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.



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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>.



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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...

Researchers at <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>'s Department of Biomedical Engineering have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how antibiotic resistance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> spread among pathogens and contribute to the development of resistance against new antibiotics. 



This critical research, led by Professor Lingchong You and the team working in his lab, has identified a direct correlation between the exposure of bacteria to antibiotics and the increase in identical copies of resistance genes within their genomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria">Studying antibiotic resistant bacteria</h2>



The study reveals that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-bacteria-has-an-ally-lurking-in-our-guts/">bacteria</a> in environments with high antibiotic usage tend to possess numerous copies of antibiotic resistance genes. 



These genes are often associated with transposons, or "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fungus-has-become-more-deadly-thanks-to-jumping-genes/">jumping genes</a>," that facilitate their transfer across different bacterial strains. 



This not only enables the rapid dissemination of resistance traits but also sets the stage for the evolutionary adaptation of bacteria to resist new antibiotics.



Previously, the You lab demonstrated that 25% of bacterial pathogens could spread antibiotic resistance through horizontal gene transfer.&nbsp;



However, they found that the presence of antibiotics did not accelerate this gene transfer, suggesting an alternate mechanism at play for the proliferation of resistance genes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-evolutionary-adaptation-nbsp">Rapid evolutionary adaptation&nbsp;</h2>



Rohan Maddamsetti, a postdoctoral fellow in You's lab, likened the duplication of certain genes to a "fingerprint" that indicates rapid evolutionary adaptation under antibiotic pressure.&nbsp;



"We hypothesized that bacteria under attack from antibiotics would often have multiple copies of protective resistance genes, but until recently we didn’t have the technology to find the smoking gun,” he said.



Advancements in long-read genome sequencing over the past five years have now made it possible to identify these genetic repetitions, revealing that bacteria from environments with prevalent antibiotic use - such as in humans and livestock - are more likely to have these gene duplications.&nbsp;



In contrast, such duplications are seldom found in bacteria from natural settings like wild plants, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">animals</a>, soil, and water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-settings">Clinical settings</h2>



The study also highlighted that the duplication of resistance genes is even more pronounced in clinical settings, where antibiotic use is common.&nbsp;



This suggests that the overuse of antibiotics not only promotes the spread of existing resistance but also enhances the bacteria's capability to evolve resistance against newly developed treatments.



"Constantly creating copies of genes for resistance to penicillin, for example, may be the first step toward being able to break down a new kind of drug. It gives evolution more rolls of the dice to find a special mutation," Maddamsetti explained.



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



Professor You underscored the broader implications of the findings, critiquing the prevailing approach to the antibiotic resistance crisis, which often focuses on developing new drugs. He argued for more efficient and effective use of antibiotics, especially in <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/global-land-for-agriculture">agriculture</a>, where the majority of antibiotics in the U.S. are utilized.&nbsp;



"The majority of antibiotics used in the United States are not used on patients, they’re used in agriculture," You remarked, highlighting the significant role the livestock industry plays in perpetuating antibiotic resistance.&nbsp;



“So this is an especially important message for the livestock industry, which is a major driver of why antibiotic resistance is always out there and becoming more serious.”



The research not only advances our understanding of bacterial adaptation but also calls for a reevaluation of antibiotic usage practices to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-bacterial-antibiotic-resistance">More about bacterial antibiotic resistance</h2>



As discussed above, bacterial antibiotic resistance represents one of the most daunting challenges in the medical field today. It occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, making standard treatments ineffective and infections harder to control. 



This resistance emerges from the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and agriculture.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bacteria-develop-resistance">How bacteria develop resistance</h3>



Bacteria develop resistance through several mechanisms. One common method is through genetic mutations. These spontaneous changes in their DNA allow some bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics, which they then pass on to their offspring. 



Additionally, bacteria can acquire resistance genes from other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, a process that allows them to share genetic material, including resistance genes, even between different species.



The impact of antibiotic resistance on public health is profound. It leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and an increased mortality rate. Infections that were once easily treatable, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea, are becoming more difficult to manage and cure. This resistance crisis threatens to undermine decades of progress in fighting bacterial infections.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-antibiotic-resistance">Combating antibiotic resistance</h3>



One of the key strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs. These programs aim to optimize the use of antibiotics in hospitals and clinics, ensuring they are prescribed only when necessary and in the right dosages. 



By doing so, they help minimize the unnecessary exposure of bacteria to antibiotics, slowing down the development of resistance.



There's a pressing need for ongoing research and development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments. 



As many pharmaceutical companies have deprioritized antibiotic development due to low financial returns, governments and private sectors are encouraged to invest in research to discover novel antibiotics and develop alternative therapies, such as bacteriophage therapy and the use of probiotics.



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



Increasing public awareness and education about the proper use of antibiotics is crucial. Patients and healthcare providers must understand the importance of using antibiotics responsibly. 



This includes not pressuring healthcare providers for antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, against which antibiotics are ineffective.



In summary, bacterial antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health, with the potential to turn treatable infections into deadly diseases. It requires a concerted effort from governments, the healthcare sector, and the public to tackle this issue. 



Through stewardship programs, research, and education, we can slow the spread of resistance and protect the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45638-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Bacteria in livestock are major drivers of human antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Duke University's Department of Biomedical Engineering have made...

In a significant technological breakthrough, scientists have unveiled a pioneering technology, named PSiFI, capable of recognizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-decipher-every-possible-facial-expression-outperforming-therapists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a> in real-time. 



This development from Professor Jiyun Kim and his team from the Department of Material Science and Engineering at <a href="https://www.unist.ac.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNIST</a> is set to transform a variety of sectors by integrating emotion-based services into next-generation wearable devices, enhancing how we interact with technology on a profound level.



Historically, accurately discerning emotional states has been a formidable challenge due to the inherently abstract and multifaceted nature of human emotions, moods, and feelings. 



Addressing this challenge, Professor Kim's team has introduced a cutting-edge multi-modal human emotion recognition system. This system uniquely merges verbal and non-verbal cues, offering a holistic approach to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27-different-human-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psifi-the-heart-of-emotion-recognition">PSiFI: The heart of emotion recognition</h2>



At the heart of this innovative system is the Personalized Skin-Integrated Facial Interface (PSiFI) system. Distinguished by its self-sufficiency, simplicity, flexibility, and transparency, the PSiFI system incorporates a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/emotion-recognition-system_illustration_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bidirectional triboelectric strain and vibration sensor</a>. 



This sensor is pivotal in concurrently capturing and processing both verbal and non-verbal expressions. Coupled with a sophisticated data processing circuit, the system facilitates seamless wireless data transfer, enabling the instantaneous recognition of emotions.



