The,Beast

The volcano eruption at Mount Tambora in 1815, which is in present-day Indonesia, brought with it a climate chill so severe that it ruined harvests and took countless lives. Ash filled the sky, sunlight faded, and global temperatures plunged for months on end.



Today, experts say a large volcanic explosion of similar, or even bigger size, might strike again. This time, because we live in a warmer world, the global aftermath will likely be much worse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcano-eruptions-in-modern-times">Volcano eruptions in modern times</h2>



In 1816, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-cooling-not-warming-caused-a-major-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense cold</a> created what some called a <a href="https://www.masshist.org/beehiveblog/2016/11/1815-the-year-without-a-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">year without a summer</a>. Crops withered, people starved, and entire communities faced desperate conditions. That moment in history stands out because it reveals how far-reaching a single event can be. 



Modern civilization seems stronger, but the planet’s population has grown to more than eight billion, and climate change has warmed the Earth. We are no longer dealing with the same environment that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tambora" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Tambora</a> affected two centuries ago. “The question is not if, but when. The next massive eruption will cause climate chaos, and humanity does not have any plan,” said <a href="https://www.unige.ch/sciences/terre/en/people/dst/professors/markus-stoffel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Markus Stoffel</a>, a climate professor at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>, who also <a href="https://archive-ouverte.unige.ch/unige:167000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notes</a> that catastrophic events may be more intense in a warmer world. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-volcano-eruptions-cool-the-planet">How volcano eruptions cool the planet</h2>



Large volcanic explosions have a way of throwing out <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanoes-can-affect-climate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">huge amounts</a> of debris, including rock fragments, ash, and various gases. 



Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) has the biggest effect on climate cooling, as it travels high into the stratosphere and creates aerosol particles that scatter sunlight. 



Temperature drops can linger for years. As the planet warms, there is also a concern that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01884-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faster</a> atmospheric circulation might spread these particles more widely. 



<a href="https://cplb.rutgers.edu/people/alan-robock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alan Robock</a>, a climate professor at <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers University</a>, believes that shifting wind patterns and changes in ocean currents mean these eruptions may trigger greater temperature swings. 



“As the monsoon in the summer happens because the land warms faster than the ocean,” Robock said, "a massive eruption can tip that balance and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094722000688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disrupt</a> the rains that feed millions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connections-to-past-volcano-eruptions">Connections to past volcano eruptions</h2>



Mount <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/1510/global-effects-of-mount-pinatubo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pinatubo</a> erupted in the Philippines in 1991, propelling an enormous cloud of sulfur dioxide into the sky. 



Scientists determined that this eruption cooled Earth’s average temperature by about 1 degree Fahrenheit for a few years. It wasn’t on the scale of Tambora, but it illustrated how short-term climate shifts could happen. 



Earlier eruptions like <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377027322002190" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samalas</a> (in 1257) and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6456407/#:~:text=The%20Icelandic%20volcano%20Laki%20erupted,on%20record%20in%20Western%20Europe." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laki</a> (in 1783-1784) also had strong impacts. Historical records suggest these events caused poor harvests, extreme winters and, in some cases, social upheavals. 



Studies of ice cores and tree rings indicate that giant blasts can lower global temperatures even more than Mount Pinatubo managed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-warming-intensifies-the-threat">Why warming intensifies the threat</h2>



Scientists who study volcanic systems are <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/increase-in-volcanic-eruptions-at-the-end-of-the-ice-age-caused-by-melting-ice-caps-and-glacial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">looking</a> at how melting ice, heavier rains, and shifting pressures inside the Earth might encourage future eruptions. “The effects might be even worse than we saw back in 1815,” said <a href="https://as.nyu.edu/faculty/michael-rampino.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Rampino</a>, a professor at NYU, who suspects that all these factors could magnify the disruption.&nbsp;



Lighter ice sheets reduce the weight pressing down on magma sources, which can make it easier for molten rock to move upward. Meanwhile, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9326289/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavier rainfall</a> might seep deep underground and affect volcanic processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-daily-life-and-food">Impacts on daily life and food</h2>



A sudden temperature drop of just 1 degree Celsius might not sound like a lot, but it comes as an average. Some places could experience chilling conditions that ruin crops across whole regions. 



A devastating scenario could see farmland in the U.S., Russia, and China all hit at once, which would lead to a decrease in global food supplies. 



More than 800 million people worldwide live <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70148718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">within about 60 miles</a> of an active volcano. That proximity could put major population centers at risk if the blast sends out pyroclastic flows or thick ash.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-surprises-from-the-past">Possible surprises from the past</h2>



Studies of ancient eruptions show that local climates can shift in striking ways. <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2002722117" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> investigating <a href="https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/okmok" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Okmok volcano</a> in Alaska discovered that an enormous outburst in 43 BC may have cooled parts of the Mediterranean region by as much as 13 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



That sort of drastic change, even if temporary, can damage agriculture for multiple seasons. Such disruptions bring disease, hunger, and political tensions, especially if resources become scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done">What can be done</h2>



Specialists do not have a method to stop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/">volcanoes from erupting</a>. Efforts focus on monitoring volcanic areas, improving evacuation plans, and modeling scenarios that anticipate how the ash and gases could spread.&nbsp;



Some scientists call for international cooperation to manage food reserves and healthcare services if an event like Tambora happens in today’s era. 



That includes looking at how to distribute supplies on short notice. Local authorities in active regions often conduct drills and share alerts, but experts suggest more investment in preparedness is necessary.



No one can say exactly when a volcano <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will produce a colossal blast</a>. Certain sites, like parts of Indonesia or even Yellowstone in the western United States, get attention because they have erupted violently in the past. Yet the signs of unrest may come only a few months or even weeks beforehand. 



Stoffel urges a deeper look at possible future disasters. He advises scenario planning, building stockpiles, and forging rapid-response networks. Such strategies may reduce the shock to global trade and public health.



Details of the research were published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03680-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Earth's next big volcano eruption will 'cause global chaos' because there is no plan

The volcano eruption at Mount Tambora in 1815, which is in present-day Indonesia, brought with it a climate chill so severe that it ruined harvests and took countless lives. Ash filled the sky, sunlight faded, and global temperatures plunged for months on end. Today, experts say a large volcanic explosion of similar, or even bigger size, might strike again. This time, because we live in a warmer world, the global aftermath will likely be much worse. Volcano eruptions in modern times In 1816, intense cold created what...

ESA's Mars Express has captured a fascinating image of the southern polar region of Mars, revealing a landscape covered with "ice spiders" and dotted with dark spots and intricate patterns. 



These features are not actual living creatures, but rather the result of a unique natural phenomenon that occurs during the Martian springtime.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Angustus-Labyrinthus-Mars_Inca-city_perspective_mars-express_esa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small, dark shapes</a> form when spring sunshine falls on layers of carbon dioxide deposited over the dark winter months. 



The sunlight causes carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of the layer to turn into gas, which subsequently builds up and breaks through slabs of overlying ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-martian-ice-spiders-form-on-the-surface">How Martian 'ice spiders' form on the surface</h2>



The process of the "ice spiders" formations on Mars is a fascinating one. As the carbon dioxide gas builds up beneath the ice, it eventually bursts free, dragging dark material up to the surface as it goes. 



This gas, laden with dark dust, shoots up through cracks in the ice in the form of tall fountains or geysers, before falling back down and settling on the surface.



The gas bursts free in Martian springtime, dragging dark material up to the surface as it goes and shattering layers of ice up to a meter thick. 



