Scientists have uncovered an intriguing tale of galactic growth, featuring mysterious “red monsters” that are revealing new secrets of the young universe.



An international team of experts led by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has discovered three ultra-massive galaxies - each almost as substantial as the Milky Way - that emerged within the first billion years following the Big Bang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theory-of-galaxy-formation">Theory of galaxy formation</h2>



This discovery surprised scientists because it challenges the popular theory of galaxy formation. According to current models, galaxies grow slowly within large halos of dark matter. 



These halos, which are invisible structures, pull in gas that eventually forms stars. Traditionally, scientists believed only about 20% of this gas would turn into stars in these galaxies.



However, the findings from the UNIGE team show that these early massive galaxies were exceptionally efficient at creating stars. They produced stars much faster and in larger numbers than expected, growing at an extraordinary rate compared to galaxies that formed later. 



This unexpected efficiency suggests that early galaxies grew in ways scientists hadn’t previously considered, prompting a rethink of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy formation theories</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-three-red-monsters">The three "red monsters"</h2>



The James Webb Space Telescope's FRESCO program made this remarkable discovery possible.



The beauty of the FRESCO program lies in its cutting-edge tool, the NIRCam/grism spectrograph, which enables accurate measurement of the distance and stellar masses of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>.



Thanks to the superior capabilities of <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>, astronomers have been able to study galaxies in the distant and early universe systematically - including massive and dust-obscured galaxies.



Upon examining the galaxies in the FRESCO survey, most galaxies conformed to existing models. Yet, the team found three galaxies that were surprisingly massive.



Due to their high dust content, which gives them a unique red appearance in JWST images, the giant galaxies are now known as the "red monsters."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-hidden-red-monsters">Unveiling the hidden red monsters</h2>



Dr. Mengyuan Xiao, the lead author of the study, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Astronomy at <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNIGE</a> Faculty of Science.



Dr. Xiao joined forces with Dr. David Elbaz, director of research at CEA Paris-Saclay, to investigate the red monsters.



“Our findings are reshaping our understanding of galaxy formation in the early universe,” noted Dr. Xiao.



“The massive properties of these red monsters were hardly determined before JWST, as they are optically invisible due to dust attenuation,” said Dr. Elbaz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-growth-of-galaxies-over-time">Studying the growth of galaxies over time</h2>



Using the James Webb telescope, the researchers developed an innovative program which enables the systematic analysis of a complete sample of emission-line galaxies within the first billion years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic history</a>.



This program allowed the team to achieve precise distance estimates and reliable stellar mass measurements for the full galaxy sample.



Pascal Oesch is an associate professor in the Department of Astronomy at the UNIGE and principal investigator of the observation program.



“Our findings highlight the remarkable power of NIRCam/grism spectroscopy," noted Oesch. "The instrument on board the space telescope allows us to identify and study the growth of galaxies over time, and to obtain a clearer picture of how stellar mass accumulates over the course of cosmic history.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-too-many-too-massive-galaxies">"Too many, too massive" galaxies</h2>



The discovery of these massive galaxies challenges existing ideas about how galaxies form.



The findings highlight the presence of an unexpectedly high number of large galaxies - "too many, too massive" galaxies - very early in the universe’s history.



This suggests that existing models may be missing certain processes or factors that allowed some galaxies to grow rapidly right after the Big Bang.



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



To understand these giant galaxies better, scientists will continue observing them with powerful instruments like JWST and ALMA.



These tools can offer more detailed views and help find more of these ultra-massive galaxies, deepening our understanding of galaxy formation in the early universe and potentially revising the models of cosmic evolution.



Future endeavors hold the promise of addressing lingering questions about the universe’s dark matter content, stellar formation processes, and the dynamic behavior of galaxies over cosmic time scales.



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



The discoveries with JWST have significantly contributed to our understanding of cosmic origins, particularly by offering new perspectives on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early universe</a>.



These revelations challenge the existing paradigms of universe evolution, suggesting that even in the nascent stages following the Big Bang, there existed environments ripe for the rapid growth and formation of the red monsters.



“These results indicate that galaxies in the early universe could form stars with unexpected efficiency," said Dr. Xiao.



"As we study these galaxies in more depth, they will offer new insights into the conditions that shaped the universe’s earliest epochs. The red monsters are just the beginning of a new era in our exploration of the early universe."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08094-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: NASA / CSA / ESA / M. Xiao &amp; P. A. Oesch / G. Brammer / Dawn JWST Archive



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'Red monsters' challenge what we know about the early universe

Scientists have uncovered an intriguing tale of galactic growth, featuring mysterious “red monsters” that are revealing new secrets of the young universe. An international team of experts led by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has discovered three ultra-massive galaxies - each almost as substantial as the Milky Way - that emerged within the first billion years following the Big Bang. Theory of galaxy formation This discovery surprised scientists because it challenges the popular theory of galaxy formation. According to current models, galaxies grow slowly within large halos...

Each spring, as the warming Arctic sun pierces the long winter darkness, a flurry of life emerges, including the awakening of giant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-influence-methane-production-across-various-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>. Polar bears leave their dens, Arctic terns return from their migrations, and musk oxen traverse northward.



Alongside these familiar sights, a less visible but equally significant awakening occurs on the Greenland ice sheet. 



As the ice starts to melt, dark patches begin to appear, a phenomenon caused by blooming algae. These algae absorb sunlight, accelerating the ice melt and contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highest-points-of-greenland-are-now-affected-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-viruses-on-ice">Giant viruses on ice</h2>



In this bleak scenario of global warming, a ray of hope shines through in the form of an unexpected ally: giant viruses.



Postdoctoral researcher Laura Perini and her team at the Department of Environmental Science at <a href="https://envs.au.dk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> have made a groundbreaking discovery.



Nestled within the icy expanse, where algae proliferate, giant viruses lie in wait. 



Unlike their microscopic counterparts, these viruses are formidable in size, comparable to bacteria, and could potentially serve as natural regulators of algae growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giants-among-microbes">Giants among microbes</h2>



Giant viruses, first identified in 1981, defy the typical characteristics of their kin. Measuring about 2.5 micrometers, they are not just physically larger; their genomes are also expansive, containing millions of genetic letters.



This allows them a level of autonomy uncommon among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>, enabling them to replicate and transcribe DNA without a host's cellular machinery.



Such capabilities make them fascinating subjects of study and potentially crucial players in ecological balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-in-the-warming-world">Viruses in the warming world</h2>



This discovery on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-greenland-ice-sheet-is-teeming-with-microorganisms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland ice sheet</a> marks a significant first. "We analyzed samples from various forms of ice and found active giant viruses in areas dominated by pigmented microalgae," noted Perini.



This revelation sheds light on a vibrant, albeit microscopic, ecosystem that thrives in conditions previously thought to be barren.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/greenland-ice_covered-viruses_blackened-algae_credit-Shunan-Feng_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/greenland-ice_covered-viruses_blackened-algae_credit-Shunan-Feng_1s.jpg" alt="Algae blackens the Greenland ice. Credit: Laura Perini" class="wp-image-1936070"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Algae blackens the Greenland ice. Credit: Laura Perini</figcaption></figure>



The ecosystem includes bacteria, fungi, and protists - all centered around the algae, with giant viruses perhaps playing a pivotal role in moderating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-algal-blooms-will-become-more-frequent-off-the-u-s-west-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algal blooms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-presence-of-mrna">Presence of mRNA</h2>



Despite their size, these viruses elude the naked eye and even conventional microscopes. 



"Our discovery was made by analyzing DNA from collected samples. We sifted through massive datasets to find markers indicative of giant viruses," said Perini.



