Scientists have long looked to oxygen when searching for signs of life beyond Earth. This gas sustains breathing and enables animals and plants to flourish. Now, researchers suggest that oxygen might also point to advanced technology. 



If an exoplanet’s atmosphere holds enough oxygen, it may not only support organisms but also help them spark fire, build structures, and craft machinery.



A study in Nature Astronomy presents this view, highlighting oxygen’s value as more than just a sign of biology. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-civilization-and-technology">Oxygen, civilization, and technology</h2>



Leading this research are <a href="https://www.pas.rochester.edu/people/faculty/frank_adam/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adam Frank</a>, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester, and <a href="https://www-en.fisica.uniroma2.it/phone-directory/balbia_en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amedeo Balbi</a>, an associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Roma Tor Vergata, Italy.



Together with their team, they set out to explore whether oxygen is a key factor in allowing extraterrestrial civilizations to emerge and thrive through the development of technology.



“We are ready to find signatures of life on alien worlds,” Frank says. “But how do the [oxygen] conditions on a planet tell us about the possibilities for intelligent, technology-producing life?” 



This question drives efforts to examine oxygen’s role beyond respiration and metabolism, especially in relation to large-scale industrial activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-oxygen-matters-for-civilizations">Why oxygen matters for civilizations</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-cells-capable-of-photosynthesis-created-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photosynthesis</a> on Earth accounts for the bulk of our oxygen on our planet, thanks to countless organisms that use sunlight to make food. 



Because this process produces so much oxygen, it has been considered a biosignature. A planet with significant oxygen levels hints that life may be present, but Frank and Balbi argue that oxygen also has a second function.



“<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02112-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In our paper</a>, we explore whether any atmospheric composition would be compatible with the presence of advanced technology,” Balbi says. “We found that the atmospheric requirements may be quite stringent.”



The link to technology comes from open-air combustion. Smelting metals, cooking food, and powering engines all rely on oxygen. 



Any alien civilization that forges metals would need a certain percentage of oxygen in its air to keep fires burning reliably. That percentage, according to Earth’s history, appears to be around 18 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-and-the-18-threshold">Fire and the 18% threshold</h2>



“You might be able to get biology -- you might even be able to get intelligent creatures -- in a world that doesn’t have oxygen,” Frank says, “but without a ready source of fire, you’re never going to develop higher technology because higher technology requires fuel and melting.” 



He calls attention to fire’s role in shaping tools, infrastructure, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wellbeing-is-a-more-effective-focus-area-when-discussing-energy-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy production</a>. Metalworking, for instance, depends on sustaining flames hot enough to melt ore and craft refined structures.



Frank and Balbi refer to this requirement as an “oxygen bottleneck.” A planet might host life forms of various kinds, yet remain stuck without the combustion needed to fuel industrial breakthroughs. 



“The presence of high degrees of oxygen in the atmosphere is like a bottleneck you have to get through in order to have a technological species,” Frank says. 



“You can have everything else work out, but if you don’t have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/it-took-200-million-years-for-earth-to-get-its-oxygen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen in the atmosphere</a>, you’re not going to have a technological species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-technology-create-technosignatures">Oxygen + technology create "technosignatures"</h2>



Frank thinks that exoplanets with oxygen levels at or above 18 percent should be at the top of our search list. 



“Targeting planets with high oxygen levels should be prioritized because the presence or absence of high oxygen levels in exoplanet atmospheres could be a major clue in finding potential technosignatures,” Frank says. 



Planets that exceed this level may have the capacity for factories, infrastructure, or communication networks.



Balbi notes that interpreting any possible signal of intelligent life will be challenging. 



“The implications of discovering intelligent, technological life on another planet would be huge,” adds Balbi. “Therefore, we need to be extremely cautious in interpreting possible detections. 



Their study suggests that astronomers should be skeptical of potential technosignatures from a planet with insufficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric oxygen</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technosphere-vs-biotechnosphere">Technosphere vs. biotechnosphere</h2>



Frank and Balbi’s perspective also covers the idea of a technosphere, which is the collective output of an advanced civilization. 



Factories, vehicles, and power grids all fit under this label. They rely on resources provided by the planet’s biosphere but stretch beyond purely natural processes. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-technology-is-a-modern-solution-for-clean-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burning fuels in open air</a> has been central to every major industrial leap, from forging steel to generating electricity.



When these technologies reach a global scale, they form a biotechnosphere. This term applies to the interplay of living systems and technology -- essentially, how organisms and machines coexist. 



On Earth, that includes everything from smartphones to farms, all running side by side. A well-established biotechnosphere might produce clear signals in the atmosphere: waste gases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-2024s-record-heat-unveiling-earths-climate-danger-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual heat patterns</a>, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals not normally found in nature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-machines-and-ecosystems">Balancing machines and ecosystems</h2>



History shows that as technology expands, it can sometimes damage or alter environments. Factories might pump pollutants into the air, while deforestation removes habitats that produce oxygen. 



