A black hole that had been silent for decades has erupted with brilliant flashes of X-ray light, surprising astronomers and opening a rare window into one of the universe's most extreme phenomena. 



The black hole, known as "Ansky," sits at the heart of SDSS1335+0728 - a distant galaxy located 300 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.



Scientists from the European Southern Observatory and <a href="https://www.valpo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valparaíso University</a> in Chile have been tracking the black hole's activity, using X-ray telescopes to monitor its strange awakening.



The research is supported by XMM-Newton, an observatory operated by the European Space Agency. NASA is also contributing to this global collaboration with the NICER, Chandra, and Swift telescopes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-black-hole-breaks-its-silence">A black hole breaks its silence</h2>



Black holes, despite their reputation for devouring everything in sight, can actually go unnoticed for long periods. They lie dormant, consuming little to no matter from their surroundings. 



This had been the case with the black hole at the center of SDSS1335+0728 - until late 2019. That’s when something changed. The galaxy began to shine unusually bright in optical light, prompting astronomers to dig into archival data and launch new observations.



Paula Sánchez Sáez is a researcher at the European Southern Observatory and leader of the team that first explored the black hole’s activation.



“When we first saw Ansky light up in optical images, we triggered follow-up observations using NASA’s Swift X-ray space telescope, and we checked archived data from the eROSITA X-ray telescope, but at the time we didn’t see any evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/x-ray-radiation-from-black-holes-explained-after-50-year-struggle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray</a> emissions,” said Sánchez Sáez.



Now classified as an active galactic nucleus, or AGN, the black hole is producing intense bursts of X-rays that repeat at nearly regular intervals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-witnessing-a-rare-event">Witnessing a rare event</h2>



In February 2024, the story took a more fascinating turn. A team led by researchers from Valparaíso University began detecting consistent X-ray bursts from the black hole.



These flares are known as quasiperiodic eruptions (QPEs) - brief flashes of high-energy X-rays that appear and disappear in a pattern.



“This rare event provides an opportunity for astronomers to observe a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-vortex-created-lab-mimic-black-hole-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole’s behavior</a> in real time, using X-ray space telescopes XMM-Newton and NASA’s NICER, Chandra and Swift," noted Lorena Hernández-García, a researcher at the Valparaiso University, Chile.



"QPEs are short-lived flaring events. And this is the first time we have observed such an event in a black hole that seems to be waking up.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-faint-x-ray-emissions">Detecting faint x-ray emissions</h2>



Quasiperiodic eruptions have only been seen a few times since their discovery, and no one fully understands what causes them. 



“The first QPE episode was discovered in 2019, and since then we’ve only detected a handful more. We don’t yet understand what causes them. Studying Ansky will help us to better understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-disks-are-unexpectedly-fluffy-new-simulation-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes and how they evolve</a>," said Hernández-García.



Among the many telescopes involved, XMM-Newton has proven to be especially valuable. Hernández-García noted that it is the only X-ray telescope sensitive enough to detect the fainter X-ray background light between the bursts.



"With XMM-Newton we could measure how dim Ansky gets, which enabled us to calculate how much energy Ansky releases when it lights up and starts flashing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-causing-the-x-ray-flashes">What is causing the x-ray flashes?</h2>



Normally, when a black hole captures matter - such as gas or even a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/18-black-holes-captured-devouring-nearby-stars-in-dramatic-tidal-disruption-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> - the material is shredded and forms a bright, spinning disc known as an accretion disc.



Some quasiperiodic eruptions are thought to be triggered by interactions between this disc and a nearby object like a small star or black hole. These interactions generate energy bursts detectable as X-rays. 



However, Ansky doesn’t fit that model neatly. So far, there’s no sign it has destroyed a star. This led researchers to consider a different explanation: perhaps the black hole is collecting gas from its environment.



A small object might be disturbing this gas repeatedly as it orbits through it, creating periodic shocks that result in X-ray flashes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ansky-challenges-existing-ideas">Ansky challenges existing ideas</h2>



Joheen Chakraborty, a PhD student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, noted that the bursts of X-rays from this black hole are ten times longer and ten times more luminous than what we see from a typical quasiperiodic eruption.



“Each of these eruptions is releasing a hundred times more energy than we have seen elsewhere. Ansky’s eruptions also show the longest cadence ever observed, of about 4.5 days," said Chakraborty.



"This pushes our models to their limits and challenges our existing ideas about how these X-ray flashes are being generated.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watching-a-black-hole-transform">Watching a black hole transform </h2>



What makes this situation so unique is that researchers are witnessing the black hole’s transformation in real time. Rather than catching the aftermath of some cosmic outburst, they’re watching the outburst as it happens.



“For QPEs, we’re still at the point where we have more models than data, and we need more observations to understand what's happening,” said Erwan Quintin, an ESA research fellow and X-ray astronomer.



“We thought that QPEs were the result of small celestial objects being captured by much larger ones and spiraling down towards them. Ansky’s eruptions seem to be telling us a different story. These repetitive bursts are also likely associated with gravitational waves that ESA’s future mission LISA might be able to catch.”



According to Quintin, it is crucial to have these X-ray observations that will complement the gravitational wave data and help us solve the puzzling behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-massive-early-universe-black-hole-stuns-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive black holes</a>.



Image Credit: European Space Agency



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Black hole reawakens with intense, mysterious X-ray bursts

A black hole that had been silent for decades has erupted with brilliant flashes of X-ray light, surprising astronomers and opening a rare window into one of the universe's most extreme phenomena. The black hole, known as "Ansky," sits at the heart of SDSS1335+0728 - a distant galaxy located 300 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Scientists from the European Southern Observatory and Valparaíso University in Chile have been tracking the black hole's activity, using X-ray telescopes to monitor its strange awakening. The research is supported...

Wave,Function,Series.,Backdrop,Of,Colored,Sine,Vibrations,,Light,And

A little over 50 years ago, theorists predicted that certain groups of quantum particles could switch into a coordinated, collective state without any outside push. However, until very recently, this phase was thought to be impossible in the real world.



Researchers just reported the first direct observation of this behavior, known as superradiant phase transition (SRPT), showing that reality can sometimes match even the most puzzling theoretical ideas. 



Their work points to interesting possibilities in quantum computers and sensing devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-srpt-the-basics">Understanding SRPT - the basics</h2>



The superradiant phase transition (SRPT) is a remarkable phenomenon that occurs when a collection of atoms - each behaving like a tiny dipole - interacts very strongly with a shared <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-electric-field-discovered-surrounding-earth-nasa-says-its-as-crucial-as-gravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic field</a>, typically within a cavity or resonator. 



Under normal conditions, atoms emit light independently, but in this case, they begin to radiate collectively, producing an intense burst of light. 



What sets SRPT apart is that this collective behavior marks a distinct phase of the system, much like the transition from liquid to solid. 



When the coupling strength between the atoms and the electromagnetic field exceeds a critical threshold, the system shifts into a superradiant phase in which the field acquires a nonzero value, even without any external driving force.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-team-discovered">What the team discovered</h2>



The scientists found evidence of this unexpected state in a crystal containing erbium, iron, and oxygen. 



The crystal was chilled to minus 457 degrees Fahrenheit and placed under a powerful 7-tesla magnetic field, which is over 100,000 times stronger than <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetic field</a>.



“Originally, the SRPT was proposed as arising from interactions between quantum vacuum fluctuations - quantum light fields naturally existing even in completely empty space - and matter fluctuations," explained lead author Dasom Kim from <a href="https://www.rice.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a>.



“However, in our work, we realized this transition by coupling two distinct magnetic subsystems - the spin fluctuations of iron ions and of erbium ions within the crystal.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-go-theorem">No-go theorem</h2>



Spin describes the magnetic orientation of particles like electrons. When spin patterns ripple across a solid, those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goodbye-electrons-future-computers-may-be-powered-by-magnons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ripples are magnons</a>. 



Until now, there were questions about whether this phase could happen at all due to a theoretical obstacle sometimes called a no-go theorem.



One group of magnons in the material did the job once believed to belong to quantum vacuum fluctuations, while another group of spins served as matter fluctuations. 



This approach allowed the team to dodge that long-standing obstacle and see unmistakable signs of a new phase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-srpt-in-the-lab">Observing SRPT in the lab</h2>



“We established an ultrastrong coupling between these two spin systems and successfully observed an SRPT, overcoming previous experimental constraints,” Kim said. 



In practical terms, the energy signal of one spin mode dropped away, and another showed a sudden shift. 