The presence of mRNA, which decays rapidly unless actively produced by living organisms, further confirmed the activity of these viruses on the ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-role-of-giant-viruses">Uncertain role of giant viruses</h2>



While the potential of these giant viruses to control algae and mitigate ice melt from global warming is promising, much remains unknown.



"Their exact hosts and mechanisms are still unclear. Some may target protists, others the algae directly," noted Perini. Her ongoing research aims to delve deeper into these interactions, with more findings expected to be published later in the year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-viruses-and-global-warming">Giant viruses and global warming</h2>



The study of these giant viruses not only broadens our understanding of viral biology but also opens new avenues in environmental science. 



By exploring these organisms further, scientists like Perini hope to unlock natural solutions to some of the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">climate change</a>.



As the Arctic continues to evolve under the pressures of global warming, the role of these viruses could be more significant than ever.



The study represents a crucial step toward understanding the complex interplay of life in one of Earth's most extreme environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-critical-roles-of-giant-viruses">Other critical roles of giant viruses</h2>



Beyond regulating algae on Greenland ice, giant viruses play several critical roles. Their large genomes allow them to perform complex functions, often independent of host cells, which sets them apart from typical viruses. 



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-viruses-discovered-that-trap-carbon-and-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine environments</a>, they can control the population of harmful algal blooms, protecting marine life and fisheries. Giant viruses also influence microbial diversity and nutrient cycles, crucial for ecosystem health.



In biomedical research, their unique genetic makeup provides insights into virus evolution and the origins of life. Studying giant viruses can reveal new aspects of gene regulation and viral replication, potentially leading to breakthroughs in antiviral therapies. 



Additionally, these viruses might help in biotechnology, such as gene editing and synthetic biology, due to their large and versatile genomes.



Overall, giant viruses hold promise in various fields, from environmental science to medical research, offering new tools and perspectives for addressing global challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-024-01796-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbiome</a>.



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Giant viruses found on Arctic ice may help fight global warming

Each spring, as the warming Arctic sun pierces the long...

This,Is,A,3d,Illustration,Of,Three,Merging,Supermassive,Black

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, there is much more than meets the eye. For every kilogram of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visible matter</a> in the universe, from the computer on your desk to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant stars and galaxies</a>, there are 5 kilograms of invisible "dark matter" that permeate our surroundings. 



This enigmatic dark matter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-reveal-the-origin-of-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evades direct observation</a> yet exerts its invisible pull on the visible objects around us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stephen-hawking-and-primordial-black-holes">Stephen Hawking and primordial black holes</h2>



Fifty years ago, renowned physicist <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/stephenhawking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Hawking</a> proposed a fascinating idea about the nature of dark matter. He suggested that it might consist of a population of black holes that formed in the early stages of the universe, mere moments after the Big Bang. 



These "primordial" black holes would not have been the colossal entities we detect today, but rather microscopic regions of ultradense matter. 



According to Hawking's theory, these primordial black holes would have formed in the first quintillionth of a second <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/">following the</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/">Big Bang</a>, collapsed, and scattered across the cosmos, influencing the surrounding space-time in ways that could explain the dark matter we observe today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-super-charged-black-holes">Super-charged black holes</h2>



Now, physicists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>) have made a mind-bending discovery that sheds new light on Hawking's idea. 



David Kaiser, the Germeshausen Professor of the History of Science and professor of physics at MIT, and his graduate student Elba Alonso-Monsalve, found that the primordial process described by Hawking would have also produced some unexpected companions: even smaller black holes with unprecedented amounts of a nuclear-physics property known as "color charge."



These smallest, "super-charged" black holes would have been an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entirely new state</a> of matter, likely evaporating a fraction of a second after their formation. 



Despite their brief existence, they could have influenced a crucial cosmological transition: the time when the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-magnetic-fields-leave-marks-on-nuclear-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atomic nuclei</a> were forged.



"Even though these short-lived, exotic creatures are not around today, they could have affected cosmic history in ways that could show up in subtle signals today," explains Kaiser. "Within the idea that all dark matter could be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accounted for by black holes</a>, this gives us new things to look for."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultradense-matter-in-the-early-universe">Ultradense matter in the early universe</h2>



Unlike the black holes we know and detect today, which are the product of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar collapse</a>, primordial black holes are thought to have formed in a time before stars existed. 



In the early universe, before even the basic elements had formed, pockets of ultradense, primordial matter could have accumulated and collapsed to form microscopic black holes. 



These black holes could have been so dense as to squeeze the mass of an asteroid into a region as small as a single atom. 



The gravitational pull from these tiny, invisible objects scattered throughout the universe could explain the dark matter that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-stars-may-hold-the-key-to-understanding-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">we can't see today</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-very-fleeting-existence">Very fleeting existence</h2>



Kaiser and Alonso-Monsalve set out to investigate the composition of these primordial black holes. They looked at existing theories for the likely distribution of black hole masses as they were first forming in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-lighthouses-emanated-earliest-starlight-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early universe</a>.



"Our realization was, there's a direct correlation between when a primordial black hole forms and what mass it forms with," says Alonso-Monsalve. "And that window of time is absurdly early."



The researchers calculated that primordial black holes must have formed within the first quintillionth of a second <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-shaped-the-universe-before-galaxies-existed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following the Big Bang</a>. 



This brief flash of time would have produced "typical" microscopic black holes with masses ranging from an asteroid to an atom. 



It would have also yielded a small fraction of exponentially smaller black holes, with the mass of a rhino and a size much smaller than a single proton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quantum-chromodynamics-qcd">Understanding quantum chromodynamics (QCD)</h2>



To determine the composition of these primordial black holes, Kaiser and Alonso-Monsalve turned to studies exploring the composition of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-discovers-what-powered-the-reionization-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early universe</a>, specifically focusing on the theory of quantum chromodynamics (QCD). 



QCD describes how quarks and gluons, the fundamental building blocks of protons and neutrons, interact.



Immediately following the Big Bang, physicists estimate that the universe was an immensely hot plasma of quarks and gluons that quickly cooled and combined to produce protons and neutrons. 



The researchers found that within the first quintillionth of a second, the universe would still have been a soup of free <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gluons-quarks-and-mystery-what-makes-proton-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarks and gluons</a> that had yet to combine. 



Any black holes forming during this time would have swallowed up these untethered particles, along with an exotic property known as "color charge" - a state of charge that only uncombined quarks and gluons carry.



"Once we figured out that these black holes form in a quark-gluon plasma, the most important thing we had to figure out was, how much color charge is contained in the blob of matter that will end up in a primordial black hole?" explains Alonso-Monsalve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exotic-color-charge-properties">Exotic color charge properties</h2>



Using QCD theory, Kaiser and Alonso-Monsalve worked out the distribution of color charge that should have existed throughout the hot, early plasma. 



They then compared that to the size of a region that would collapse to form a black hole in the first quintillionth of a second.



Interestingly, they found that most typical black holes at the time wouldn't have contained much color charge, as they would have formed by absorbing a huge number of regions with a mix of charges, ultimately adding up to a "neutral" charge.



However, the smallest black holes would have been packed with color charge. In fact, they would have contained the maximum amount of any type of charge allowed for a black hole, according to the fundamental laws of physics. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-shaped-the-universe-before-galaxies-existed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"extremal" black holes</a>, although hypothesized for decades, had never been linked to a realistic formation process in our universe until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-signs-in-the-form-of-imprints">Searching for signs in the form of imprints</h2>



The super-charged black holes would have quickly evaporated, but possibly only after the time when the first atomic nuclei began to form, around one second after the Big Bang. 