This creates dark spots of between 45 m and 1 km across. This same process creates characteristic 'spider-shaped' patterns etched beneath the ice, giving rise to the spooky story that Mars "ice spiders" may be lurking below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-exomars-trace-gas-orbiter">Insights from ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter</h2>



In addition to the Mars Express imagery, another ESA Mars explorer, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Exploration/ExoMars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TGO</a>), also captured images of the Mars "ice spiders" patterns. 



The TGO images <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Angustus-Labyrinthus-Mars_Inca-city_ice-spiders_mars-express_esa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reveal the tendril-like patterns</a> especially clearly, lying near but outside the region shown in the new Mars Express image.



The Mars Express view shows the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Angustus-Labyrinthus-Mars_Inca-city_perspective-view_mars-express_esa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark spots on the surface</a> formed by escaping gas and material, while the TGO perspective also captures the spidery, web-like channels that are carved into the ice below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-angustus-labyrinthus-also-known-as-inca-city">Angustus Labyrinthus -- also known as Inca City</h2>



The dark spots captured by <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express</a> can be seen all over the image, creeping across towering hills and expansive plateaus. However, most can be seen as small spots in the dark region to the left, which sits just at the outskirts of a part of Mars nicknamed Inca City.



The reason for this name is no mystery, with the linear, almost geometric network of ridges being reminiscent of Inca ruins. More formally known as <a href="https://www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2024/04/topography_of_angustus_labyrinthus/26050842-1-eng-GB/Topography_of_Angustus_Labyrinthus.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angustus Labyrinthus</a>, Inca City was discovered in 1972 by NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mariner-9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mariner 9 probe</a>.



Scientists still aren't sure exactly how Inca City formed. They surmise that sand dunes could have turned to stone over time. 



Perhaps material such as magma or sand is seeping through fractured sheets of Martian rock. Or, the ridges could be '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eskers</a>', which are winding structures related to glaciers."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscape-shaped-by-time-and-nature">Landscape shaped by time and nature</h2>



The landscape of the southern polar region of Mars is one that has been shaped by time and the forces of nature. 



Towards the <a href="https://www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2024/04/mars_express_sees_traces_of_spiders_in_mars_s_inca_city/26050582-1-eng-GB/Mars_Express_sees_traces_of_spiders_in_Mars_s_Inca_City.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">middle section of the image</a>, the landscape changes somewhat, with large roundish and oval swirls creating an effect reminiscent of marble. This effect is thought to occur when layered deposits are worn away over time.



To the right-center of the frame lie a few prominent steep-flanked, flat-topped mounds and hills that rise up for more than 1500 m above the surrounding terrain. 



These form as softer material is eroded over time by flows of wind, water or ice, leaving behind the harder material that forms these hills.



The ground towards the right (north) becomes increasingly covered in smooth, light-colored dust. Some signs of the Mars "ice spiders" can be seen scattered across the plateaus here, lurking amongst various canyons and troughs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-spiders-inca-city-and-the-never-ending-wonders-of-mars">Ice spiders, Inca City, and the never-ending wonders of Mars</h2>



As ESA's Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter continue to explore the intriguing landscape of Mars, they reveal the Red Planet's dynamic and complex nature. 



The discovery of the mysterious Mars "ice spiders" in the southern polar region, the enigmatic Inca City, and the evolving terrain shaped by erosion and time demonstrate the importance of ongoing Mars exploration. 



These findings captivate our imagination and provide valuable insights into the geological processes and history of our neighboring planet. With each new observation, we take a step closer to unraveling the secrets of Mars and understanding its place in the cosmic puzzle.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://journals.aas.org/planetary-science-journal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Planetary Science</a>.



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Mars Express finds "ice spiders" on the surface of Inca City

ESA's Mars Express has captured a fascinating image of the...

Snow isn't just the pristine, fluffy blanket that covers our winterscapes; it's a dynamic and multifaceted element of nature. 



At first glance, describing snow seems straightforward - it's cold, white, and ubiquitous in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-winters-are-getting-colder-while-world-is-getting-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter</a> landscapes. 



However, beneath its simple appearance lies a complex nature that has recently attracted significant scientific attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deep-dive-into-the-complexity-of-snow">A deep dive into the complexity of snow</h2>



A recent doctoral thesis defended at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTNU</a>) in Gjøvik delves deep into the optical properties of snow. 



The researcher, Mathieu Nguyen, has conducted an extensive study analyzing over a thousand images of snow to understand how it interacts with light.



Nguyen explained: "Snow reflects all wavelengths of light and can appear very different depending on the conditions and the angle at which light hits it. The age and density of the snow and air pollution also affect what it looks like. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-humidity-snowmelt-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snow’s appearance</a> is a very complicated matter."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-of-sparkling-snow">The science of sparkling snow</h2>



One of Nguyen's primary interests has been how snow absorbs and reflects sunlight, causing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-science-of-snowflakes-and-their-astonishingly-predictable-movement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow crystals</a> to sparkle spectacularly on sunny days. 



These crystals act like tiny mirrors, reflecting sunlight directly at viewers and creating a "spark" effect in the landscape. This phenomenon is not only beautiful but also potentially very useful.



"Understanding how snow sparkles can help us in many practical ways, from improving road clearance decisions to enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/traces-of-a-glacier-avalanche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avalanche</a> monitoring in mountainous regions," said Nguyen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-for-future-technologies">The potential for future technologies</h2>



The implications of Nguyen's research are broad. He believes that this understanding could be crucial for the development of sensor technologies, especially in countries like Norway, where snow is a significant part of the landscape. 



Such technologies could make winter travel safer, particularly with the advent of autonomous vehicles.



Furthermore, Nguyen's work could lead to more accurate methods for classifying different <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/six-different-types-snowflakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of snow</a> from images - a capability that is currently lacking. 



"If we are to have fully autonomous cars here in Norway, this type of technology will also contribute to safer travel on winter roads," he noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-perspective-is-necessary">A global perspective is necessary</h2>



To refine these classifications, Nguyen emphasizes the need for a more extensive dataset, ideally with images from various global locations. 



"It will be important to get images from other places where the environment is different. Understanding how different levels of pollution play a role in the appearance and properties of snow will be crucial," said Nguyen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snow-in-digital-and-future-realities">Snow in digital and future realities</h2>



The digital representation of snow, as seen in video games and simulators, often falls short of capturing its true complexity. 



Nguyen's findings promise to bridge this gap, offering a more realistic depiction of snow that could enhance virtual experiences, especially as global climates change and snow becomes less prevalent in many regions.



Nguyen's dedication to his research could not only revolutionize our understanding of snow but also help us prepare for a future where snow might be a rarer sight. 



"If we are to teach someone who may never have seen snow before what it is, we must be able to reproduce it in all its complexity," said Nguyen.



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



With climate predictions suggesting significant reductions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/accurately-measure-snowfall-new/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a> across the Northern Hemisphere, Nguyen's work is timely. 



By improving our understanding of snow's properties and enhancing its digital representation, this research not only satisfies scientific curiosity but also prepares us for a changing world where the familiar sight of winter snow may become a precious memory.



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



Snow is a form of precipitation that occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere freezes into ice crystals. These crystals form unique, six-sided structures and can clump together to create snowflakes.&nbsp;



Snow is distinct from other forms of winter precipitation such as sleet or freezing rain, primarily due to its soft, fluffy texture. It typically falls during colder months when the air temperature is at or below freezing.&nbsp;



The presence of snow can influence an area's climate and ecosystem, providing moisture essential for many regions, and it is a key component of winter sports and recreational activities.&nbsp;



The insulating properties of snow also affect soil temperatures and plant life, impacting agriculture and wildlife patterns. Snow's reflective surface helps regulate the Earth's temperature by reflecting sunlight, thus playing a role in the global climate system.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/14/2/35" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geosciences</a>.