Those signs matched theoretical predictions for the onset of the new phase, reinforcing that a half-century-old prediction really plays out in nature.



“Near the quantum critical point of this transition, the system naturally stabilizes quantum-squeezed states - where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microsoft-announces-giant-leap-in-quantum-computing-majorana-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum noise</a> is drastically reduced - greatly enhancing measurement precision,” Kim explained. 



“Overall, this insight could revolutionize quantum sensors and computing technologies, significantly advancing their fidelity, sensitivity, and performance.”



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



By catching this event in a solid crystal, the team showed that methods from quantum optics can be adapted for use in other materials. 



“Although the basic mathematical model was already laid out before by Motoaki, we needed to account for some of the specific magnetic properties of the material to obtain the precise results," noted Rice graduate student and co-author Sohail Dasgupta, who collaborated with <a href="https://www.ynu.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yokohama National University</a> professor Motoaki Bamba on the model.



"When your theory matches the experimental data - which happens rather rarely - it is the best feeling for a scientist."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-phases-of-matter">Controlling phases of matter</h2>



Research on magnons has already helped make sense of several quantum effects, and these latest findings add a fresh piece of evidence for the versatility of such approaches.



“This opens a new way to create and control phases of matter using ideas from cavity quantum electrodynamics,” said Rice associate professor of physics and astronomy, <a href="https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/kaden-hazzard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaden Hazzard</a>. 



He and Dasgupta worked closely to interpret the measurements and confirm that the data aligned with the model.



The crystal that was used belongs to a bigger family of magnetic materials, so there might be more examples of interesting behaviors hidden in similar crystals. 



The latest work hints that related combinations of spins could yield novel quantum features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next-with-srpt">What happens next with SRPT?</h2>



“Demonstrating a form of SRPT driven entirely by coupling two internal matter fluctuations marks a significant breakthrough in quantum physics, establishing a new framework for understanding and exploiting intrinsic quantum interactions within materials,” concluded Junichiro Kono, the Karl F. Hasselmann Professor in Engineering and the corresponding author on the study.



This discovery shows that ideas once confined to theory can become a reality under the right lab conditions. 



It offers a peek at fresh opportunities for sensing, computing, and beyond, all thanks to a single crystal and a well-chosen magnetic field.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt1691" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Exotic quantum phase, once thought impossible, was just observed in the lab

A little over 50 years ago, theorists predicted that certain...

Fiddler crab mating on the bustling mudflats of southern Europe is about sending seismic love signals beneath the surface - quite literally.



In their quest to attract a mate, male crabs produce ground vibrations as part of an elaborate courtship ritual. For the first time, scientists have recorded and analyzed these signals to understand how they communicate in a chaotic and noisy habitat.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> have captured the full courtship display of the European fiddler crab (Afruca tangeri), combining video footage and geophone recordings to listen in on the crabs’ seismic conversations. 



These crabs inhabit the muddy shores of the Iberian Peninsula, where waves, wind, and competing crabs make for a challenging environment to get a message across. 



However, the study reveals that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invasive-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustaceans</a> have developed a clever and consistent way to make themselves heard - and felt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fiddler-crabs-use-vibrations">How fiddler crabs use vibrations</h2>



Male fiddler crabs are known for their oversized claws, which they use to wave at potential mates and generate ground vibrations. These signals are produced by striking the ground with the claw or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crab-shells-could-help-pave-the-way-for-sustainable-electronics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shell</a>, and later by drumming from inside their burrows.



The researchers discovered that fiddler crab mating follows a four-step courtship routine, starting with subtle claw waves, followed by body drops, synchronized movements, and ending with underground drumming if a female shows interest.



As each stage progresses, the energy of the vibrations increases. The recordings, captured with GoPro cameras and precise geophones, allowed the team to measure over 8,000 seismic signals during the courtship routines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seismic-vibrations-reveal-crab-size">Seismic vibrations reveal crab size</h2>



The key question was whether these vibrations serve as honest signals of the male’s size and strength. The results suggest they do. 



The data showed that larger male crabs with bigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberry-claws-the-hermit-crab-that-sings-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claws</a> produced more powerful seismic signals, especially during drumming. This means the crabs can’t fake their physical traits – what you vibrate is what you are.



“It appears as though the males cannot, or do not, lie about their physical size,” said Tom Mulder from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford. 



“Females can rely on the loudness of seismic signals to honestly assess a potential mate’s quality, all without needing to see him.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-learning-meets-marine-dating">Machine learning meets marine dating</h2>



When it comes to fiddler crab mating, the frequency of vibrations stays the same - but other features like rhythm, duration, and loudness change depending on the&nbsp;crab’s demeanor.



This allowed the researchers to classify each action (such as a body drop or an underground drum) by analyzing the vibration patterns.



To test this further, the team used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientific-discoveries-machine-learning/">machine learning</a> to teach a computer how to distinguish between different crab behaviors based solely on these recordings.



The program achieved a 70% accuracy rate, showing strong potential for future applications. The technique could lead to the development of non-invasive monitoring systems for a wide range of animals.



From tracking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-future-of-the-endangered-species-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered species</a> across the savannah to identifying crop pests or spotting injured livestock, material-bound vibrations could become a new frontier in remote wildlife observation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vibrations-work-for-the-fiddler-crab">Vibrations work for the fiddler crab</h2>



When it comes to fiddler crabs, relying on seismic signals instead of sound makes perfect sense. Their noisy, open-air environment is difficult to navigate acoustically, but the ground beneath them offers a stable way to communicate.



By altering the strength and tempo of their vibrations, they can get their messages across without saying a word.



“Larger claws have the advantage of overcoming seismic noise so that they can signal to females that are further away, and females will show more interest in them,” explained Dr. Beth Mortimer, also from the Department of Biology.



“However, the advantages are only observed for the percussive signals such as drumming, and fortunately for smaller clawed crabs, these are only part of the courtship routine.”



So, while size matters when it comes to seismic communication, smaller males can still show off through other parts of the ritual. In the unpredictable world of fiddler crab mating, it’s not just about waving your claw - it’s about how hard you drum.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/228/7/jeb249323/367607/Constraints-on-percussive-seismic-signals-in-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Biology</a>.



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Fiddler crabs use seismic vibrations to attract mates

Fiddler crab mating on the bustling mudflats of southern Europe...

Launched just seven months ago, the Arctic Weather Satellite is already reshaping the future of weather forecasting.



Despite its compact size and modest development time, the satellite is producing detailed temperature and humidity data that could soon boost short-term forecasts - especially in remote regions like the Arctic.



Developed by scientists from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> (ESA), this prototype satellite was built in only three years and at a fraction of the cost of traditional Earth observation missions. ESA designed it to test a new approach: build fast, build affordably, and still deliver high-quality data. 



Early results show this model is working. The satellite’s microwave radiometer has proven capable of producing data that are comparable with those gathered by much larger, more established missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-size-powerful-data">Small size, powerful data</h2>



At the heart of the Arctic Weather Satellite is a 19-channel cross-track scanning microwave radiometer. This tool measures atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humidity</a> through cloud cover, providing critical information in all weather conditions. 



Though named after the Arctic, the satellite gathers global data. Its insights into water vapor levels are particularly valuable in polar regions, where rapid changes in humidity can dramatically alter forecasts.



What makes this even more impressive is that the satellite weighs just 125 kilograms - roughly the size of a washing machine. It also uses a new 325 GHz sounding channel, a frequency that has never before been applied to operational <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-could-revolutionize-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather monitoring</a>. 



This addition allows for better cloud-ice measurements, potentially improving forecast accuracy even further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-toward-a-satellite-constellation">Step toward a satellite constellation</h2>



The Arctic Weather Satellite is just the beginning. It serves as a prototype for the proposed EPS-Sterna constellation, a future group of six similar satellites. 



ESA would build the satellites, and Eumetsat would manage their operations and data distribution - mirroring the approach used for Europe’s Meteosat and MetOp weather missions.



Before making that leap, though, scientists need to confirm how much value this small satellite’s data can add to existing forecasts. That evaluation is already underway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broad-testing-strong-feedback">Broad testing, strong feedback</h2>



Meteorological agencies across Europe are studying the satellite’s data, including the Danish Meteorological Office, the German Weather Service, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. 



Eumetsat is also running its own independent performance assessments. So far, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.



“Our team has carefully evaluated the quality of the Arctic Weather Satellite’s data and has already been able to demonstrate a positive impact on our forecasts at the global scale, and we plan to include the data in our global prediction system later this year," said Philippe Chambon from Météo-France. 