This would have given the extremal black holes ample time to disrupt the equilibrium conditions that would have prevailed when the first nuclei <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-black-holes-were-too-scarce-to-explain-the-unseen-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">began to form</a>.



"These objects might have left some exciting observational imprints," muses Alonso-Monsalve. "They could have changed the balance of this versus that, and that's the kind of thing that one can begin to wonder about."



Such disturbances could potentially affect how those earliest nuclei formed, in ways that might someday be observed by astronomers with future measurements. 



If such observations are made, they would point convincingly to primordial black holes as the root of all dark matter in the universe today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-the-universe-and-the-fabric-of-reality">Dark matter, the universe, and the fabric of reality</h2>



In summary, this important study by Kaiser and Alonso-Monsalve opens up a new frontier in our understanding of the early universe and the nature of dark matter. 



By exploring the formation and composition of primordial black holes, the researchers highlight a fascinating possibility that could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.



As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe, studies like this remind us of the incredible complexity and beauty that lies hidden in the fabric of reality. 



The quest to understand dark matter and the origins of the universe is an ongoing journey, and with each new discovery, we inch closer to unlocking the secrets of the cosmos.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.231402" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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Microscopic black holes may explain all dark matter in the universe

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, there is much...

A team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmholtz Munich</a> has recently explored the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paternal diet</a> on children's health, focusing on the influence of a father's diet before conception. 



The experts examined the role of special small RNA molecules in sperm, known as mitochondrial tRNA fragments (mt-tsRNAs), which are crucial for gene expression regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-material-in-sperm">Genetic material in sperm</h2>



Fathers pass their genetic material to their unborn children, specifically through their sperm. Each sperm cell carries one set of 23 chromosomes, which includes genes that contribute to various traits and characteristics of the child.&nbsp;



This genetic information combines with the genetic material from the mother's egg, which also contains 23 chromosomes, to form a new set of 46 chromosomes in the child.&nbsp;



The combined genetic&nbsp; material influences everything from physical traits like eye color and height to genetic predispositions and certain health conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-impacts-of-a-father-s-diet-nbsp">Future impacts of a father's diet&nbsp;</h2>



The study utilized data from the <a href="https://home.uni-leipzig.de/lifechild/research-profile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LIFE Child cohort</a>, which includes over 3,000 families. Analyses revealed that a father's body weight influences the weight and metabolic disease susceptibility of their children, independent of maternal weight, parental genetics, or environmental factors.



To confirm their findings, the team conducted experiments with mice fed a high-fat diet. This diet affected the animals' reproductive organs, including the epididymis, where sperm matures.&nbsp;



“Our study shows that sperm exposed to a high-fat diet in the mouse epididymis led to offspring with an increased tendency to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cavefish-may-provide-therapeutic-insights-for-metabolic-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolic diseases</a>,” said senior author Raffaele Teperino, head of the Environmental Epigenetics research group at Helmholtz. This indicates that a father's diet can have significant implications for his offspring's health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifelong-effects-of-father-s-diet">Lifelong effects of father's diet</h2>



Further laboratory studies revealed that mt-tsRNAs from sperm influenced gene expression in early embryos. This supports the hypothesis that acquired traits can be transmitted epigenetically across generations.&nbsp;



“Our hypothesis that acquired phenotypes over the course of life, such as diabetes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-sugar-sources-are-key-to-preventing-childhood-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>, are transmitted via epigenetic mechanisms across generations, is reinforced by this study,” explained co-author Martin Hrabě de Angelis, Research Director at Helmholtz Munich.



“Our results suggest that preventive health care for men wishing to become fathers should receive more attention and that programs should be developed for this purpose, especially with regard to diet,” Teperino concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-background-on-mt-tsrnas">Background on mt-tsRNAs</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mitochondria-cells-batteries-leaking-causes-inflammation-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mitochondria</a> are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, containing their own DNA separate from the cell nucleus. Traditionally, it was believed that mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) is inherited only from mothers. 



However, recent research, including this study, shows that sperm carry fragments of mt-RNA into the egg during fertilization. These mt-tsRNAs play a significant role in epigenetics by regulating gene expression in the early embryo.&nbsp;



This means fathers have an indirect but important influence on the genetic imprinting of mitochondria and, consequently, on the energy metabolism of their children. This discovery highlights a new layer of complexity in how paternal factors can affect offspring health.



“Our study supports the importance of paternal health at conception for offspring metabolism; shows that mt-tRNAs are diet-induced and sperm-borne; and demonstrates, in a physiological setting, father-to-offspring transfer of sperm mitochondrial RNAs at fertilization,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-of-material-diet-on-children">Influence of material diet on children</h2>



The maternal diet plays a critical role in shaping the health and development of an unborn child.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-blocks-of-development-nbsp">Building blocks of development&nbsp;</h3>



Nutrients and other dietary components consumed by the mother provide the foundational building blocks for the child's growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-mothers-stress-shapes-her-firstborn-daughters-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development</a>. 



For example, essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids directly support the development of the fetal brain, bones, and vital organs.&nbsp;



An adequate intake of these nutrients can significantly reduce the risk of developmental abnormalities and chronic health issues in the child.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-nutrients-nbsp">Lack of nutrients&nbsp;</h3>



On the other hand, a diet lacking in these vital nutrients or one that is unbalanced can lead to complications.&nbsp;



Insufficient folic acid, for example, increases the risk of neural tube defects, while inadequate calcium can affect the skeletal development of the fetus.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unhealthy-diet">Unhealthy diet</h3>



Moreover, excessive consumption of harmful elements like sugar and unhealthy fats can predispose the child to obesity, diabetes, and even cardiovascular diseases later in life.



The impact of the maternal diet isn't confined only to physical health; it can also affect the child’s cognitive development and immune function.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07472-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Father's diet impacts the health of his future children

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Curvature propulsion and the future of intergalactic space travel

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Dinosaurs might get all the press, but let's not forget their high-flying cousins, the pterosaurs. These weren't birds, but rather reptiles that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-jurassic-pterosaur-found-on-the-isle-of-skye/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ruled the skies</a> long before feathered friends took flight. Now, the discovery of a new pterosaur species, named Abfab, is rewriting what we thought we knew about these ancient aviators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-up-abfab-the-pterosaur">Digging up Abfab the pterosaur</h2>



In an unassuming gravel pit near Abingdon-on-Thames,&nbsp;an unexpected discovery unfolded.&nbsp;Geologist Dr.&nbsp;James Etienne, initially searching for fossilized remains of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiktaalik-fossil-discovery-sheds-light-on-how-fish-walked-onto-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine creatures</a>,&nbsp;unearthed a remarkable specimen:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Low-Res_Bone.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a large bone fragment</a> belonging to a pterosaur,&nbsp;an ancient flying reptile.&nbsp;



This was no ordinary pterosaur. It's estimated wingspan exceeded three meters, a measurement equivalent to approximately ten feet. 



To grasp the enormity of this creature, imagine its outstretched wings stretching as wide as a compact car, dominating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-pterosaur-bones-found-in-australia-date-back-107-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric skies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jurassic-heavyweight-champion">Jurassic heavyweight champion</h2>



"When the bone was discovered, it was certainly notable for its size," says Professor David Martill from the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>, one of the lead researchers on the project.



 After careful analysis, they concluded that this winged wonder belonged to a group of pterosaurs called ctenochasmatoids, known for their slender wings, long jaws, and bristle-like teeth.



What makes this discovery so remarkable? Well, pterosaurs from the Jurassic Period (think 200 to 145 million years ago) were typically much smaller, with wingspans averaging between 1.5 and 2 meters. 



