantly impact their performance and reliability. 



This is where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-computers-verify-errors-made-by-quantum-computers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum error</a> correction codes come to the rescue. These sophisticated algorithms are designed to detect and correct these errors, ensuring that the computations remain accurate and the integrity of the quantum data is maintained. 



Without these error correction codes, the practical use of quantum computers would be severely limited.



Dr. Muhammad Usman, the leader of CSIRO's Data61 Quantum Systems Team, reveals the role of AI in making this error correction process efficient. 



His team employed an AI neural network syndrome decoder to identify errors and make appropriate corrections.



"Our work for the first time establishes that a machine learning-based decoder can, in principle, process error information obtained directly from measurements on IBM devices and suggest suitable corrections despite the very complex nature of noise," Usman explained.



"In our work, we do not observe error suppression when the error correction code distance is increased, as theoretically anticipated, due to currently large noise levels (above code threshold) in IBM <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-quantum-light-detector-now-fits-on-silicon-chip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum processors</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ai-in-quantum-computing">Future of AI in quantum computing</h2>



What does this mean for the future of quantum computing? Unfortunately, the research didn't observe error suppression when the error correction code distance increased, largely due to the high noise levels in IBM quantum processors. 



However, with physical error rates expected to reduce within the next few years, the use of AI could potentially enable error suppression with the increasing code distance, possibly paving the way for full fault-tolerance.



The importance of Dr. Usman's work couldn't be overstated, given the current landscape of quantum computing. 



The use of AI in quantum error correction codes represents a transformative moment in the journey of quantum computers from experimental devices to efficacious tools.



So, AI might just turn out to be the magic wand, waving away one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing. No wonder, science never ceases to surprise us, does it?



While we are still some way off from quantum computers becoming a common reality, there's no denying the potential impact this research <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could have on our future</a>. 



The combination of AI and quantum computing might just be what we need to make a quantum leap in technology.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.L032004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Research</a>.



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Using artificial intelligence to make quantum computers a reality

Have you ever considered the potential of artificial intelligence (AI)...

Ever wandered into the sea of thoughts where civilizations seemingly disappear and mysteries remain unsolved? Let's unravel the enigma of the Native American group, Cahokia, that people had to mysteriously abandon around 600 years ago.



In the heart of what we now know as Illinois, the civilization thrived to later abandon their six-square-mile city.



Scientific breakthroughs by <a href="https://www.blm.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Bureau of Land Management</a> archaeologist Dr. Caitlin Rankin, in collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis, have started to shed light on this mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abandoning-cahokia">Abandoning Cahokia</h2>



Despite the age-old theory suggesting that the ancient city became unlivable after a catastrophic crop failure and drought, new evidence begs to differ. 



After meticulous carbon-dating analysis of deep-cut layers of soil and agricultural remnants, the researchers found that farming practices in Cahokia surprisingly continued unscathed during the drought years.



"The story we once knew is changing," Dr. Rankin affirms, "It's possible that they weren't really feeling the impacts of the drought."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-beyond-drought">Life beyond drought</h2>



So, if drought didn't pave the way for abandonment, what did? 



Researchers now believe that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-early-humans-great-migration-reached-america-challenged-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indigenous residents</a> may have gradually drifted from their city in search of better opportunities. Perhaps the pull of distant loved ones also played a part in this dispersion.



"We saw no evidence that prairie grasses were taking over, which we would expect in a scenario where widespread crop failure was occurring," said Dr. Natalie Mueller, assistant professor of archaeology at <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a>.



Could this be a testament to resilience? Probably. Or perhaps it's the manifestation of the age-old phenomenon where new generations seek greener pastures, much like today's urban sprawl. 



"People probably just spread out to be near kin or to find different opportunities," Dr. Mueller added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciding-to-abandon-cahokia">Deciding to abandon Cahokia</h2>



Why wouldn't drought affect a civilization that's right at the heart of a flood plain? 