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Secrets of snow complexity can improve winter safety

Snow isn't just the pristine, fluffy blanket that covers our...

Abstract,Tech,Background.,Floating,Numbers,Hud,Background.,Matrix,Particles,Grid

Scientists have discovered a novel method to manipulate light waves by deforming the two-dimensional photonic crystal that contains them. This discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of nanophotonic chips and has the potential to revolutionize the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-data-transmission-speed-record-set-by-scientists-using-optical-cables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photonics</a>, spawning new lasers and quantum devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-light-waves-with-photonic-crystals">Controlling light waves with photonic crystals</h2>



A team of researchers from <a href="https://amolf.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMOLF</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>, has successfully brought light waves to a halt by deforming the two-dimensional photonic crystal that contains them. 



The researchers demonstrate that even a subtle deformation can have a substantial effect on photons in the crystal, resembling the effect that a magnetic field has on electrons.



"This principle offers a new approach to slow down light fields and thereby enhance their strength. Realizing this on a chip is particularly important for many applications," says AMOLF-group leader Ewold Verhagen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-and-lessons-learned-from-electrons">Inspiration and lessons learned from electrons</h2>



The researchers drew inspiration from the way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/attosecond-electron-freeze-frame-of-liquid-water-seen-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrons</a> behave in materials. In a conductor, electrons can move freely, but an external magnetic field can stop this motion. 



The circular movement caused by the magnetic field stops conduction, and electrons can only exist in the material if they have very specific energies, known as Landau levels.



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanotech-material-graphene-passes-human-safety-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">graphene</a>, a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal, Landau levels can also be caused by a different mechanism than a magnetic field. 



When the crystal array is deformed, such as by stretching it like elastics, conduction is stopped, and the material turns into an insulator, binding the electrons to Landau levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applying-the-concept-to-photons">Applying the concept to photons</h2>



The group of Verhagen, in collaboration with Kobus Kuipers of Delft University of Technology, demonstrated a similar effect for light in a photonic crystal.



"A photonic crystal normally consists of a regular -- two dimensional -- pattern of holes in a silicon layer. Light can move freely in this material, just like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-in-graphene-exhibit-very-strange-fractional-behavior/">electrons i</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-in-graphene-exhibit-very-strange-fractional-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">n</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-in-graphene-exhibit-very-strange-fractional-behavior/"> graphene</a>," says first author René Barczyk, who successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis on this topic in 2023. 



"Breaking this regularity in exactly the right manner will deform the array and consequently lock the photons. This is how we create Landau levels for photons," Barczyk concluded.



In Landau levels, light waves no longer move; they stand still instead of flowing through the crystal. The researchers succeeded in demonstrating this, showing that the deformation of the crystal array has a similar effect on photons as a magnetic field on electrons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steering-light-waves-on-a-chip-with-deformation-patterns">Steering light waves on a chip with deformation patterns</h2>



Verhagen says, "By playing with the deformation pattern, we even managed to establish various types of effective magnetic fields in one material. As a result, photons can move through certain parts of the material but not in others. Hence, these insights also provide new ways to steer light on a chip."



Simultaneously, a research team from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> has published an article in the same journal about how they demonstrated -- independently from the Dutch team -- an identical effect. 



While some details in the approach differed, both teams were able to stop light waves from moving and observe Landau levels by deforming a two-dimensional photonic crystal.



"This brings on-chip applications closer. If we can confine light at the nanoscale and bring it to a halt like this, its strength will be enhanced tremendously," Verhagen explained. 



"And not only at one location, but over the entire crystal surface. Such light concentration is very important in nanophotonic devices, for example for the development of efficient lasers or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-ping-pong-game-played-by-two-atoms-controlling-photons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum light</a> sources," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-light-waves-spawns-a-new-era-in-nanophotonics">Controlling light waves spawns a new era in nanophotonics</h2>



The discovery of harnessing the power of deformation to control light waves marks a significant milestone in the field of nanophotonics. 



By manipulating photonic crystals through subtle deformations, researchers have unlocked a new era of possibilities for on-chip applications, light concentration, and the development of efficient lasers and quantum light sources. 



This breakthrough, independently confirmed by two research teams, paves the way for unprecedented control over light at the nanoscale, promising to revolutionize the future of photonics and open up exciting avenues for technological advancement.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-024-01412-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Photonics</a>.



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Quantum leap: Scientists make light waves "stand still"

Scientists have discovered a novel method to manipulate light waves...

The evolution of Earth's continental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-molten-rock-layer-discovered-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a> during its early history holds clues to the dynamic processes that shaped our planet. For decades, scientists have debated over a significant change in crustal composition approximately 3 billion years ago. 



While plate tectonics undoubtedly played a role, new research from <a href="http://english.gig.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry</a> challenges the notion of tectonic forces as the primary cause. It suggests a surprising role for increased heat within Earth's mantle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zircon-in-earth-s-geological-history">Zircon in Earth's geological history</h2>



Zircon, an exceptionally resilient mineral, acts as a vital repository of Earth's geological history. These crystals originate within the depths of molten rock, capturing the conditions of their formation in their unique chemical makeup. 



As zircon solidifies, it encapsulates isotopes of various elements such as oxygen, hafnium, and uranium. By examining these isotopes, scientists gain invaluable insights into the age and development of the Earth's crust. 



This analysis enables researchers to construct a detailed chronology of geological events. It helps them understand the dynamic processes that have influenced the composition and structure of the continental crust over billions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-crust-rejuvenation">Earth's crust rejuvenation</h2>



Geochemical analysis of zircon crystals revealed a significant shift in crustal composition approximately 3 billion years ago. This shift, marked by a change in specific isotopic ratios, indicates a process of crustal "rejuvenation" – the addition of newly formed material to older continental crust. 



Traditionally, the rejuvenation of Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-is-drilling-a-hole-more-than-30000-feet-deep-in-the-earths-crust-and-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a> has been attributed to an increase in global tectonic activity. This theory suggests that the movement of massive tectonic plates at the Earth's surface resulted in the recycling of older crustal materials. 



However, the new research presents a different perspective. The study indicates that changes beneath the Earth's surface may have played a more significant role in rejuvenation than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-mantle-heat">Role of mantle heat</h2>



The research highlights a significant increase in heat emanating from Earth's mantle about three billion years ago. The boost in thermal energy could have been triggered by shifts in the radioactive decay processes within the mantle. 



This led to a heightened release of heat. The consequences of increased mantle heat would have been dramatic for the crust lying above it. The intensified heat would cause the lower regions of the crust to undergo partial melting, ultimately resulting in the formation of magma pools at the crust-mantle boundary. 



As this newly formed magma rose and interacted with the existing crustal materials, it would induce changes in the crust's composition. These alterations often result in the formation of new rock types and leave distinct geochemical signatures.



Such changes are particularly evident in zircon crystals found within these rocks. Zircon, with its ability to encapsulate and preserve the chemical fingerprints of its formation environment, serves as an excellent recorder of these processes. 



By analyzing the isotopic and elemental composition of zircons, scientists can trace back these transformative events in the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-terrain-below-earths-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a>, gaining insights into the dynamic interactions between the mantle's heat and the overlying crustal structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reworking-of-earth-s-crust-and-continental-growth">Reworking of Earth's crust and continental growth</h2>



The reworking of Earth's crust driven by increased mantle heat appears to have been a crucial factor in the expansion of the planet's continental landmasses. As the mantle heated up, it caused the lower crust to melt and generate buoyant magmatic materials. 