This new specimen, nicknamed "Abfab" by the researchers, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/jurassic-pterosaur-wingspans_illustration_UPortsmouth_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blows those figures out of the water</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abfab-game-changer-for-pterosaur-evolution">Abfab: Game-changer for pterosaur evolution</h2>



Abfab's impressive size challenges the prevailing idea that pterosaurs only reached their gargantuan proportions in the later <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-shed-new-light-on-europes-enigmatic-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous Period</a>. 



"This specimen is now one of the largest known pterosaurs from the Jurassic period worldwide, surpassed only by a specimen in Switzerland with an estimated wingspan of up to five meters," Professor Martill notes.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pterodactylus-kochi_credit-dino-frey_1s.jpg" alt="Pterodactylus kochi. Artwork by Dino Frey" class="wp-image-1935983"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pterodactylus kochi. Artwork by Dino Frey</figcaption></figure>



This discovery is a clue that the evolution of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-extinct-species-of-flying-reptile-nicknamed-elvis-is-officially-named-petrodactyle-wellnhoferi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flying reptiles</a> might have been more complex and diverse than previously thought.



“Abfab, our nickname for the Abingdon pterosaur, shows that pterodactyloids, advanced pterosaurs that completely dominated the Cretaceous, achieved spectacularly large sizes almost immediately after they first appeared in the Middle Jurassic right about the time the dinosaurian ancestors of birds were taking to the air,” explains Dr. Dave Unwin from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-abfab-eat-with-those-wings">What did Abfab eat with those wings?</h2>



Although a complete skeletal reconstruction of the pterosaur is not available,&nbsp;scientists can infer certain aspects of its behavior and diet based on its close relatives.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-had-good-parenting-skills-but-only-the-larger-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ctenochas</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-had-good-parenting-skills-but-only-the-larger-species/">matoids</a>, the group to which Abfab belongs, are thought to have employed their elongated jaws and bristle-like teeth to filter food from the water, much like modern-day flamingos. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pterodactylus-kochi_credit-Hamzah-Imran_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pterodactylus-kochi_credit-Hamzah-Imran_1s.jpg" alt="Pterodactylus kochi. Artwork by Hamzah Imran" class="wp-image-1935985"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pterodactylus kochi. Artwork by Hamzah Imran</figcaption></figure>



This suggests that Abfab likely soared above ancient Jurassic lagoons,&nbsp;skillfully skimming the water's surface to capture small aquatic organisms for sustenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-treasure-trove">Fossil treasure trove</h2>



The Oxfordshire gravel pit where Abfab was discovered proved to be a rich source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-had-good-parenting-skills-but-only-the-larger-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paleontological finds</a>. 



In addition to the pterosaur, the site yielded a diverse array of Jurassic marine fossils, showcasing the abundance of prehistoric life that once thrived in the region. 



Among the notable discoveries were the remains of ichthyosaurs, dolphin-like marine reptiles, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plesiosaur-fossils-are-the-first-evidence-of-jurassic-vertebrates-in-texas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plesiosaurs</a>, large marine reptiles with long necks. 



The site also yielded numerous ammonites, extinct cephalopods with coiled shells, as well as fossils of ancient sharks. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-still-much-to-learn-about-prehistoric-creatures">Still much to learn about prehistoric creatures</h2>



This remarkable collection of fossils indicates that the area served as a thriving ecosystem for a wide variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-the-first-ancestors-of-scorpions-and-spiders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric creatures</a>,&nbsp;inhabiting both the skies and the waters.



This unexpected discovery of a giant pterosaur reminds us that the fossil record still holds many secrets. What other surprises are waiting to be unearthed? 



One thing's for sure: Abfab has earned its place in the pterosaur hall of fame, and it's given scientists a whole new perspective on the evolution of these magnificent creatures.



So, the next time you think of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koleken-inakayali-dinosaur-arms-smaller-than-t-rex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>, spare a thought for the pterosaurs. They were the aerial aces of their time, and Abfab proves they were capable of reaching truly impressive sizes much earlier than we thought.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016787824000191?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Geologists Association</a>.



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New Pterosaur species named 'Abfab' had wings as wide as a car

Dinosaurs might get all the press, but let's not forget...

We all love a neatly manicured lawn. But what if frequently mowing the yard in our quest for tidiness is inadvertently creating a legion of superweeds? 



A recent study on the seemingly innocuous silverleaf nightshade (<a href="https://earthpedia.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/angiosperms/solanaceae/solanum-elaeagnifolium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solanum elaeagnifolium</a>) has revealed a startling truth. 



This unassuming weed, along with dandelions and many others, is a master of adaptation, evolving into a tougher, more resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boosting-crop-colors-with-gene-editing-can-improve-weed-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">version of itself</a> when faced with frequent mowing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-superweeds-like-mowing">Why superweeds like mowing</h2>



Superweeds are wild plants that develop resistance to herbicides. This resistance often results from the repeated use of the same herbicide, like glyphosate, on crops. 



As a consequence, these weeds can survive treatments meant to eliminate them, making them harder to control.



Genetically modified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boosting-crop-colors-with-gene-editing-can-improve-weed-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(GM) crops</a>, designed to withstand herbicides, inadvertently contribute to the rise of superweeds. When these herbicides kill off non-resistant weeds, resistant ones thrive and spread.



Superweeds pose a significant threat to agriculture. They compete with crops for resources, leading to lower yields and higher costs for farmers. 



Controlling these weeds often requires stronger, more expensive herbicides or alternative management strategies, which can further harm the environment.



As superweeds continue to evolve, sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/weeds-are-becoming-increasingly-resistant-to-herbicides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weed management</a> practices and diversified farming techniques become crucial in mitigating their impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unassuming-purple-weed-spreading-rapidly">Unassuming purple weed spreading rapidly</h2>



Silverleaf nightshade may not be a household name,&nbsp;but this pervasive weed is found from the sun-soaked fields of south Texas to the ancient landscapes of South Africa and Greece.&nbsp;



With its delicate purple flowers (sometimes white or light purple), prickly spines, and toxic berries, it's not a plant you want to mess with. 



Interestingly, it shares a family tree with some of our favorite crops, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-acylsugars-parallel-universe-plant-kingdom-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomatoes</a>, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants.



Rupesh Kariyat, an associate professor of entomology and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioengineered-super-plant-acts-as-natural-indoor-air-purifier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant pathology</a>, has been studying this unassuming weed for over a decade. 



His research, which began at the <a href="https://www.utrgv.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas Rio Grande Valley</a>, has revealed some fascinating insights into the plant's response to frequent mowing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mowing-launches-survival-of-the-fittest-contest">Mowing launches "survival of the fittest" contest</h2>



Kariyat's research has found that frequent mowing doesn't just trim the silverleaf nightshade; it triggers a series of remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defense mechanisms</a>. 



"You are trying to mow these plants so that the plants are getting eliminated," Kariyat explains,&nbsp;"But what you are actually doing here,&nbsp;you are making them much worse,&nbsp;much stronger."



Under the pressure of frequent mowing, the plant's taproot burrows deeper into the soil, reaching depths of nearly 5 feet to access water and nutrients. 



More spikes sprout on its stem to deter hungry caterpillars, and the flowers themselves become more toxic, reducing the threat from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-sheep-can-reduce-stress-on-college-campuses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural predators</a>.



The plant even employs a clever strategy for seed germination, producing some that sprout quickly and others that lie dormant, like time bombs. 



This "staggered" germination ensures the plant's survival over the long haul, even in the face of repeated mowing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superweeds-spawn-from-mowing-ripple-effect">Superweeds spawn from mowing ripple effect</h2>



While Kariyat's research focused specifically on silverleaf nightshade, its findings have far-reaching implications. 



