You've undoubtedly noticed that the Moon has two distinct sides, right? The near side that we see from Earth and the far side that remains a mystery because it is never turned towards us.



This unusual lunar characteristic -- a global dichotomy -- is what a team of scientists led by Professor XU Yigang from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry (<a href="http://english.gig.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GIGCAS</a>) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been investigating.



They have been studying lunar soil samples collected from the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin on the far side of the Moon, and returned to Earth by China's <a href="https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=CHANG-E-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chang’e-6 mission</a>.



These invaluable samples have allowed them to investigate the Moon's peculiar dichotomy and the results have shed light on some of its secrets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-chang-e-6">What is Chang’e-6?</h2>



The Chinese space program launched Chang'e 6, their latest Moon mission, on May 3, 2024. The spacecraft blasted off from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on a Long March 5 rocket at 9:27 UT (that's 5:27 PM Beijing time). 



Their goal? To grab about four pounds (2 kg) of Moon rocks from the far side - something no one had done before.



The lander touched down in a huge crater called the South Pole Aitken Basin. The team used both a scoop and a drill to dig up surface samples and even went 2 meters deep into the lunar soil. 



They also sent out a small rover that cruised around taking snapshots of the lander doing its work.



Once they collected the samples, the crew packed them into an ascent vehicle sitting on top of the lander. 



On June 3 at 11:38 PM UT (7:38 AM Beijing time the next day), this vehicle shot up from the Moon's surface and met up with the orbiter waiting above. They made the handoff on June 6, 2024.



After ditching the ascent vehicle (which crashed back into the Moon), the return vehicle hung around in orbit for a couple weeks before heading home. 



It pulled off a tricky skip-entry through Earth's atmosphere and landed in Inner Mongolia's Siziwang Banner region on June 25 at 6:07 UT (2:07 PM Beijing time). 



The final haul? Roughly 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) of Moon rocks and soil from the far side -- marking another big win for China's space program.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-side-vs-visible-side-of-the-moon">Far side vs. visible side of the Moon</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon's</a> dichotomy is visible in its topography, chemical composition, crustal thickness, evidence of volcanism and, most noticeably, in the difference in geomorphology between its near and far sides.



The near side of the Moon is home to the familiar "man in the moon" maria - the dark "seas" that are the result of ancient volcanic activity. 



These areas were flooded with molten lava that created rocks known as mare basalts.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/moon_farside_volcanic-episodes_diagram_credit-YANG-Muhan_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/moon_farside_volcanic-episodes_diagram_credit-YANG-Muhan_1s.webp" alt="Distribution of distinct volcanic episodes on the Moon’s farside. The remote sensing image highlights the Chang’e-6 landing site along with nearby mare and cryptomare basaltic units. Credit: Image by YANG Muhan" class="wp-image-1950782"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Distribution of distinct volcanic episodes on the Moon’s farside. The remote sensing image highlights the Chang’e-6 landing site along with nearby mare and cryptomare basaltic units. Credit: Image by YANG Muhan</figcaption></figure>



How about the far side? Well, here's where it gets intriguing. Only about 2% of this hidden part of the Moon is covered in the basalts, compared to around 30% on the near side.



This inexplicable difference is a vital part of the lunar global dichotomy that the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program aims to unravel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-the-moon-s-far-side">Secrets of the Moon's far side</h2>



Thanks to the Chang’e-6 lunar soil samples, Professor XU's team discovered the existence of two different types of mare basalts, low-Ti, and very low-Ti (VLT). 



“The samples returned by Chang’e-6 provide a best opportunity to investigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-pt5-mini-moon-say-goodbye-to-earths-second-moon-we-barely-got-to-know-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar</a> global dichotomy,” said Professor XU.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/moon_farside_volcanic-eruptions_basalt-types_credit-GIGCAS_1s.webp" alt="The two types of basalts in Chang’e-6 soils and isochrons of the Chang’e-6 low-Ti basalt. Credit: GIGCAS" class="wp-image-1950784"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The two types of basalts in Chang’e-6 soils and isochrons of the Chang’e-6 low-Ti basalt. Credit: GIGCAS</figcaption></figure>



Let's not dismiss the aspect of dating these samples either. With high-precision Pb-Pb dating techniques, the team determined that the low-Ti basalt dates back to around 2.83 billion years ago.



This attests to the presence of "young" magmatism or volcanic activities on the far side of the Moon. But of course, young is a relative term when we talk about 2.83 billion years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-history-of-volcanoes">Mapping the history of volcanoes</h2>



With such valuable information now in our hands, we can clearly chart the volcanic timeline on the far side of the Moon. 



Led by Professor LI Qiuli, the team conducted radioisotope dating on 108 basalt fragments, with 107 of them revealing a consistent formation age of 2807 million years ago.



But there's more. One fragment, a high-aluminum basalt, was dated to a monumental 4203 million years ago, making it the oldest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvest-moon-2024-will-feature-a-partial-lunar-eclipse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar</a> basalt for which age has been precisely determined.



This implies elevated levels of volcanic activity on the far side of the Moon for at least 1.4 billion years - between 4.2 billion and 2.8 billion years ago.



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



These findings, available for everyone to dissect, can help recalibrate the existing lunar crater chronology models. 



Christopher Hamilton, an independent planetary volcano expert, emphasized the importance of obtaining samples from this previously unchartered lunar territory.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/moon_farside_volcanic-episodes_Change-6-mission_landing_credit-CLEP_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/moon_farside_volcanic-episodes_Change-6-mission_landing_credit-CLEP_1s.webp" alt="China's Chang’e-6 mission spacecraft landed on the far side of the Moon. Credit: CLAP" class="wp-image-1950787"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">China's Chang’e-6 mission spacecraft landed on the far side of the Moon. Credit: CLAP </figcaption></figure>



More than just understanding the Moon, these lunar soil samples also have implications for some broad astronomical theories.



The new data indicates a constant impact flux after 2.83 billion years, which can offer new insights into planet migration in the early Solar System. 



So, by looking at the Moon, we are indirectly learning about our own cosmic neighborhood as well!



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



With more missions like the Chang'e-6, the future will undoubtedly bring many enlightening discoveries about our constant celestial companion.



In the end, we see that the Moon, despite its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-have-captured-the-moon-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">familiar appearance</a>, still hides untold secrets waiting to be discovered. 



These lunar missions represent a new age of lunar and planetary exploration that pushes the boundaries of our understanding.



-----



The researchers from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> express their gratitude for the support received from various institutes such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. These institutions' enduring support enables such important lunar explorations.



The study is published in the journals <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08382-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> and <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt1093" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Far side of the Moon had volcanic eruptions for over one billion years

You've undoubtedly noticed that the Moon has two distinct sides, right? The near side that we see from Earth and the far side that remains a mystery because it is never turned towards us. This unusual lunar characteristic -- a global dichotomy -- is what a team of scientists led by Professor XU Yigang from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry (GIGCAS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been investigating. They have been studying lunar soil samples collected from the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin on the far...

Central and South American rainforests harbor tiny, see-through "glass frogs" that blend into the foliage with their translucent skin. These charming creatures have captivated scientists and nature lovers for years, but there's more to them than just their unique appearance.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.international.unesp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">São Paulo State University</a> (Unesp) have finally answered a question about how these frogs evolved. The study reveals a surprising trade-off: glass frogs with smaller testes care more for their babies than males with bigger testicles. This choice, between raising offspring or making more sperm, is key to their evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-glass-frogs">Characteristics of glass frogs</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glass-frogs-wave-their-hands-and-feet-to-attract-mates/">Glass frogs</a>, part of the Centrolenidae family, are captivating amphibians found mainly in the Central and South American rainforests and cloud forests. The name comes from their most striking feature: translucent bellies that reveal their internal organs.&nbsp;



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



Glass frogs call the lush <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-overheating-in-warmer-rainforests/">rainforests</a> and cloud forests their home, often choosing areas near streams and rivers for breeding. Their distribution stretches from Mexico through Central America, all the way down to Bolivia and Brazil in South America.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



The frogs are very small. They measure from 1.2 to 7.5 centimeters (0.47 to 2.95 inches) in length, with the size varying among different species within the glass frog family.