According to Chambon, this a very promising achievement in view of the EPS-Sterna constellation, which is seen as a key component of the future observing system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-data-from-small-satellites">Valuable data from small satellites</h2>



“The Arctic Weather Satellite is a great example of the quality of meteorological data that can be achieved from a small satellite," commented Niels Bormann from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. 



Bormann noted that the initial results are very promising for global weather forecasts and, if they hold up, the data may be used operationally later in the year. From a regional perspective, the data is proving just as useful.



“Together with the Nordic national meteorological services, we are evaluating the Arctic Weather Satellite’s data for regional forecasting over Scandinavia and the Arctic," said Adam Dybbroe from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closing-the-polar-coverage-gap">Closing the polar coverage gap</h2>



Current weather satellites have limitations. For example, <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/meteosat-weather-satellite-captures-earth-in-stunning-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meteosat satellites</a> orbit 36,000 kilometers above the equator, returning images every 15 minutes, but they can’t cover the high latitudes near the poles. 



MetOp satellites, which follow a polar orbit, can reach these regions but take up to 24 hours for full global coverage.



The proposed EPS-Sterna constellation of six satellites would dramatically shorten this time gap, offering more frequent data - especially over the Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-huge-potential-in-a-small-satellite">Huge potential in a small satellite </h2>



ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite project manager, Ville Kangas, summarized the progress.



“We have demonstrated that a small satellite, weighing just 125 kg, can match the performance of large meteorological missions," said Kangas.



"And since we are at a relatively early stage, the data still need to be further corrected and analyzed so we expect the Arctic Weather Satellite to shine even more in the months to come."



If approved, the EPS-Sterna constellation will work alongside Europe’s next-generation weather satellites, including MTG-S1 and MetOp-SG-A1, which are scheduled for launch later this year. 



Together, these systems could create a far more complete and timely picture of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-shrinking-earths-atmosphere-and-thats-bad-for-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s changing atmosphere</a>.



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Small satellite could transform weather forecasting

Launched just seven months ago, the Arctic Weather Satellite is...

Harvest,Pink,Moon,On,Night,Sky,Back,Over,Silhouette,Pines

The Moon has always fascinated humans. But even now, with satellites and science at our fingertips, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-ridges-on-moons-surface-suggest-that-it-is-still-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> can still surprise us. This Saturday night, skywatchers will witness one such surprise: a pink micromoon.



While not as dramatic as a total eclipse or as bright as a supermoon, the micromoon holds its own quiet charm. It’s a moment to pause, look up, and remember that the heavens are always in motion - even if the changes aren’t always obvious.



Let’s explore what makes a micromoon special, why our brains sometimes trick us, and how even seasoned scientists are still mystified by the Moon’s shifting appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-a-micromoon">What exactly is a micromoon?</h2>



A micromoon occurs when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/march-2025-stargazing-a-red-moon-and-a-vanishing-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> reaches the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. That moment, called apogee, coincides with the full moon phase.



When this happens, the Moon looks smaller and dimmer than usual. The effect is subtle - most people won't notice unless they compare photos side by side.



“It’s a very subtle difference,” said astrophysicist Alain Brizard from <a href="https://www.smcvt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saint Michael’s College</a> in Vermont.



In contrast, a supermoon happens when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth. The difference between a micromoon and a supermoon isn’t huge, but it’s measurable. Supermoons can appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter.



Micromoons and supermoons aren’t rare. They happen several times a year when the Moon’s full phase syncs up with the right point in its orbit. 



Another micromoon will arrive in May. Three supermoons are expected later this year in October, November, and December.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moon-illusion">The Moon illusion</h2>



Many people believe the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/total-lunar-eclipse-will-paint-the-moon-blood-red-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> looks biggest when it rises over the horizon. This is true - at least, visually.



When we see the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-up-in-the-night-sky-during-the-month-of-april-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> rise over city skylines, treetops, or mountains, it can seem enormous. The truth is, though, that its size hasn’t changed at all. It’s a trick of the mind.



Photos show the Moon stays the same width, whether near the horizon or overhead. Still, our eyes say otherwise. The Moon looks larger near the horizon, though it's not.



This illusion comes from how our brains handle visual information. It's a perception trick. Even after thousands of years of watching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-ridges-on-moons-surface-suggest-that-it-is-still-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Moon</a>, no one fully understands why we see it this way.



This phenomenon is known as the Moon illusion. It has nothing to do with the Moon itself and everything to do with human perception.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-test-the-micromoon-illusion-yourself">How to test the micromoon illusion yourself</h2>



You don’t need a telescope to prove the illusion is real.



<a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> suggests simple tests. Hold out your index finger next to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-that-once-threatened-earth-may-target-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a>. Your fingernail and the Moon will appear nearly the same size - no matter where the Moon sits in the sky.



You can also look through a paper tube or even bend over and look between your legs. The Moon will suddenly seem much smaller than it did a moment before.



Step outside on a full moon night and watch the Moon as it rises. It can feel magical - so big and beautiful that it might make you say “Wow!” out loud. 



When the Moon is low in the sky, near mountains, buildings, or trees, it looks huge. It seems like it’s towering over the landscape.



But here’s the truth: the Moon hasn’t actually grown. Your brain is just playing a trick on you.



The large size you see is an illusion. It’s not caused by the atmosphere or the Moon’s distance. It’s all about how your mind interprets the scene in front of you.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-micromoon-looks-pinkish">Why the micromoon looks pinkish</h2>



While the Moon doesn’t grow or shrink in size, it can appear to change color.



When the Moon is low in the sky, it often looks pink, yellow, or sometimes orange. This happens because its light must travel through more of Earth’s atmosphere. 



The atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light, like blue and violet. What’s left are the longer wavelengths - pink, orange, and yellow.



Dust or pollution in the air can make this effect stronger, giving the Moon a deeper red or orange tint.



This effect is especially visible during events like lunar eclipses. A total eclipse in March turned the Moon a deep coppery red - a visual reminder of how much the atmosphere shapes what we see.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theories-behind-the-moon-illusion">Theories behind the Moon illusion</h2>



Despite centuries of study, scientists still don’t have a full explanation for the Moon illusion. Here’s the surprising part: scientists still don’t fully understand why the Moon illusion happens.



That might sound frustrating if you like clear answers. But it also shows how mysterious our brains can be. Even after years of research, no one has found a complete explanation for why the Moon looks bigger near the horizon.



So depending on how you see it, this mystery can either be disappointing - or something to wonder about and enjoy.



The most common idea is that our brains misjudge size and distance when the Moon is near the horizon. When objects like buildings, mountains, or trees are in the foreground, they can trick the brain into thinking the Moon is closer - and therefore larger - than it actually is.



One well-known theory is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzo_illusion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ponzo illusion</a>. Imagine railroad tracks converging into the distance. Place two identical lines across the tracks - one higher, one lower. 



The upper line will seem longer. This may be similar to how we view the Moon over a landscape.



But the mystery deepens. Astronauts in space, far from any such cues, also report seeing the Moon illusion. So the story doesn’t end there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-micromoon-s-mystery-is-worth-enjoying">Why the micromoon’s mystery is worth enjoying</h2>



In the end, maybe we don’t need a perfect answer.



Imagine seeing the Moon rise during the day over mountains. Even without knowing the science behind it, that sight can fill you with wonder.



We may not fully understand why the Moon looks bigger or more dramatic at times. But while scientists keep searching for answers, there's nothing stopping us from enjoying the view.



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What is a pink micromoon? You'll find out tonight

The Moon has always fascinated humans. But even now, with...

Japan loves otters and so does the internet. From squeaky coos to floating belly naps, Asian small-clawed otters have taken over YouTube and Instagram feeds. These animals show up in themed cafés, cozy up to coffee cups, and pose beside smiling tourists. It’s not hard to see why they’ve become a social media sensation.



But this viral fame hides a growing crisis. The adorable otter’s rise to stardom has come at a cost to wild populations. Behind every click, like, and share may lie a deeper story - one of trafficking, genetic decline, and fading <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-help-kelp-forests-recover-but-theres-more-to-the-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. 



Japan sits at the center of this trade, both as a consumer and as a mirror to a broader wildlife issue across Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-pet-otter-boom">Japan’s pet otter boom</h2>



Asian small-clawed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otters</a>, native to South and Southeast Asia, are now listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Their populations are threatened by habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. 