Other weeds, even close relatives of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/is-deadly-nightshade-really-deadly-misnomers-of-the-botanical-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nightshade</a>, may react similarly to frequent mowing, potentially creating a whole army of superweeds.



"This should be something that we consider when we make management plans," Kariyat warns.&nbsp;"Management practices need to be better understood using the ecology and biology of the species and the other species which interact with them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-of-silverleaf-nightshade">Adaptation of silverleaf nightshade</h2>



The silverleaf nightshade's response to mowing is a fascinating example of adaptation in action.&nbsp;It demonstrates the incredible resilience of nature and the unintended consequences of human intervention.



The plant's ability to evolve in response to environmental pressures is a testament to its tenacity and adaptability.&nbsp;It's a reminder that even the most unassuming organisms can possess remarkable survival skills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mowing-superweeds-requires-caution">Mowing superweeds requires caution</h2>



So, what does this mean for our manicured lawns? Should we abandon our mowers altogether? Not necessarily. 



Kariyat's research does suggest that we should approach mowing with a bit more caution and consider alternative weed management strategies.



For instance,&nbsp;tilling areas infested with silverleaf nightshade can actually worsen the problem by spreading the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measuring-plant-root-health-scanning-leaves-xray-device/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>'s rhizomic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-rooted-crops-can-significantly-improve-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a>,&nbsp;which can propagate asexually.



"As scientists, we want our research to be accessible and applicable to anyone, and mowing is a concept the world at large can understand," says Alejandro Vasquez, the lead author of the study and a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.uark.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arkansas</a>.



So, from now when you fire up your mower,&nbsp;spare a thought for the unassuming superweeds lurking in your lawn.&nbsp;They may be small,&nbsp;but they're far more resilient than you think.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58672-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Mowing your yard too often may create unstoppable 'superweeds'

We all love a neatly manicured lawn. But what if...

The turbulent storms in Jupiter’s polar regions are driven by processes familiar to physicists studying Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. 



This is the conclusion of new research led by Lia Siegelman, a physical oceanographer at UC San Diego’s <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>.



Siegelman first observed the connection in 2018, noting the similarity between images of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-use-exoplanet-hunter-to-study-jupiters-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter’s cyclones</a> and the ocean turbulence she studied on Earth. 



Since air and water are both fluids, it isn’t so far-fetched to apply ocean physics to Jupiter. “Jupiter is basically an ocean of gas,” explained Siegelman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-convection-helps-sustain-jupiter-s-storms">Convection helps sustain Jupiter’s storms</h2>



This observation led to a 2022 study published in <a href="https://rdcu.be/dwJMT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Physics</a>, which analyzed high-resolution infrared images of Jupiter’s cyclones taken by NASA’s Juno spacecraft.&nbsp;



The study revealed that convection, similar to that seen on Earth, helps sustain Jupiter’s massive storms, which can be thousands of miles wide and last for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-filaments-in-jupiter-s-storms">Role of filaments in Jupiter’s storms</h2>



The 2022 study focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amalthea-jupiter-tiny-moon-captured-juno-spacecraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter’s cyclones</a>, but Siegelman also noted the presence of filaments, or wispy tendrils, between the vortices. 



These filaments appeared analogous to phenomena on Earth, prompting further investigation using Juno’s detailed imagery to explore whether this similarity was merely superficial.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/jupiter-cloud-system_northern-hemisphere_closeup_juno_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/jupiter-cloud-system_northern-hemisphere_closeup_juno_nasa_1s.jpg" alt="Cloud system in Jupiter's northern hemisphere imaged by Juno spacecraft. Photo: NASA" class="wp-image-1935977"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cloud system in Jupiter's northern hemisphere imaged by Juno spacecraft. Photo: NASA</figcaption></figure>



The current study has uncovered additional similarities between the processes driving Jupiter’s cyclones and those on Earth, revealing that the filaments between Jupiter’s cyclones work in tandem with convection to sustain the planet’s giant storms. 



Specifically, these filaments act in ways resembling <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/striking-seawater-colored-by-phytoplankton-blooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fronts on Earth</a>, which are boundaries between gas or liquid masses with different densities, often leading to strong vertical velocities that create winds or currents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperatures-and-wind-speeds-on-jupiter">Temperatures and wind speeds on Jupiter</h2>



To understand the role of the filaments visible in Juno’s images, Siegelman and her co-author, Patrice Klein, analyzed a series of infrared images of Jupiter’s north polar region taken in 30-second intervals.&nbsp;



The infrared images allowed the researchers to determine temperatures, with bright areas indicating warmer regions and dark areas indicating cooler regions.&nbsp;



On <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a>, warmer areas correspond to thin clouds, while cooler areas represent thick cloud cover, blocking more heat from the planet’s super-heated core. 



By tracking the movement of clouds and filaments, the researchers calculated horizontal wind speeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-from-jupiter-s-interior">Heat from Jupiter’s interior </h2>



Combining these measurements with methods from ocean and atmospheric science, Siegelman and Klein calculated the vertical wind speeds that corresponded to the derived temperatures and horizontal wind speeds.&nbsp;



The findings confirmed that Jupiter’s filaments behaved like Earth’s fronts, playing a significant role in transporting energy in the form of heat from Jupiter’s hot interior to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-turbulent-atmosphere-includes-a-high-speed-jet-stream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upper atmosphere</a>, thereby fueling the giant cyclones. 



While convection is the primary driver, the fronts contribute to a quarter of the total kinetic energy and forty percent of the vertical heat transport powering Jupiter’s cyclones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-filaments-with-a-big-impact">Small filaments with a big impact</h2>



“These cyclones on Jupiter’s poles have persisted since they were first observed in 2016,” Siegelman said. “These filaments in between the large vortices are relatively small but they are an important mechanism for sustaining the cyclones.”



“It’s fascinating that fronts and convection are present and influential on Earth and Jupiter - it suggests that these processes may also be present on other turbulent fluid bodies in the universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-mechanisms-on-far-away-planets-nbsp">Earth's mechanisms on far-away planets&nbsp;</h2>



Siegelman emphasized that Jupiter’s vast scale and Juno’s high-resolution imagery offer a clearer visualization of how smaller-scale phenomena like fronts connect to larger systems like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-moving-tropical-cyclones-are-becoming-more-powerful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyclones</a> and the atmosphere at large.&nbsp;



These connections are often challenging to observe on Earth due to their smaller and more ephemeral nature. However, a new satellite known as SWOT might make observing these ocean phenomena much easier.



“There is some cosmic beauty in finding out that these physical mechanisms on Earth exist on other far-away planets,” Siegelman concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-jupiter-s-storms-nbsp">More about Jupiter’s storms&nbsp;</h2>



Jupiter is known for its magnificent and turbulent weather systems, including some of the most colossal and enduring storms in the solar system.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-red-spot-nbsp">Great Red Spot&nbsp;</h3>



The most famous of these is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smaller-storms-feed-jupiters-great-red-spot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Red Spot</a>, a giant storm larger than Earth that has been raging for at least 350 years.&nbsp;



This storm is a high-pressure anticyclone, characterized by swirling clouds of reddish hues, and it stands out against the rest of the planet's mostly white and ochre atmosphere.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jupiter-s-rapid-rotation-nbsp">Jupiter's rapid rotation&nbsp;</h3>



The dynamics of Jupiter’s storms are driven by the planet's rapid rotation, which is the fastest of all the solar system’s planets, completing a rotation roughly every 10 hours.&nbsp;



This rapid rotation contributes to strong jet streams that divide the clouds of the upper atmosphere into dark belts and bright zones.&nbsp;



Storms often form along the boundaries of these belts and zones, where the atmosphere exhibits dramatic shifts in composition and temperature.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-appearance-and-duration">Varied appearance and duration</h3>



Besides the Great Red Spot, Jupiter is home to many other storms, some appearing as smaller red spots, white ovals, or even brown splotches.&nbsp;



These storms can last for varying lengths of time - some persisting for years and others dissipating much more quickly.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02516-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Physics</a>.