Empowered by machine learning algorithms, the technology showcases remarkable efficiency in recognizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goats-can-recognize-human-emotions-in-the-sound-of-a-voice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a> accurately and promptly, even in scenarios where individuals wear masks. 



Its practical application has already been demonstrated in a digital concierge service within a virtual reality (VR) environment, underscoring its versatility and potential for widespread adoption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-psifi-ai-technology">Science behind the PSiFI AI technology</h2>



The foundation of this PSiFI AI technology lies in the phenomenon of friction charging, which generates power through the separation of charges upon friction, eliminating the need for external power sources or intricate measurement devices. 



Professor Kim elaborated on the development process, highlighting the use of a semi-curing technique for creating a transparent conductor crucial for the friction charging electrodes. 



“Based on these technologies, we have developed a skin-integrated face interface (PSiFI) system that can be customized for individuals," Kim explained.



A personalized mask, crafted using a multi-angle shooting technique, ensures the system's adaptability, combining flexibility, elasticity, and transparency seamlessly.



Jin Pyo Lee, the lead author of the study, expressed optimism about the system's capability to facilitate real-time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-has-a-big-impact-on-emotional-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion</a> recognition with minimal learning steps and without the necessity for complex equipment. 



“With this developed system, it is possible to implement real-time emotion recognition with just a few learning steps and without complex measurement equipment," Lee said. 



"This opens up possibilities for portable emotion recognition devices and next-generation emotion-based digital platform services in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-possibilities-and-applications">Future possibilities and applications</h2>



This breakthrough heralds the advent of portable emotion recognition devices and paves the way for future emotion-based digital platforms.



The team's experiments in real-time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-robots-be-programmed-to-have-human-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion</a> recognition, involving the collection of multimodal data like facial muscle deformation and voice, demonstrated high accuracy with minimal training. The PSiFI system's wireless, customizable nature promises easy wearability and convenience.



Expanding its application to VR environments, the system acts as a digital concierge in various settings such as smart homes, private movie theaters, and smart offices. 



By identifying individual emotions, it offers personalized recommendations for music, movies, and books, showcasing its potential to create more intuitive and personalized user experiences.



Professor Kim emphasized the crucial role of Human-Machine Interface (HMI) devices in facilitating effective interactions between humans and machines. 



“For effective interaction between humans and machines, human-machine interface (HMI) devices must be capable of collecting diverse data types and handling complex integrated information," says Kim. 



"This study exemplifies the potential of using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-womens-tears-decreases-aggression-in-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a>, which are complex forms of human information, in next-generation wearable systems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-psifi-steps-harmonizing-humanity-and-technology">Next PSiFI steps: Harmonizing humanity and technology</h2>



In summary, Professor Jiyun Kim and his team at UNIST have propelled us into a new era of technological intimacy with their pioneering emotion recognition technology. 



By seamlessly integrating verbal and non-verbal cues through the innovative PSiFI system, they've unlocked the potential for machines to understand human emotions in real-time, making it possible for more empathetic and personalized digital interactions. 



This fascinating technology marks a significant leap in human-machine interfaces and opens the door to a future where technology can adapt to our emotional states, enhancing our daily lives in ways we've only begun to imagine. 



As we stand on the brink of this exciting frontier, the possibilities for deepening our connection with the digital world are limitless, promising a future where technology truly understands us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44673-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Wearable "PSiFI" AI tech device interprets emotions of any human nearby

In a significant technological breakthrough, scientists have unveiled a pioneering...

Every decision, big or small, good or bad, starts somewhere in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">brain</a>. But how does it reach that final conclusion?



Deep within the brain lies a decision-making powerhouse: the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). It's not just a control center, but a network of neurons. <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard</a> researchers have unlocked some of the secrets of how these neurons work together, giving us a better understanding of how we make decisions. 



“How the brain is organized to help make decisions is a big, fundamental question, and the neural circuitry - how neurons are connected to one another - in brain areas that are important for decision-making isn’t well understood,” said&nbsp;



Study co-author Wei-Chung Allen Lee is an associate professor of Neurobiology in the <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/research/blavatnik-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blavatnik Institute</a> at Harvard Medical School. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observation-in-a-maze">Observation in a maze</h2>



The researchers studied decision-making processes in the brains of mice by observing their behavior in a maze. Trained to turn left or right depending on visual cues, the mice provided behavioral data on how they make decisions.&nbsp;



To peek inside the brains (specifically PPC) of these decision-makers, the researchers used a technique called 2-photon calcium imaging. This allowed them to observe activity patterns of individual neurons in the PPC, essentially witnessing how different brain cells "voted" during each choice.



Next, the team analyzed how the neurons were "wired" together, uncovering excitatory connections that boost activity and inhibitory connections that dampen it.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decision-making-inside-the-mice-brain">Decision-making inside the mice brain</h2>



The researchers found that when a mouse explores a maze, it chooses a direction beforehand, like turning left. This activates groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-impacts-the-brain-through-inflammation-not-infection/">nerve cells</a> in its brain that process that decision. The active groups become stronger, making the chosen path seem more attractive the next time.



Other nerve cells, groups that favored a different option like turning right, were silenced. This helps the mouse stick to its chosen path.&nbsp;



“As the animal is expressing one choice, the wiring of the neuronal circuit may help stabilize that choice by suppressing other choices,” said Dr. Lee. “This could be a mechanism that helps an animal maintain a decision and prevents ‘changes of mind’.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-makes-clear-decisions">How the brain makes clear decisions</h2>



The study suggests a clear pattern in the PPC. When you decide something, like what to eat for dinner, two teams of brain cells battle it out. These are “excitatory” and “inhibitory” neurons.



When you start leaning towards one option, say pasta, the PPC sends out signals to reinforce that choice. The signals are amplified by excitatory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cell-origins-traced-to-creatures-that-lived-800-million-years-ago/">neurons</a>. They excite and activate other neurons, making your chosen meal seem more appealing and solidifying your decision in your mind.



But the PPC doesn't just boost your preferred choice. It also actively suppresses signals related to options that are not “pasta.” This suppression comes from inhibitory neurons. They slow down or even stop other neurons from sending messages related to the alternative meal, preventing confusion and helping maintain balance in the decision-making process. This ensures that only one meal wins out, ultimately leading to a clear and focused decision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-decision-making-process">The decision-making process</h2>



Several factors influence which neurons get activated during decision-making:



What you sense: Your eyes, ears, skin, and nose send information about your surroundings and yourself to your brain. This information, like seeing paths in a maze, triggers specific neurons related to navigation and choosing.