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



Their backs are typically green, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the surrounding foliage. This camouflage, combined with their translucency, makes them incredibly difficult to spot in their natural environment, adding to their mystical allure.



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



What truly sets glass frogs apart from other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibians-threatened-by-mercury-with-unknown-health-impacts/">amphibians</a> is the fascinating diversity in their reproductive strategies, particularly regarding parental care. Unlike most amphibians, many glass frog species rely on extensive investment from the dads.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-glass-frog-species">Distinct glass frog species</h2>



Initially, the scientists gathered information on many different types of glass frogs. They focused on two things: how big the male's testes were and if the dads took care of their eggs.&nbsp;



Next, the scientists observed how the different frog dads took care of their babies. Some dads were super involved, guarding their eggs from hungry creatures and keeping them nice and moist. Others, not so much. This gave the researchers an idea of the frogs parenting styles.&nbsp;



Through their study, the researchers discovered a total of 37 distinct glass frog species, with 11 of these species having males who actively participate in caring for their offspring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-act-of-males">Balancing act of males</h2>



When the male frogs take care of their young (paternal care), their testicles are smaller. This suggests they invest less energy in producing sperm to compete with other males for fertilization.&nbsp;



By contrast, species where males don't care for their young have bigger testes. This indicates they put more effort into producing sperm to outcompete rivals and increase their chances of reproductive success.&nbsp;



Essentially, the research shows how different approaches to reproduction can influence the physical features and behavior of even closely related species. There is a balance between allocating resources to raising offspring and achieving breeding success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-perspective">Evolutionary perspective</h2>



Living organisms have limited resources available, including energy, nutrients, and time. They cannot excel in everything at once. Instead, they must prioritize and invest resources in certain areas that are more crucial for their survival and reproduction, which leads to trade-offs.



The concept of trade-offs is not unique to a specific species but is widespread across the animal kingdom. The study suggests that increased investment in offspring (through care) may come at the expense of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-sperm-count-directly-linked-to-mobile-phone-use/">sperm production</a> (compromise).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-pressures">Environmental pressures</h2>



The environment plays a significant role in shaping the frogs' reproductive strategies. Factors like predation pressure (risk of eggs being eaten) can influence how glass frogs allocate resources.



In environments with high egg predation, parental care becomes crucial. Glass frogs that invest in guarding and protecting their eggs (parental care) are more likely to see their offspring survive to adulthood. This makes parental care a favorable trait in such an environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-interactions">Social interactions</h2>



Social interactions, particularly mating competition, can also be a driving force in adaptation. In situations where finding mates is difficult due to scarcity or competition, larger testicles and increased sperm production can be advantageous.&nbsp;



This allows males to produce more sperm, potentially increasing their chances of fertilization and reproductive success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-within-glass-frogs">Biodiversity within glass frogs</h2>



The study showcases the incredible variety of reproductive strategies present among glass frogs, even though they belong to the same group of animals. This variety reveals the existence of multiple evolutionary pathways within the same group.&nbsp;



Different glass frog species have evolved unique solutions to survive and reproduce in their specific environments. Studying these differences helps us understand how species adapt to their unique ecological niches (the specific role and environment they occupy).&nbsp;



By analyzing the different strategies, we can identify the evolutionary pressures (environmental and social factors) that have driven these adaptations, ultimately contributing to the diversity of life on Earth.



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



Recognizing the importance of both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-mating-strategies-of-critically-endangered-muriquis/">reproductive strategies</a> and parental care for the survival of glass frogs emphasizes the need for comprehensive conservation approaches.



Conservation efforts should not only focus on protecting the habitat itself but should also prioritize the diverse reproductive behaviors within that habitat. This might involve protecting specific resources crucial for certain strategies, like safeguarding areas suitable for parental care.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0054" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Glass frogs with small testes are invested in caring for their young

Central and South American rainforests harbor tiny, see-through "glass frogs"...

Why do some people escape high blood pressure, while others battle it? Scientists are inching closer to the answer, and it involves a fascinating twist: our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/">genes</a>.



A recent study by the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a> has achieved a breakthrough in predicting blood pressure risk. By analyzing minuscule variations in DNA, they can now predict your risk of developing high blood pressure.



But this isn't just about foretelling your future blood pressure. It's about opening the door to personalized medicine, where treatments could be tailored to an individual's unique genetic makeup.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polygenic-risk-score-nbsp">Polygenic risk score&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists used a powerful tool called a polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict high blood pressure risk in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-apps-to-practice-mindfulness-improves-mental-health-of-children/">children</a> and adults. It is similar to a genetic scan that analyzes tiny variations in your DNA, each with a score reflecting its impact on blood pressure.&nbsp;



The bigger the impact, the higher the score. This score can reveal who has a greater risk of developing high blood pressure before symptoms even appear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-start-early-in-kids">Differences start early in kids</h2>



The study revealed that children with a higher genetic risk for high blood pressure started showing differences in their actual blood pressure levels compared to children with lower risk. These differences were already noticeable as early as age three and became more pronounced as the kids grew older.&nbsp;



“We found that genetic factors affect blood pressure from the first years of childhood and throughout your entire life,” said study lead author Karsten Øvretveit, a PhD candidate in the NTNU Department of Public Health and Nursing.&nbsp;



Specifically, children with a high genetic risk reached certain blood pressure milestones, like having a systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 100mmHg, much earlier than kids with a lower risk. This suggests that genes might play a role in the early development of blood pressure differences, even in children.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linear-relationship-in-adults">Linear relationship in adults</h2>



In adults, the study discovered a direct correlation: individuals with a higher genetic risk had consistently higher readings in real life. Interestingly, this effect was measurable.&nbsp;



Each incremental unit of genetic risk translated to a roughly 5 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure and a 3 mmHg rise in both diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. Moreover, individuals with the highest genetic risk were significantly more likely to fall within the hypertensive range.



“We have been able to follow the same people from when they were around 37 until they were approximately 70 years old. We found that the differences persisted and resulted in various disease risks, where the differences in disease were quite large,” explained Øvretveit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-health-risks">Additional health risks</h2>



People with a higher genetic risk were much more likely to experience various health problems compared to those with lower risk. These problems included:



<ul>
<li>High blood pressure itself: Both early-onset (before age 55) and late-onset (after age 55) were more common in individuals with high risk scores.</li>



<li>Heart-related issues: This included a higher risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-fuels-cardiovascular-deaths-worldwide/">cardiovascular diseases</a> (CVD) overall, as well as specific problems like heart attacks (myocardial infarction) and strokes.</li>



<li>Kidney problems: People with high risk were more likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD).</li>
</ul>



On the other hand, those with a lower genetic risk were less likely to experience these negative health outcomes. This suggests that genetic risk scores can predict future health problems, which could be helpful in early prevention and intervention strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactively-blood-pressure-management">Proactively blood pressure management</h2>



Individuals with a high genetic risk can actually lower it by proactively managing it. This means they can achieve a healthier outcome than those with "protective" genes who neglect their health or receive a late diagnosis. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-dietary-changes-could-offset-carbon-emissions/">Lifestyle changes</a> and medication can significantly impact your health, even if you have a genetic predisposition for a certain condition.



“By keeping their blood pressure at a low level, people with a high genetic risk score can achieve a lower risk of disease than people diagnosed with high blood pressure who we consider genetically protected. It seems that controlling your blood pressure matters more than genetics,” said Øvretveit.



The takeaway here is that taking charge of your health early on is important. Knowing your genetic risk profile, through tests or family history, can help you create targeted strategies to manage your blood pressure effectively.&nbsp;



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



This study has important implications for both individuals and the healthcare system. Knowing who's at higher genetic risk early on allows for earlier intervention. This means lifestyle changes (healthy eating, exercise, stress management) and preventive measures can be started sooner, potentially preventing or delaying high blood pressure and its related diseases like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-b-paradox-supplement-linked-to-heart-disease-risk/">heart disease</a> and stroke.