Since 2019, they have been listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (<a href="https://cites.org/eng/disc/what.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CITES</a>), which bans commercial trade except in exceptional cases.



Despite this listing, the otters continue to appear in Japan’s pet stores and animal cafés. Their presence in such places indicates an active, and often illegal, wildlife trade. The allure is strong - cuddly, curious, and highly intelligent, otters are marketed as ideal companions for exotic pet lovers.



But their popularity on social media has created a feedback loop of demand that encourages continued trafficking from wild populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illegal-otters-sourced-from-thailand">Illegal otters sourced from Thailand</h2>



To understand how otters are ending up in Japanese cafés, researchers from <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a> teamed up with Thai scientists. 



They aimed to trace the geographic origins of the otters now living in captivity in Japan. Most attention turned to Thailand - a country previously identified as a key player in the illegal otter trade.



"Collaborative research can help identify the origins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-tools-to-access-larger-prey-and-protect-their-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otters</a> kept in Japan and hot spots of illegal trade in Thailand, thus encouraging legal control in both countries," said study first author Mayako Fujihara.



Over the last two decades, more than 100 otters have been seized at airports in Thailand and Japan. Most seizures involve multiple individuals at once, suggesting coordinated smuggling efforts. 



Despite Japanese import bans and Thailand’s export restrictions, traffickers continue to find ways to move these animals across borders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-links-otters-to-wild-origins">DNA links otters to wild origins</h2>



To track where the otters came from, researchers sequenced 1,511 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA from 81 captive otters in Japan.



These included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individuals</a> from zoos, aquariums, animal cafés, and customs seizures. The goal was to compare these sequences with those from known wild populations in Thailand and surrounding countries.



The analysis revealed 12 different haplotypes, grouped into three major clades. Six of these haplotypes matched wild otters from southern Thailand - areas known for coastal wetlands and hilly riparian zones. 



This suggests that the majority of otters found in cafés and seized at airports had likely originated from poaching hotspots in southern Thailand.



The findings are troubling. According to the CITES trade database, no legal otter imports from Thailand to Japan have occurred since 1988. This means the otters arriving since then - including those born to trafficked individuals - have entered the country through illegal means.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-stardom-drives-demand">Social media stardom drives demand</h2>



The modern otter craze didn’t start in a forest - it started online. YouTube channels featuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet</a> otters have millions of subscribers. One top channel in Japan, showing the lives of two otters, has over 1.8 million followers and a merchandise line. The same owner also runs otter cafés in major cities.



These cafés, known as exotic animal cafés, let customers play with otters while sipping coffee. They are part of a broader industry that has expanded rapidly since the early 2000s. 



As of 2019, Japan hosted at least 137 exotic animal cafés, housing more than 400 species. The Asian small-clawed otter is among the most popular mammals in these cafés.



Some cafés even sell otters, with prices reaching over $10,000 per animal. In 2018, nearly half of the otters advertised for sale in Japan came from unknown sources. This lack of transparency fuels concerns about continued reliance on wild populations and unclear breeding histories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-native-otter-is-gone">Japan’s native otter is gone</h2>



Japan’s obsession with otters may also stem from a deep-rooted cultural memory. The kawauso, or river otter, appears in Japanese folklore as a playful and mischievous shapeshifter. But this creature was based on a real animal - the Japanese river otter, once common across the country.



Decades of hunting for fur and destruction of river habitats led to its tragic extinction. It was declared extinct in 2012 after not being seen for over 30 years.



"It is precisely because Japan's endemic otter species has gone extinct that we aim to continue conducting research that will help protect other vulnerable species," said Fujihara.



This extinction leaves a shadow over current efforts to protect other otters in captivity and the wild. It also heightens the urgency to prevent similar outcomes for other species caught in the trade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uneven-diversity-in-captivity">Uneven diversity in captivity</h2>



One of the most striking findings from the study was the difference in genetic diversity between otters in zoos and those in cafés. 



Otters in zoos and aquariums had higher genetic diversity and more varied haplotypes. This is likely due to more structured breeding programs and a larger pool of founding individuals.



In contrast, the otters found in cafés often shared just a few haplotypes. Many had been bred in-country from a narrow gene pool. Some appeared to be closely related. 



This lack of diversity poses risks. Inbreeding can cause health problems and lower reproductive success. It also weakens the species’ long-term ability to adapt and survive.



Otters in zoos also came from a wider range of regions, including Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia. This indicates legal or semi-legal acquisition before tighter regulations were in place. But many of the café otters clustered genetically with those from southern Thailand - regions known for illegal poaching activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-as-a-shield-for-conservation">Science as a shield for conservation</h2>



The study's genetic work serves a dual purpose: it not only tracks trafficking routes but also supports captive breeding. 



By understanding the genetic background of individual otters, zoos can avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic health. Otters with rare haplotypes - some found in just one or two individuals - can be prioritized for conservation.



However, mitochondrial DNA offers only part of the story. The researchers suggest that nuclear DNA sequencing could give more precise geographic information. This would allow officials to better identify the origin of seized otters and link them to specific regions.



The findings also highlight a need to build comprehensive genetic reference maps for otters across Southeast Asia. Expanding these databases would help pinpoint where wild-caught animals originate and guide future protection efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-for-a-future-not-a-fad">Breeding for a future, not a fad</h2>



As of late 2022, Japan’s zoos and aquariums housed more than 200 Asian small-clawed otters. Many participate in coordinated breeding programs, but others still rely on imports or unverified sources. Without full genetic records, some valuable lineages may be lost.



For example, rare haplotypes found in only one or two otters could disappear without focused efforts. Losing these variants would narrow the gene pool and reduce future adaptability.



Better genetic planning, stronger import regulations, and broader cooperation between nations can help secure the future of this species. The café boom may fade, but the consequences for wildlife will last unless steps are taken now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-love-for-otters-has-limits">Japan’s love for otters has limits</h2>



Otters continue to delight audiences with their charm and antics. But behind every viral video lies a question - where did that otter come from, and what did it cost to bring it here?



If admiration leads to exploitation, then love for animals becomes dangerous. Science, policy, and awareness must align to ensure that what we adore today doesn’t vanish tomorrow.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.70010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Science and Practice</a>.



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Japan’s obsession with otters comes at a cost

Japan loves otters and so does the internet. From squeaky...

A recent study suggests that sleep may not only preserve our memories but actually enhance them, especially when it comes to recalling the order in which events occur. 



This discovery points to the significant role that restful sleep plays in consolidating daily experiences. It shows that this effect can remain robust for more than a year after the events in question.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-memory-through-sleep">Boosting memory through sleep</h2>



The research was carried out by a team affiliated with a leading center for aging and brain health. The scientists developed an innovative approach to test how sleep influences the sequence of memories over extended periods.



Study senior author Brian Levine is a scientist at the <a href="https://www.baycrest.org/about-us-rri">Rotman Research Institute</a>, part of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education.



“While our memory for features such as object size and color declines over time, sleep can improve our memory for event sequence,” said Levine. "This study deepens our understanding of how critical sleep is for integrating experiences into memory,” he added.



According to these findings, sleep organizes daily events in order, strengthens their links, and helps us remember them months later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-museum-tour-and-memory-recall">Museum tour and memory recall</h2>



To achieve these insights, the researchers moved beyond typical laboratory procedures that ask participants to memorize word lists or pictures. Instead, they created a 20-minute, audio-guided tour of selected artworks to provide a more authentic experience.



People who took part in this study walked through the exhibit while listening to narrated explanations. They then completed memory tests at intervals ranging from one hour after the tour to 15 months later.



The tests included both questions about the physical features of each artwork and about which piece came first, second, third, and so on. Although shape and color memory faded, sleep notably improved recall of the order in which tour items appeared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sleep-boosts-memory">Deep sleep boosts memory</h2>



A second experiment reinforced these results through a design that separated participants into two groups. One set - the sleep group - experienced the art tour in the evening and was tested shortly afterward. They then slept in a monitored environment where their brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG).



The other set - the wake group - took the tour and the initial test in the morning, stayed awake during the day, and was re-tested that evening. Both groups took additional memory tests a week, a month, and 15 months later.



The data showed that even a single night of slumber made a meaningful difference in how participants remembered the order of the tour items. Their advantage, established early, remained evident more than a year afterward.



Meanwhile, memory for the physical features of each artwork continued to deteriorate for both groups. Detailed EEG readings revealed that deep sleep, particularly the combination of slow waves and sleep spindles, correlated strongly with this sustained memory improvement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-s-lasting-impact">Sleep’s lasting impact </h2>



Sleep’s effect on memory has long intrigued scientists. These findings show that the sequence of experiences can remain intact over extended periods.