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Jupiter’s iconic storms can last for centuries, but what fuels them?

The turbulent storms in Jupiter’s polar regions are driven by...

A recent investigation reveals a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-is-a-greater-health-threat-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerning forecast</a> for ozone pollution levels across the United States by 2050, indicating potential non-compliance with air quality standards and increased public health risks.



This study paints a detailed picture of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monsoons-launch-ozone-depleting-substances-into-the-stratosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate-induced changes</a> could intensify ground-level ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-ozone-pollution">What is ozone pollution?</h2>



Ozone pollution, also known as ground-level ozone, refers to the presence of ozone gas (O₃) in the Earth's lower atmosphere. Unlike the protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant. 



It forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. Common sources of these pollutants include vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, and chemical solvents.



Ozone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-pollution-claims-more-than-one-million-lives-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> poses significant health risks. It can cause respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, reduce lung function, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. 



Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases and even premature death. Additionally, ground-level ozone can harm ecosystems, damaging crops, forests, and wildlife.



Climate change exacerbates ozone pollution by increasing temperatures, which accelerates the chemical reactions that produce ozone. Efforts to control ozone levels focus on reducing NOx and VOC emissions through regulatory measures and technological advancements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-pollution-on-the-rise">Ozone pollution on the rise</h2>



Ground-level ozone isn't just a minor irritant; it's a major health hazard, linked to reduced lung function and airway inflammation, contributing to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.



Study lead author James East, a former PhD student at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>, is now a researcher at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>.



"Climate change influences ozone formation through a myriad of factors. Predominantly, warmer temperatures correlate with ozone increases in already polluted areas. Furthermore, expected rises in naturally occurring VOC emissions, particularly in regions like the Southeast U.S., could worsen the situation," explained East.



The study, "Projecting Changes in the Frequency and Magnitude of Ozone Pollution Events Under Uncertain Climate Sensitivity," navigates through these complexities.



The research extends beyond mere predictions, incorporating various models and statistical tools to gauge future ozone pollution landscapes. In particular, the study explores how often (and by how much) ozone levels might exceed public health standards by mid-century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality-thresholds">Air quality thresholds</h2>



The results of the study are presented as a range, acknowledging the ongoing debates among climate scientists about how drastically the climate reacts to greenhouse gas concentrations. 



"The best-case scenario, with low climate sensitivity to carbon dioxide, suggests an average increase in peak ozone levels by less than 0.3 parts per billion (ppb)," noted East. "This increase might still keep many areas within safe air quality thresholds."



However, East warns of a less optimistic outcome where the climate shows high sensitivity to carbon dioxide. 



Here, peak ozone levels could rise by more than 2.3 ppb on average, leading to a significant increase in days where ozone levels surpass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> norms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-public-health-and-policy">Implications for public health and policy</h2>



The practical implications of these findings are stark. "Our study estimates that between 5 million and 13 million additional people could be exposed to dangerously high ozone levels by 2050," said East.



This projection is crucial for policymakers, especially those involved in the Environmental Protection Agency's ongoing review of the ozone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality standards</a>.



Fernando Garcia Menendez, the study's corresponding author and an associate professor of environmental engineering at NC State, emphasized the broader significance of these insights.



"While state and federal governments strive to control ozone levels through emissions reductions, our findings suggest these efforts might be less effective in the future, particularly in areas already struggling to meet air quality standards," said Menendez.



"This research not only deepens our understanding of climate change's impact on air quality but also aids in refining the cost-benefit analyses of climate regulations and related technological advances."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-responses-to-ozone-challenges">Strategic responses to ozone challenges</h2>



This work underscores the need for a proactive approach in reviewing and possibly revising air quality standards to better protect public health in the face of evolving climate conditions.



By offering a clearer picture of the potential scenarios, the research arms policymakers with vital data to make informed decisions, potentially leading to more robust strategies to mitigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adverse effects</a> of ozone pollution.



As climate patterns continue to shift, such studies will be pivotal in guiding effective responses to safeguard environmental and public health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003941" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a>.



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Ozone pollution will harm tens of millions of people at current pace

A recent investigation reveals a concerning forecast for ozone pollution...

In a remarkable discovery, researchers have pinpointed a specific group of neurons that appear to drive compulsive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating</a> behaviors (binge eating), even in the absence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/being-overweight-makes-it-harder-for-brain-to-resist-unhealthy-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunger</a>.



This finding could significantly advance our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-hormones-in-the-gut-can-change-our-eating-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating disorders</a> and offer new targets for treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-binge-eating">What is binge eating?</h2>



Binge eating, also known as compulsive eating, is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-disorders-can-be-contagious-among-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorder</a> characterized by frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort. 



Unlike regular overeating, binge eating is driven by an overwhelming urge to eat, even when not hungry. People experiencing this disorder often feel a lack of control during these episodes and may eat in secret due to feelings of shame or guilt.



This behavior can lead to various physical health problems, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>, diabetes, and heart disease. It also significantly impacts mental health, often associated with stress, anxiety, and depression.



The exact cause of binge eating is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.



Treatment typically involves therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medication to address underlying psychological issues. Early intervention is crucial for better management and recovery outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-link-to-binge-eating">Neural link to binge eating</h2>



Located in the periaqueductal gray area of the midbrain - a region already associated with a variety of bodily functions such as mood regulation, sleep, and stress response - these neurons are identified as vesicular GABA transporter cells, or VGAT cells. They utilize the neurotransmitter GABA, which is pivotal in controlling neuronal activity.



Despite the known functions of VGAT cells in various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-region-that-influences-our-food-preferences-can-be-manipulated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain regions</a>, their relationship with feeding behaviors was previously unclear. This link was unveiled quite unexpectedly by researchers focusing on anxiety, not feeding.



"Our initial hypothesis centered on VGAT cells reducing fear and panic. Instead, activating them caused mice to frantically search for food," noted Brazilian neuroscientist Fernando Reis, first and corresponding author of the article, and a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-behaviors-in-lab-mice">Surprising behaviors in lab mice</h2>



Further experimentation revealed intriguing results related to binge eating: well-fed mice exhibited an intense foraging behavior upon activation of these cells, consuming more than usual.



Conversely, when the VGAT neurons were inhibited, even food-deprived mice showed reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-behavior-is-influenced-by-the-unconscious-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating behavior</a>.



The experiments also demonstrated that the mice enjoyed the stimulation, spending more time where their VGAT cells were activated, suggesting that the activation not only spurred eating but also triggered feelings of pleasure and reward. 



Remarkably, the mice were even willing to endure discomfort, such as mild electric shocks, to satisfy their induced cravings, indicating a strong drive to eat that overpowered other aversive sensations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-techniques-and-implications">Advanced techniques and implications</h2>



The research employed the cutting-edge technique of optogenetics, which enables precise control over specific neurons using light. 



This method was implemented by introducing a genetically modified virus that carries a light-sensitive protein derived from green algae into the mice. 



As a result, only the targeted VGAT cells within the periaqueductal gray were selectively activated or inhibited.



This precise neural manipulation not only affected the periaqueductal gray but also influenced deeper brain structures, such as the zona incerta. 