The new materials, once solidified, added volume and buoyancy to the crust, effectively thickening it. This process likely contributed significantly to the creation and stabilization of large continental blocks.



The thickening of the crust through the addition of newly formed magmatic materials from deep within the Earth provides an alternative perspective to the traditional views that emphasize surface tectonic activities, such as plate movements, as the primary drivers of continental growth. 



The heat-driven model emphasizes the importance of internal geodynamic processes, showing how deep Earth dynamics intricately connect to observable changes at the surface.



By acknowledging the role of mantle heat in shaping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s</a> continents, scientists highlight the interconnectedness of the planet’s interior processes with its exterior geological features. 



This approach not only challenges the conventional focus solely on surface tectonics but also enriches our understanding of Earth’s geological history by demonstrating how subsurface conditions influence the development and evolution of continental structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-earth-s-evolution">Rethinking Earth's evolution</h2>



The research prompts a re-examination of our understanding of Earth's formative years. While subduction zones (where one tectonic plate dives beneath another) were active in the early Earth, their influence on crustal growth may have been complemented by deep mantle processes. 



Elucidating the interplay between internal heat dynamics and surface tectonics is crucial for building a comprehensive model of our planet's evolution.



The study of ancient zircon crystals sheds light on the complex history of Earth's continental crust. While tectonic forces remain essential, this research underscores the importance of internal heat for shaping the continents we inhabit. 



Continued investigation into Earth's deep history will undoubtedly refine our understanding of its remarkable transformation over billions of years and provide insights into the unique features that make our planet habitable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL108715" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Mantle heat shaped Earth's crust 3 billion years ago

The evolution of Earth's continental crust during its early history...

In the vast expanse of the universe, galaxies paint a breathtaking picture across the cosmic canvas. Among these celestial wonders, one galaxy stands out with its magnificent central bar and tightly wound spiral arms: NGC 2217.



Recently, the NASA/ESA <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> captured a stunning image of NGC 2217, also known as AM 0619-271, in the constellation of Canis Major (The Greater Dog). 



The barred spiral galaxy, roughly 65 million light-years from Earth, spans an impressive 100,000 light-years across, making it similar in size to our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-luminous-heart-of-ngc-2217">The luminous heart of NGC 2217</h2>



At the heart of NGC 2217 lies a luminous bar, where countless stars congregate, forming a brilliant central region. This bar plays a crucial role in the galaxy's evolution, acting as a cosmic funnel that channels gas from the disk into the core.



Dr. Emily Thompson, an astrophysicist at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, explains, "The central bar in galaxies like NGC 2217 is essential for their growth and development. It helps transport gas and dust to the center, where new stars can form or feed the supermassive black hole residing there."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nature of supermassive black holes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supermassive black holes</a>, with masses ranging from millions to billions of times that of our Sun, reside at the center of most, if not all, large galaxies. 



These cosmic behemoths, like the one growing at the heart of galaxy NGC 2217, exert an immense gravitational influence on their surroundings, shaping the structure and evolution of their host galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation and growth</h3>



The exact formation mechanism of supermassive black holes remains a topic of ongoing research. Scientists propose several theories, including the collapse of massive gas clouds in the early universe, the merging of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-black-hole-disrupts-a-bigger-one-causing-cosmic-hiccups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smaller black holes</a>, and the rapid accumulation of matter through accretion.



Supermassive black holes grow by consuming gas, dust, and stars that venture too close. As matter spirals towards the black hole, it forms an accretion disk, where friction and gravitational forces heat the material to extreme temperatures, causing it to emit intense radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Influence on galactic evolution</h3>



Supermassive black holes play a crucial role in the evolution of galaxies. The energy released by the accretion process can trigger powerful outflows and jets, which can regulate star formation and shape the distribution of gas and dust within the galaxy.



In some cases, the feedback from supermassive black holes can quench star formation by heating and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expelling gas from the galaxy</a>. Conversely, the outflows can also compress gas clouds, triggering the birth of new stars in other regions.



"The interplay between the central bar, the inflowing gas, and the supermassive black hole is a complex and fascinating process," adds Dr. Thompson. "By studying galaxies like NGC 2217, we can gain a better understanding of how these cosmic giants evolve over time."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorful-collaboration">Colorful collaboration</h2>



The stunning image of NGC 2217 was colorized using data from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (<a href="https://www2.ifa.hawaii.edu/research/Pan-STARRS.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pan-STARRS</a>). 



This collaborative effort showcases the power of combining data from various astronomical instruments to create a more comprehensive picture of the universe.



Dr. Michael Johnson, a researcher at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (<a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CfA</a>), emphasizes the importance of such collaborations. 



"By combining data from the Hubble Space Telescope and Pan-STARRS, we can unlock new insights into the structure and composition of galaxies like NGC 2217. This synergy between telescopes allows us to push the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos," Johnson enthused.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-2217-an-inspirational-window-to-the-cosmos">NGC 2217: An inspirational window to the cosmos</h2>



As we gaze upon the magnificent central bar and tightly wound spiral arms of NGC 2217, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of the universe. 



Through the lens of the Hubble Space Telescope and the collaborative efforts of astronomers worldwide, we continue to unravel the secrets of these cosmic masterpieces, one galaxy at a time.



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Hubble captures another cosmic masterpiece in galaxy NGC 2217

In the vast expanse of the universe, galaxies paint a...

A team of researchers led by the Institute for <a href="https://cmcm.ibs.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basic Science Center for Multidimensional Carbon Material</a> (CMCM) in Korea has recently developed a method to produce lab-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-diamonds-may-hold-the-key-to-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diamonds</a> in just 150 minutes, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to natural diamonds. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diamonds-at-a-fraction-of-the-cost">Diamonds at a fraction of the cost</h2>



The lab-created diamonds are indistinguishable to the naked eye from their natural counterparts, but they exhibit significant differences under a microscope, which contributes to their substantially lower price.



While natural diamonds take billions of years to form, lab-grown diamonds can be produced quickly and at a fraction of the cost. For example, in the US, a one-carat princess-cut diamond costs an average of $2,500, whereas a comparable lab-grown diamond is priced at just $500.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-lab-grown-diamonds-nbsp">Structure of lab-grown diamonds&nbsp;</h2>



The process involves mixing silicon with liquid metals such as gallium, iron, and nickel in a crucible and heating it to 1,877 degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture is then exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/methane-emissions-are-higher-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> and hydrogen gasses, which dissolve into carbon gas that combines with the silicon, prompting the carbon atoms to bond together and form small diamond crystals.



Senior author Rodney Ruoff emphasized the crucial role of silicon in this synthetic process. “If we don't add some silicon, we don't get diamonds,” he explained. Moreover, the researchers found that diamond formation continues to progress over time, with the full structure forming at 150 minutes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-lab-grown-diamond-industry">Expanding lab-grown diamond industry</h2>



Despite this breakthrough, the diamonds produced are still only about 100 nanometers across, roughly the size of a typical virus. However, Ruoff is optimistic about the future of this technology. “A lot of labs around the world are going to start cooking things up,” he said, predicting that this could revolutionize the already expanding lab-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-process-turns-carbon-emissions-into-diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diamond industry</a>.



The lab-grown diamond market has experienced rapid growth, increasing from less than one percent of global diamond sales in 2015 to approximately 20 percent by the end of last year.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lower-cost-of-lab-grown-diamonds-nbsp">Lower cost of lab-grown diamonds&nbsp;</h2>



This surge is primarily due to their lower cost. For example, a two-carat lab-grown diamond costs about $1,000, much less than the $13,000 to $14,000 price range for a similar natural diamond.