Furthermore, the study suggests that certain types of memory, such as object details, may not benefit in the same way. 



By showing this difference, researchers explore why our brains preserve event order even as other details fade over time. Understanding this pattern also holds relevance for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/defying-time-three-ways-to-slow-biological-aging/">aging</a> populations and those with cognitive conditions, since it sheds light on why memory for events can change so dramatically in later life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-health-and-new-interventions">Cognitive health and new interventions</h2>



The benefits of a good night’s rest extend beyond short-term improvements. “The benefits of sleep on memory are powerful; just one night makes a difference that persists over a year,” Levine said.



This underscores the importance of consistent, high-quality sleep as part of an overall strategy to maintain and strengthen cognitive health. Activities such as regular exercise, a balanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-and-diet-nutrition-helps-lower-dementia-risk/">diet</a>, and attention to sleep routines can work together to keep the mind functioning at its peak.



Researchers hope studying sleep rhythms, slow waves, and spindles will lead to new memory-boosting interventions. These interventions might prove especially significant in helping older adults or those living with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-sleep-may-predict-memory-loss-years-in-advance/">dementia</a> retain key aspects of their experiences for longer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-frontier-of-discovery">Ongoing frontier of discovery </h2>



For anyone interested in preserving the narrative thread of life’s events, these results offer an encouraging perspective: better rest today might translate into clearer, more accurate recollections tomorrow and beyond.



The ways in which sleep shapes our memories remain an ongoing frontier of scientific inquiry, but one message comes through loud and clear. 



Whether you are studying for an exam, trying to remember cherished family moments, or simply hoping to keep your recollections intact over time, sleeping well stands out as a critical part of the formula.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02117-5">Nature Human Behavior</a>.



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Sleep can boost memory in a surprising way

A recent study suggests that sleep may not only preserve...

A,School,Of,Salmon,Swimming,In,The,Clear,Water,,Australia

In a large-scale study considered to be the most extensive of its kind so far, researchers from around the world investigated how pharmaceutical pollution influences the behavior and migratory patterns of Atlantic salmon.



The project was led by the <a href="https://www.slu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences</a> and focused on commonly detected concentrations of clobazam - a medication used to treat sleep disorders - found in waterways.



In the wild, these levels of clobazam were shown to increase the river-to-sea migration success of juvenile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-summer-fishing-shrinks-atlantic-salmon-size-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a> and shorten the time it took them to pass through obstacles like hydropower dams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pharmaceutical-pollution-in-salmon-habitats">Pharmaceutical pollution in salmon habitats</h2>



The findings involved collaboration between many institutions, including Griffith University’s <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/sciences/australian-rivers-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Rivers Institute</a>. Marcus Michelangeli from Griffith, who played a key role in the study, described it as highlighting a global and growing problem of pharmaceutical pollution in natural habitats.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antidepressant-prozac-pollution-is-severely-depressing-fish-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pharmaceutical pollutants</a> are an emerging global issue, with over 900 different substances having now been detected in waterways around the world,” Michelangeli said. 



“Of particular concern are psychoactive substances like antidepressants and pain medications, which can significantly interfere with wildlife brain function and behavior.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-real-world-approach">Unique real-world approach</h2>



One unique aspect of this research is its real-world perspective. According to Michelangeli, most previous studies examining the effects of pharmaceutical pollutants on wildlife have been conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, which don’t fully capture the complexities of natural environments.



“This study is unique because it investigates the effects of these contaminants on wildlife directly in the field, allowing us to better understand how exposure impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-lockdowns-had-unexpected-impacts-on-wildlife-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife behavior</a> and migration in a natural context.”



Clobazam was not the only drug tested. The team also looked at tramadol, an opioid painkiller frequently detected in water samples. 



The researchers used slow-release pharmaceutical implants in combination with tracking transmitters to monitor how both substances affected juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Sweden’s River Dal as the fish made their journey toward the Baltic Sea.



In addition, the team conducted a laboratory experiment that revealed clobazam altered the salmon’s shoaling behavior, reinforcing the idea that shifts in social or risk-taking tendencies might be tied to drug-induced changes in the fish’s neural functioning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-pharmaceutical-pollution">Consequences of pharmaceutical pollution</h2>



“While the increased migration success in salmon exposed to clobazam might seem like a beneficial effect, it is important to realize that any change to the natural behavior and ecology of a species is expected to have broader negative consequences both for that species and the surrounding wildlife community,” Michelangeli said.



He also noted how complicated these consequences might be when multiple pollutants and species are involved. 



“When you consider realistic exposure scenarios where entire ecosystems are exposed - encompassing multiple species and a diversity of contaminants - the potential consequences become even more complex."



So far, the decline in Atlantic salmon numbers has largely been blamed on factors like overfishing and habitat loss. However, the study implies that pharmaceutical pollution could be subtly reshaping critical life events like the salmon’s migration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calls-for-better-wastewater-treatment">Calls for better wastewater treatment</h2>



Addressing this issue may be daunting, since many medications do not degrade quickly in the environment and often slip through conventional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reed-beds-a-sustainable-revolution-in-wastewater-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wastewater treatment</a> systems.



“Advanced wastewater treatment methods are becoming more effective at reducing pharmaceutical contamination, and there is promising potential in green chemistry approaches,” Michelangeli said.



“By designing drugs that break down more rapidly or become less harmful after use, we can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of pharmaceutical pollution in the future.” Indeed, this study underlines how such pollution can produce biological effects that reverberate throughout ecosystems.



Though improved wastewater practices and drug design might help, Michelangeli argued that the task ahead is to figure out how a multitude of chemicals, each at low concentrations, might collectively influence everything from fish migration to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator-prey dynamics</a>.



“Pharmaceutical pollutants are an emerging global issue, with over 900 different substances having now been detected in waterways around the world,” Michelangeli said, emphasizing that efforts to reduce contamination could make a crucial difference for both animals and humans who share these water sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-atlantic-salmon">The future of Atlantic salmon</h2>



Ultimately, the story of clobazam and Atlantic salmon reminds us how connected we are to the world around us. Many people rely on medications for their well-being, yet each pill or patch might release chemical remnants into rivers and lakes far beyond our sight.



As the global usage of medications continues to rise, researchers hope to refine tools and strategies that can minimize these ecological footprints. 



They believe that thoughtful design of medicines and advanced treatment systems could go a long way toward safeguarding species. This includes the Atlantic salmon and the wider tapestry of aquatic life that sustains our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp7174" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Pharmaceutical pollution changes the behavior of Atlantic salmon

In a large-scale study considered to be the most extensive...

Dogs have long been recognized for their remarkable ability to detect faint scents associated with various diseases. 



From identifying cancer and low blood sugar to sensing infections, their keen noses have inspired trainers to develop specialized tasks that enhance safety and independence for people managing health conditions.



Scientists recently <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovered</a> new connections between how dogs interpret ambiguous situations and how they tackle scent detection tasks.



The research was led by Sharyn Bistre Dabbah of the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, who explored whether a dog’s upbeat or doubtful attitude influences how well it can sniff out important odor cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dogs-learn-medical-scent-detection">How dogs learn medical scent detection</h2>



<a href="https://www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical detection dogs</a> have earned respect among healthcare professionals, especially for their role in identifying certain <a href="https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-020-05281-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a> and assisting people with chronic issues. 



They are trained to detect unique scent markers in clinical samples or to warn someone about an imminent change in health status.



Training starts young, using exercises to boost focus and confidence in new environments. The programs highlight gentle yet consistent methods that reward a dog for accurate performance and reduce confusion through repetition.



Because tasks based on scent detection are demanding, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-dogs-severely-harm-wildlife-even-when-leashed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canines</a> must learn to keep calm under pressure. They must stay determined and engaged through repeated trials, which can be challenging for some dogs. Despite these challenges, many dogs handle the work with remarkable ease.



When some dogs show more precision and fewer false alerts, experts start searching for the reasons why. If these traits can be identified early, it could bring more certainty to an already impressive field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-optimism-and-performance">Connecting optimism and performance</h2>



One experimental approach used in this research is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26440495/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">judgment bias testing</a>, a strategy for gauging how animals respond to uncertain situations. 



Dogs learn a bowl in one spot with a known scent means a reward, but in another spot, it doesn't. When the bowl appears in a middle spot, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dogs-replacing-children-how-modern-society-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canines</a>’ reaction time can hint at their emotional outlook.