What you've learned: Past experiences and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewriting-negative-memories-by-activating-positive-ones/">memories</a> shape how your brain reacts to situations. Neurons involved in remembering and connecting things might activate based on what you've learned in similar situations before.



What you need to do: What you're trying to achieve influences which neurons get involved. Neurons related to planning, taking action, and getting rewards might light up depending on your goal and the likely outcomes of your choices.



How you're feeling: Interestingly, hunger, thirst, tiredness, or excitement can all affect your brain activity and decisions. Neurons that manage these internal states might activate to guide your choices towards fulfilling your needs.



How neurons talk: Brain cells don't work alone. They send signals to each other, exciting or calming each other down. This creates groups of active neurons representing different parts of the decision-making process.



So, when you're making a choice, your brain has a lot to consider. This complex interplay determines which neurons activate and ultimately guides your decision.



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



The study shows brain cells in mice activate in a specific order, and those representing "wrong" choices get suppressed as the decision becomes clear. Understanding this process in mice helps us understand how decisions "solidify" in humans.



By learning how animals make decisions, we can learn more about disorders like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-plays-a-major-role-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer's</a>, schizophrenia, and addiction, where people struggle to make good choices. This knowledge might lead to better treatments for these conditions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07088-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Brain cells communicate to support decision-making

Every decision, big or small, good or bad, starts somewhere...

Across Southeast Asia's lush rice fields, a hidden drama unfolds. Cultivated rice, our staple food, faces a persistent challenger: the "weedy rice," a wild relative that thrives where it shouldn't.&nbsp;



A study from <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> has cracked the code of this rebellious rice. By studying the DNA of various rice types, they've uncovered the secrets behind its resilience. The findings revealed how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/">plants</a> adapt and survive, even when we try to control them.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-the-study">Importance of the study</h1>



Weedy rice, the wild cousin of cultivated rice, has been growing alongside its domesticated relative for so long that it's picked up some unwanted traits, making it a tough competitor in rice fields.



Understanding how weedy rice evolved is not just interesting science, it's crucial for farmers. By knowing its tricks, they can develop better ways to control it and protect their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/">crops</a>, ensuring food security for millions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-rice">Types of rice</h2>



Rice has a fascinating family tree. There are three main types:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-rice">Wild rice</h3>



Think of wild rice as the original, untamed versions of the rice we eat. They thrive naturally in marshes and rivers, unlike their farm-grown cousins. These are the ancestors of cultivated rice, boasting diverse genetic traits and contributing to natural balance. While not directly harvested, they offer valuable genes for improving future crops.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weedy-rice">Weedy rice</h3>



Weedy rice is the unwanted guest. This "rebel" cousin shares similar roots with cultivated rice but wreaks havoc in farm fields. They steal resources from the good rice, making it grow worse and giving less food. Its resilience, with easy-spreading seeds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-herbicides-linked-to-diminished-brain-functioning-in-young-adults/">herbicide</a> resistance, adds to the frustration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivated-rice">Cultivated rice</h3>



Cultivated rice is the rice we all know and love, carefully grown for us to eat. Through thousands of years of careful selection, farmers nurtured desired traits like higher yields, specific grain types, and reduced seed shattering. From fluffy white rice to nutty basmati, it's a staple food for half the world.



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



The researchers investigated the genetic interactions between wild rice, cultivated rice, and weedy rice in Southeast Asia. They collected 217 samples from the region, combining new data with existing information.&nbsp;



“Farmers in mainland Southeast Asia - including Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam - and most of the island regions of Indonesia, Philippines and parts of Malaysia grow a wide range of lowland and upland rice varieties,” said B.K. Song, a Malaysian weedy rice researcher and corresponding author of the study. “These include modern elite varieties and traditional landraces.”&nbsp;



DNA was extracted and sequenced from the rice types to create a detailed picture of their genetic makeup. The researchers then analyzed the data in several steps. They built a "family tree" to understand how the different rice types are related and also looked for signs of mixing between wild and cultivated rice, and how this might have contributed to the evolution of weedy rice.&nbsp;



This involved searching for specific regions in the rice genome that showed evidence of past adaptations and selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similarities-and-variations-nbsp">Similarities and variations&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis showed that weedy rice shares a lot of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/">DNA</a> with wild rice, suggesting recent "breeding" between the two. This explains why weedy rice is so good at competing with crops.



The researchers found specific wild rice genes in weedy rice that help it thrive in harsh environments and spread easily, like genes that make seeds fall off the plant easily.



The study also revealed that weedy rice in different regions has adapted in unique ways. Some have picked up genes from wild rice that make them resistant to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-technology-can-detect-plant-diseases-from-above/">diseases</a>, while others have genes that help them survive in stressful conditions.



The research paints a picture of a complex relationship between cultivated rice, wild rice, and weedy rice. Their genes get mixed up, creating new and sometimes troublesome forms of rice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-weedy-rice-thrive">How the weedy rice thrive</h2>



The study reveals that these weeds haven't followed a single path, but rather evolved in unique ways depending on their environment and human farming practices.



The researchers found that weedy rice has undergone intense selection, leading to specific regions in their DNA linked to beneficial traits like faster growth and stress resistance. These adaptations have allowed them to thrive in different conditions than their domesticated cousins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-nbsp">Critical new insights&nbsp;</h2>



Even more interesting, the researchers found genes associated with weedy lifestyles, including resistance to diseases and harsh weather. This explains their ability to survive and spread, becoming major agricultural headaches.



But this knowledge can be used as a weapon. By understanding how these weeds tick, scientists can develop strategies to fight back. This could involve breeding rice varieties less susceptible to invasion or even creating targeted weed control methods that exploit the weaknesses of specific weedy rice populations.



“Our study highlights how adaptive introgression - in other words, gene flow - from wild species can contribute to agricultural weed evolution,” said Olsen. “We’ve known that this process occurs for some time. But this is the first study to provide a detailed genomic characterization of the phenomenon.



“It’s important to recognize that crop domestication is an incremental evolutionary process, and not a single-step event,” he said. “Likewise, I think we run the risk of oversimplifying the picture by categorizing every rice plant as wild or weed or crop. The true dynamics are much more complex.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-for-agriculture-and-conservation">Benefits for agriculture and conservation</h2>



Weed management: Studying weedy rice's DNA and how it evolves can help farmers fight it better. This could involve creating crops resistant to specific weed killers or planting different crops in rotation to reduce its spread.



Conserving wild rice: By understanding how weedy rice adapts and spreads, scientists can better protect wild rice species. This could prevent the loss of valuable genetic diversity for both wild and cultivated rice.