Yet there is an ongoing move toward cleaner energy and more efficient resource use. If any alien civilization follows a similar path, we might detect certain byproducts in the form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engineered molecules</a>.



Though the focus is on oxygen, other factors matter too, such as temperature and access to metals or fuels. A planet may need stable conditions for life to progress to a point where industry becomes possible.



That said, Frank and Balbi’s findings highlight how oxygen stands out among these factors, because it directly enables combustion processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-and-progress-in-earth-s-past">Fire and progress in Earth’s past</h2>



Earth’s own development through advances in technology offers insight into how vital oxygen has been for technical achievements.



Once our atmosphere had enough of it, humans learned to manipulate fire for cooking and for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-wooden-structure-completely-rewrites-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">making stronger materials</a>. 



From simple smithing to modern manufacturing, every stage of growth involved open-air combustion.



“You can have everything else work out, but if you don’t have oxygen in the atmosphere, you’re not going to have a technological species,” Frank says. 



This idea underlines how a single factor -- oxygen -- can open or close the door to industrial progress, altering a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s entire future path</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-technology-and-next-steps">Oxygen, technology, and next steps</h2>



Observatories now in the works may soon gather data about exoplanet atmospheres in detail. Detecting a high oxygen content could mark a world that supports advanced living organisms. 



The next task is to look for proof of industry or technology, sometimes called technosignatures. These might appear as chemical emissions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-radio-signal-reaches-earth-after-8-billion-years-frb-20220610a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio signals</a>, or specific spectral lines.



If these two checks-- oxygen above 18 percent and evidence of artificial activity -- both yield results, we will have a strong indication that we share the universe with another technological civilization. 



That reality could reshape how we see ourselves and our place among the stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter-0">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Understanding the significance of atmospheric oxygen can also inspire reflection on our home planet. Human industries <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rely heavily on combustion</a>, from running cars to powering factories. This has changed Earth’s ecosystems. 



As we learn more about how oxygen in an atmosphere enables or limits technology, we might gain new ideas on how to manage our own balance between growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental health</a>.



Ultimately, Frank and Balbi’s argument shows that oxygen may do far more than keep living cells alive. It might be the clearest signal of whether a planet can support the technologies that shape modern societies. 



By recognizing the 18 percent threshold, scientists can refine their search for advanced life and possibly move closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone, or is someone else using fire to reshape their world?



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02112-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Oxygen levels on exoplanets reveal presence of alien technology

Scientists have long looked to oxygen when searching for signs of life beyond Earth. This gas sustains breathing and enables animals and plants to flourish. Now, researchers suggest that oxygen might also point to advanced technology. If an exoplanet’s atmosphere holds enough oxygen, it may not only support organisms but also help them spark fire, build structures, and craft machinery. A study in Nature Astronomy presents this view, highlighting oxygen’s value as more than just a sign of biology. Oxygen, civilization, and technology Leading this research are...

Graphene,Energy,Structure

In an era where technological advancements are rapidly transforming lives, scientists have made a significant stride in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nano-sensors-can-quickly-detect-pesticides-on-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanotechnology</a>, focusing on graphene -- a material renowned for its exceptional properties and vast potential in various applications. 



This revolutionary nanomaterial, celebrated for being the thinnest, strongest, and most flexible material known, is now being developed with a keen eye on human health safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-graphene-s-promise-the-dawn-of-a-new-era">Graphene's promise: The dawn of a new era</h2>



Recent research reveals that controlled inhalation of a specific form of graphene, known as graphene oxide, does not present short-term health risks to lung or cardiovascular functions. 



This finding comes from the first-ever controlled exposure clinical trial involving human participants, emphasizing the material's safety under specific conditions. 



Graphene oxide, a water-compatible form of graphene, was used in this pioneering study to ensure ultra-purity and compatibility for potential medical applications.



The study, a collaborative effort by researchers from the Universities of <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edinburgh</a> and <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester</a>, signifies a critical step in understanding graphene's interaction with the human body. 



Despite the promising results, the researchers advocate for further investigations to explore the effects of higher doses or prolonged exposure to graphene, considering its incredibly fine structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-hazards-of-graphene-oxide-inhalation">Potential hazards of graphene oxide inhalation</h2>



Graphene's allure as a 'wonder material' stems from its discovery in 2004 and its potential to revolutionize industries ranging from electronics to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanotech-filtration-seawater-drinkable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water purification</a>. 



Its application in developing targeted therapies for cancer and other health conditions, as well as its use in implantable devices and sensors, underscores the need for rigorous safety assessments before clinical use.



The research involved 14 volunteers who were exposed to graphene oxide under meticulously controlled conditions. 



Participants breathed in the material through a mask while cycling within a mobile exposure chamber, ensuring precise monitoring of any health effects. 