The Cahokia people were no strangers to the hardships of life and were well-prepared for potential droughts with their sophisticated food storage systems.



The duo of Dr. Mueller and Dr. Rankin also highlight that despite the drought, the region may have been destabilized, affecting Cahokia's resources. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-in-cahokia">Life in Cahokia</h2>



The Cahokia unquestionably left their mark on the world, constructing an estimated 120 earthen mounds, boasting the largest city north of Mexico before the arrival of European settlers. 



These mounds, akin to pyramids, were likely built to honor and protect the homes of Cahokia's civic leaders. But what's more enthralling is their unmatched agricultural prowess.



"Cahokia's farmers grew at least eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-ancient-plant-farming-found-in-east-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>," Dr Mueller said. "These included both warm and cool season grasses, oil seed crops, and highly nutritious pseudo-cereals, each of which is adapted to slightly different conditions."



"In addition, Cahokia had access to an enormous freshwater fishery, one of the great flyways of the world, perennial wetland plants, and "food forests" full of nuts and fruits that had been shaped by local communities for millennia."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-before-cahokia-was-abandoned">Before Cahokia was abandoned</h2>



In addition to their agricultural ingenuity, Cahokia was a nexus of trade and exchange. Artifacts discovered from far-flung locales suggest that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-ancestors-woodworking-sophisticated-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient</a> city had extensive trade networks stretching across vast distances. 



Seashells from the Gulf Coast, copper from the Great Lakes, and mica from the Appalachian Mountains were all found among Cahokia's remnants, illustrating the city's role as an interconnected hub. 



These trade relationships not only enhanced Cahokia's wealth but also facilitated cultural exchange, enriching their society with diverse ideas and technologies. 



The interconnectedness of Cahokia with other regions shines a light on their sophisticated economy and underscores their importance as a major center of the Mississippian culture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-within-a-mystery">Mystery within a mystery</h2>



While this new insight disproves the drought theory, the reason for their disappearance remains a bigger mystery than ever. 



"The picture is likely complicated,"&nbsp;Dr Rankin noted.&nbsp;"They put a lot of effort into building these mounds, but there were probably external pressures that caused them to leave."



Unquestionably, the story of Cahokia is far from closed. It's an intriguing tale of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragon-man-skull-sheds-new-light-on-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>, resilience, and an unsolved puzzle that keeps us searching for more answers.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09596836241254488" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Holocene</a>.



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Native American civilization of 50,000 people mysteriously vanished

Ever wandered into the sea of thoughts where civilizations seemingly...

In the rugged mountains of Nevada, the coastal Favret Formation is an age-old geological marvel dating back to the Triassic Era over 200 million years ago. The site has long been known as a treasure trove for fossils of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-mosasaur-species-discovered-with-strange-screwdriver-like-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-dwelling</a> creatures from the ancient world, like Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis.



However, a recent discovery takes this understanding to another level, undeniably rewriting the story of life along the Triassic coastlines.



Researchers have come across something quite unexpected -- a new species of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dwarf-crocodiles-once-hunted-human-ancestors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct crocodile</a> relative named Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis.



The surprising discovery reveals the reign of a fascinating group of animals, pseudosuchian archosaurs, on the coasts during the Middle Triassic, when giant ichthyosaurs ruled the oceanic domain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-life-of-benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis">Coastal life of Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis</h2>



The research was led by Dr. Nate Smith, the Gretchen Augustyn Director and Curator of the <a href="https://nhm.org/research-collections/departments/dinosaur-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinosaur Institute</a> at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis_triassic-crocodile_credit-Jorge-Gonzalez_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This exciting new species</a> demonstrates that pseudosuchians were occupying coastal habitats on a global basis during the Middle Triassic," Smith remarked.



Their discovery was in stark contrast to their initial expectations. 