“Prices of lab-grown diamonds are falling. The reason is because of simple supply and demand. So many manufacturers are coming out and flooding the market with them, which is causing prices to dive,” said Mehul Sompura, CEO of <a href="https://www.diamondhedge.com/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diamond Hedge</a>. “For the most part, it's difficult to distinguish between the two, but it has to do with impurities, and with a microscope you can see growth patterns. You won't get your money back, that's the main problem.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-alternative-to-blood-diamonds">Sustainable alternative to blood diamonds</h2>



Lab-grown diamonds also offer a sustainable alternative to blood diamonds - diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance an invading army's war efforts, an insurgency, terrorism, or a warlord's activity -  and can reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional diamond mining. For every carat of diamond mined, nearly 100 square feet of land is affected and 5,798 pounds of mineral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-can-be-used-to-store-carbon-and-reuse-mining-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste</a> is created.



“Diamonds are very ingrained in our culture. I think, as humans, we just desire these rare, precious gemstones and metals. It's not practical, but it makes us feel good,” concluded Paul Zimnisky, a leading diamond industry analyst.



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



Diamonds, often celebrated for their brilliance and durability, are one of the hardest natural substances found on Earth, making them highly sought after for jewelry and industrial applications. They form under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions existing deep within the Earth's mantle, from where they are brought closer to the surface through volcanic eruptions. The process can take between 1 to 3.3 billion years.



The allure of diamonds is not just in their sparkle but also in their rarity, which makes them symbols of wealth and status. Each diamond is unique, with characteristics such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight determining its value.&nbsp;



The cut of a diamond affects its ability to reflect light, enhancing its visual properties, while the clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pink-diamonds-were-formed-when-supercontinent-nuna-broke-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">color</a> can range from colorless to light yellow and brown, with truly colorless diamonds being the rarest and most valuable.



The mining and distribution of diamonds have been associated with conflict and ethical concerns, leading to initiatives like the Kimberley Process, which aims to prevent "conflict diamonds" from entering the market.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07339-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Diamonds can be grown in a lab in less than 3 hours

A team of researchers led by the Institute for Basic...

The,Wood,Frog,,Lithobates,Sylvaticus,Or,Rana,Sylvatica.,Adult,Wood

We all know evolution is a slow and steady process, unfolding over ages. But, some species could evolve in a few decades…thanks to something as simple as road salt. That's precisely what the fascinating research of Rick Relyea, Ph.D., and his team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (<a href="https://www.rpi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RPI</a>) has uncovered, specifically in the case of wood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-makes-wood-frogs-more-vulnerable-to-salt-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amphibians-salt-pollution-and-the-need-for-speed">Amphibians, salt pollution, and the need for speed</h2>



Amphibians, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/help-frogs-cutting-toes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a>, are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment because they have porous skin. Road salt (the stuff dumped on roads to melt ice) might seem harmless, but it dramatically alters the chemistry of water – especially in wetlands where amphibians hang out. 



"When salt drains into fresh water, it can kill animals, stunt the growth of fish, cause sex changes in frogs, and make animals more prone to diseases," Relyea said.



Amphibians are like environmental alarm bells. They are indicators of an ecosystem's health, and when they're struggling, it usually means bad news for everyone else, including us humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-evolution-of-wood-frogs">Rapid evolution of wood frogs</h2>



The research team sought to determine if wood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a> (Rana sylvatica) were exhibiting evolutionary adaptations in response to rising salt pollution. To investigate this, they collected wood frog eggs from wetlands with varying environmental conditions. 



These included wetlands adjacent to roadways with differing levels of salt contamination, as well as wetlands in pristine, undisturbed areas.



The findings were striking. Tadpoles originating from wetlands near roadways with high salt levels demonstrated a significantly elevated tolerance for salt exposure when compared to tadpoles from pristine wetlands. 



This suggests that, in a remarkably short timeframe of approximately 25 years (about 10 frog generations), these wood frogs have undergone evolutionary adaptations in response to the human-induced increase in environmental salinity.



"We've been applying de-icing salts to reduce car accidents in snowy and icy conditions in the United States for 80 years, and we currently apply four times more road salt than in the 1970s." explained Relyea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wood frogs are masters of survival</h2>



This resilient frog species inhabits a wide range of forests across North America, from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal forests</a> of Alaska and Canada to the deciduous woodlands of the eastern United States. These adaptable amphibians thrive in moist environments near vernal pools, bogs, and streams.



Wood frogs possess an extraordinary ability to survive harsh winter conditions. As temperatures drop, they produce high levels of glucose and urea in their tissues, which act as natural antifreeze. 



This adaptation allows them to endure freezing up to 65% of their body water, enabling them to hibernate under leaf litter and emerge unscathed in the spring.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Life cycle and ecological importance</h3>



Male wood frogs gather in vernal pools and wetlands during early spring, forming large choruses to attract females. After mating, females lay clusters of eggs, which hatch into tadpoles within a few weeks. The tadpoles metamorphose into froglets by summer, leaving the water to explore their terrestrial habitat.



Wood frogs play a crucial role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complex-canopies-help-forests-recover-from-disturbances/">forest e</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complex-canopies-help-forests-recover-from-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">c</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complex-canopies-help-forests-recover-from-disturbances/">osystems</a>, serving as both predators and prey. They consume a variety of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, helping to control pest populations. 



In turn, they provide a food source for various predators, such as snakes, birds, and mammals, contributing to the overall balance of the ecosystem.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-threats">Conservation and threats</h3>



Although wood frogs are currently not considered endangered, they face several threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. 



The preservation of vernal pools and surrounding forests is essential for the long-term survival of these remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibians-threatened-by-mercury-with-unknown-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a>, ensuring that future generations can witness their incredible adaptations and ecological importance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-behind-wood-frog-evolution">Problem behind wood frog evolution</h2>



While this particular observed adaptation in wood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-frogs-live-in-trees-but-lay-eggs-on-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a> offers a degree of optimism in the face of human-caused environmental change, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent limitations of evolutionary processes. 



Evolutionary adaptation takes time and relies on existing genetic variation within a population. Rapid environmental changes can outpace the speed of natural selection.



The frogs' ability to adapt does not mean that we should expect them to survive if salt levels increase even more. If the pace and intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salt pollution</a> continues to escalate, it could overwhelm the wood frogs' adaptive capacity, ultimately leading to population decline or even extinction. 



This underscores the importance of recognizing the boundaries of adaptation and the crucial need to take proactive steps in mitigating the sources of environmental stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-not-just-about-wood-frogs">It's not just about wood frogs</h2>



This unexpected, rapid evolution of wood frogs serves as a potent reminder that our actions often trigger a cascade of unintended consequences within the natural world. 



Seemingly minor interventions can disrupt the intricate balance of ecosystems, leading to far-reaching and potentially unforeseen repercussions.



"The effects of human activity on our environment must be understood and mitigated," Relyea emphasizes. We have a responsibility to recognize the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems, and to minimize the negative impact of our activities on the delicate equilibrium that sustains life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-solutions">Potential solutions</h2>



The good news is that solutions exist. "Fortunately, cities and towns around the country are learning how they can apply less salt with the same level of safety, by applying it in smarter ways," Relyea asserts. 



"Everyone across the political spectrum can agree to this win-win proposition: we can apply less salt and protect the environment, while maintaining safe roads and saving money for governments and taxpayers," she concluded.



The observation highlights that finding a balance between human needs and environmental protection is achievable. Proactive adoption of more sustainable practices offers a path toward positive change.



Wood frogs have surprisingly adapted to high salt levels. This adaptation is a powerful example of evolution in action. It also reminds us of the significant impact humans have on the environment. 