Improving rice crops: Studying how weedy rice survives harsh conditions can help breeders develop new rice varieties that are more resistant to drought, disease, and poor soil.



Keeping ecosystems healthy: Understanding how weedy rice interacts with other plants and its environment can help farmers manage their land sustainably. This includes maintaining healthy soil and protecting other species that share the same habitat.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45447-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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DNA study reveals secrets of weedy rice invasion

Across Southeast Asia's lush rice fields, a hidden drama unfolds....

Feeling like there's never enough time to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-may-actually-be-the-fountain-of-youth/">exercise</a>? You're not alone. Between work, family, and everything else, fitting in regular workouts can be tough.&nbsp;



But what if there's a secret weapon? Some people go all-out on the weekends, cramming their exercise into one or two intense sessions. Is it possible that this "weekend warrior" approach could be as effective as daily workouts for weight loss? 



A new study from the <a href="https://www.imm.ac.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences</a> investigates this surprising idea, challenging traditional exercise advice and offering hope for busy individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-issue-of-obesity-nbsp">Widespread issue of obesity&nbsp;</h2>



The study draws attention to the widespread problem of obesity, impacting a staggering 650 million adults globally. This excess <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-health-benefits-of-weight-loss-persist-for-years/">weight</a> brings about significant health challenges like diabetes and heart problems, various cancers, and even osteoarthritis.&nbsp;



Moreover, the location of the excess weight matters. People with belly fat (central obesity) have a higher risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-caffeine-levels-reduce-the-risk-of-diabetes/">diabetes</a> and heart trouble compared to those with fat on their hips and thighs.



Exercise is undoubtedly a powerful tool in managing weight and overall health. It burns calories, boosts metabolism, and promotes muscle growth, which in turn helps burn more calories even at rest.&nbsp;



To delve deeper into the impact of exercise frequency, the researchers carried out this interesting study.



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



The researchers looked at how different exercise patterns affect belly fat and overall fat in 9,629 adults aged 20-59 in the USA. They analyzed data from a big national survey called NHANES from 2011 to 2018.



The experts focused on people who did not have any limitations on exercise. The participants answered questions about how much light, moderate, and hard exercise they did each week for fun, at work, or while traveling.



The researchers then grouped the people into 3 categories based on their total exercise minutes:



<ul>
<li>Not active at all (less than 150 minutes per week)</li>



<li>Weekend warriors (at least 150 minutes in 1 or 2 sessions)</li>



<li>Regularly active (at least 150 minutes in more than 2 sessions)</li>
</ul>



Belly fat and overall fat were measured using specialized scans, along with traditional indicators like weight and waist circumference.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-results">Surprising results</h2>



The study shows that how you fit exercise into your week might not be as important as you think, especially when it comes to fighting weight gain. Whether you cram your workouts into the weekend ("weekend warrior") or spread them out throughout the week ("regularly active"), you'll likely see benefits like less belly fat, smaller waist size, and lower overall weight.



This is big news because it means more people can find an exercise routine that fits their life. You can forget the strict "every day" rule - any movement is better than none.&nbsp;



“The weekend warrior pattern is worth promoting in individuals who cannot meet the recommended frequency in current guidelines,” explained study co-author Lihua Zhang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fat-reduction">Fat reduction</h2>



The study shows promise in fighting abdominal adiposity through both weekend warrior and regular exercise.&nbsp;



The data tells a great story: people in both groups saw big improvements in all measures of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-kimchi-helps-shed-belly-fat-and-improves-overall-health/">belly fat</a>. The measures include hidden fat around organs, fat under the skin, and total belly fat.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waistline-and-bmi">Waistline and BMI</h2>



The experts dug deeper, looking beyond abdominal adiposity and found good news for both "weekend warriors" and regular exercisers. Their waistlines got smaller and their Body Mass Index (BMI) went down compared to those who didn't exercise at all.



Waist size is a simple way to measure belly fat, which is linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excessive-smartphone-usage-linked-to-health-issues-in-adolescents/">health problems</a>. Smaller waist size and lower BMI reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and other issues linked to being overweight.



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



For many, the structured demands of the work week create a yearning for unstructured time. A flexible approach allows you to embrace physical activity as a fun escape on weekends, not just a chore.



Staying active, even when your schedule changes, can boost your confidence. Feeling good about your progress helps you keep going, instead of getting discouraged and giving up completely.



Exercise can also naturally relieve stress by releasing feel-good hormones and calming your body down. When you feel tense, taking a quick walk or a relaxing swim can help you feel better and take charge of your mood.



Eventually, moving your body will make you happier. Maybe it's enjoying the sun on a bike ride, having fun with others in a fitness class, or just feeling good about being active - whatever it is, exercise can really lift your spirits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-recommendations">WHO recommendations</h2>



The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend that adults aiming to mitigate obesity risks should engage in at least:



<ul>
<li>150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming per week. This translates to roughly 30 minutes most days of the week.</li>



<li>75 minutes of vigorous-intensity PA like running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or sports games. This equates to 15 minutes three times a week.</li>



<li>A combination of both moderate and vigorous activity to suit your preferences and fitness level.</li>
</ul>



Remember, every body is different, so find what works best for you and celebrate the joy of movement. Whether you're a busy parent or a professional with long hours, you can still see major health benefits.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23986" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obesity</a>.



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Weekend warriors can lose as much weight as daily exercisers

Feeling like there's never enough time to exercise? You're not...

A scoping review has brought to light five key ways in which the health of homeless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-owners-are-happier-than-people-who-dont-have-pets/">pet owners</a> and their animals can be significantly improved.&nbsp;



Despite the fact that around 10% of homeless individuals have pets, detailed information on how to effectively support their health has been scarce. These pets often serve as the sole source of unconditional love and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-live-longer-and-happier-lives-when-they-get-to-socialize-often/">companionship</a> for their owners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-interventions">Critical interventions</h2>



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human-Animal Interactions</a>, outlines critical interventions for supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-mammals-in-zoos-are-now-living-longer-healthier-lives/">healthier lives</a> for homeless individuals and their pets. 



These include providing access to free veterinary clinics, establishing joint human/animal clinics, efforts aimed at reducing stigma, fostering interdisciplinary relationships, and ensuring the availability of pet-friendly lodging options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-avenues-nbsp">Promising avenues&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Michelle Kurkowski and Dr. Andrew Springer, the study's lead authors, emphasized the diversity found in research on this subject. They highlight the urgent need for further program interventions that are necessary to recommend intervention best practices.