“Dogs that approached ambiguous cues more quickly - indicative of ‘optimism' - were associated with higher levels of traits such as confidence and playfulness. These insights could have important implications for training and selection methods in medical detection dogs,” said Dabbah.



In plain terms, dogs that zipped toward the bowl, hoping it held a tasty morsel, also seemed to have strong overall abilities when it came to learning and focusing. They appeared quicker to embrace new tasks and bounced back from empty bowls without getting flustered.



At the same time, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-99-of-dogs-in-the-u-s-have-a-behavior-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canines</a> showed a more guarded approach. They paused a moment longer at uncertain bowl placements, almost as if they were doing a double-check before taking action.



Interestingly, these dogs often had fewer false positives, indicating that a degree of “cautious thinking” may reduce errors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimistic-dogs-and-scent-detection">Optimistic dogs and scent detection</h2>



Older dogs showed signs of calm confidence, which might help them approach tricky tasks without wasting energy on confusion. It is possible that time in training leads to more measured responses, as dogs hone both their search skills and emotional stability.



Dogs with a high drive for food did not hesitate to check a bowl, reflecting an eagerness to score a reward. While that can propel a dog to excel in learning, it may lead to hasty alerts on non-target scents. Balancing that enthusiasm with steady caution can be a challenge.



Some dogs leaned on playfulness to make tasks more pleasant. Tail-wagging and enthusiasm can boost training, but too much excitement may disrupt focused sniffing. Striking a middle ground is ideal for daily practice.



When a trainer recognizes that a dog’s personality tends toward optimism, that knowledge can guide how training is structured. The approach may focus on channeling the dog’s quick reactions while refining its ability to stop and think when necessary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimistic-dogs-have-greater-detection-ability">Optimistic dogs have greater detection ability</h2>



“Our findings suggest that dogs displaying more ‘optimistic’ responses in a judgment bias test tend to demonstrate higher overall ability, as rated by their trainers. Understanding this link could help us to better train, select, and support successful medical detection dogs,” said Dabbah.



Some of the more reserved dogs achieved stronger scent specificity, which can be a valuable quality for tasks where false alarms carry greater cost. Training might then look for ways to add a dash of positive expectation to help these dogs stay motivated.



Moving ahead, experts are exploring whether these insights might hint at early screening tools. Dogs that have an optimistic streak could be strong candidates for highly active detection tasks.



Such early indicators might spare time and resources, enabling trainers to focus on dogs whose personality suits the intensity of constant sniffing and monitoring. 



Research suggests this approach may also enhance the dog’s well-being, as training can be fine-tuned to match its natural tendencies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-dog-training">The future of dog training</h2>



Trainers often keep logs of each dog’s progress and note any unusual struggles. A quick emotional test could add insight into what drives each dog’s successes and setbacks



Dog organizations might use these new findings to perfect selection programs. Dogs that see gray areas as opportunities often recover quickly from setbacks, making training more enjoyable.



The broader community of working-dog enthusiasts is always on the lookout for ways to elevate standards in canine professions. 



By evaluating how optimism or hesitation shapes detection tasks, it may be possible to maximize performance without pushing dogs beyond healthy limits.



Refining this process promises a better match between each dog’s inherent scent style and the tasks they are asked to tackle. Such harmony could improve the reliability of medical alerts while protecting the dog’s quality of life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Good mood, sharper nose? Optimistic dogs excel in scent detection

Dogs have long been recognized for their remarkable ability to...

Electric,Cars,At,Charing,Station,In,Hanoi,,Vietnam

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come to symbolize the green revolution. Quiet, zero-emission cars now glide through city streets, while governments offer tax breaks and incentives to accelerate the shift from gasoline to electric power. 



Headlines celebrate electric vehicles as a solution for climate change. But are they? A recent study raises new doubts.



Researchers from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.auckland.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Auckland</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xmu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xiamen University</a>&nbsp;argue that electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/driverless-utility-vehicles-are-taking-over-boring-and-risky-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a> cannot help the planet unless we clean up the electricity that powers them. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-can-raise-emissions-nbsp">Electric vehicles can raise emissions&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis reveals a surprising and uncomfortable truth: electric vehicles can, in some cases, increase carbon emissions.



The research team examined data from 26 countries over a 15-year period using a rigorous method known as the STIRPAT framework. 



This analytical tool enables experts to assess the impact of population, economic development, and technological change on emissions.



The researchers looked beyond surface-level calculations. They tested how electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-electric-vehicle-owners-have-high-carbon-footprints/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle</a> adoption, renewable energy use, population clustering, and green innovation all shape a country’s carbon output. 



The results do not align with the common belief that more electric vehicles mean fewer emissions.



"On the contrary, EV adoption is positively associated with CO₂ emissions. This finding appears counterintuitive. It challenges the conventional belief that EVs contribute to decarbonization," said study lead author Miaomiao (Simon) Tao, a doctoral candidate at the <a href="https://www.energycentre.auckland.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UoA Energy Centre</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-and-climate-issues">Electric vehicles and climate issues</h2>



The counterintuitive results of the study are linked to where electric vehicles get their power. In many parts of the world, electricity still comes from burning coal, oil, or gas. Charging an EV in such places often leads to more emissions than using a fuel-efficient petrol car.



“Take EVs charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants. In that case, they may indirectly contribute to higher emissions than modern gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially considering the entire lifecycle from production to disposal," said study co-author Professor Stephen Poletti.



The experts identified a clear tipping point. Electric vehicles only start cutting emissions once clean electricity makes up nearly half of a country’s power supply.



In 2023, renewables made up just over 30 percent of the global electricity mix. Most nations still fall short.



"Electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brake-pad-copper-emissions-are-worse-than-diesel-exhaust-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a> are often seen as a silver bullet for climate change, but our results show that's not the case if the electricity powering them isn't clean,” said Professor Poletti.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-that-fuels-electric-vehicles">The power that fuels electric vehicles </h2>



Some countries do better than others. New Zealand, for example, gets over 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. This makes EV adoption far more effective. In such places, switching from petrol to electric really does lower emissions.



"This research is a reminder that decarbonizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transport</a> can't happen in isolation," said Professor Poletti. The grid and the garage are closely linked. You can’t clean one and ignore the other.



The researchers also found that countries focused on EV sales alone may miss the bigger picture. 



Without electricity reform, the environmental benefits of EVs disappear. Countries must first green their energy sectors before EVs can truly help fight climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-energy-lowers-emissions">Clean energy lowers emissions</h2>



The study didn’t stop at electric vehicles. The team analzyed several other factors that influence carbon emissions. Economic growth came out as a strong driver of increased emissions.



More businesses, more consumption, and more industry almost always mean more pollution. On the other hand, green innovation, renewable energy, and population density in urban areas were associated with lower emissions.



Technological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-is-electric-epa-sets-strictest-ever-vehicle-emission-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advances</a>, especially those related to energy use and storage, helped countries emit less carbon. Densely populated cities, when designed efficiently, used energy more wisely.



Notably, the study found that renewable energy had the strongest emissions-reducing effect of all variables. When renewables replace fossil fuels, the results are dramatic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-can-still-help">Electric vehicles can still help </h2>



How much clean energy do countries need before EVs make a positive difference? According to the study, the magic number is 48 percent. 



Once nearly half the electricity comes from sources like wind, solar, or hydro, the environmental gains of EVs begin to outweigh their hidden costs.



Before reaching that point, EVs can actually increase emissions. That’s because battery production and fossil-fuel-powered charging create more problems than they solve.



 In high-emission countries, adding more EVs often raises electricity demand, putting more pressure on already dirty grids.



With EV sales growing rapidly - over 10 million units sold globally in 2022 - this tipping point becomes urgent. Nations need to match that growth with equally aggressive investments in renewables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-early-adoption-may-backfire">Why early adoption may backfire</h2>



Using an advanced model called Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), the researchers found that the link between EVs and emissions varies depending on how polluted a country already is. 



In lower-emission countries, electric vehicles had a modest effect. But in high-emission countries, the adoption of EVs actually worsened the situation.



This reinforces the idea that EVs are not one-size-fits-all. They must be part of a broader environmental strategy. Without reforming energy sources, even a fleet of electric vehicles won't reduce overall carbon output.