The study meticulously measured impacts on lung function, blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation markers, with follow-up tests conducted to compare responses to different sizes of graphene oxide and clean air.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-immediate-threat-to-human-health">No immediate threat to human health</h2>



Remarkably, the study found no significant adverse effects on lung function or blood pressure, with only a minimal suggestion of impact on blood clotting -- a finding that underscores the need for careful material design in nanotechnology <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-control-clothing-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applications</a>.



Dr. Mark Miller, from the University of Edinburgh, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe manufacture of nanomaterials like graphene to harness their full potential safely. 



“Nanomaterials such as graphene hold such great promise, but we must ensure they are manufactured in a way that is safe before they can be used more widely in our lives," explained Dr. Miller.



“Being able to explore the safety of this unique material in human volunteers is a huge step forward in our understanding of how graphene could affect the body. With careful design we can safely make the most of nanotechnology.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-safe-nanomaterials-in-medicine">The future of safe nanomaterials in medicine</h2>



Similarly, Professor Kostas Kostarelos of the University of Manchester and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (<a href="https://icn2.cat/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICN2</a>) in Barcelona highlighted the decade-long journey to this research milestone. 



He reflected on the comprehensive approach combining materials science, biology, and clinical expertise.



“This is the first-ever controlled study involving healthy people to demonstrate that very pure forms of graphene oxide -- of a specific size distribution and surface character -- can be further developed in a way that would minimize the risk to human health," said Kostarelos.



“It has taken us more than 10 years to develop the knowledge to carry out this research, from a materials and biological science point of view, but also from the clinical capacity to carry out such controlled studies safely by assembling some of the world’s leading experts in this field.”&nbsp;



The British Heart Foundation's Professor Bryan Williams lauded the study's implications for the development of new medical devices and treatments, expressing anticipation for future studies that could pave the way for the safe use of nanomaterials in life-saving applications.



“The discovery that this type of graphene can be developed safely, with minimal short term side effects, could open the door to the development of new devices, treatment innovations and monitoring techniques," Williams said.



“We look forward to seeing larger studies over a longer timeframe to better understand how we can safely use nanomaterials like graphene to make leaps in delivering lifesaving drugs to patients.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-graphene-s-potential-is-finally-for-prime-time">Graphene's potential is finally for prime time</h2>



In summary, this exciting and long overdue study on graphene, particularly its oxide form, marks a significant milestone in the journey towards harnessing nanotechnology's full potential while prioritizing human health. 



Researchers have demonstrated that controlled exposure to graphene oxide poses no immediate threat to lung or cardiovascular health, laying a foundation for future innovations in various fields, from medicine to environmental technologies. 



This research reassures the public and scientific community about the safety of emerging nanomaterials and encourages continued exploration and development, ensuring that the incredible promise of graphene can be realized safely and effectively. 



As we venture further into the realm of nanotechnology, this study serves as a pivotal reminder of the importance of meticulous research and responsible application in unlocking the transformative power of materials like graphene.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-023-01572-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Nanotechnology</a>.



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Nanotech material, graphene, is found to be safe for humans

In an era where technological advancements are rapidly transforming lives,...

Beneath the ocean's mysterious depths, a revolution in exploration is brewing. Researchers at California Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>) are pioneering a unique approach: biohybrid jellyfish robots. 



The robots combine living <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-are-capable-of-more-complex-learning-than-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> with tiny electronics, transforming them into data-gathering machines. Consequently, this project unlocks the potential to explore Earth's final frontier, with profound implications for climate research and beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-the-gap-biohybrid-jellyfish-robots-as-aquatic-explorers">Bridging the gap: Biohybrid jellyfish robots as aquatic explorers</h2>



This initiative, detailed in a study published in the journal Bioinspiration &amp; Biomimetics, introduces the creation of biohybrid robotic jellyfish. 



These are not your average sea creatures. They are essentially ocean-going cyborgs, enhanced with electronics to improve their swimming capabilities and equipped with a prosthetic "hat" that not only streamlines their movement but also allows them to carry small payloads. 



John Dabiri, the Centennial Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering at Caltech and the brain behind this research, envisions these biohybrid jellyfish as innovative data-gatherers. 



Their mission is to traverse the oceans, collecting crucial information on temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels -- all vital data that sheds light on Earth’s changing climate.



Dabiri articulates the critical yet underexplored role of the ocean in determining our climate's present and future, saying, "It’s well known that the ocean is critical for determining our present and future climate on land, and yet, we still know surprisingly little about the ocean, especially away from the surface. 



"Our goal is to finally move that needle by taking an unconventional approach inspired by one of the few animals that already successfully explores the entire ocean," Dabiri explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-mechanical-to-biohybrid-robot-solutions">From mechanical to biohybrid robot solutions</h2>



The journey to biohybrid robotic jellyfish began with Dabiri's attempts to mimic the swimming mechanism of jellyfish through mechanical robots. 