Exploring promising avenues for intervention and health improvement, the study suggests that joint human/animal clinics and interdisciplinary partnerships are some of the most promising avenues for evaluating interventions and improving health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthcare-for-pets">Healthcare for pets</h2>



One notable finding from a study by Ramirez et al (2022) involving 44 homeless pet owners in Seattle, USA, revealed a strong interest in healthcare for pets over personal healthcare, with a significant portion expressing willingness to attend a joint veterinary/human health clinic due to its convenience.



Dr. Kurkowski, previously a researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center at <a href="https://sph.uth.edu/campuses/houston" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston School of Public Health</a>, is now a Veterinary Medical Officer for the US Department of Agriculture’s <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service</a>,



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-safe-places-nbsp">Lack of safe places&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Kurkowski said: "Research has shown that companion animals are a source of friendship and physical safety, and homeless persons with pets report significantly lower rates of depression and loneliness compared to non-pet owners."



However, the review also uncovers the less-discussed challenges faced by homeless pet owners, such as the tough choice between accessing shelter and keeping their pets with them.&nbsp;



“Similarly, our review reveals that this group is less likely to utilize needing assistance, such as healthcare or career services, potentially due to difficulty using public transportation or lack of safe places to leave pets,” she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interventions-are-desperately-needed">Interventions are desperately needed</h2>



Dr. Kurkowski and Dr. Springer believe that while the literature on the benefits and needs of homeless pet owners is growing, interventions specifically designed to address their unique challenges are still lacking.



“Our purpose was to describe the study designs, measurements, and outcomes of relevant primary research studies to identify knowledge gaps in the body of literature on this topic," Springer explained.



Ultimately, the researchers advocate for a comprehensive and effective care package for homeless individuals and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-did-not-improve-emotional-well-being-during-the-pandemic/">pets</a>, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort among healthcare providers, social workers, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-poses-a-multi-faceted-threat-to-animal-welfare/">animal welfare</a> workers, and both governmental and nonprofit organizations to create innovative solutions for this underserved population.



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Homeless pet owners need better options to protect their animals

A scoping review has brought to light five key ways...

Imagine growing up surrounded by fear and uncertainty. Your neighborhood echoes with sirens, and news headlines scream of violence. Sadly, this is a reality for countless teenagers living in disadvantaged communities. But the impact goes deeper than emotional scars – it affects the very structure of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-bend-time-to-adapt-to-lifes-rhythm/">brains</a>.



A new study from the <a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a> delves into this critical issue, exploring how community violence, family life, and even brain activity itself intertwine.&nbsp;



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



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-brain-identify-rewards-and-punishments/">amygdala</a> is a small but important part of your brain located in the temporal lobe. It plays a crucial role in processing emotions and managing reactions to your environment.&nbsp;



The amygdala helps you understand emotions, both yours and those of others. It analyzes situations and triggers emotional responses like fear, happiness, or anger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotionally-charged-memories-nbsp">Emotionally charged memories&nbsp;</h2>



When you experience something scary, the amygdala remembers it. This helps you learn what to avoid in the future, keeping you safe from potential threats.&nbsp;



Strong emotions can make memories more vivid and lasting. The amygdala plays a part in storing these emotionally charged memories for later recall.



By understanding the amygdala's functions, we can better understand how people react to emotional experiences and challenging situations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disadvantage-gets-under-the-skin">Disadvantage gets under the skin</h2>



“Decades of research has shown that growing up in neighborhoods with concentrated disadvantage can predict negative academic, behavioral and mental health outcomes in children and teens," said study co-author Dr. Luke W. Hyde.



"And recent research is beginning to show that one way it does that is by impacting the developing brain. However, less is known about how neighborhood disadvantage ‘gets under the skin’ to impact brain development."



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



The experts set out to investigate the link between neighborhood disadvantage and brain activity related to emotional processing. Using advanced imaging techniques, they monitored the amygdala as participants aged 7-19 viewed pictures of faces expressing various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psifi-wearable-device-interprets-emotions-of-people-near-you/">emotions</a> and shapes.&nbsp;



The researchers used brain scans to see how active the amygdala was when teens saw different pictures. They looked at:



<ul>
<li>Emotional faces: Showing fear or anger (threats)</li>



<li>Neutral faces: Not showing any emotion (unclear)</li>



<li>Shapes: Not linked to emotions (neutral)</li>
</ul>



The experts also considered factors like community violence exposure, parental support, and participant demographics.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-nbsp">Critical new insights&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed that the amygdala was especially active when people looked at pictures of scared or angry faces. These faces are often signs of danger in the real world.&nbsp;



For teens who have been exposed to violence in their community, the amygdala was even more active. This suggests that their brains may have changed to be more alert and ready for danger.



The amygdala was also more active when teens looked at pictures of faces with no clear emotion. These faces don't usually tell you anything about whether someone is scared or angry.&nbsp;



However, for people who have been exposed to violence, even these uncertain faces might seem like they could be dangerous. This could mean that their brains are generally more on guard when it comes to reading other people's faces, possibly as a way to stay safe in dangerous environments.



“This makes sense as it’s adaptive for adolescents to be more in tune to threats when living in a more dangerous neighborhood,” said Dr Hyde.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specificity-of-brain-activity">Specificity of brain activity</h2>



The scientists also studied how the violence affects the amygdala. They found different parts of the amygdala react differently. Some parts seem tuned to specific noise, especially those that might signal danger.



Using scans, they pinpointed which tiny areas ("voxels") in the amygdala are most active after people experience violence. This showed that violence doesn't affect the whole amygdala equally, it's more specific. Certain areas are more sensitive and react stronger, suggesting they handle different types of emotional and social clues.



The connection shows our brains are amazing at adapting. After violence, specific parts of the amygdala become more alert to better detect threats, like a survival mechanism. But this heightened sensitivity can also lead to stress and anxiety in violent environments.



Knowing which parts of the amygdala are affected helps us create targeted support for people to manage the emotional impact of violence.



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



The researchers found that when teenagers who have seen violence get good support from their parents, their brains react less strongly to danger.&nbsp;



This support from parents acts like a shield. By creating a safe and loving environment, parents can help their children manage their feelings better. This makes them less likely to overreact to things that seem scary, which can help prevent anxiety and stress problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-in-the-face-of-adversity">Resilience in the face of adversity</h2>



“Despite living in a disadvantaged neighborhood, children with more nurturing and involved parents were not as likely to be exposed to community violence, and for those who were exposed, having a more nurturing parent diminished the impact of violence exposure on the brain,” said study co-author Gabriela L. Suarez, a graduate student in Developmental Psychology at the University of Michigan.



“These findings really highlight how nurturing and involved parents are helping to support their children’s success, even in potentially harsh environments, and offer clues as to why some youth are resilient even when facing adversity.”