This rapid change is promising but emphasizes the need for smarter, eco-friendly solutions. We must consider how we interact with our planet more carefully.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.11069" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Wood frogs achieved significant biological evolution in just 25 years

We all know evolution is a slow and steady process,...

Robotics engineers have worked for decades, using substantial funding, to create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-humans-react-to-coexisting-with-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a> that can walk or run with the ease of animals. 



Despite these efforts, today's robots still cannot match the natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-determines-the-maximum-running-speed-of-animals/">abilities</a> of many animals in terms of endurance, agility, and robustness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazing-movement-of-animals">Amazing movement of animals</h2>



“A wildebeest can migrate for thousands of kilometers over rough terrain, a mountain goat can climb up a literal cliff, finding footholds that don't even seem to be there, and cockroaches can lose a leg and not slow down,” said study senior author Max Donelan from <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Fraser University</a>'s Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology. “We have no robots capable of anything like this endurance, agility, and robustness.”



Seeking to understand and quantify this disparity, an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers from top research institutions conducted a comprehensive study to compare various aspects of robotic systems designed for running with their biological counterparts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-versus-machine">Animal versus machine</h2>



Surprisingly, the researchers found that biological components generally underperformed compared to engineered parts on specific metrics. However, where animals significantly outshine robots is in the seamless integration and control of these components.



The study was a collaborative effort involving Sam Burden from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, Tom Libby from <a href="https://www.sri.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SRI International</a>, Kaushik Jayaram from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>, and Simon Sponberg from the <a href="https://www.gatech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia Institute of Technology</a>. 



Each researcher focused on different "subsystems" critical to running robots - Power, Frame, Actuation, Sensing, and Control - and assessed them against their natural equivalents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-are-still-no-match-for-animals">Robots are still no match for animals</h2>



Contrary to prior assumptions that biological superiority explained animals' edge over robots, the findings revealed that, with few exceptions, the engineered subsystems frequently outperformed their biological counterparts.&nbsp;



“The way things turned out is that, with only minor exceptions, the engineering subsystems outperform the biological equivalents – and sometimes radically outperformed them,” Libby said.&nbsp;



“But also what's very, very clear is that, if you compare animals to robots at the whole system level, in terms of movement, animals are amazing. And robots have yet to catch up.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-evolve-faster-than-animals">Robots evolve faster than animals</h2>



The research team remains optimistic about the future of robotics, noting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-can-now-learn-to-accomplish-any-task-by-watching-videos-or-observing-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid progress</a> made in a relatively short time compared to the millions of years over which animals have evolved. 



Dr. Burden highlights the advantage of directed design in robotics over natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>: “It will move faster, because evolution is undirected,” he says. “Whereas we can very much correct how we design robots and learn something in one robot and download it into every other robot, biology doesn't have that option.”



“So there are ways that we can move much more quickly when we engineer robots than we can through evolution – but evolution has a massive head start.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications-for-running-robots-nbsp">Potential applications for running robots&nbsp;</h2>



The potential applications for efficient running <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-can-now-learn-to-accomplish-any-task-by-watching-videos-or-observing-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a> are vast, ranging from solving “last mile” delivery challenges to performing tasks in hazardous environments.



Looking forward, the researchers aim to focus not merely on developing better hardware but on improving how existing hardware is integrated and controlled.&nbsp;



“As engineering learns integration principles from biology, running robots will become as efficient, agile, and robust as their biological counterparts,” Donelan concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-that-have-inspired-robots">Animals that have inspired robots</h2>



Many animals have inspired the design and function of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-crab-robot-is-smaller-than-a-flea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a>, thanks to their unique abilities and adaptations. Here are a few notable examples:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects">Insects</h3>



Swarm robots are small robots that collaborate in large numbers to accomplish tasks, much like how insects work together in colonies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiders">Spiders</h3>



The movements and mechanics of spiders have inspired the creation of multi-legged robots, which are useful in navigating rough terrain or in performing complex, coordinated tasks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snakes-nbsp">Snakes&nbsp;</h3>



Snake robots can maneuver through tightly confined spaces and are used in rescue operations, medical procedures, and inspection tasks in complex environments like collapsed buildings or inside machinery.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geckos-nbsp">Geckos&nbsp;</h3>



Robots that mimic the ability of geckos to climb smooth surfaces have been developed using synthetic adhesives that replicate gecko footpads.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-nbsp">Birds&nbsp;</h3>



The flight of birds has influenced the design of aerial robots or drones, which mimic the flapping and soaring of wings to improve maneuverability and energy efficiency.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-nbsp">Fish&nbsp;</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biohybrid-jellyfish-robotics-ocean-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robotic fish</a> are designed to swim efficiently through water, used for underwater exploration, surveillance, and studying aquatic life without disturbing natural habitats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-nbsp">Dogs&nbsp;</h3>



Quadruped robots, such as Boston Dynamics' Spot, mimic the movement of animals like dogs and are used for tasks ranging from industrial inspection to search and rescue operations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cheetahs-nbsp">Cheetahs&nbsp;</h3>



The high-speed running of cheetahs has inspired the development of robots that can move quickly over land, potentially for military use or emergency response.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.adi9754" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Robotics</a>.



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Robots cannot outrun animals, but they're evolving faster

Robotics engineers have worked for decades, using substantial funding, to...

Plastic,Boxes,With,Pre-packaged,Vegetable,Salads,,Put,Up,For,Sale

We use plastic wrap, containers, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-is-responsible-for-the-burden-of-plastic-packaging-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaging</a> all the time. It's convenient, affordable, and seemingly everywhere. Recent research by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTNU</a>) reveals a shocking truth: our plastic food packaging harbors thousands of different chemicals that may pose significant health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemicals-in-plastic-food-packaging">Chemicals in plastic food packaging</h2>



Scientists uncovered a staggering 9,936 different chemicals within a single plastic product used to package food. This finding underscores the vast gaps in our understanding of the precise chemical makeup of everyday plastic items and their potential impacts on our well-being.



"Plastic is a very complex material that can contain many different chemicals, some of which can be harmful. This is also true for plastic food packaging,"&nbsp;says Martin Wagner, an NTNU professor who specializes in plastic chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-plastic-food-packaging">Consequences of plastic food packaging</h2>



Many of the chemicals identified in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-containers-may-release-forever-chemicals-into-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> food packaging are not just passive elements; they actively disrupt crucial bodily functions. These disruptions can have profound and potentially long-term health effects.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Messing with the metabolism</h3>



Metabolism is essentially your body's engine. It converts the food you eat into energy, fuels cellular processes, and regulates how nutrients are stored and used. 



This complex system is finely tuned, ensuring that your body functions efficiently. However, chemicals leached from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-packaging-food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> food packaging can interfere with this system. 



For example, certain chemicals can mimic or block natural hormonal signals that control metabolism. This interference can lead to a decrease in metabolic efficiency, impacting energy levels, weight management, and overall health. 



The disruption can also affect how your body processes vitamins and minerals, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hormonal havoc</h3>



Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating virtually every bodily function, including growth, development, metabolism, and mood. They act as messengers, sending signals throughout the body to sustain balance and respond to environmental changes. 



The chemicals found in plastic packaging, however, can disrupt this delicate balance. Some chemicals act as endocrine disruptors, which means they can mimic or inhibit natural hormones. 



When these chemicals enter the body, they can bind to hormone receptors, block natural hormonal messages, or alter the normal production of hormones. 



This disruption can lead to a multitude of health issues, ranging from developmental problems and reproductive issues to immune system dysfunctions and behavioral changes.