Despite achieving a robot that swam like its biological counterpart, it fell short in efficiency compared to a real jellyfish. This realization steered the focus towards enhancing jellyfish themselves, leveraging their natural prowess in ocean exploration. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-can-regenerate-functioning-tentacles-in-just-a-few-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jellyfish</a> are the original ocean explorers, reaching its deepest corners and thriving just as well in tropical or polar waters," Dabiri says. "Since they don't have a brain or the ability to sense pain, we've been able to collaborate with bioethicists to develop this biohybrid robotic application in a way that's ethically principled."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-biohybrid-jellyfish-robots">Science behind biohybrid jellyfish robots</h2>



In a significant advancement, Dabiri's team previously developed an electronic pacemaker to control the jellyfish's swimming speed, discovering that faster swimming rates improved their efficiency. 



Building on this, the team introduced a novel addition: forebodies, or prosthetic "hats," designed by graduate student Simon Anuszczyk. 



These devices not only streamline the jellyfish, reducing drag and enhancing performance, but also serve as carriers for sensors and electronics. 



"Much like the pointed end of an arrow, we designed 3D-printed forebodies to streamline the bell of the jellyfish robot, reduce drag, and increase swimming performance," Anuszczyk says. 



"At the same time, we experimented with 3D printing until we were able to carefully balance the buoyancy and keep the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-known-swimming-jellyfish-date-back-505-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> swimming vertically."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-jellyfish-robots-with-deep-vertical-dives">Testing the jellyfish robots with deep vertical dives</h2>



To evaluate the augmented jellyfish's capabilities, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/biohybrid-robotic-jellyfish_testing-tank_Caltech_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique vertical aquarium</a> was constructed within Caltech's Guggenheim Laboratory. This three-story tank, resembling a vertical treadmill for swimmers, enables researchers to simulate deep ocean conditions. 



Swim tests revealed that jellyfish, when equipped with the swimming pacemaker and forebody, could swim up to 4.5 times faster than their natural counterparts while carrying a payload, all at a cost of about $20 per jellyfish. This presents a cost-effective alternative to the exorbitant expenses of operating research vessels.



Looking ahead, Dabiri expresses excitement about the potential insights from parts of the ocean previously unobserved. The team aims to further enhance the biohybrid jellyfish, potentially making them steerable for comprehensive horizontal and vertical exploration. 



"By using the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-impacts-helmet-jellyfish-foretell-the-dangers-of-seafloor-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a>'s natural capacity to withstand extreme pressures in the deep ocean and their ability to power themselves by feeding, our engineering challenge is a lot more manageable," Dabiri adds. 



"We still need to design the sensor package to withstand the same crushing pressures, but that device is smaller than a softball, making it much easier to design than a full submarine vehicle operating at those depths," Dabiri concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jellyfish-biohybrid-robots-and-the-future">Jellyfish, biohybrid robots, and the future</h2>



In summary, this fascinating work on biohybrid robotic jellyfish at Caltech marks a significant leap forward in oceanographic exploration. By merging the natural efficiency of jellyfish with cutting-edge technology, researchers have opened a new chapter in our quest to uncover the mysteries of the ocean. 



This innovative approach demonstrates a cost-effective alternative to traditional research methods while promising to expand our understanding of underwater ecosystems and their response to climate change. 



As we look toward the future, the potential for further enhancements and applications of biohybrid jellyfish invites us to reimagine the boundaries of exploration and scientific discovery beneath the waves.



Watch videos of these biohybrid jellyfish <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZfthP_7s5g" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by clicking here</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-biohybrid-robotics-and-jellyfish">More about biohybrid robotics and jellyfish</h2>



As discussed above, biohybrid robotics represents a revolutionary fusion of biological components with artificial robotic systems. This innovative approach aims to create more flexible, responsive, and adaptable machines that mimic the capabilities of living organisms. 



By integrating living cells, tissues, or organisms with mechanical elements, biohybrid robotics opens up new possibilities for medical advancements, environmental monitoring, and more.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basics-of-biohybrid-robotics">Basics of biohybrid robotics</h3>



Biohybrid robotics combines the strengths of biological systems with the precision and durability of robotic mechanisms. At its core, this interdisciplinary field leverages the self-healing, self-assembling, and adaptive capabilities of biological materials to enhance robotic functionality. 



Researchers incorporate a variety of biological components, including muscle cells, neurons, and even whole organisms, into robotic structures to achieve specific goals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-in-medicine">Applications in medicine</h3>



One of the most promising applications of biohybrid robotics lies in the medical field. Biohybrid devices can mimic the behavior of human muscles, organs, or other tissues, leading to advanced prosthetics and implants that offer enhanced functionality and integration with the human body. 