The knowledge can help kids in two ways. First, it helps them feel less stressed and anxious right away. Second, it helps them learn healthier ways to cope with difficult situations. This can have lasting benefits, making them less likely to struggle with emotional problems later in life.



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



The study shows how violence in communities hurts teenagers' brains and development. It affects everything from how governments make decisions to what schools teach.



We need programs to help reduce violence, especially in areas with high risk. This could involve funding programs that make communities safer and less violent. We also need to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare.



“Parents may be an important buffer against these broader structural inequalities, and thus working with parents may be one way to help protect children -- while we also work on policies to reduce the concentration of disadvantage in neighborhoods and the risk for exposure to violence in the community,” said study co-author Dr. Alex Burt.



Programs that teach parents how to support their children emotionally are crucial. This could involve workshops, counseling, and resources to help them manage stress. Schools and community centers can offer programs that teach parents and children how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and deal with stress.



Schools can teach children and teens about the effects of violence and how to cope with them. This may include lessons on managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and dealing with stress. Schools in high-risk areas may need special programs to help students who have experienced violence, such as counseling and mental health support.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001712" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Developmental Psychology</a>.



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Exposure to violence may rewire teenage brains

Imagine growing up surrounded by fear and uncertainty. Your neighborhood...

Our cities are full of life, bustling with traffic and daily activities. But hidden in the air is a danger we can't see: tiny particles called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/">PM2.5</a>, mostly from car exhaust.&nbsp;



We know air pollution hurts our lungs and hearts, but new research from <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emory University</a> suggests something even scarier: it might raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease, a brain illness affecting millions of people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-tissue-markers">Brain tissue markers</h2>



This study looked at the possible link between air pollution and brain changes related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-plays-a-major-role-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer's</a> disease. The researchers examined brain tissue from 224 individuals with confirmed Alzheimer's disease who had donated their brains after passing away.



They checked for signs of Alzheimer's disease by looking for specific markers in the brain tissue, like neuritic plaques. This helped them assess the severity of the disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-exposure">Air pollution exposure</h2>



The experts estimated how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-composition-of-us-air-pollution-has-changed-over-time/">air pollution</a> people were exposed to based on where they lived and traffic patterns. Different timeframes (1 year, 3 years, 5 years) were considered before the person passed away.



The researchers used statistical models to see if there was a connection between air pollution exposure and the severity of Alzheimer's disease markers. They also considered whether a specific gene, Apolipoprotein E (APOE), influenced this connection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increase-in-neuritic-plaques">Increase in neuritic plaques</h2>



The researchers found that higher exposure to PM2.5 was associated with higher levels of neuritic plaques in the brain. These are protein clumps considered a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.



The more PM2.5 someone was exposed to, the higher their risk of having more plaques. People with higher PM2.5 exposure were nearly twice as likely to have higher plaque levels compared to those with lower exposure.



The link was stronger when looking at PM2.5 exposure in the year before death. This suggests a potentially shorter-term impact of air pollution on Alzheimer's brain changes.&nbsp;



“These results add to the evidence that fine particulate matter from traffic-related air pollution affects the amount of amyloid plaque in the brain,” said study author Anke Huels from Emory University in Atlanta. “More research is needed to investigate the mechanisms behind this link.”



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



The team explored whether the link between air pollution and Alzheimer's brain changes were influenced by genetics. The study was specifically focused on the APOE gene, which is known to increase Alzheimer's risk.



The analysis revealed that people without the APOE gene seemed more affected by air pollution in terms of Alzheimer's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-screen-time-changes-the-brain-based-on-23-years-of-research/">brain changes</a>.&nbsp;



For those without the gene, higher air pollution exposure was linked to a more than two-fold higher risk of having more plaques.



“This suggests that environmental factors such as air pollution could be a contributing factor to Alzheimer’s in patients in which the disease cannot be explained by genetics,” Dr Huels said.



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



The study shows that things in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-butts-leak-thousands-of-deadly-toxins-into-the-environment/">environment</a>, like air pollution, can affect our chances of getting Alzheimer's disease. This means we can potentially prevent Alzheimer's by paying attention to the environment and keeping it healthy.



Air pollution has been linked to changes in the brain that are similar to those seen in Alzheimer's. This suggests that stricter rules are needed to limit air pollution, especially PM2.5, which comes from car exhaust and other sources. Lowering these limits in cities and factories could help protect people's health.



The study also suggests that cities could be designed differently to reduce air pollution from traffic. This could involve making it easier and safer for people to walk, bike, or use public transportation, instead of driving cars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-health-implications">Global health implications</h2>



People with lower incomes and those living in certain areas are often exposed to more air pollution. The findings suggest that reducing these differences in how much pollution people are exposed to could be important for preventing Alzheimer's disease.



Air pollution is a major threat to public health around the world, and so is Alzheimer's disease. This means that the findings are important for everyone. By cleaning up the air we breathe, we could help prevent Alzheimer's disease in many different communities around the world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209162" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>.



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Traffic-related air pollution linked to increased Alzheimer's risk

Our cities are full of life, bustling with traffic and...

Oxygen,Pressure,Chamber,Is,Being,Treated.,Treatment,Of,Pneumonia,And

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers have seemingly magical healing powers

Imagine being told that there exists a method to reverse...

As the world faces the growing threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate change</a>, finding ways to reduce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) is more important than ever. Planting trees across large areas, known as forestation, has been suggested as a solution. 



While it seems simple, the impact of widespread forestation on our planet is more complicated than we might think.



A recent study from the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a> has explored this complexity in detail. The researchers used advanced models to examine how adding large amounts of trees to Earth would affect the climate. While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-forests-are-unexpected-heroes-of-carbon-capture/">forestation</a> is known to absorb CO2 and cool the planet, the study reveals other, less obvious consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-of-large-scale-forestation">Potential impact of large-scale forestation</h2>



The experts used two advanced climate models to simulate how the planet's climate and weather would change if there were a lot more trees in suitable areas around the world.



A key part of their study was creating a scenario where forests covered much more land than they do now. This scenario helped them understand the biggest possible impact that forests could have on climate.



The researchers looked at both the well-known benefits of forests, like storing carbon dioxide, and lesser-known effects, like how forests influence the chemicals in the air and how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-sunlight-enhances-libido/">sunlight</a> Earth reflects back into space.