Moreover, understanding the genetic side of high blood pressure allows for more targeted public health efforts. Resources can be focused on high-risk groups identified through genetic testing, making public health campaigns and interventions more effective in reducing future complications.&nbsp;



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad365" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Preventive Cardiology</a>. 



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Genes influence blood pressure from early childhood 

Why do some people escape high blood pressure, while others...

Our planet is changing, and headlines often paint a scary picture, particularly when it comes to biodiversity loss. A new study from researchers at the <a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html">German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research</a> (iDiv) and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) offers a surprising twist: nature is adapting.



The experts looked at Earth's oceans, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/">mountains</a>, and everything in between, going back hundreds of years. The research shows that our planet is performing a giant balancing act, with some places losing unique species and others gaining new ones. The study isn't a justification for inaction towards nature, but rather an invitation to rethink conservation approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystems-across-the-globe">Ecosystems across the globe</h2>



The researchers delved deep into how life on Earth is changing, looking across diverse ecosystems and through time. They studied 461 groups of species (called metacommunities) tracked for 10 to 91 years, and also analyzed historical lists of species going back 13 to over 500 years. This vast information covered various ecosystems worldwide, allowing them to see how different species and communities have responded to both natural and human-caused changes.



The team's approach involved gathering existing data on what species lived where and how many there were. The data, collected across different locations and times, helped them identify trends in two key processes:



<ul>
<li>Biotic differentiation: Ecosystems become more distinct because unique species thrive in specific areas.</li>



<li>Biotic homogenization: Ecosystems become more similar because some species spread widely while others disappear.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-act-of-two-forces">Balancing act of two forces</h2>



The study reveals a surprising finding. These two forces - differentiation and homogenization - are shaping the Earth in roughly equal measure, creating a dynamic relationship of loss and gain.



A mountain meadow blooming with unique wildflowers that cannot be found anywhere else is an example of differentiation, as these ecosystems become more distinct. Now imagine a field of invasive plants overtaking a once diverse forest. This is homogenization, where ecosystems become more similar. Homogenization often occurs when non-native species spread widely, like the invasive plant, displacing local ones.&nbsp;



While some areas lose unique species due to homogenization, others gain new ones through differentiation. This balancing act suggests that biodiversity is adapting in complex ways to human influence.



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



Human activities have a profound, complex impact on biodiversity, acting like a double-edged sword. They can both foster diversity and lead to uniformity across ecosystems in surprising ways.



Cities, often seen as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/">biodiversity</a> deserts, can also be diverse havens. As they expand, they create microhabitats: parks, gardens, waterways, industrial sites. These diverse environments attract non-native species, like ornamental plants, bringing new pollinators and birds. However, common urban species like pigeons and rats can homogenize the fauna across cities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture-boosts-biodiversity-contrast">Agriculture boosts biodiversity contrast</h2>



Farming heavily alters landscapes, often replacing diverse ecosystems with single-crop fields. This can dramatically reduce native species, making landscapes more similar across regions.&nbsp;



However, field edges with hedgerows or native vegetation strips become areas of increased diversity. These buffer zones support beneficial insects, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/">birds</a>, and mammals, creating unique niches different from both fields and undisturbed areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-climate-change-on-biodiversity">Impacts of climate change on biodiversity</h2>



Climate change reshapes ecosystems at an unprecedented scale, driving both differentiation and homogenization. Rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/">temperatures</a> and changing rainfall can make new areas habitable for some species, leading to new communities and increased regional diversity.&nbsp;



For example, warmer temperatures may push plant and animal species poleward, creating unique species combinations. Conversely, it can also homogenize landscapes. Iconic species like coral reefs or Arctic tundra, facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/">extinction</a>, may cause their ecosystems to lose their unique characteristics and become more similar to each other.



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



The findings challenge traditional conservation approaches. The balance between biotic differentiation and homogenization means protecting biodiversity requires a broader view. Simply preserving existing species and habitats won't be enough.



“Our analysis exposes the complexity of the issue," said study senior author Professor Jonathan Chase. “It doesn’t mean severe changes aren’t happening in the world, it means we need to move beyond a belief that homogenisation is the main way biodiversity is changing."



Conservation strategies need to adapt to changing ecosystems. We must not only protect what we have but also consider the ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/">evolution</a> of life on Earth. This means embracing adaptive management - constantly learning and adjusting our strategies to maintain ecological balance as conditions shift.



The research highlights the need for continued research and monitoring. We need to understand the forces driving these complex dynamics in more detail. Conservation must become flexible enough to accommodate both differentiation and homogenization, ensuring biodiversity thrives even in a rapidly changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj9395" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>. 



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Earth's great balancing act: Nature is adapting to human influence 

Our planet is changing, and headlines often paint a scary...

Imagine a world where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-path-to-happiness-the-science-is-still-not-clear/">happiness</a> in Chinese doesn't quite translate to happiness in English - not just in words, but in the very way our brains process it. A recent study from the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a> suggests that's the reality.



By analyzing reactions to emotional facial expressions, the experts have cracked open a new understanding of how we experience the world. Forget the "universality of emotions" we've always assumed. This research reveals that our cultural background and the language we use shape how we perceive emotions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anger-can-be-a-powerful-motivator-to-achieve-major-life-goals/">anger</a> and disgust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-responses-across-cultures">Emotional responses across cultures</h2>



The researchers wanted to understand how culture and language affect the interpretation of emotional facial expressions. They studied two groups: Chinese and White Americans. Before seeing pictures of faces showing anger and disgust, people read either words related to those emotions ("anger," "disgust") or neutral words.



While the participants looked at the faces, the researchers monitored which parts of their brains worked together using a brain scanner (fMRI). The goal was to see if the words they read changed how their brains reacted to the faces, and if this differed between the two groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-response-to-disgust">Varying response to disgust</h2>



When Chinese participants saw "disgust," a part of their brain responsible for understanding words (inferior frontal gyrus) became less connected to other parts involved in seeing, understanding meaning, and social interactions. This suggests that their brain was not focused on developing a reaction.&nbsp;



“When primed with the word ‘disgust’ before viewing the corresponding facial expression, immigrants from mainland China showed decreased functional connectivity in brain regions related to semantic processing, visual perception, and social cognition,” said study first author Dr. Joseph Leshin. Interestingly, this effect was not seen in White American participants. Their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-bend-time-to-adapt-to-lifes-rhythm/">brains</a> worked hard to develop an instant response.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-response-for-anger">No response for anger</h2>



When shown the pictures of "anger," both Chinese and White American participants didn't show the same decrease in brain connections as with "disgust." This suggests "anger" triggers emotional processing differently than "disgust."



The different brain responses to "anger" and "disgust" hint at distinct ways these emotions are handled in the brain, likely due to their different meanings across cultures.&nbsp;



While "disgust" seemed to disrupt information processing in Chinese participants, "anger" didn't have the same effect. Hence, "anger" might be more universally recognized and processed across cultures, or its meaning might not vary as much between Chinese and American cultures as "disgust" does.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-influence-nbsp">Cultural influence&nbsp;</h2>



Let's explore how our cultural background influences how we experience and express <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-crabs-and-lobsters-have-emotions-and-feelings/">emotions</a> with an example.&nbsp;



Imagine two friends, Lee from China and Alex from the United States. When Lee encounters something disgusting, like spoiled food, his reaction might be influenced by Chinese cultural norms. These norms may emphasize maintaining harmony or avoiding strong emotional displays.&nbsp;



The study suggests that priming Lee with "disgust" could subtly alter his reaction, perhaps making him focus more on internally recognizing the emotion rather than expressing it vividly. This doesn't mean he feels less disgusted, but he might not express it openly.



For Alex, seeing spoiled food might trigger a more direct and outward expression of disgust. This reflects a different cultural norm where expressing emotions like disgust might be more accepted or expected. However, when faced with something angering, like being cut off in traffic, they might show similar reactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-response-to-anger">Universal response to anger</h2>



The study suggests that priming with "anger" doesn't significantly change how people from either culture process or express this emotion. This could mean that expressing anger has a more universal pattern across these cultures, or at least the differences are not as pronounced as with disgust.