"In most of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/edible-biodegradable-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> products, we found chemicals that can affect the secretion of hormones and metabolism," says Wagner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-but-isn-t-plastic-inert">But isn't plastic inert?</h2>



You might think that plastic is harmless – it's just a chemically neutral substance. However, as shown in another recent NTNU study, scientists found that several combinations of plastic chemicals can affect how your body sends and receives signals.



This finding suggests that plastic's impact goes beyond simple containment of goods. Instead, it actively engages with biological processes, potentially leading to a cascade of unwanted effects. 



The implication here is stark: plastic, far from being chemically neutral, carries a variety of active compounds that can interfere with our body's most fundamental operations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-we-do">What can we do?</h2>



While the discovery of harmful chemicals in plastic food packaging is indeed concerning, it's important to remember that you have the power to make choices that reduce your exposure and improve your overall health.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing safer alternatives</h3>



Glass or steel containers are considered to be the safest bet. These materials are inert, meaning they do not react with the foods stored inside them. 



Glass and steel are durable, reusable, and free from the chemicals typically found in plastics. Using glass or stainless steel containers for everyday food storage and meal prep can significantly decrease your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Avoid heating food in plastic</h3>



When plastic is heated, whether in a microwave or by other means, it increases the likelihood of chemical leaching. To avoid this risk, never use plastic containers for heating food in the microwave. Instead, transfer food to glass or ceramic containers that are designed to withstand high temperatures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Be informed and vigilant</h3>



Start by familiarizing yourself with the materials used in the products you buy. Look specifically for products labeled "BPA-free". 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastic-items-pose-a-hidden-risk-to-childrens-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bisphenol A (BPA)</a> is one of the better-known chemicals that can leach from plastics and has been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions and increased risk of cancer. 



While BPA-free products are a safer choice, they may still contain other harmful chemicals, so continued caution and a push for broader safety testing and transparency in labeling are essential.



Taking these steps can significantly reduce your personal and family's exposure to harmful chemicals found in plastic products. 



While broader change in how plastics are manufactured must come from industry and legislation, individual actions can collectively lead to greater demand for safer products and ultimately drive change in production practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-safer-plastics">A call for safer plastics</h2>



Martin Wagner and his team believe the problem isn't plastic itself, but the chemicals added to it. With more research on exactly which chemicals pose the biggest threats, we may one day have plastic packaging that's completely safe – a win for both our health and the environment.



While we still don't know the long-term effects of constant exposure to these chemicals, scientists at NTNU believe that now is the time to overhaul our plastic manufacturing.



"These and previous findings show that plastic exposes us to toxic chemicals. They support the theory that we need to redesign plastic to make it safer," states Wagner.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c08250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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9936 chemicals found in plastic products used for food packaging

We use plastic wrap, containers, and packaging all the time....

Spring invites us to witness the spectacle of bird migrations. But have you ever wondered how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flocks-social-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> manage such precise, collective movement? A recent study from New York University (<a href="https://www.nyu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU</a>) offers fascinating insights into bird flocking and their aerodynamic mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-flocking-aerodynamics">Bird flocking aerodynamics</h2>



A team of mathematicians has recently illuminated the dynamics behind large, swirling flocks of birds. The research reveals that birds heavily depend on aerodynamics - the science of air movement around objects - to coordinate their seemingly effortless flight. 



Each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-lead-flock-strongest-flyers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> functions as a compact, feathery powerhouse. Its wings do more than propel it forward; they also generate swirling air currents. These currents are crucial, as they enable birds to manipulate the airspace around them. This manipulation forms the intricate patterns and synchronized movements observed in flocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-springs">Invisible springs</h2>



The scientists found that the air currents generated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-birds-brains-evolved-to-enable-them-to-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> are not random. They interact with each other in a highly organized manner. These interactions, which resemble the behavior of springs, create a network of unseen forces that link neighboring birds. 



The network helps maintain the positions of birds within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-species-foraging-flocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flock</a>. If birds drift from their spots, the interactive forces pull them back into place. This contributes to the overall stability and structure of the formation.



"If a flyer is displaced from its position, the vortices or swirls of flow left by the leading neighbor helps to push the follower back into place and hold it there," explained Leif Ristroph, a co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-bird-flocks">Small bird flocks</h2>



While these helpful air currents create a beautiful order in small groups of birds, the system breaks down as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-blend-in-to-adapt-to-diverse-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flock</a> size increases. In larger flocks, the individual air currents from many birds start to clash and interfere with one another. This disruption weakens the stabilizing "spring" forces. 



As a result, the formation becomes chaotic. Imagine lots of swirling forces bumping into each other. This leads to a loss of the organized structure seen in smaller flocks.



"The very long groups seen in some types of birds are not at all easy to form, and the later members likely have to constantly work to hold their positions and avoid crashing into their neighbors," explained Ristroph.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flonons">Flonons</h2>



When a large flock is overwhelmed by these clashing air currents, the disruption doesn't hit all the birds at once. Instead, the scientists observed a ripple effect – the disorganized movement started with certain birds and then spread throughout the rest of the flock in a wave-like pattern. 



This chain reaction of jostling within the flock is a unique scientific phenomenon, and the researchers have given it a catchy name: "flonons." This term might become a new addition to our science vocabulary, especially as we learn more about the fascinating world of animal movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-significance">Broader significance</h2>



The discovery of how birds flock reveals more than just the remarkable abilities of these creatures; it has significant potential implications for human-designed systems and technologies. 



The insights from studying aerodynamic interactions in bird flocks can enhance machine design. These insights could lead to more efficient, aerodynamically optimized machines. Possible improvements include better vehicle formation dynamics. 



This would reduce drag and lower energy consumption. There could also be advancements in deploying autonomous drones that need to operate effectively in swarms.



Additionally, the principles of bird flocking could enhance the design of wind turbines, optimizing them for better energy capture based on how air flows naturally around objects in motion. This research bridges the gap between natural phenomena and engineered solutions, offering a blueprint for innovation across various fields.



“This area of research is important since animals are known to take advantage of the flows, such as of air or water, left by other members of a group to save on the energy needed to move or to reduce drag or resistance,” explained Ristroph.



The next time you see a flock of birds painting the sky with their organized chaos, remember: you're witnessing some seriously complex engineering by Mother Nature. It's a symphony of aerodynamics, invisible springs, and perhaps some squawky arguments over who gets the best drafting position.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47525-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Bird flocking dynamics inspire advancements in technology

Spring invites us to witness the spectacle of bird migrations....

Arbor Day originated in the United States during the early 1870s. The idea was conceived by J. Sterling Morton, a journalist and politician who moved from Detroit to the Nebraska Territory.&nbsp;



Morton was an agricultural enthusiast who recognized the environmental and economic value of trees. In the largely treeless plains of Nebraska, trees were needed for building materials, shade from the hot sun, and windbreaks to keep soil in place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-arbor-day">Origins of Arbor Day</h2>



Morton first proposed a tree-planting holiday called "Arbor Day" at a meeting of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture on January 4, 1872. The proposal was well received, and the first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. It was a huge success, with an estimated one million trees planted on that day.



The idea of an annual day specifically for planting trees quickly spread beyond Nebraska. Today, Arbor Day is observed in many countries around the world, each adapting the celebration to its own climate.&nbsp;



In the United States, it is typically celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states observe the holiday on different dates that coincide with their local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-forests-with-diverse-tree-species-increases-likelihood-of-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree planting</a> season. For example, Hawaii celebrates on the first Friday of November.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-trees-so-important">Why are trees so important?</h2>



Trees are not just essential components of our natural landscape but vital guardians of our environment. These perennial plants do more than beautify our surroundings; they are fundamental to life on Earth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-benefits-of-trees">Ecological benefits of trees</h3>



The ecological significance of trees cannot be overstated. Primarily, they play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. Trees absorb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-reveal-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-a-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a>, a predominant greenhouse gas, converting it into biomass through the process of photosynthesis. 