"We observed an increase in neural activity in this area when the mice were approaching food," said Juliane Ikebara, a co-author of the study. 



This observation underscores the broad impact of VGAT cell activation on the brain's neural circuits involved in feeding behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-compulsive-eating">Understanding compulsive eating</h2>



The study raises intriguing questions about the potential parallels in humans, given that humans also possess VGAT cells in similar brain regions. 



Although direct experimentation in humans is not currently feasible, the researchers are hopeful. 



"Our findings can't be directly tested in humans right now, but future studies may show whether activation of these cells in monkeys triggers a search for food, suggesting something similar might happen in humans," noted Avishek Adhikari, the team's senior researcher.



Moving forward, the team plans to investigate whether stimulating these neurons influences cravings for specific types of food like proteins or sugars, noting a distinct preference in mice for high-calorie foods over vegetables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-compulsive-eating-disorders">Treating compulsive eating disorders</h2>



This discovery opens up potential new avenues for understanding and treating conditions such as binge eating and anorexia. 



By identifying the neural circuits involved in compulsive eating, researchers can explore innovative strategies to modulate these behaviors, offering hope for those battling eating disorders.



The research not only highlights the complex interplay between brain regions and binge eating behaviors but also underscores the potential for targeted neural interventions in addressing compulsive eating.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46430-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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'Binge eating' linked to a specific group of neurons in the brain

In a remarkable discovery, researchers have pinpointed a specific group...

Approximately two million species inhabit the world's oceans, but scientists have only described about 10% of them. With rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-on-track-for-a-catastrophic-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> rates and global biodiversity threats, many species could vanish before being identified or their benefits understood.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-ocean-biodiversity-strategy-nbsp">National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy&nbsp;</h2>



The National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy, led by the <a href="https://www.si.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian</a> and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recently called for a more unified approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean conservation</a>. This strategy aims to enhance the ability of scientists to gather and share knowledge and use it for more effective protections.



“We are confronting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity loss</a> and its implications for human well-being, alongside the challenges posed by climate change and social inequity,” said Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian.&nbsp;



“But we hold the power to overcome these obstacles with a united, society-wide effort to preserve nature and its benefits.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-benefits-will-degrade-with-biodiversity-loss-nbsp">Ocean benefits will degrade with biodiversity loss&nbsp;</h2>



The health and prosperity of the U.S. are closely tied to the ocean, contributing nearly $400 billion annually to the economy and providing 2.4 million jobs. The U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, covering an area larger than all 50 states combined, benefits greatly from the ocean's diverse species and habitats.



“Life in the ocean touches everyone,” said Gabrielle Canonico, leader of the U.S. Marine Biodiversity Observation Network at NOAA and co-chair of the strategy team.&nbsp;



“Every other breath we take comes from the oxygen produced by microscopic ocean plants, and more than a billion people worldwide rely on food from the ocean as their primary source of protein. But these and other benefits will degrade with biodiversity loss, with dire consequences especially for frontline communities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-gaps-in-our-knowledge-of-ocean-wildlife">Critical gaps in our knowledge of ocean wildlife </h2>



Despite the ocean's vast benefits, critical gaps remain in the protection and knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monitoring-ocean-life-through-underwater-soundscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean life</a>. Current information is scattered across different organizations, making it difficult to share.&nbsp;



Many smaller organisms, crucial for maintaining ecosystems, are barely studied. The strategy aims to address this by strengthening the ocean observing system and information pipeline.



“We are advancing frontier technologies for biodiversity science and understanding,” said Sarah Kapnick, NOAA chief scientist. “But it is critical that we come together around the use of evidence-based metrics and indicators for decision-making in ocean spaces, and for monitoring, reporting, and verification to ensure that investments in conservation or development deliver the desired outcomes while minimizing negative impacts to ocean life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-biodiversity-is-in-trouble-nbsp">Ocean biodiversity is in trouble&nbsp;</h2>



“Biodiversity is the beating heart of the ocean that supports society, but it’s in trouble,” noted Emmett Duffy, chief scientist of <a href="https://serc.si.edu/research/projects/marinegeo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MarineGEO</a> at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and co-chair of the strategy team.&nbsp;



“This strategy is our best chance yet to turn the tide. We need to implement it to reach a future where people and the rest of nature thrive together by joining forces and leveraging the power of people and technology to understand the living ocean ecosystem.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roadmap-to-a-more-sustainable-ocean">Roadmap to a more sustainable ocean</h2>



The National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy outlines a three-pronged plan to create a more inclusive, evidence-based network of protection in U.S. ocean waters and the Great Lakes:



<ul>
<li>Coordinate ocean research and conservation across the entire nation: This involves bringing together federal agencies with ocean-related missions to engage stakeholders, including states, Tribes, and local communities, to co-design solutions. Part of this process includes documenting the economic and cultural values of the ocean to reveal hidden costs of degrading nature and incorporating them into economic decision-making across government and private sectors.</li>



<li>Strengthen the U.S. information pipeline: The U.S. has a wealth of data on ocean life, but much of it is inaccessible to policymakers and managers. The strategy calls for stronger support of centralized, open-source databases accessible to all stakeholders. This also involves revamping taxonomy to reveal undiscovered species and using new technologies like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/racing-boat-collects-edna-samples-on-a-round-the-world-sailing-competition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> (eDNA), satellites, and artificial intelligence to track biodiversity.</li>



<li>Conserve, restore, and sustainably use ocean biodiversity: Success hinges on partnerships with states, Tribes, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector. Listening sessions will help build collaborations based on trust, allowing managers to co-create protection measures that work long-term with community input.</li>
</ul>



According to the experts, this strategy is a high-level roadmap to a more sustainable ocean and a first step toward implementing a plan to outline specific actions tailored to regions and communities based on stakeholder feedback.



The full strategy can be found on the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NSTC_National-Ocean-Biodiversity-Strategy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Office of Science and Technology Policy website</a>.



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World Ocean Day: A unified approach to protect biodiversity 

Approximately two million species inhabit the world's oceans, but scientists...

Primordial black <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecules-scramble-quantum-information-equally-well-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holes</a> (PBHs) are being reevaluated through the application of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-vortex-created-lab-mimic-black-hole-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> field theory - a concept traditionally reserved for microscopic phenomena - to the vast expanses of the early universe.



Researchers have found a surprising scarcity of these miniature black holes, contradicting many existing models. 



Primordial black holes are considered potential candidates for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, the elusive substance that constitutes a significant portion of the universe’s total mass yet remains invisible. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-primordial-black-holes">What are primordial black holes?</h2>



Primordial black holes (PBHs) are a theoretical type of black hole formed in the early universe, shortly after the Big Bang. 



Unlike black holes formed from the collapse of massive stars, PBHs could have originated from high-density regions in the young universe due to extreme fluctuations in density. These black holes vary in size and mass, potentially ranging from microscopic to several solar masses.



It is believed that these early-formed black holes could explain the missing mass not accounted for by visible matter.



However, recent studies using quantum field theory suggest that PBHs might be scarcer than previously thought, challenging their viability as dark matter candidates. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflation-dark-matter-and-primordial-black-holes">Inflation, dark matter, and primordial black holes</h2>



The universe is an ancient expanse, about 13.8 billion years old, originating from a massive explosion and expanding rapidly in a phase known as inflation. This process transformed the universe from a uniform state into one rich with structure and detail. 



Despite the vast empty spaces, the universe weighs more than visible matter can account for, leading scientists to hypothesize the existence of dark matter. Recently, ancient black holes have emerged as possible explanations for this discrepancy.