For example, biohybrid robots can serve as artificial muscles that respond to electrical stimuli, providing more natural movements for prosthetic limbs. Additionally, biohybrid systems are being developed to perform precise surgical operations, offering a new level of precision and control in minimally invasive surgery.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-monitoring-and-repair">Environmental monitoring and repair</h3>



Beyond medical applications, biohybrid robots are also making strides in environmental conservation and repair. Equipped with living cells or organisms, these robots can monitor pollutants, assess ecosystems, and even participate in bio-remediation efforts to clean up environmental damage. 



An example of this concept is seen in the biohybrid jellyfish robots developed by Caltech, as discussed previously in this article. Their ability to adapt and respond to changing conditions makes them particularly valuable for tasks in challenging or hazardous environments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-ethical-considerations">Challenges and ethical considerations</h3>



Despite its potential, the development of biohybrid robotics faces several challenges. Integrating living components with non-living systems requires careful consideration of biocompatibility, longevity, and ethical implications. 



Ensuring the survival and functionality of biological materials outside their natural environment poses significant technical hurdles. Moreover, the use of living organisms in robotics raises ethical questions regarding their welfare and the potential for unintended ecological impacts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-biohybrid-robotics">Future of biohybrid robotics</h3>



As research in biohybrid robotics advances, the potential for innovative applications continues to expand. Future developments may lead to more sophisticated bio-robots capable of autonomous decision-making, learning, and evolution, blurring the lines between biological life and artificial machines. 



With ongoing advancements in materials science, biotechnology, and robotics, biohybrid systems are poised to play a crucial role in the next generation of intelligent machines.



In summary, biohybrid robotics represents a fascinating convergence of biology and technology, offering the promise of machines that are more adaptable, efficient, and capable of interacting with the natural world in unprecedented ways. 



As researchers continue to explore this promising field, the boundaries between life and machine are set to become increasingly indistinct, heralding a new era of robotic innovation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-3190/ad277f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bioinspiration &amp; Biomimetics</a>.



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Biohybrid jellyfish robots are helping scientists explore the oceans

Beneath the ocean's mysterious depths, a revolution in exploration is...

Recent findings have solved a perplexing mystery of COVID-19 -- its ability to linger in the body long after the initial infection phase has passed. 



This research provides pivotal clues towards understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-iron-may-be-a-key-driver-of-long-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>, a condition that leaves patients grappling with symptoms for months or even years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-19-has-true-staying-power">COVID-19 has true staying power</h2>



The studies, led by <a href="https://profiles.ucsf.edu/michael.peluso" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Michael Peluso</a>, an infectious disease researcher at the UCSF School of Medicine, discovered that remnants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, specifically COVID antigens, could be detected in blood samples up to 14 months post-infection and in tissue samples for over two years. 



“These two studies provide some of the strongest evidence so far that COVID antigens can persist in some people, even though we think they have normal immune responses,” Peluso explained.



Initially, COVID-19 was regarded as a short-term illness. However, as the pandemic unfolded, a growing number of individuals, previously in good health, reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-linked-to-alcohol-sensitivity-and-debilitating-hangovers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonged symptoms</a> ranging from brain fog and digestive issues to vascular problems. This led researchers to delve deeper into the nature of the virus and its long-term impact on the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-and-tissue-samples-tell-the-tale">Blood and tissue samples tell the tale</h2>



In their investigation, the <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF</a> team analyzed blood samples from 171 individuals who had contracted COVID. Utilizing an ultra-sensitive assay designed to detect the virus's "spike" protein -- key to its ability to invade human cells -- the researchers found that the virus persisted in some participants for up to 14 months. 



Notably, those who had been hospitalized for COVID were about twice as likely to have detectable COVID antigens compared to those who weren't hospitalized. Furthermore, individuals who experienced severe symptoms without hospitalization also showed a higher likelihood of retaining these antigens.



Dr. Peluso emphasized the significance of these associations. “As a clinician, these associations convince me that we are on to something, because it makes sense that someone who had been sicker with COVID would have more antigen that can stick around,” Peluso said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-persistent-antigens-to-long-covid-lingering">From persistent antigens to long COVID lingering</h2>



To understand the presence of the virus in the body further, the researchers explored UCSF's Long COVID Tissue Bank, which houses samples from patients, both with and without long COVID. 



They discovered viral RNA fragments up to two years post-infection in connective tissue, a site rich in immune cells. This suggests that these viral remnants could be prompting an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-who-dont-get-sick-from-covid-19-may-have-a-genetic-mutation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune response</a>, potentially leading to long COVID symptoms. In some cases, there was evidence suggesting active viral presence.



These findings open the door to numerous questions regarding the relationship between these lingering viral fragments and long COVID, including associated risks like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccines-linked-to-neurological-blood-and-heart-related-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack and stroke</a>. 