From an evolutionary perspective, anger served as a powerful tool for survival. It helped signal displeasure or threat, deterring aggression and promoting cooperation within groups. This is why we have some universally recognized aspects of anger, like facial expression.&nbsp;



For example, when someone sees a furrowed brow, clenched fists, or a raised voice (common anger expressions), it's a clear signal of potential danger. This instinctive recognition of anger helps people avoid conflict and aggression, promoting peaceful coexistence. We are biologically wired to understand these signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disgust-is-not-common-worldwide">Disgust is not common worldwide</h2>



The way people experience and understand disgust isn't the same worldwide. This difference can be traced back to several factors, including language, cultural norms, and even how our brains process information.



For example, studies show that there isn't a direct equivalent for the English word "disgust" in traditional Chinese philosophies like Daoism, Buddhism, or Confucianism. This suggests that historically, disgust was not an important concept in these cultures compared to Western ones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-integration">Social integration </h2>



In our increasingly interconnected world, understanding how cultural nuances affect how we perceive emotional facial expressions is crucial for social integration. This knowledge can help bridge cultural divides, promoting harmony and mutual respect among people from all over the globe.



​​“Our findings contribute to growing evidence that emotional facial expressions are not universally produced and understood,” said study co-author Dr Kristen Lindquist, a neuroscientist at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.



Knowing how culture and language affect our interpretation of emotions can make communication between different cultures much better. By accepting these differences (like gestures or facial expressions having different meanings), we can interact more effectively and with more empathy. This is especially important in international business, diplomacy, and teamwork, where misunderstandings can happen easily.



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



The study reminds us that therapy and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/">mental health</a> care need to be culturally sensitive. By understanding how people from different cultures perceive emotions, therapists can diagnose and treat patients more effectively and personally.



Moreover, as we build machines that can understand human emotions, considering cultural and language differences becomes crucial. This study can help develop better AI systems that recognize emotional facial expressions accurately across cultures, making them useful in various settings, from customer service chatbots to mental health apps.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1084059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Psychology</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Emotional facial expressions are not universally understood

Imagine a world where happiness in Chinese doesn't quite translate...

Deep,Space,Alien,Planet,,Scifi,3d,Illustration

Billions of years ago, Earth was a fiery young world. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/">Volcanoes</a> erupted, oceans churned, and the key compounds of life were just starting to blend. Fast forward to today, scientists have made a discovery that sheds light on this mysterious time.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> have created the compound pantetheine, a crucial ingredient for life, using conditions that mimic early Earth. This isn't just science fiction; it's a real breakthrough that helps us understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origin-of-life-on-earth-may-have-been-found-in-ancient-hot-springs/">life</a> might have begun. The achievement also opens doors to finding life beyond our planet.



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



Pantetheine is a vital molecule found in all living things. It's part of a bigger molecule called coenzyme A (CoA), which helps cells with essential tasks like making energy, breaking down food, and building new molecules. But pantetheine isn't just important for life today; it might also hold clues about how life began.



Some scientists believe pantetheine could be one of the very first molecules that appeared on the early Earth and paved the way for more complex life forms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creation-of-pantetheine">Creation of pantetheine</h2>



The researchers didn't directly synthesize pantetheine from scratch. Instead, they designed a series of reactions inspired by the conditions and available molecules on early Earth. 



This means they used simple building blocks like water, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/">methane</a>, and ammonia, which were likely abundant in Earth's early atmosphere.



Pantetheine has a complex structure made of connected carbon atoms. The researchers linked these carbon atoms together, forming the basic skeleton of the molecule.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intermediate-pantetheine-compounds">Intermediate pantetheine compounds </h3>



Building the frame isn't enough. Pantetheine has unique functional groups that give it specific properties. The researchers used intermediate compounds like "sculpting clay" to refine the structure and add these groups. Here, nitriles come into play as critical intermediates. 



Derived from simple precursors like hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitriles are versatile molecules that can be transformed into a variety of functional groups found in biological molecules, including those present in pantetheine.



For the final touches, amino acid-like molecules played a crucial role in the final step. They provided energy for the reactions and helped guide the final arrangement of atoms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-discovery-nbsp">Exciting discovery&nbsp;</h2>



What makes this study truly groundbreaking is that it demonstrates the formation of life's building blocks at ordinary room temperature.&nbsp;



This exciting discovery suggests that these crucial molecules could have arisen not in extreme environments like volcanoes or space, but in the everyday settings of early Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-life-nbsp">Origins of life&nbsp;</h2>



The study shows a realistic way to build pantetheine from basic materials like hydrogen cyanide and water. This changes our understanding of how diverse and potentially fertile early Earth was.&nbsp;



The results also change the way we see water's role in the origin of life. Instead of just breaking down complex molecules, water could actually help build important ones like pantetheine. This means life could have begun in more places than we thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-on-pantetheine">Critical new insights on pantetheine</h2>



The unique discovery suggests that key molecules for life, like RNA, proteins, and even pantetheine, might have formed together, not one after another. This challenges the popular "RNA world" idea, where RNA came first and led to DNA and protein life later.&nbsp;



The study hints at a complex network of prebiotic reactions. The network could have led to many different life molecules forming at the same time.&nbsp;



“This new study is further evidence that the basic structures of biology, the primary molecules that biology is built from, are predisposed to form through nitrile chemistry," said study senior author Professor Powner from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>.



"The ease with which different classes of biological molecules can be made using nitriles has convinced me that, rather than life being preceded by one molecule such as RNA, and there being an ‘RNA world’ before life began, the basic molecules of biology emerged alongside each other – a network of RNAs, proteins, enzymes and cofactors leading to the first living organisms.”



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



The research is exciting because it shows how a crucial building block of life, like pantetheine, could form under conditions that might exist on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trillions-of-rogue-planets-may-be-wandering-alone-in-our-galaxy/">planets</a> or moons. This raises the possibility that life could be much more common than we think.



We could look for life beyond just Earth-like planets, expanding our search to places like icy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/">moons</a> with hidden oceans or planets with lots of nitrogen in the air.



Moreover, the process used to make pantetheine could be used to create other important molecules for life, opening new doors in the field of synthetic biology. We could build new drugs, materials, and even better understand the chemistry that makes life possible.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk4432" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

Pantetheine: Key compound suggests that life beyond Earth could be common

Billions of years ago, Earth was a fiery young world....

Every parent wants to raise a bright and curious kid, and the good news is, everyday moments hold surprising power when it comes to shaping their intelligence.&nbsp;



Researchers from <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> have been exploring how different activities, from playtime to bedtime stories, can influence a child's language development in fascinating ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The researchers looked at three common activities: reading books, sharing memories, and playing with toys (LEGO). They chose families with young children (3-5 years old) in Denmark and observed how parents talked during each activity.&nbsp;



The experts recorded the conversations and analyzed them to see how complex the words were, how open-ended the questions were, and how well parents responded to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-causes-of-sedentary-behavior-in-children/">children</a>.



The researchers expected that reading and reminiscing would lead to richer conversations than playing with toys, because they involve more storytelling and reflection. The goal wasn't just to see how conversations differed, but also to understand how each activity helps or hinders language development. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-type-of-activity-matters">Type of activity matters</h2>



The experts found that parents use more complex and descriptive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-have-a-much-more-complex-language-than-we-thought/">language</a> when reading and reminiscing compared to playing with toys. This means they ask more "what/who/where" and "why/how" questions, which encourage longer and more detailed responses from children.



Reading and reminiscing help children learn more vocabulary and sentence structures. These activities expose children to a wider range of language in a natural and engaging way.



Parents of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/every-year-of-education-reduces-mortality-risk/">education</a> levels benefit from these activities. While education might play a small role in how parents talk, the type of activity has a bigger impact.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playing-with-lego-was-least-engaging">Playing with LEGO was least engaging</h2>



Building with LEGO involves hands-on activities, and not as much back-and-forth talk. The study found that playing with LEGO wasn't as good as other activities for encouraging parents to use rich language with their children.&nbsp;



When playing with LEGO, the focus might be on completing a specific project, leading to more instruction-like talk ("Put this here") instead of open-ended questions and rich descriptions.