"Our first reaction was: What the hell is this? We were expecting to find things like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-known-marine-reptile-a-giant-ichthyosaur-has-been-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine reptiles</a>. We couldn't understand how a terrestrial animal could end up so far out in the sea among the ichthyosaurs and ammonites," admitted co-author Dr. Nicole Klein, from the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a>.



This discovery not only shifts our understanding of pseudosuchian distribution but also signifies the diversification of the archosauriforms. 



It suggests independent adaptations of different pseudosuchian groups to coastal environments hinting at an intricate process of evolution taking place along the shores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-the-ancient-world">Shaping the ancient world</h2>



The Triassic era is known for the rise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/armor-was-a-boomerang-trait-in-the-story-of-dinosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archosaurs</a>, often termed as "the ruling reptiles".



This group later divided into two surviving lineages -- birds (descendants of dinosaurs) and crocodilians (descendants of pseudosuchian archosaurs like B. eremicarminis).



However, the ancient kin of current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-remains-shed-new-light-on-crocodilian-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodilians</a> presents a mosaic of size, lifestyle, and diversity.



Moreover, the remarkable diversity of pseudosuchians following the End-Permian mass extinction, as suggested by the evolutionary relationships of B. eremicarminis and its relatives, remains a fascinating chapter in evolutionary history, still waiting to be explored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-richness-of-the-triassic-era">Richness of the Triassic Era</h2>



The diverse portfolio of Triassic reptiles has always been intriguing. 



From the gigantic Mambawakale ruhuhu to smaller animals like the newly described B. eremicarminis, they reveal the multiplicity of life forms existing at that time.



The sea-side dweller B. eremicarminis possibly grew up to 5–6 feet in length, and its living habits remain shrouded in mystery due to the lack of a complete skull fossil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis-honors-history">Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis honors history</h2>



Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis, the newly unearthed pseudosuchian, was named with respect to the original human inhabitants of the region where it was found.



"Benggwi-Gwishinga", a Shoshone word meaning "catching fish", was combined with "Sobek", the Greek word for the Egyptian crocodile-headed god, to coin the new genus.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis_triassic-crocodile_credit-Nicole-Klein_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis_triassic-crocodile_credit-Nicole-Klein_1s.jpg" alt="Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis Triassic crocodile species skeleton analysis. Credit: Nicole Klein" class="wp-image-1938927"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis Triassic crocodile species skeleton analysis. Credit: Nicole Klein</figcaption></figure>



The species epithet 'eremicarminis' translates to "desert song", honoring the supporters of paleontological research in the region. As such, the full name roughly translates as the "Fisherman Croc's Desert Song."



This surprising discovery opens up a new perspective on the biodiversity during the Middle Triassic, shedding light on the significant role of pseudosuchians in shaping the ancient world and hinting at the yet untold stories hidden in the fossil record.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-coastal-ecosystems">Triassic coastal ecosystems</h2>



The discovery of B. eremicarminis provides valuable insights into the coastal ecosystems of the Triassic period.



These ecosystems were complex and diverse, hosting a variety of life forms ranging from marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs to terrestrial pseudosuchians. 



The presence of B. eremicarminis suggests that coastal habitats were crucial in the evolutionary history of these archosaurs, offering them resources and niches that facilitated their survival and adaptation.



Understanding these ancient ecosystems can help us piece together the environmental and biological dynamics that shaped the development of early reptilian life.



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



The study of extinct species like B. eremicarminis offers lessons for modern conservation efforts.



By understanding how ancient animals adapted to their environments and survived through significant climatic and geological changes, scientists can draw parallels to current challenges faced by contemporary wildlife. 



The resilience and adaptability of species in the Triassic era underline the importance of preserving diverse habitats and fostering ecological resilience in our present-day ecosystems. 



This historical perspective can guide conservation strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and habitat destruction, ensuring the survival of today's species for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0136" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



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New Triassic crocodile species reveals ancient U.S. coastal life

In the rugged mountains of Nevada, the coastal Favret Formation...

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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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" 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.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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" 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.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

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" 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 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

[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Stowers...

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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

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[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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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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