Dr. Peluso highlighted the necessity for further research to unravel whether these persistent fragments drive long COVID symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closer-look-at-the-spike-protein">Closer look at the spike protein</h2>



In response to these discoveries, Dr. Peluso's team at UCSF is pioneering several clinical trials aimed at evaluating whether treatments such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-found-powerful-antibodies-that-neutralize-all-covid-variants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monoclonal antibodies</a> or antiviral drugs can effectively eliminate the virus from the body and alleviate long COVID symptoms.



Reflecting on the progress made, Dr. Peluso expressed optimism. “There is a lot more work to be done, but I feel like we are making progress in really understanding the long-term consequences of this infection,” Peluso said.



This research not only marks a significant step forward in comprehending the complexities of COVID-19 but also ignites hope for improving the lives of those affected by long COVID.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-establishing-a-new-battlefront-to-stop-the-covid-linger">Establishing a new battlefront to stop the COVID linger</h2>



In summary, the research conducted by UC San Francisco has significantly advanced our understanding of COVID-19, revealing that the virus can remain in the body far longer than previously thought. This finding potentially explains the enigmatic phenomenon of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cause-of-fatigue-in-long-covid-patients-has-finally-been-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>. 



By identifying viral antigens in blood and tissue samples months to years after infection, their study challenges our understanding of the virus's behavior offers new ideas for targeted treatments. 



With ongoing clinical trials exploring the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, there's renewed hope for those suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19. 



Dr. Peluso and his team's dedication to uncovering the mysteries of COVID-19's persistence underscores the importance of continued research in the fight against this ever-evolving virus, promising a future where long COVID can be effectively managed or even prevented.



These findings were among the key topics discussed at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (<a href="https://www.croiconference.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CROI</a>).



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COVID-19 virus lingers in the body up to two years after infection

Recent findings have solved a perplexing mystery of COVID-19 --...

In the quest to visualize the landscapes of our Mesolithic ancestors, scientists have turned to an unlikely source: hazelnut shells. Preserved through the ages, these shells offer a window into the past, unveiling whether ancient microhabitats surrounding archaeological sites were dense forests or open pastures. 



Consequently, this innovative approach not only paints a picture of past environments but also sheds light on the impacts that humans have had on these habitats over millennia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazelnut-shells-at-archaeological-sites">Hazelnut shells at archaeological sites</h2>



Dr. Amy Styring from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and her team have pioneered this research, focusing on hazelnuts found at archaeological sites across southern Sweden. The sites span from Mesolithic hunter-gatherer camps to major Iron Age settlements, providing a broad timeline for their study. 



"By analyzing the carbon in hazelnuts from these varied periods, we've discovered a shift towards harvesting in increasingly open environments," said Dr. Styring. This finding is crucial for understanding the interaction between early humans and their surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-hazelnuts-shells">Significance of hazelnuts shells</h2>



Hazelnuts have been a staple for northern Europeans for thousands of years, valued for their nutritional benefits and versatility. "The nuts were a significant source of energy and protein, easily stored and consumed in various forms," noted study senior author Dr. Karl Ljung of Lund University. 



Beyond their nutritional value, hazelnut shells served as a practical fuel source, highlighting the multifaceted role of hazel trees in early human societies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-hazelnut-shells">Insights from hazelnut shells</h2>



Focusing on the science, the study revolves around carbon isotopes found in hazel <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/remote-sensing-will-revolutionize-the-way-we-monitor-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a>. These isotopes vary according to the tree's exposure to sunlight and water, influenced by the density of surrounding vegetation. 



Specifically, in sun-rich, water-abundant Sweden, sunlight plays a pivotal role, making hazelnuts from open areas richer in certain carbon isotopes. "A hazelnut shell from an archaeological site thus acts as a record of the openness of the environment from which it was collected," said Ljung.



To confirm their method, the researchers collected hazelnuts from current hazeltrees in southern Sweden, exposed to different light levels, analyzing the carbon isotope values and their correlation with sunlight exposure. 



The experts applied these findings to hazelnut shells excavated from various archaeological sites, categorizing them into closed, open, or semi-open environments based on their carbon isotope composition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-landscapes-and-human-influence">Evolving landscapes and human influence</h2>



The study reveals a compelling narrative about how the environment around human settlements evolved over millennia. Initially, in the Mesolithic era, the research indicates that people primarily collected hazelnut shells from dense, forested areas. This suggests a landscape dominated by thick woodlands. 



However, by the Iron Age, the findings depict a shift to predominantly gathering hazelnuts from open areas, indicating significant environmental changes. This is possibly due to human activities like agriculture or natural climate fluctuations.



Several factors could have contributed to the transformation. Human activities like clearing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-around-the-world-are-turning-brown-during-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> for agriculture likely played a role, creating open fields. Alternatively, natural changes in climate may have influenced forest density.



This evolution shows humans increasingly affecting the environment. Also, the move to collect hazelnuts from open areas in the Iron Age suggests humans had already changed the landscape. 