They found that these chemical and reflective effects are linked: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-forests-are-in-a-race-against-climate-change/">forests</a> release chemicals that affect clouds and the air, and the amount of sunlight Earth reflects depends on how much forest cover there is. This link is important because it can influence how much Earth warms or cools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-on-atmospheric-composition">Effects on atmospheric composition</h2>



Planting more trees can have both cooling and warming effects on the climate. The good news: When forests grow, they release more biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). These compounds react with other chemicals in the air to form tiny particles called organic aerosols.&nbsp;



The aerosols act like tiny mirrors, reflecting sunlight back into space and cooling the Earth. This cooling effect can help counteract the warming caused by other factors, like reduced reflectivity of the Earth's surface.&nbsp;



Professor Dominick Spracklen of the University of Leeds, who was not involved in the study, said: "This study highlights the amazingly complex role of forests in our climate system. Through calculating how forests alter atmospheric composition, this study provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of the climate impacts of large-scale forestation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-radiative-forcing-nbsp">Positive radiative forcing&nbsp;</h2>



Planting trees can make the ground absorb more sunlight, and this is particularly the case in areas with a lot of snow. This is because forests are generally darker than snow and reflect less sunlight back into space.



The absorption of sunlight warms the planet. This effect is called positive radiative forcing. The effect is stronger in places farther north where there's more contrast between the dark forests and reflective snow.



The study suggests that this warming effect can reduce the benefit of forests storing carbon dioxide, which helps cool the planet. This is especially true if we plant a lot of trees in high-latitude regions. Therefore, where we plant trees to fight climate change matters.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planting-trees-and-proper-planning">Planting trees and proper planning</h2>



Dr. Stephanie Roe, WWF Global Climate and Energy Lead Scientist, and co-author of the study said: “We know that forests are critically important for biodiversity, water, ecosystem services, and the climate. What this research shows is that the effectiveness of reforestation for climate mitigation declines significantly in higher latitudes and unless paired with deep emission reductions which reduces air pollution.&nbsp;



“It underscores the importance of properly planning reforestation efforts and adequately accounting for biophysical and future climate impacts in different latitudes and regions. Importantly, the study finds that preventing deforestation, when compared to reforestation efforts, is a far more efficient way to mitigate climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excessive-tree-planting-can-cause-problems">Excessive tree planting can cause problems</h2>



Planting more trees seems like a no-brainer for fighting climate change. But there's a twist: forests can also release other gases that contribute to warming, like methane and ozone.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane">Methane</h3>



This gas comes from rotting plants and wet areas, both common in forests. It's much more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, so even small amounts matter. Planting trees in wetlands could increase methane emissions, potentially negating some of the carbon storage benefits.



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



This gas is a pollutant found in smog, not the good kind high up in the atmosphere. Trees emit chemicals that react with other pollutants to create ozone. While ozone protects us from harmful sun rays high up, it's bad for us and the climate at ground level. More trees could mean more ozone, adding another wrinkle to the climate puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-warming-effect-of-trees">The warming effect of trees</h2>



The study examines the effectiveness of planting trees as a way to fight climate change by removing CO2 from the air. However, it finds that this benefit may be partially offset by other factors, like changes in how sunlight and heat interact with the Earth.



In a scenario where global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/">temperatures</a> rise significantly (4°C), up to a third of the cooling effect from planting trees could be canceled out by changes in the atmosphere.



On the contrary, if we limit warming to 2°C (like the Paris Agreement aims for), the negative effects are smaller, and planting trees is more effective.



So, what does this mean? Planting trees definitely helps, but it's not a magic bullet. We need to consider all their effects, good and bad, when planning big planting projects. Balancing their carbon-storing power with other factors is key to effectively tackling climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-tree-planting-strategies">Comparing tree planting strategies</h2>



The researchers also compared the different tree-planting strategies (planting new forests, restoring old ones, and thickening existing ones) to see how well they remove carbon dioxide from the air and fight climate change.



Planting new forests on land that was not previously forested (afforestation) seems to be the most effective strategy, followed by restoring old forests (reforestation) and making existing forests denser (enhancement).&nbsp;



But planting too many trees can have unintended consequences, like making the land darker and absorbing less sunlight (warming it up) or releasing gases that affect the atmosphere in complex ways.



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



The study emphasizes that planting trees isn't a simple solution and needs to be done carefully. Dr James Weber, from the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, said: “The public are bombarded with messages about climate change, and the suggestion that you can plant trees to offset your carbon emissions is widespread. Many businesses now offer to plant a tree with a purchase, and some countries plan to expand, conserve, and restore forests.”&nbsp;



“Trees can help tackle climate change, but we need to be careful about relying on them. We need to evaluate forestation, and other climate change mitigation strategies, in detail. This will help identify limitations and unintended consequences so these can be minimized where possible.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg6196" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Planting too many trees could spoil the planet

As the world faces the growing threat of climate change,...

Woman,Stretching,In,Bed,After,Waking,Up,,Back,View,,Entering

The significance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/while-in-deep-sleep-humans-can-subconsciously-respond-to-verbal-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> extends far beyond mere rest, playing a pivotal role in the consolidation of our memories, particularly those involving complex events and facts. 



While previous studies have largely focused on simple associations, such as learning new vocabulary, recent research spearheaded by Dr. Nicolas Lutz from the <a href="https://www.imp.med.uni-muenchen.de/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LMU Institute of Medical Psychology</a> sheds light on a more intricate aspect of memory consolidation during sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-simple-recall-the-complexity-of-memory">Beyond simple recall: The complexity of memory</h2>



Dr. Lutz explains, "events are generally made up of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-reset-sleep-restores-the-balance-between-order-and-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">numerous components</a> -- for example, a place, people, and objects -- which are linked together in the brain. Thanks to the neural connections that underlie these associations, a single cue word is often all it takes for somebody to recall not only individual aspects of an event but multiple aspects at once."



This phenomenon, known as pattern completion, is crucial for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-breathing-impacts-memory-formation-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">episodic memory</a>, allowing us to recall complex events in a rich, detailed manner.



The study, featured in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), delves into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consistent-sleep-slows-down-aging-at-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> influences our ability to remember events with intricate associations. 



Participants in the research first learned about events with complex connections. They were then divided into two groups: one spent the night in a sleep laboratory, resting as usual, and the other stayed awake all night. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-as-the-hero-of-complex-memory-consolidation">Sleep as the hero of complex memory consolidation</h2>



Following a recovery night at home, their recall of various associations between the event elements was tested.



Dr. Lutz summarizes the findings, saying, "We were able to demonstrate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-color-has-no-impact-on-our-internal-clocks-or-sleep-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> specifically consolidates weak associations and strengthens new associations between elements that were not directly connected with each other during learning."



"Moreover, the ability to remember multiple elements of an event together, after having been presented with just a single cue, was improved after sleep compared to the condition in which the participants had stayed awake," Dr. Lutz explained.