The results show that early-stage EV deployment often leads to a spike in electricity consumption. If that power comes from coal, the net emissions rise. As the share of renewable energy grows, this negative effect fades - and can eventually reverse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-need-clean-power">Electric vehicles need clean power </h2>



The takeaway? Clean cars need clean power. Governments should not treat EVs as an end in themselves. Instead, policies must align EV growth with renewable energy targets, urban planning, and investments in green technology.



Infrastructure matters too. Building smart grids and improving battery storage systems can help EVs use more clean energy. 



Likewise, offering incentives for off-peak charging - when renewable generation is high - can reduce their footprint.



If governments only focus on getting people to buy EVs, they risk making climate goals harder to reach. The real gains come when electric vehicles are part of a clean ecosystem, powered by wind, sun, and smarter design.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-transport">The future of transport </h2>



The future of transport must be electric, but it must also be clean. That’s the core message of this study. It doesn’t reject electric vehicles; It warns that their benefits depend on context - especially the cleanliness of the power grid.



As Tao and Poletti show, electric vehicles alone won’t save the planet. But with the right mix of policies and infrastructure, they can still play a crucial role.



The road to net zero is longer and more complex than many assume. It runs not just through car factories, but through power plants, research labs, and city streets. Electric vehicles are a solid step toward climate mitigation - but only if we power them right.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036054422500115X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Energy</a>.



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Dirty power: The hidden climate cost of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come to symbolize the green revolution....

Scientists have long wondered how the brain updates itself with new information and memories. Some ideas revolve around chemical changes in specific neurons, while others focus on structural shifts among brain cells.



<a href="https://www.tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=tryan6">Dr. Tomás Ryan</a> from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> is among the neuroscientists who have explored these questions by tracking cells involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>. 



New <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01512-9">findings</a> suggest memory formation hinges on connections between groups of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02137-5">engram cells</a>, which are neurons thought to capture and store distinct experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-memories-become-linked">How memories become linked</h2>



Researchers believe each experience leaves a pattern of brain cell activation that can be switched on later. To see this process in action, neuroscientists tracked two sets of engram cells, each tied to a different memory. 



They discovered that when one set of cells was reactivated, the other set sometimes lit up too, as if the memories had become linked.



This idea runs counter to the old notion that an individual neuron stores an entire memory. Instead, the memory might be in the connections these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-rewires-the-brain-to-strengthen-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a> build and reshape over time. 



Such structural rearrangements help us handle new information without losing old experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-brain-cells-store-memories">Which brain cells store memories?</h2>



“Memory engram cells are groups of brain cells that, activated by specific experiences, change themselves to incorporate and thereby hold information in our brain,” said <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8365-2762" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Clara Ortega-de San Luis</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and lead author on the study. 



She and her colleagues monitored how similar or related memories were stored across different brain areas. 



They used genetic techniques to label neurons that fired for one event, then watched how those same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smartphones-are-teaching-us-how-to-supercharge-our-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> responded to a second event that felt related.



One major clue came from measuring how well these labeled neurons made new links with cells that were tied to older, separate experiences. 



Optogenetics, a method that turns cells on or off with light, let them test whether blocking these newly formed links disrupted the memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-one-protein-shapes-memory">How one protein shapes memory</h2>



A specific protein, <a href="https://molecularbrain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13041-019-0520-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PSD-95</a>, emerged as a gatekeeper of these engram cell connections. This protein sits at nerve cell junctions called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/24790" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synapses</a> and helps anchor receptor molecules.&nbsp;



When the team lowered the amount of PSD-95 in the neurons storing a given memory, these connections behaved differently. Under certain conditions, the memory seemed to linger even when researchers tried to dampen it.



That persistence hints at how the brain can hang on to memories that we might assume should fade. It also hints at why a shortage or disruption of PSD-95 could derail normal learning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-memories-close-in-time-feel-connected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-cells-build-on-old-memories">Brain cells build on old memories</h2>



This work taps into a broader shift in neuroscience. Rather than focusing on single cells, many researchers now examine how multiple cells form networks that hold our daily experiences. 



By using cutting-edge genetic tagging, scientists can identify where new links are happening and whether these connections are essential for recalling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-things-is-a-natural-part-of-the-memory-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> later.



Many of the previous studies mapped separate steps: encoding a memory, storing it, then reactivating it. 



This project took it one step further by showing how the brain might slot fresh information into an existing network, so the old memory is updated instead of replaced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-findings-matter">Why these findings matter</h2>



Experts have debated how new learning manages not to overwrite older memories in the same region of the brain. According to Dr. Ryan, “we should search for information ‘between’ cells.”&nbsp;



This view suggests memories are not locked inside one specific location but scattered as connections that can be modified. If true, it may explain how we learn quickly from everyday life without dismantling what we already know.



Therapies could one day target the proteins that enable these shifting connections. If molecules like PSD-95 shape synapses to store a memory, then changing them might help reframe harmful memories tied to fear or trauma, though more studies are needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-brain-cells-shape-daily-memory">How brain cells shape daily memory</h2>



Memory isn’t purely academic. Our daily routines demand constant learning, whether it’s recalling names, navigating busy streets, or picking up a new hobby. 



Understanding how the brain cells keep all that information flexible, yet stable, offers hope for tackling age-related memory issues or conditions that affect learning.



Additional work in the field has shown that certain neurons can take on multiple roles depending on the situation. 



Those roles often shift over time, especially when new experiences pile up. By homing in on the connections, scientists add a piece to the puzzle of how these cells adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-this-research-could-lead">Where this research could lead</h2>



Unraveling the complicated dance among engram cells might eventually guide how we teach, treat memory disorders, or support mental health. 



If wiring changes are at the core of learning, there might be clever ways to prompt healthy rearrangements in people struggling with conditions like post-traumatic stress or depression.



This study gives a peek into that process. It reveals a fragile, but critical, balance at the heart of learning: strengthen certain neural links for new knowledge, but keep enough structure so older skills and memories remain intact.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01512-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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How does the brain create and retrieve memories? Scientists figured it out

Scientists have long wondered how the brain updates itself with...

The idea that extreme heat could one day cause a mass extinction and end the dominance of humans and other mammals might sound like something out of sci-fi movie.



Yet new findings indicate that the planet might face this crisis if continents fuse into one landmass. Some researchers say it could be the first extinction of its kind since the dinosaurs vanished.



In a recent study, investigators used powerful climate models to show how a future supercontinent, called Pangea Ultima, might alter global conditions. Projections suggest a much hotter and drier environment with limited options for survival.



The work appears in Nature Geoscience and was led by Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, a Senior Research Associate at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>. His team examined tectonic plate movement, solar changes, and greenhouse gas levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangea-ultima-the-next-supercontinent">Pangea Ultima - the next supercontinent</h2>



Geologists have long argued that <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s continents</a> move gradually over time. Pangea Ultima is the name given to the hypothesized supercontinent that might emerge millions of years from now. 



If this happens, much of the terrain would sit far from oceanic cooling influences, a situation known as the continentality effect.



“The newly-emerged supercontinent would effectively create a triple whammy, comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun and more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/possible-to-permanently-remove-co2-carbon-dioxide-from-atmosphere-water-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO₂ in the atmosphere</a>, of increasing heat for much of the planet,” Dr. Farnsworth explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-drivers-of-human-extinction">Three drivers of human extinction</h2>



One factor is the expansive landmass itself, which traps regions in scorching interiors. 



Another is that the sun will brighten over time, delivering stronger radiation. Volcanic activity adds more carbon dioxide to the mix, further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming the atmosphere</a>.



“Widespread temperatures of between 40 to 50° Celsius (104 to 122° Fahrenheit), and even greater daily extremes, compounded by high levels of humidity, would ultimately seal our fate,” Dr. Farnsworth added. 



“Humans - along with many other species - would expire due to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-a-lower-heat-tolerance-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inability to shed this heat</a> through sweat, cooling their bodies.” 



With the sun also anticipated to emit about 2.5% more radiation and the supercontinent being located primarily in the hot, humid tropics, much of the planet could be facing temperatures of between 40 to 70°C (104 to 158°F).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-other-mammals">Impact on other mammals</h2>



Researchers note that mammals have historically endured shifts in temperature, sometimes by growing thicker coats in cold climates or relying on hibernation. 