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



"Our study unveils new avenues for connecting environmental changes directly to human activities," said Dr. Styring. Eagerly, the team plans to broaden their research by examining hazelnut shells from more sites. This expansion aims to deepen our understanding of ancient landscapes and human impacts. 



Ultimately, the research urges us to reconsider our current relationship with forests, offering a new perspective on the value of conserving natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-thrive-in-restored-habitats-near-solar-energy-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a>.



 The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fearc.2024.1351411/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology</a>.



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Hazelnut shells offer a glimpse of ancient landscapes

In the quest to visualize the landscapes of our Mesolithic...

Rainbow,Appears,Obove,Rocks,In,The,Aegean,Sea,After,A

A period known as the Carnian Pluvial Event, which occurred about 232 million years ago, marked a dramatic turn in Earth's climate history.&nbsp;



In an extraordinary shift, the planet transitioned from arid conditions to a prolonged phase of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/">rainfall</a> that lasted between one and two million years.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-dominated-by-rain">A world dominated by rain</h2>



This significant event was initially identified through the examination of peculiar sediment layers in ancient rocks during the late 20th century, and has since captivated the scientific community.&nbsp;



The evidence, found in diverse geographical locations from the Eastern Alps to the UK, points towards a world that was dominated by wet conditions, fundamentally altering the course of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-sediment-layers-nbsp">Unusual sediment layers&nbsp;</h2>



The story began to unfold in the 1970s and 80s when geologists stumbled upon unusual sediment layers embedded within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-rock-weathering-is-a-co2-source-comparable-to-volcanoes/">ancient rocks</a>. 



In the Eastern Alps, researchers found evidence of siliciclastic sedimentation - a deposit typically associated with water - within carbonate rocks. 



Similarly, in the UK, geologist and forensic scientist Alastair Ruffell investigated a layer of gray rock deposited within the region's characteristic red stone.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dawn-of-the-dinosaurs-nbsp">The dawn of the dinosaurs&nbsp;</h2>



The findings indicated a sudden and prolonged increase in precipitation that coincided with the dawn of the age of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">dinosaurs</a> - a time when these prehistoric giants began to diversify and flourish.&nbsp;



This correlation hinted at the possibility that the wet conditions could have been a catalyst for the evolutionary success of dinosaurs and other terrestrial fauna, marking a pivotal moment in Earth's biological history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-carnian-pluvial-event-nbsp">The Carnian Pluvial Event&nbsp;</h2>



The Carnian Pluvial Event, also known as the Carnian crisis, has left its mark in geological records across the globe, suggesting a widespread environmental impact.&nbsp;



The primary driver behind this extraordinary shift in climate appears to be a massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/">volcanic eruption</a> within the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province, stretching from south-central Alaska through the coast of British Columbia.&nbsp;



Jacopo Dal Corso, a researcher involved in studying the event, highlighted the eruption's colossal impact on the atmosphere, with the discharge of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide triggering spikes in global warming. 



This period of heightened volcanic activity coincided with Pangea, a supercontinent that dominated the Earth's landscape. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsoon-conditions-were-intensified-nbsp">Monsoon conditions were intensified&nbsp;</h2>



The geographical configuration of Pangea was already conducive to monsoon conditions, where moist air from the oceans would be drawn inland, cooling and precipitating as heavy rain.&nbsp;



Professor Paul Wignall of the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a> told New Scientist that the seas during this time were extraordinarily warm, comparing them the temperature of "hot soup." 



This ocean heat would have exacerbated the conditions for more frequent and intense monsoons, leading to unprecedented rainfall over land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-climate-changes-nbsp">Drastic climate changes&nbsp;</h2>



However, the Carnian Pluvial Event was not without its detrimental effects on life. Research published in the <a href="https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/full/10.1144/jgs2018-049#sec-6">Journal of the Geological Society</a> paints a grim picture of the environmental challenges during this time.&nbsp;



The volcanic eruptions that kickstarted this period were responsible for generating acid rain and releasing additional greenhouse gases, leading to rapid climate change.&nbsp;



This "shock warming" had catastrophic effects, including the stripping of vegetation and soils, as well as causing ocean anoxia and acidification. Such harsh conditions resulted in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decaying-tree-roots-may-have-caused-mass-extinctions/">mass extinctions</a>, reshaping the ecological landscape.



Ultimately, the drastic climate changes of the Carnian Pluvial Event paved the way for new forms of life to emerge and diversify, setting the stage for the dominance of dinosaurs and other modern terrestrial fauna. 



This event underscores the complex relationship between catastrophic environmental changes and evolutionary processes, offering valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.



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Earth endured over one million years of rain in the "Carnian Pluvial Event"

A period known as the Carnian Pluvial Event, which occurred...

Coral reefs are vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with life. But they're facing a major threat: coral bleaching, triggered by rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rescue-underway-florida-is-battling-an-unprecedented-coral-bleaching-crisis/">water temperatures</a>. This phenomenon causes corals to expel the algae living within their tissues, leaving them vulnerable to death.