This underscores sleep's critical role in enriching our memory by completing partial information and processing complex events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-spindles-and-memory">Sleep spindles and memory</h2>



A fascinating aspect of this study was the observation of sleep spindles, or bursts of neural oscillatory activity during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-impairs-the-brain-potentially-causing-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, in participants. 



These are closely tied to the active consolidation of memories, through the reactivation of neural structures involved in memory. 



Professor Luciana Besedovsky, the study's lead researcher, points out, "This finding suggests that sleep spindles play an important role in the consolidation of complex associations, which underlie the completion of memories of whole events."



The implications of this research are profound, suggesting that the enhancement of memory through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-need-more-sleep-in-the-winter-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> is a significant evolutionary adaptation. 



It enables individuals to form a more cohesive understanding of their surroundings, thereby improving their ability to anticipate future events. 



"Our results unveil a new function of sleep that offers an evolutionary advantage," Professor Besedovsky posits. “Furthermore, they open up new perspectives on how we store and access information about complex multielement events.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giving-thanks-to-sleep-for-our-complex-memories">Giving thanks to sleep for our complex memories</h2>



In summary, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-stimulation-can-improve-cardiac-function-overnight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> emerges as a pivotal player in the complex process of memory consolidation, revealing its indispensable role in enhancing and strengthening our recollection of intricate events. 



This fascinating research, led by Dr. Nicolas Lutz and Professor Luciana Besedovsky, illuminates the intricate workings of sleep-induced memory enhancement and underscores the evolutionary advantage provided by our nocturnal rest. 



By explaining how sleep spindles contribute to forming and solidifying complex associations, this study enhances our understanding of the cognitive processes underlying memory. 



Consequently, it underscores the critical importance of quality sleep in our daily lives, advocating for it as a fundamental pillar of cognitive health and well-being.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2314423121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Good sleep helps us remember facts and complex events

The significance of sleep extends far beyond mere rest, playing...

Northwest Mexico's small fishing communities face a double threat: protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-of-climate-change-have-created-a-new-ocean/">ocean ecosystems</a> while supporting local livelihoods. Climate change intensifies this challenge, pushing both systems towards peril.



A new study explores how different community management styles, such as cooperative or individual ventures, influence resilience against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-cycles-predicting-the-impacts-of-climate-change/">climate impacts</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-fishers">Monitoring the fishers</h2>



The researchers looked into how small fishing communities deal with big environmental changes in the sea. They focused on the activities of the fishers, how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/">fish</a> they caught, and their earnings over time.&nbsp;



The team used a method that identifies the links between the fishers and the sea, and shows how these links change. They compared groups of fishers who work together in teams, called cooperatives, with those who work on their own, to see if teamwork helps them better handle the changes in the sea.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooperation-is-key">Cooperation is key</h2>



“We see that, depending on how they're organized, they are better able to adapt to climate change, but it comes with tradeoffs,” said Professor Xavier Basurto of the <a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke Marine Lab</a>.



The team found that the cooperatives are more adaptable and resilient to climate change than individual businesses. Cooperatives share resources, knowledge, and decision-making, allowing them to adapt more effectively. They diversify their fishing activities, explore new locations, and even target different species to maintain income.&nbsp;



This interconnectedness strengthens their network and makes them more resilient. Unfortunately, individual fishers struggle alone, lacking the resources and support of a collective.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-climate-changes">Strategies for climate changes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/">Climate change</a> throws a curveball at small-scale fisheries. When climate disrupts the ocean, fishermen need to adjust quickly to keep their businesses afloat. The researchers found that they follow several strategies in such cases.



When the climate changes the fish population, fishermen try catching different types that are now more plentiful. This helps them in the short term, but it can also lead to overfishing these new species, hurting future catches.



If the local fishing grounds are empty, fishermen might venture further out. This can give struggling communities a lifeline, but it can also put pressure on new areas and create conflicts with other ocean users.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-strategies-are-needed">Long-term strategies are needed</h2>



While quick fixes like switching catches offer a temporary lifeline, they can harm fish and their homes in the long run.&nbsp;



Real strength comes from a bigger picture, understanding that healthy fisheries rely on healthy oceans and thriving communities. Spreading income beyond just fishing, using less harmful ways to catch fish, and protecting important underwater places like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/">coral reefs</a> are all key.



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



Millions of people around the world depend on small-scale fisheries for their food and income, especially in coastal communities. By understanding how these fisheries can adapt and succeed despite changes in the climate, we can help ensure that these communities and their way of life can continue.



The study not only looks at how fisheries can adapt, but also how they can do so in a way that protects the ocean. By finding ways to fish that both hurt the environment less and make fisheries more resilient to climate change, this research helps us balance the needs of people with the need to protect the ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-challenges">Multiple challenges </h2>



“Climate variability and change in ocean ecosystems create challenges for fisheries’ sustainability, both economically and environmentally," said Timothy Frawley, the first author on the paper and researcher at the University of Maine Darling Marine Center.



"While we know quite a bit about how individual fishers and coastal fishing communities are responding to changing oceans, less is known about how the social structures through which they choose to organize themselves may influence their vulnerability to associated shocks and stressors and their capacity to adapt."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-diverse-fishing-communities">Solutions for diverse fishing communities</h2>



Climate change help for fishing communities needs to be specific to how they manage themselves and how able they are to adapt. This means different policies for different groups, and providing resources, information, and tools that help them adjust to changing conditions in a way that lasts.



While communities need to adjust to survive now, they also need to think about the long term. Some ways to adapt might actually make things worse in the long run. Building resilience means finding ways to make a living from fishing that are good for the environment and don't put communities at risk in the future. This might involve fishing in more sustainable ways, or taking better care of the ocean.



Additionally, how small fishing communities adapt to climate change can affect everyone differently. It's important to make sure that everyone benefits, and that the most vulnerable people aren't left behind.&nbsp;



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



Further research on the social and economic impacts of climate change on fishing communities, including gender, income diversification, and well-being, would provide a more complete understanding of vulnerability and resilience.&nbsp;



Moreover, studying different regions and fishery types could show how factors like society, economy, environment, and governance affect resilience and adaptation.&nbsp;



“It is really exciting to see how fine-scale information on fishing organizations can illuminate our understanding of responses to climate impacts,” said Heather Leslie, a professor of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine.&nbsp;



“It would be great to be able to do this type of analysis in New England, particularly given the growing interest in innovative approaches to fisheries, aquaculture and other dimensions of the blue economy.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2024.102805" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Environmental Change</a>.



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Fishing communities cooperate to survive climate change

Northwest Mexico's small fishing communities face a double threat: protecting...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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