This suggests that LEGO play led to less stimulating conversations and potentially less educational interaction for the children. Another key finding was that parents used more "labeling" (describing actions and objects) when reminiscing, but less when playing with LEGO. Activities like remembering old stories together can lead to more descriptive language, which is important for children to learn new words.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-parents-education-level-nbsp">Impact of parents' education level&nbsp;</h2>



While parents' education level somewhat impacted how they spoke, the activity context had a bigger effect. Even highly educated parents used simpler language during playtime.&nbsp;



Interestingly, the researchers found that parents with higher education tend to have more in-depth and detailed conversations with their kids when reminiscing. They ask more open-ended questions, explain things in detail, and encourage their children to think and talk about their feelings and thoughts about past experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unique-opportunity-nbsp">A unique opportunity&nbsp;</h2>



Reminiscing offers a unique opportunity for both cognitive and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-promotes-social-development-in-infants/">emotional development</a>. It helps kids learn how to tell stories, understand cause and effect, and even develop empathy by thinking about their feelings and reactions during past events. Parents with higher education might be more aware of these benefits and use reminiscing as a teaching moment more often.



Additionally, the researchers found no significant difference between how moms and dads talk to their children, regardless of the activity. This challenges the idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sex-roles-among-animals-are-driven-by-gender-ratios/">gender</a> plays a major role in shaping parent-child language interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-takeaways">Key takeaways</h2>



Activities like reading books together and reminiscing about fun memories are powerful tools for language development.&nbsp;



“I would suggest to parents that it’s not just important to spend time with your children. What you’re doing when you’re spending time with them also is important,” said study senior author Professor Erika Hoff.&nbsp;



“It’s good to carve out some time just to have a conversation. If you like reading books, read books, if you would rather talk about planning the future or talking about the past, do that. Make time to have conversations with your children.”



These activities naturally encourage parents to use richer language, asking more engaging questions like "what happened next?" and "how did you feel?" This exposes children to a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures, building a strong foundation for their own language skills.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



The experts warn that activities like remembering past experiences, though helpful, may accidentally make the gap between children from families with different education levels wider if not adjusted carefully.&nbsp;



This means we need different ways of doing these activities depending on the parents' education level. It is important to make sure these activities don't make the existing differences in language learning even bigger.



“Reminiscing is good, but it’s not a magic bullet that closes societal and educational gaps. The applied motivation behind our line of research is to find ways that will close the gap in the language experience of children from more advantaged and less advantaged families,” said Dr Hoff.&nbsp;



“Of course, it’s good to find activities that enrich all children’s language experience, and all children will benefit from such experiences. However, such activities can’t be expected to eliminate all differences in children’s experience.”



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2024.101632" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Reminiscing can boost language development in preschoolers

Every parent wants to raise a bright and curious kid,...

In a thrilling scientific adventure, researchers on a <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a> expedition have made a remarkable discovery: a multitude of never-before-seen life forms thriving off the Chilean coast.



From the dark depths to towering underwater mountains, this expedition revealed a hidden world teeming with life. Each dive brought new discoveries, challenging our understanding of the ocean's depths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salas-y-gomez-ridge">Salas y Gomez Ridge</h2>



Dr. Javier Sellanes and his team plunged into the unknown, uncovering an unexplored water mountain: the Salas y Gomez Ridge. Spanning an impressive distance of over 1,800 miles, this underwater mountain range emerged as a focal point of the expedition.



As the team dove deeper, they discovered a world teeming with life. From tiny fish to giant whales, the ridge was like a bustling underwater city.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-new-species">100 new species</h2>



The team made an astounding discovery: they found over 100 sea creatures living in the deep ocean that nobody knew existed before. These animals come in all shapes and sizes, and they each play a special role in the ocean ecosystem.



For example, the researchers found colorful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/">corals</a> that build homes for other animals on the dark ocean floor. They saw strange lobsters with long bodies and thin legs that scurry around rocks looking for food. 



There were even delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sponges-sneeze-to-get-rid-of-unwanted-waste/">sponges</a> that filter tiny particles from the water and spiraling corals that sway in the currents. Spiky urchins were also found, with shells that protect them from danger.



“We far exceeded our hopes on this expedition,” said Dr. Sellanes, who led the study. “You always expect to find new species in these remote and poorly explored areas, but the amount we found, especially for some groups like sponges, is mind-blowing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-previously-unknown-seamounts">Four previously unknown seamounts</h2>



In addition to discovering new species, Dr. Sellanes’s team mapped four previously unknown seamounts within the Salas y Gomez Ridge. Each mountain harbored its own distinct ecosystem.&nbsp;



Among them, the tallest seamount, unofficially named Solito, stood as a towering giant, reaching an astonishing height of 3,530 meters. To put this into perspective, Solito reaches nearly 70% of the height of Mount Everest (8,848 meters).&nbsp;



The discovery of these seamounts provides valuable insights into the geological diversity of the Salas y Gomez Ridge and the habitats it supports. Each seamount creates a unique environment, offering refuge and resources for a variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-is-getting-louder-what-does-this-mean-for-animals/">marine life</a>. From the depths of the ocean floor to the sunlit shallows near the summit, these landforms contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.



Furthermore, the identification and mapping of the seamounts contribute to our understanding of the broader marine ecosystem. By studying the geological features and associated marine life of these underwater mountains, scientists can gain valuable insights into oceanic processes and the interconnectedness of marine habitats.



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



Over 100 new species show how much unseen life exists in the ocean. This means we urgently need to protect these fragile ecosystems from stressors like fishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. 



The deep sea helps regulate Earth's climate by storing carbon and supporting food webs. Knowing more about these ecosystems helps us understand how they'll respond to climate change. The expedition's findings give us valuable data to predict and address these challenges.



Moreover, the giant underwater mountain range shows how much of the ocean remains unexplored. We must keep exploring and mapping these areas to better understand Earth's geology, life, and ocean currents. This knowledge helps us learn more about our planet and guides future research and conservation efforts.



Image Credit: ROV SuBastian/ Schmidt Ocean Institute&nbsp;



License link: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/</a>



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Ocean life: 100 new sea creatures found in Chile

In a thrilling scientific adventure, researchers on a Schmidt Ocean...

The <a href="https://www.globalvaccinedatanetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Vaccine Data Network</a> (GVDN) recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 13 neurological, blood, and heart-related medical conditions to determine if there is an increased risk following <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-vaccination-reduces-mortality-risk-but-only-for-6-months/">COVID-19 vaccination</a>.&nbsp;



The research, hosted at the University of Auckland, is part of the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38350768/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global COVID Vaccine Safety Project</a>. The experts analyzed a vast dataset covering 99 million individuals across eight countries. Overall, the data encompassed more than 23 million person-years of follow-up.



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



"As of November 2023, at least 70.5% of the world’s population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine," wrote the researchers.



"This unparalleled scenario underscores the pressing need for comprehensive vaccine safety monitoring as very rare adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccines may only come to light after administration to millions of individuals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-into-covid-vaccines">Critical new insights into COVID vaccines</h2>



The research pinpointed pre-established safety signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA vaccines. In addition, the experts identified safety signals for Guillain-Barré syndrome alongside cerebral venous sinus thrombosis post-viral vector vaccines.&nbsp;



The team also identified possible safety signals for transverse myelitis following viral vector vaccines and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after both viral vector and mRNA vaccines.



A detailed follow-up of these findings was carried out by the GVDN's site in Victoria, Australia, with the outcomes and data accessible on GVDN’s interactive data dashboards for public scrutiny.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-vaccine-safety-signals-nbsp">Identifying vaccine safety signals&nbsp;</h2>



The methodology used for the study was an observed versus expected rates analysis. This type of evaluation is valuable for spotting potential vaccine safety signals. It scrutinizes the risk of developing a medical condition post-vaccination against a timeframe prior to the vaccine's availability.



Study lead author Kristýna Faksová is an expert in the Department of Epidemiology Research at <a href="https://en.ssi.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Statens Serum Institut</a> in Copenhagen, Denmark.