Yet sustained heat is harder to escape, since sweating is essential for body cooling. As conditions climb, mammals cannot regulate heat for long without access to cooler refuges and reliable water sources.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pangea-Ultima_supercontinent_illustration_UBristol_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pangea-Ultima_supercontinent_illustration_UBristol_1s.webp" alt="Illustration showing the geography of today’s Earth and the projected geography of Earth in 250 million years, when all the continents converge into one supercontinent (Pangea Ultima). Credit: University of Bristol" class="wp-image-1965317"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration showing the geography of today’s Earth and the projected geography of Earth in 250 million years, when all the continents converge into one supercontinent (Pangea Ultima). Click image to enlarge. Credit: University of Bristol</figcaption></figure>



Study findings hint that only 8% to 16% of land on the future supercontinent would stay within a tolerable range. 



Dryness complicates matters by limiting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water supplies</a> and reducing vegetation. With so much territory turning arid, the quest for food and hydration would become daunting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-should-heed-extinction-warnings">Humans should heed extinction warnings</h2>



“It is vitally important not to lose sight of our current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Crisis</a>, which is a result of human emissions of greenhouse gases,” urged co-author Dr. Eunice Lo, Research Fellow in Climate Change and Health at the University of Bristol. 



“While we are predicting an uninhabitable planet in 250 million years, today we are already experiencing extreme heat that is detrimental to human health. This is why it is crucial to reach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5c-is-almost-certainly-out-of-reach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net-zero emissions</a> as soon as possible.”



Recent decades have seen rising temperatures that strain resources. Heat waves threaten crops, disrupt energy grids, and place communities at risk. 



Many call for faster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beef-industry-can-cut-emissions-by-30-with-sustainable-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emission cuts</a> to prevent even harsher conditions. Some experts believe effective policies and public awareness could still temper the worst near-term damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-carbon-dioxide-levels">Future carbon dioxide levels</h2>



Projections in the study used tectonic and ocean chemistry models to gauge carbon dioxide levels. 



Higher volcanic outgassing over the coming eons points to an increase from current readings to well above 600 parts per million. Such elevated concentrations would create conditions hostile to many organisms.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenhouse gases</a> would accumulate and trap more heat in the atmosphere. This feedback loop amplifies warming, making survival increasingly difficult on a planet with minimal oceanic influence.



“We think CO₂ could rise from around 400 parts per million (ppm) today to more than 600 ppm many millions of years in the future,” noted Professor Benjamin Mills at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>. 



“Of course, this assumes that humans will stop burning fossil fuels, otherwise we will see those numbers much, much sooner.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remembering-past-extinction-events">Remembering past extinction events</h2>



Many eras of Earth’s history ended in severe biodiversity loss. 



About 443 million years ago, marine habitats shrank during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-sue-keurbos-susanae-reveals-444-million-year-old-anatomy-of-ancient-arthropod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ordovician-Silurian Extinction</a>, removing roughly 85% of sea life. 



Near 360 million years ago, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-least-two-of-earths-mass-extinctions-caused-by-massive-supernova-explosions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Late Devonian</a> wiped out up to 75% of species. Later came the Permian-Triassic Extinction about 252 million years ago, erasing over 90% of marine species and 70% on land.



Around 200 million years ago, massive eruptions drove the Triassic-Jurassic Extinction, cutting species by around half. 



Some 66 million years ago, an asteroid impact ended the non-avian dinosaurs in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction</a>, eliminating about 75% of all species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-extinction-and-exoplanets">Human extinction and exoplanets</h2>



This analysis also broadens how scientists evaluate exoplanets. If continents merge, planetary heat can spike, even if a world is inside a so-called habitable zone. 



Researchers think other planets might face analogous shifts, where tectonic movement and solar intensity escalate temperatures. Rotation rates and air chemistry may further affect habitability.



“This work also highlights that a world within the so-called ‘<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-expands-the-habitable-zone-where-we-may-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a>’ of a solar system may not be the most hospitable for humans depending on whether the continents are dispersed, as we have today, or in one large supercontinent,” Dr. Farnsworth concluded. 



“Understanding these configurations can guide experts who look for environments that support life beyond Earth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-study-matters">Why this study matters</h2>



Today, we already see the impact of climate stress on our resources and health. Scientists warn us that higher temperatures and more extreme weather events could become the norm if we fail to manage our emissions. 



While the prospect of a distant supercontinent meltdown might seem remote, it underscores the importance of taking meaningful steps now.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-023-01259-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Study predicts how and when humans and mammals will face extinction

The idea that extreme heat could one day cause a...

A,Young,African-american,Man,Is,Meditating,In,A,Bright,,Minimalist

Recent insights suggest that reflective habits - like meditation and critical thinking - can help people embrace artificial intelligence without succumbing to its drawbacks. As AI weaves itself into daily life, balanced use becomes crucial.



Digital strategy expert Giulio Toscani has interviewed 150 AI specialists across 50 countries. He argues in his new book, <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781003533160/augmented-giulio-toscani" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Augmented: prAIority to Enhance Human Judgment through Data and AI</a>, that humans often operate on autopilot, craving instant gratification.



“The growing allure of AI lies in its powerful ability to cater to our desires, providing us with instant gratification whenever and however we want it,” he said.



“This is particularly appealing in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world where people often face isolation and boredom. However, this very convenience and responsiveness of AI also pose a risk - its addictive potential.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-ai-s-addictive-potential">Managing AI’s addictive potential</h2>



Toscani warns that limited awareness of AI’s risks leads many to adopt new tools prematurely, exposing themselves to data privacy breaches, online harassment, and misinformation.



According to Toscani, it is essential to pause and reflect on how these interactions shape and are shaped by our actions to encourage a cultural shift towards valuing long-term thinking over immediate gratification.



Deliberate examination of AI’s role can guide more thoughtful choices. This reflective approach helps us understand the broader implications of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/current-ai-systems-can-not-be-trusted-to-make-unbiased-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a>, beyond immediate functionality and efficiency, noted Toscani.



"It allows us to consider how technology impacts our lives, relationships, and ethical considerations, guiding us toward more deliberate and informed decisions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meditation-and-responsible-ai-use">Meditation and responsible AI use</h2>



Toscani, who has practiced Vipassana <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a> at six 10-day silent retreats, sees it as a way to reflect on the responsible use of AI and become aware of one’s digital habits.



“This growing practice encourages individuals to critically assess their technological choices, considering the broader implications for themselves, their communities, and society at large."



“By fostering a culture of mindful reflection on how we interact with technology, meditation plays a crucial role in promoting responsible and ethical use. Emphasizing reflection helps us make more informed, deliberate decisions that enhance the positive impact of technology while mitigating its risks.”



Toscani noted that the cultural shift toward mindfulness encourages us to consider the broader implications of our technological choices, promoting a more responsible and humane relationship with the tools that shape our lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-thinking-in-action">Critical thinking in action</h2>



Toscani cautions against over-reliance on AI for vital cognitive tasks. He urges practices such as journaling, debate, and handwriting to maintain deep thinking.



“By consciously balancing the use of AI with the development and maintenance of our cognitive skills, we can harness the power of AI without sacrificing our intellectual autonomy."



He also mentioned that as we continue to integrate AI into our lives, we must remain vigilant about its impact on our cognitive processes, ensuring that we remain active participants in our own intellectual development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-ai-to-enhance-human-capabilities">Using AI to enhance human capabilities </h2>



Though challenges exist, Toscani calls AI a revolutionary tool in human history. Drawing from ancient philosophy, he proposes the concept of “prAIority,” a focus on data, AI systems, and human judgment underpinned by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-robot-interaction-are-we-prepared-for-the-ethical-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ethics</a>.



This approach aims to preserve autonomy and trust, all while driving innovation. Moreover, he also advocates applying AI where it matters most, such as healthcare, education, creative fields, and complex decision-making.



“Through strategic prioritization, we can unlock the full potential of AI as a force for good, transforming our world and enriching the human experience in ways that were once unimaginable,” he explained.



“By thoughtfully selecting areas where AI can be most beneficial, we ensure that this powerful technology enhances human capabilities rather than disrupts them." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-technology-under-control">Keeping technology under control</h2>



Toscani also stated the primary goal is to use AI to augment human intelligence and creativity, enabling us to solve complex problems, innovate in ways previously unimaginable, and improve our overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-aging-physical-activity-has-a-direct-impact-on-life-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of life</a>.



In a world where AI is rapidly evolving, reflection, meditation, and critical thinking help maintain autonomy. 



By examining our reliance on AI, we keep technology under our control rather than the other way around. This mindful balance lets us maximize AI’s benefits while safeguarding our judgment, creativity, and humanity.



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Why meditation and critical thinking matter in the age of AI

Recent insights suggest that reflective habits - like meditation and...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How 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

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[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...

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