This not only reduces the amount of harmful gases in the atmosphere but also provides us with oxygen, essential for life. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year.



Furthermore, trees contribute to increased biodiversity. They serve as habitats for countless species. Birds, insects, fungi, and moss are just a few examples of the life forms that depend on trees for survival.&nbsp;



The variety of life supported by trees enhances genetic diversity, which is vital for adaptation and resilience in the face of environmental changes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-benefits-of-trees">Economic benefits of trees</h3>



Economically, trees offer significant advantages. In urban areas, they improve home values by up to 15% or more due to their aesthetic appeal and their role in creating a pleasant microclimate.&nbsp;



Beyond aesthetics, trees provide raw materials for industries such as furniture, paper, and construction. Fruit and nut trees contribute to food resources, providing both nourishment and economic gains through agriculture.



Trees also have a profound impact on energy consumption. By providing shade and releasing moisture into the air through their leaves, trees can reduce the need for air conditioning in nearby buildings by 30%. This not only cuts down energy costs but also reduces the strain on power grids during peak summer months, thereby decreasing the likelihood of power outages.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits">Health benefits</h3>



The health benefits of trees extend beyond their environmental and economic contributions. They play a significant role in improving air quality by filtering pollutants such as dust, microplastics, and gases through their leaves and bark. Urban vegetation can reduce pollutants in the air by up to 25%, contributing to healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-trees-have-enormous-value-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban environments</a>.



Moreover, trees have been shown to have a positive impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forest-bathing-fresh-breath-for-teen-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>. The presence of green spaces in urban areas can lower rates of psychological stress and illness. People living near trees often have lower levels of stress, and children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges">Environmental challenges</h3>



Despite their immense benefits, trees face numerous threats, including deforestation, land development, and climate change. These challenges underscore the need for concerted conservation efforts.&nbsp;



Planting trees is a simple yet powerful act that can lead to significant environmental improvements. Arbor Day and similar celebrations can serve as vital reminders of our responsibilities toward forest conservation and management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-arbor-day">Significance of Arbor Day</h2>



Arbor Day is significant for several reasons, primarily centered around environmental awareness and conservation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-awareness">Education and awareness</h3>



Arbor Day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the benefits that trees and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> provide to communities and the global environment. It encourages people to learn about tree care and forest management.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-involvement">Community involvement</h3>



The day promotes community spirit as people come together to beautify their neighborhoods and public spaces. It is a chance for community engagement through collective action, which can strengthen community bonds and foster civic pride.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-and-sustainability">Legacy and sustainability</h3>



Planting trees on Arbor Day is also about investing in the future. Trees planted today will grow to provide benefits for many years, making it a gesture of hope and sustainability for future generations.



Arbor Day serves as an important reminder that trees are more than just part of our natural landscape; they are essential for sustaining ecological balance, supporting economic development, and promoting health. By understanding and promoting the importance of trees, we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world.&nbsp;



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Arbor Day: Honoring the guardians of our environment

Arbor Day originated in the United States during the early...

Dog aggression is a serious concern for pet owners, as it can be unsettling, stressful, and even dangerous, not only for the dog but also for other pets, family members, and strangers.&nbsp;



Given the complexities and varying degrees of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understand-dogs-language-aggression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggressive</a> behaviors, Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at the <a href="https://vetmed.tamu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences</a>, provides expert guidance on recognizing and addressing these behaviors effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-aggression-with-no-apparent-trigger-nbsp">Dog aggression with no apparent trigger&nbsp;</h2>



One particularly severe and complex form of aggression is rage syndrome, which causes dogs to exhibit extreme aggression without any apparent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-appear-to-get-jealous-over-their-owners-affection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">triggers</a>. 



“Dogs with rage syndrome have episodes of extreme aggression toward a person or other animals that occur seemingly out-of-the-blue and without provocation, yet they otherwise appear friendly and happy,” explained Dr. Teller.&nbsp;



This condition is notoriously challenging to diagnose and treat, since the causes, which may include genetic and neurological factors, remain unclear.&nbsp;



“No identifiable trigger leading up to the attack is one clear sign of rage syndrome. Additional signs include confusion or seeming dazedness during or immediately after an episode, glazed eyes, dramatic escalation of aggression without any warning, and unpredictability of episodes,” noted Dr. Teller.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-and-fear-based-dog-aggression">Conflict- and fear-based dog aggression</h2>



It is crucial not to confuse rage syndrome with conflict- or fear-based aggression, which are more common and natural responses to perceived threats or conflicts.&nbsp;



According to Dr. Teller, there is usually a clearly identifiable trigger for other types of aggression, unlike with rage syndrome. Yet, some owners have difficulties reading a dog's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-and-humans-process-social-information-in-surprisingly-similar-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body language</a> or recognizing the trigger. 



In cases of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aggressive-behavior-in-dogs-is-most-often-caused-by-fear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fear-based</a> or conflict aggression, dogs often display warning signs before an attack, including a hunched body posture, lip-licking, trembling, baring teeth, growling, or snapping. 



These forms of aggression are often defensive in nature, but dogs may also exhibit predatory behaviors that appear aggressive but are actually offensive and driven by the dog’s instinct to pursue prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effectively-managing-aggression-nbsp">Effectively managing aggression&nbsp;</h2>



When a dog exhibits aggressive behavior, owners should avoid intervening physically during an episode to prevent injuries. After the episode has subsided, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian.&nbsp;



“The veterinarian will obtain a complete behavioral history and probably perform some diagnostic tests to rule out a medical problem that has led to the aggressive behaviors,” said Dr. Teller. “An example of a medical problem that may trigger an aggressive response is when someone touches a painful area, such as with osteoarthritis or an ear infection.”



By contrast, “rage syndrome can be caused by seizure-like activity in the brain, so veterinarians may recommend an electroencephalogram, a test that measures electrical activity in the brain, or an advanced imaging modality such as an MRI or CT scan, which takes detailed images of the brain to identify any abnormalities in its structure,” she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-management-of-dog-aggression-nbsp">Long-term management of dog aggression&nbsp;</h2>



Long-term management of aggression requires a comprehensive approach that includes both medical and behavioral interventions.&nbsp;



Depending on the underlying cause of aggression, dogs may be given an anxiolytic medication to relieve anxiety, an anticonvulsant to control the risk of seizures, or a combination of such medications. A behavioral modification plan is also essential and may involve referral to a veterinary behaviorist.



Understanding the different forms of aggression and seeking professional assistance when necessary can help dog owners provide the necessary care and support for their pets.&nbsp;



By addressing aggression effectively, the impact on the dog’s life and the broader household can be minimized, leading to a safer and more harmonious living environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-aggressiveness-in-dogs">More about aggressiveness in dogs</h2>



Dog aggression is a significant behavioral issue that can manifest in various forms, ranging from growling and snapping to biting. It often arises due to multiple factors including genetics, lack of socialization, poor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-training-is-more-effective-when-nice-voice-tone-is-used/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">training</a>, fear, or a previous negative experience. 



Dogs may also exhibit aggressive behaviors when they're trying to assert dominance or protect their territory, owners, or resources such as food, toys, or other objects.



Understanding the triggers of aggression is crucial for managing it effectively. This involves observing when the aggression occurs, such as in the presence of other dogs or strangers, during meals, or in specific locations like their resting area.&nbsp;



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Can you control your dog’s aggression?

Dog aggression is a serious concern for pet owners, as...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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.

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

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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