“The size of the population in this study increased the possibility of identifying rare potential vaccine safety signals. Single sites or regions are unlikely to have a large enough population to detect very rare signals,” explained Faksová.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-covid-vaccines">Broader implications of COVID vaccines</h2>



The initiative emphasizes transparency and effective communication with both the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harmful-microbes-persist-on-hospital-surfaces-after-disinfection/">healthcare</a> sector and the general public by making these data dashboards widely available.&nbsp;



“GVDN supports a coordinated global effort to assess vaccine safety and effectiveness so that vaccine questions can be addressed in a more rapid, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We have a number of studies underway to build upon our understanding of vaccines and how we understand vaccine safety using big data,” said GVDN Co-Director Dr. Steven Black.



“By making the data dashboards publicly available, we are able to support greater transparency, and stronger communications to the health sector and public,” added GVDN Co-Director Dr. Helen Petousis-Harris.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



The GCoVS Project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The project enables the comparison of vaccine safety across a wide range of global populations. This highlights its significance in the broader context of vaccine research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">public health</a>.



"While our study confirmed previously identified rare safety signals following COVID-19 vaccination and contributed evidence on several other important outcomes, further investigation is warranted to confirm associations and assess clinical significance," concluded the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-vaccines-nbsp">COVID vaccines&nbsp;</h2>



Covid vaccines represent a monumental effort in the history of medicine. Researchers around the world quickly identified the genetic makeup of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">virus</a>, laying the groundwork for vaccine development.&nbsp;



Next, companies and academic institutions rapidly developed and tested vaccine candidates through unprecedented collaboration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-technologies-nbsp">Various technologies&nbsp;</h3>



The most notable COVID vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, employ various technologies. These vaccines use mRNA technology, which instructs cells to produce a protein that triggers an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extra-weight-impairs-the-bodys-immune-response-to-covid-19/">immune response</a>.&nbsp;



AstraZeneca-Oxford and Johnson &amp; Johnson, on the other hand, use viral vector technology. This involves a harmless virus delivering genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 to stimulate the body's immune defense.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-campaigns">Massive campaigns</h3>



Regulatory agencies across the globe conducted rigorous reviews to ensure the vaccines' safety and efficacy before granting emergency use authorizations. Following approval, governments and health organizations launched massive vaccination campaigns to distribute doses worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vaccine</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



----- 



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



-----

COVID vaccines linked to many serious health-related issues

The Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) recently conducted a comprehensive...

Stone,Age,Tools,On,Wooden,Background,-,Panoramic,View

Recent research has unveiled that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reconstructed-face-of-a-neanderthal-reveals-a-softer-side-of-the-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a>, the predecessors to modern humans, developed stone tools using a sophisticated multi-component adhesive glue, challenging our previous understanding of their cognitive abilities and cultural sophistication. 



This discovery, the earliest evidence of such complex adhesive usage in Europe, suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-belong-to-the-same-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> possessed a higher level of thought and cultural development than previously recognized.



The findings are the result of collaborative efforts by scientists from <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>, the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a>, and the <a href="https://www.smb.museum/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museums in Berlin</a>. 



This fascinating research not only sheds light on the technological capabilities of Neanderthals but also places them on a closer intellectual footing with early modern humans in Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stone-tools-and-sophisticated-neanderthal-glue">Stone tools and sophisticated Neanderthal glue</h2>



<a href="https://as.nyu.edu/faculty/radu-iovita.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radu Iovita</a>, an associate professor at New York University’s Center for the Study of Human Origins, highlighted the remarkable preservation of these tools, which exhibit a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-lived-side-by-side-45000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal innovation</a> in creating handles for hand-held tools. 



“These astonishingly well-preserved tools showcase a technical solution broadly similar to examples of tools made by early modern humans in Africa, but the exact recipe reflects a Neanderthal ‘spin,’ which is the production of grips for handheld tools,” said Iovita.



These tools bear a striking resemblance to those made by early modern humans, yet they carry a distinct Neanderthal signature in their fabrication.



The research was spearheaded by Patrick Schmidt from the University of Tübingen and Ewa Dutkiewicz from the National Museums in Berlin. 



Their focus was on <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/neanderthal-glue_stone-tool-handle_credit-Patrick-Schmidt_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artifacts from Le Moustier</a>, a French archaeological site with finds dating back to the Middle Palaeolithic period, approximately 120,000 to 40,000 years ago. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-neanderthal-ingenuity">Unraveling Neanderthal ingenuity</h2>



These artifacts, which had been largely overlooked since their last examination, revealed upon closer inspection, traces of a complex Neanderthal adhesive glue made from ochre and bitumen.



“The items had been individually wrapped and untouched since the 1960s,” says Dutkiewicz. “As a result, the adhering remains of organic substances were very well preserved.”



The researchers expressed surprise at the high ochre content in the adhesive, noting its significant impact on the mixture's properties. 



“We were surprised that the ochre content was more than 50 percent,” Schmidt explained. “This is because air-dried bitumen can be used unaltered as an adhesive, but loses its adhesive properties when such large proportions of ochre are added.” 



This blend, they found, was just sticky enough to hold the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> in place without sticking to the users' hands, indicating a sophisticated understanding of material properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-neanderthal-glue">Deciphering Neanderthal glue</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/neanderthal-glue_evidence_micrographs_credit-Greinert_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microscopic analysis</a> conducted by Iovita on the wear patterns of these tools further confirmed their use in conjunction with adhesives. 



The distinct polish and abrasion patterns provided evidence of how these tools were likely held and used, showcasing the Neanderthals' practical ingenuity and the effectiveness of their adhesive glue technology.



“The tools showed two kinds of microscopic wear: one is the typical polish on the sharp edges that is generally caused by working other materials,” explains Iovita, who conducted this analysis. 



“The other is a bright polish distributed all over the presumed hand-held part, but not elsewhere, which we interpreted as the results of abrasion from the ochre due to movement of the tool within the grip.”



The study underscores the significance of adhesive technology in understanding the cognitive capabilities and cultural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-thank-neanderthals-for-the-size-and-shape-of-our-noses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of early humans. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reassessing-neanderthal-intelligence">Reassessing Neanderthal intelligence</h2>



The development and use of such complex adhesives were once thought to be exclusive to Homo sapiens in Africa. However, this discovery reveals that Neanderthals in Europe shared similar technological insights and thought processes.



Moreover, the effort and planning required to source materials like ochre and bitumen from distant locations speak to the Neanderthals' advanced planning abilities and their strategic approach to tool-making. This level of sophistication suggests a deliberate and thoughtful process in their technological practices.



Dutkiewicz and Schmidt conclude that the adhesive material was undoubtedly produced by Neanderthals, adding a significant chapter to our understanding of human evolution. 



“Taking into account the overall context of the finds, we assume that this adhesive material was made by Neanderthals,” concludes Dutkiewicz.&nbsp;



“What our study shows is that early Homo sapiens in Africa and Neanderthals in Europe had similar thought patterns,” adds Schmidt. “Their adhesive technologies have the same significance for our understanding of human evolution.”



This parallel in adhesive technologies emphasizes the cognitive and cultural parallels between these two groups, enriching our appreciation of Neanderthals' place in human history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-human-history-with-neanderthal-glue">Redefining human history with Neanderthal glue</h2>



In summary, this study shatters long-held stereotypes about Neanderthals and illuminates the rich tapestry of human evolution. Neanderthals were not mere rudimentary beings, but very innovative and thoughtful toolmakers. 



By uncovering the sophisticated use of multi-component adhesives in stone tool construction, researchers have provided compelling evidence of Neanderthals' cognitive capabilities and cultural sophistication. 



Their discovery, bridging the gap between Neanderthals and early modern humans, underscores the complexity of our ancestors' lives and challenges us to rethink the narrative of human progress and ingenuity.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl0822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

Neanderthals created and used glue, proving to be much smarter than we thought

Recent research has unveiled that Neanderthals, the predecessors to modern...