“Primordial black <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primordial-black-holes-may-be-shifting-earths-orbit/">holes</a> are fascinating not only as dark matter candidates but also because their large numbers could explain the binary black hole mergers observed through gravitational wave astronomy. However, despite theoretical expectations of their abundance, actual observations have been lacking, pointing to a gap in our understanding,” noted Jason Kristiano, a graduate student involved in the research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theoretical-models">Theoretical models</h2>



Kristiano, along with his supervisor, Professor Jun’ichi Yokoyama, director of two prominent research institutes at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, have meticulously examined the prevailing theories of primordial black hole formation.



Their analysis reveals a mismatch between these theories and the observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) - the residual radiation from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, which serves as a cosmic fingerprint of the universe's inception.



To address this discrepancy, Yokoyama and Kristiano revised the leading model of PBH formation from cosmic inflation, aligning it more closely with observed data. Their revised theory awaits further validation from upcoming observations by global gravitational wave observatories.



“At the universe's beginning, it was infinitesimally small - smaller than an atom. Cosmic inflation then expanded it dramatically. During this period, small fluctuations could generate large amplitude but short wavelength waves," explained Yokoyama.



"We discovered that these small but intense waves could amplify longer waves that we now detect in the CMB. This occasional coherence among early, short waves, describable by quantum field theory, suggests a rare but significant influence on larger-scale cosmic structures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primordial-black-holes-and-cosmic-insights">Primordial black holes and cosmic insights</h2>



The study posits that early, small-scale fluctuations may reshape our understanding of the universe's coarse structures. 



Moreover, measuring CMB wavelengths can help constrain the properties of wavelengths from the universe’s earliest moments, which in turn limits potential phenomena dependent on these short, powerful waves - including the formation of primordial black holes.



“The early universe’s short but strong wavelengths likely led to the creation of PBHs. However, our findings indicate that there should be far fewer PBHs than required if they are to be considered viable candidates for dark matter or sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-cosmic-object-detected-gravitational-wave-signal/">gravitational waves</a>,” noted Kristiano.



As research continues, the world's leading gravitational wave observatories - LIGO in the U.S., Virgo in Italy, and KAGRA in Japan - are actively engaged in missions to detect these elusive small black holes.



The outcomes of these observations are anticipated to provide crucial data, helping researchers refine their theories and possibly reshaping our understanding of the universe’s dark matter.



Through this innovative application of quantum field theory to cosmology, the study not only challenges existing paradigms about primordial black holes and dark matter but also underscores the intricate connections between the smallest particles and the vast cosmic structures, highlighting the universe’s profound complexity and the continuing mystery of its true composition.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.221003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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Early black holes were too scarce to explain the unseen universe

Primordial black holes (PBHs) are being reevaluated through the application...

After suffering a career-ending injury, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen Evans was confronted with severe challenges. Service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-detect-human-stress-levels-sniffing-breath-compounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, starting with Aura, a black Labrador Retriever, played a pivotal role in her transition.



She was fraught with loneliness and depression when she tried to adapt to life with disabilities, including near-total hearing loss and PTSD.



Later, Rusty -- a golden retriever and black lab mix service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-detect-scents-better-than-the-most-advanced-lab-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> -- joined her, further enhancing her safety and social interactions.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-strong-bonds-pet-ownership-may-not-improve-severe-mental-illness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companion animals</a> not only provided companionship but also transformed her daily life, offering a poignant example of how these dogs can significantly aid veterans facing similar struggles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-service-dogs-reduce-loneliness">Service dogs reduce loneliness</h2>



Personal stories like that of Evans have long suggested the benefits of assistance dogs, but rigorous scientific evidence was sparse. 



A recent study conducted by Sarah Leighton at the <a href="https://vetmed.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine</a> has started to fill this research gap.



The findings revealed that veterans paired with service dogs reported significantly lower PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression, while experiencing enhanced quality of life and reduced feelings of isolation, compared to those without such assistance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-service-dog-adoption">Challenges in service dog adoption</h2>



Despite these positive outcomes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/assistance-dogs-improve-mental-health-of-veterans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">veterans</a> encounter several barriers when accessing service dogs.



Limited funding for service dog nonprofits, lack of insurance coverage, and legislative gaps hinder the widespread adoption of this intervention. 



Leighton pointed out the critical need for complementary interventions that can enhance traditional treatments for PTSD, which could lead to significant improvements in veterans' healthcare outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pawsitive-healing">'Pawsitive' healing</h2>



To deepen understanding of how assistance dogs can impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-mdma-shows-promise-for-reducing-post-traumatic-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTSD</a> treatment, Maggie O'Haire and her team from the OHAIRE research group, alongside experts from various fields within the University of Arizona, have secured funding for a comprehensive clinical trial.



This study aims to assess how assistance dogs might enhance the effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy, a recognized treatment for PTSD.



The goal is to alleviate the treatment's challenges, improve patient adherence, and ultimately, enhance therapeutic outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-service-dogs-in-ptsd-treatment">Future of service dogs in PTSD treatment</h2>



The preliminary results are promising, but the research team stresses the need for further studies to optimize the integration of service dogs into therapeutic settings. 



The upcoming trial represents a significant step towards harnessing the potential of service dogs to improve the lives of veterans. 



Such research not only seeks to refine treatment approaches but also aims to explore the depth of the human-animal bond within therapeutic contexts. 



As veterans like Evans have shown, the benefits of service dog partnerships extend beyond managing symptoms -- they enrich lives, providing both emotional support and a renewed sense of purpose.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-benefits-of-service-dogs">Other benefits of service dogs</h2>



Service dogs can help veterans in various ways beyond the research findings:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-assistance">Physical assistance</h3>



Service dogs can be trained to perform a variety of physical tasks that aid veterans with disabilities. For instance, they can retrieve dropped items, open and close doors, turn on and off lights, and even assist with dressing or undressing. This support helps veterans maintain independence and reduces the need for human assistance in daily activities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seizure-alerts">Seizure alerts</h3>



Some service dogs can be trained to detect subtle changes in their handler's behavior or scent that indicate an oncoming seizure. These dogs can alert the veteran beforehand, allowing them to move to a safe location or take medication to prevent or lessen the severity of the seizure. This can be life-saving and provides a sense of security.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nightmare-interruption">Nightmare interruption</h3>



Veterans with PTSD often suffer from nightmares that disrupt their sleep and cause severe distress. Service dogs can be trained to recognize the signs of a nightmare, such as thrashing or vocalizing in sleep. They can gently wake the veteran, providing comfort and grounding, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of nightmares.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobility-support">Mobility support</h3>



For veterans with mobility impairments, service dogs can provide crucial support. They can help with balance while walking, pull wheelchairs, or assist in getting up from a seated position. This mobility support enables veterans to move around more safely and confidently, enhancing their overall quality of life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-interaction">Social interaction</h3>



Service dogs often act as social bridges, facilitating interactions between veterans and other people. The presence of a service dog can attract positive attention and initiate conversations, helping veterans feel more comfortable in social settings. This reduces feelings of isolation and encourages social engagement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-reduction">Stress reduction</h3>



The presence of a service dog has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Physical contact, such as petting or hugging the dog, can lower cortisol levels and increase the production of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief. This helps veterans manage anxiety and maintain a calmer state of mind.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-support">Emotional support</h3>



The dogs offer unconditional love and companionship, which can be profoundly comforting for veterans dealing with emotional challenges. The bond between a veteran and their service dog provides constant emotional support, helping them cope with feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2819452" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA</a>.



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Service dogs reduce anxiety and depression in veterans

After suffering a career-ending injury, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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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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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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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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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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



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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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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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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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.

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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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