Orchids are one of the oldest families of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-true-survivors-flowering-plants-lived-through-the-dinosaur-extinction/">flowering plants</a>, with fossil evidence suggesting that they have been around for at least 80 to 100 million years. This timeline places them in the Cretaceous period, meaning they coexisted with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a>.&nbsp;



The longevity and evolutionary success of orchids are attributed to their remarkable adaptability and symbiotic relationships with pollinators and fungi, allowing them to colonize a wide range of habitats across the world.&nbsp;



Recent discoveries by researchers at the <a href="https://www.kew.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens</a> have shed light on the orchids' ancient origins and the ingenious strategies they employ to flourish worldwide. The study authors hope their findings will help inform conservation planning to protect orchids, many of which are disappearing at an alarming rate. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchid-evolution">Orchid evolution</h2>



The study involved collecting different samples of the vast orchid family. Study co-author Dr. Natalia Przelomska is a lecturer at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>.



"I had the privilege of extracting DNA from field samples ranging from those recently collected by multiple field botanists involved in this research, going back to botanists such as A.C. Maingay and E.L. Ekman, who were exploring the Old-World tropics and Neotropics in the 19th and 20th centuries," said Dr. Przelomska.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-techniques-nbsp">Advanced techniques&nbsp;</h2>



The team used two advanced techniques to study the history of orchids: a newer method called high-throughput sequencing and a traditional method called Sanger sequencing.&nbsp;



Combining these techniques allowed the experts to create a detailed map of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/masters-of-deception-orchids-use-trickery-to-get-what-they-need/">orchid</a> family's genes. The goal was to build a family tree showing how these species evolved over time.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-very-long-legacy">A very long legacy</h2>



The study suggests that orchids are ancient survivors, rooted in the time of dinosaurs. Imagine Earth millions of years ago, ruled by giants like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. In the shadows, under the leaves and branches, the first orchids sprouted and thrived.



This time was a big turning point for Earth. Everything changed, including the climate, which eventually led to the end of dinosaurs and the rise of mammals. But through it all, the orchids kept going, slowly changing into the many types we know today. The findings emphasize how tough and adaptable these flowers are.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-tricks">Survival tricks</h2>



The orchid family, with over 25,000 members, is a stunning example of evolution and adaptation in the plant world.



When orchid populations get separated by mountains, rivers, or other barriers, they experience different pressures and mutations. This "moving apart" process, called allopatric speciation, can lead to the birth of entirely new orchid species. The wind helps by carrying orchid seeds far and wide, creating opportunities for isolation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/">evolution</a>.



Even without moving apart, orchids can evolve new species within the same habitat. This "staying together" process, called sympatric speciation, often happens when orchids attract different pollinators with unique flower shapes or smells. This selective mating prevents them from mixing with relatives, paving the way for new species.



From steamy rainforests to dry deserts, orchids have conquered it all. This incredible adaptability is partly thanks to their partnership with fungi (mycorrhizae) that help them get nutrients from the soil.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-reproductive-strategies-nbsp">Fascinating reproductive strategies&nbsp;</h2>



Orchids have a unique relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-moths-are-more-efficient-pollinators-than-bees/">pollinators</a>. A pollinator is an animal that carries pollen from one flower to another, helping plants reproduce and make new seeds. Their partnership with orchids is a dance of evolution, where both sides have adapted to create a mutually beneficial bond. This co-evolution has led to a stunning array of pollination strategies, each as fascinating as the orchids themselves.



Some orchids are masters of disguise. The Ophrys orchid, for example, looks and smells just like a female bee or wasp. Male insects, fooled by this trickery, try to mate with the flower, leaving pollen behind in the process. This shows the amazing lengths orchids go to to get pollinated.



However, not all orchids rely on trickery. Some offer a genuine reward: nectar. This sweet treat attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, who happily visit the orchid and carry pollen between flowers in their search for more.



The relationship between orchids and pollinators is like an ongoing competition. Each new adaptation by one side is met by a counter-adaptation by the other. This constant push and pull has led to the incredible diversity of orchids, each with unique strategies to attract its specific pollinator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-on-the-brink-of-extinction-nbsp">Orchids on the brink of extinction&nbsp;</h2>



Orchids are disappearing faster than they ever evolved. It took them around 5 million years to become the diverse family we know today. Sadly, this means they might not be able to come back from extinction even if we stop the current threats right now.&nbsp;



Habitat loss due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-brands-fail-to-fight-against-deforestation-and-human-rights-violations/">deforestation</a>, urban sprawl, and agriculture erodes their very foundation. Climate change adds another layer of danger, disrupting delicate ecosystems where orchids thrived for millennia. Additionally, their captivating beauty makes them targets for illegal collection, further jeopardizing their survival.



"Orchids are not only extraordinary jewels of nature, they also hold untold mysteries about life on Earth: how species evolve, adapt and move. Safeguarding their future is critical for protecting the complex interactions they play in ecosystems and making sure those stories can one day be unveiled by scientists," said study senior author Professor Alexandre Antonelli.



We must act now. Conservation efforts need to prioritize protecting natural habitats, the foundation of orchid diversity. This means legal protections for key areas, but also active management practices to ensure healthy ecosystems. Reforestation and habitat restoration offer lifelines to species suffering from habitat loss.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.19580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>. 



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Despite their incredible adaptability, orchids are disappearing

Orchids are one of the oldest families of flowering plants,...

Most people are fond of talking and sometimes, that talk is about other people. This "gossip" is often seen as just chatter or guilty pleasure. Scientists have been wondering for ages why gossip sticks around. Now, researchers from <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> and <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> have some answers.



Gossiping, which involves exchange of personal information about people who are not present, can offer a "social benefit," as stated by the experts. They found it is like a secret weapon against people who try to cheat or take advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-a-computer-simulation">Designing a computer simulation</h2>



The researchers designed a simulation to understand how gossip influences real-world behavior. They created "agents" in the simulation who could cooperate, compete, and even spread rumors about each other.&nbsp;



By adjusting the rules of this virtual world, like how easily information spreads, the researchers could observe how gossip affected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-cooperation-challenges-beliefs-about-human-evolution/">cooperation</a>. This allowed them to explore the link between communication, reputation, and social interaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gossiping-as-an-evolutionary-advantage">Gossiping as an evolutionary advantage</h2>



The study proposed that gossip isn't just harmless chatter, but a tool with evolutionary advantages. People who gossip gain an edge over those who don't, due to several key reasons.



First, gossip discourages bad <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pandemic-restrictions-had-a-lasting-effect-on-behavior-patterns/">behavior</a>. Knowing their actions might be spread through gossip, people are less likely to act selfishly. Since cooperation is generally valued in groups, gossiping helps keep people on their toes and encourages good behavior.&nbsp;



“If other people are going to be on their best behavior because they know that you gossip, then they're more likely to cooperate with you on things,” explained study co-author Dana Nau.&nbsp;



“The fact that you gossip ends up providing a benefit to you as a gossiper. That then inspires others to gossip because they can see that it provides a reward."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gossipers-form-more-social-connections">Gossipers form more social connections</h2>



More than just chatty individuals, "social butterflies" often excel at gossiping due to their extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-social-lives-pandas-have-their-own-version-of-facebook/">social networks</a>. These connections grant access to information, support, and opportunities to build new relationships. By gossiping, they further solidify their standing as influential figures in their communities.&nbsp;



This elevated social status brings not only a sense of belonging but also opens doors to new circles and collaborative opportunities. In short, these individuals leverage their connections and communication skills to navigate and thrive within their social environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gossiping-is-a-part-of-cooperation">Gossiping is a part of cooperation</h2>



Humans are naturally inclined to talk about each other's behavior, and this chatter can surprisingly promote cooperation.&nbsp;



When people share positive experiences about helpful actions, it sets a social norm and encourages others to act similarly to maintain their reputation. As cooperation becomes more prevalent, the conversation around it naturally increases, helping manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-symbiotic-relationships-evolve-between-species/">relationships</a> and ensure everything runs smoothly.&nbsp;



“When people are interested in knowing if someone is a good person to interact with, if they can get information from gossiping - assuming the information is honest - that can be a very useful thing to have,” explained Dr. Nau.



The increased communication itself further fuels cooperation, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. This dynamic has woven gossip into the fabric of human societies across cultures and time periods, solidifying its role as a tool for social connection and collaboration.&nbsp;



In essence, our tendency to talk about each other, both good and bad, has evolved alongside our desire to work together, creating a unique symbiosis that shapes our social landscape.&nbsp;



“Positive and negative gossip are both important because gossip plays an important role in sharing information about people’s reputations,” said study first author Professor Xinyue Pan.



“Once people have this information, cooperative people can find other good people to cooperate with, and this is actually beneficial for the group. So gossiping is not always a bad thing. It can be a positive thing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gossiping-should-have-boundaries">Gossiping should have boundaries</h2>



While the study mainly focuses on the positive aspects of gossip, the experts acknowledge the possibility of its downsides.



Gossip can be used to spread lies or half-truths to gain an advantage over someone or hurt them. This can lead to arguments, misunderstandings, and a breakdown of trust within groups.



It can also be used to exclude people from social circles, making existing social hierarchies stronger and making those excluded feel isolated and marginalized.



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



Humans have always used gossip to navigate the social world. Sharing information about others helps us build bonds, trust, and cooperation. However, gossip can be used for good or bad. It's important to be mindful of its potential downsides.&nbsp;



Spreading rumors, causing conflict, or excluding others are negative consequences of using gossip irresponsibly. To maintain trust and healthy social connections, we need to ensure gossip stays truthful and avoids malicious intent.



The key lies in promoting positive communication practices. When we gossip with honesty, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sports-coaches-are-more-effective-when-they-lead-with-empathy/">empathy</a>, and respect, we create a culture of transparency and understanding. This helps us reap the benefits of gossip while minimizing the potential harm.



So, the next time you hear someone whispering, remember, it might be more important than you think!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2214160121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Gossiping may actually be beneficial to society

Most people are fond of talking and sometimes, that talk...

The air we breathe, the weather we play in, the world we know – it's all changing fast. Unfortunately, kids are the first to feel it. Climate change is the culprit behind this rapid shift in the wellbeing of children. 



To understand how it impacts children's health, researchers at the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Australia</a> embarked on an innovative study.



The team took a massive data dive, scouring scientific databases for connections between any type of climate change and any kind of health concern in children under 18.



“We’ve crunched the data to show how certain types of future weather events will worsen particular medical issues in the population,” explained study co-author Professor Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-children-and-climate-change">Studying children and climate change</h2>



The study reveals a worrying 60% surge in the risk of preterm birth associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ticks-are-highly-resilient-to-extreme-temperatures/">temperature extremes</a>. Preterm birth, occurring before 37 weeks, is not only a leading cause of infant death, but also carries lifelong health and developmental repercussions for children.



This isn't just a personal tragedy, it's a societal one. Premature births translate to higher healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, and a cascade of challenges for families and communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-air-pollution-nbsp">Impact of air pollution&nbsp;</h2>



Children are more vulnerable to air pollution from climate change than adults. Their developing bodies, especially their lungs, are affected by the harmful effects of air pollution. This study shines a light on the invisible dangers lurking in car fumes, factory smoke, and even dust, revealing a devastating impact on young lives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-oxides">Nitrogen oxides</h3>



Nitrogen oxides, spewed by vehicles and factories, top the list of culprits. These invisible gases inflame delicate lung airways and worsen asthma. For children, this translates to stunted growth and a lifetime of breathing difficulties.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoke-and-fine-dust">Smoke and fine dust</h3>



The study also exposes the silent threat of fine dust, a ubiquitous enemy that triggers infections, exacerbates asthma, and throws a wrench into lung development. Smoke from burning materials, another common foe, adds to the misery, causing bronchitis and further hindering young lungs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifetime-of-health-challenges-nbsp">Lifetime of health challenges&nbsp;</h3>



The message is clear: air pollution, in all its forms, is a silent menace for children. It's not just about coughs and wheezes; it's about stolen breaths, stunted growth, and a lifetime of health challenges. We can't afford to ignore this invisible enemy any longer.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ticks-are-highly-resilient-to-extreme-temperatures/">Extreme temperatures</a>, both hot and cold, pose a significant threat to children's health, according to the study. Hospital and emergency room admissions for children spiked during these periods, which were instigated by climate change. Tragically, extreme temperatures are also claiming the lives of children. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immediate-action-is-needed">Immediate action is needed</h2>



Moreover, children from low-income families face a heightened risk of illness due to temperature fluctuations. This exposes them to greater vulnerability in the face of climate change's impacts on health.



Children, particularly those in poverty-stricken nations, bear the brunt of climate change's burden. The study reveals a troubling research gap in poorer regions, suggesting that the true impact on children's health might be significantly worse than what we currently know.



Climate change acts as a health inequity amplifier, jeopardizing the well-being of young lives. The researchers are calling for immediate global action to mitigate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/">climate change</a> and prioritize support for vulnerable children.



“Our research recognizes some important areas where children are most vulnerable to climate change,” said Dr. Lewis Weeda, who led the study. “The development of public health policies to counter these climate-related diseases, alongside efforts to reduce anthropogenic climate change, must be addressed if we are to protect current and future children.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-un-sustainable-development-goals-nbsp">UN Sustainable Development Goals&nbsp;</h2>



The research makes it clear: we absolutely need to put the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the top of our list if we want to protect children from the adverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/">health effects</a> of climate change.&nbsp;



These goals, created by the UN, were designed to make the world a better place by 2030, a world without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-imagery-used-to-map-global-poverty/">poverty</a> that is filled with peace and good things for everyone.&nbsp;



To make this big dream come true, they created a plan with 17 connected goals that tackle the hardest problems everyone faces.



Some of the SDGs include:



<ul>
<li>Zero Hunger: Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture are crucial because climate change disrupts food production and availability, directly impacting children's nutrition and health.</li>



<li>Good Health and Well-being: Guaranteeing healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages is essential, as research confirms the detrimental effects of climate change on children's health, including increased respiratory illnesses, higher mortality rates, and more hospitalizations.</li>



<li>Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensuring access to clean water and sustainable sanitation for all is paramount for preventing diseases worsened by climate change.</li>



<li>Decent Work and Economic Growth: Sustainable, inclusive economic growth, full employment, and decent work for all are key to providing the infrastructure and healthcare services needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on children.</li>



<li>Sustainable Cities and Communities: Building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements is crucial. Urban planning and infrastructure development that consider climate change impacts can protect children in urban areas.</li>



<li>Responsible Consumption and Production: Achieving sustainable consumption and production patterns is vital. This highlights the need to reduce the environmental footprint of human activities that contribute to climate change.</li>



<li>Climate Action: Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts is essential. This directly addresses the need to protect vulnerable populations, including children, from the effects of climate change.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-on-children-and-climate-change">Critical new insights on children and climate change</h2>



“We identified many direct links between climate change and child health, the strongest of which was a 60% increased risk on average of preterm birth from exposure to temperature extremes. Respiratory diseases, mortality, and morbidity, among others, were also made worse by climate change,” noted Professor Bradshaw.



“The effects of different air pollutants on children’s health outcomes were smaller compared to temperature effects, but most pollutants still had an effect of some type, so the news is concerning. The children’s health issues we identified depend on weather extremes - cold extremes give rise to respiratory diseases, while drought and extreme rainfall can result in stunted growth for a population.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-climate-change-s-impact-on-children">Broader implications of climate change's impact on children</h2>



The study emphasizes the urgent need to understand the far-reaching effects of climate change on children's health. It seeks to measure the extent of this impact, pinpoint areas most vulnerable to climate-related illnesses, and establish a framework for identifying risks specific to different populations.&nbsp;



“Given that climate influences childhood disease, social and financial costs will continue to rise as climate change progresses, placing increasing pressure on families and health services. For example, asthma has been estimated to cost as much as US$1.5 billion due to a single fire season in the future, while another study estimated the costs of a single case of childhood asthma at up to US$23,573 in the coming years,” said Professor Bradshaw.



The analysis forms a crucial step in tackling this ecological and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/">health crisis</a>. By providing evidence-based insights, it paves the way for effective interventions and policies to safeguard child health amidst a changing climate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170944" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of the Total Environment</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

Climate change takes a major toll on children's health

The air we breathe, the weather we play in, the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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;



---



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



---



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...