New research from <a href="https://english.gxu.edu.cn/">Guangxi University</a> reveals that microbes living within corals might hold the key to their survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-and-coral-bleaching">Microbes and coral bleaching</h2>



Reefs are ecosystems built by tiny animals called corals. Microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae, live inside coral tissues in a mutually beneficial relationship.&nbsp;



These tiny microbes help the corals obtain nutrients, produce food using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/access-to-sunlight-is-critical-for-the-survival-of-coral-reefs/">sunlight</a>, and resist environmental damage. However, if the water temperature rises excessively, the corals expel the algae, causing them to lose their color and essential nutrients, known as coral bleaching.



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



The researchers studied the microscopic organisms residing within corals found in the South China Sea. The goal of the investigation was to determine how microbes may influence a reef's resistance to coral bleaching.



The team examined 18 different coral species and discovered patterns within the communities of microscopic organisms living inside them. These patterns were linked to the coral's susceptibility to bleaching.&nbsp;



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



The study revealed that corals which are resistant to bleaching often have many heat-resistant Symbiodiniaceae in their tissues. This algae is essential for the coral's survival, as it helps them tolerate warmer water.



On the other hand, corals that are more prone to bleaching were found to have a wider variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/">fungi</a>, including some that might be harmful.&nbsp;



This finding indicates that the health of corals is strongly linked to the makeup of their microscopic companions. Corals with a diverse community of heat-resistant algae are better equipped to handle the challenges of climate change.&nbsp;



“Our study highlights the ecological effects of microbiome dynamics and interactions between Symbiodiniaceae and fungi on coral thermal bleaching susceptibility, providing insights into the role of microorganisms and their interaction as drivers of interspecific differences in coral thermal bleaching,” explained study lead author Biao Chen, an assistant professor at Guangxi University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-impacts-of-coral-bleaching">Far-reaching impacts of coral bleaching</h2>



If coral bleaching becomes more frequent, it could have significant consequences for both the environment and human societies. Coral bleaching poses a threat to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dramatic-increase-in-shipping-traffic-threatens-marine-life/">marine life</a>, jobs, and even the safety of coastal communities.



Bleaching causes coral reefs to lose their richness and variety. This translates to fewer fish and other sea creatures, impacting the livelihoods of fishers and people who depend on the ocean for food.&nbsp;



Tourism, which thrives on the beauty and exploration of these vibrant underwater worlds, would also decline with increased bleaching events.&nbsp;



Furthermore, coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-impacts-97-percent-of-the-worlds-coastline/">coastlines</a> from powerful waves and storms. Without this protection, beaches could erode, and coastal areas would be more vulnerable to storm damage.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-how-microbes-help-corals">Learning how microbes help corals</h2>



The study emphasizes the importance of coral microbiome - the collective of microorganisms living with corals.&nbsp;



The scientists propose creating a global database of coral reef microbial communities and conducting further research across various disciplines, including ecology, marine chemistry, and oceanography. This can provide deeper insights into how microbes can help coral reefs adapt and survive in a warming world.



The research provides a roadmap for developing new ways to save coral reefs, which could involve changing the makeup of the tiny organisms living inside them.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.01939-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied and Environmental Microbiology</a>.



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Microbes have a surprising influence on coral bleaching

Coral reefs are vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with life. But...

Saxophone,Player,Performing,On,Stage

In the quest for peak productivity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-outperforms-humans-in-creativity-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a>, achieving a state of "creative flow" or being "in the zone" is highly coveted across various fields, from business to the arts. 



Drexel University's <a href="https://drexel.edu/coas/academics/departments-centers/psychology/research/applied-cognitive-and-brain-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creativity Research Lab</a> has taken a pioneering step in uncovering the neurological underpinnings of this elusive state through a groundbreaking neuroimaging study focused on jazz improvisation. 



This research marks the first time the brain's journey into the creative flow state has been visualized, offering invaluable insights into how individuals can harness this power.



At the helm of this research were John Kounios, PhD, a professor in the <a href="https://drexel.edu/coas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Arts and Sciences</a> and director of the Creativity Research Lab, and David Rosen, PhD, a recent graduate and current postdoc at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-brain-s-path-to-creative-enlightenment">Decoding the brain's path to creative enlightenment</h2>



Their study reveals that the key to entering a creative flow state lies in a combination of extensive experience and the deliberate relaxation of control, allowing the brain's specialized networks to operate autonomously with minimal conscious oversight.



The concept of flow was first brought into the spotlight by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who described it as a profoundly engaging and enjoyable state, compelling enough to pursue despite any costs involved. 



Despite its widespread fascination and extensive study, the precise nature of flow has remained ambiguous. Kounios's team set out to demystify this phenomenon by exploring various theories about how flow facilitates creative ideation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-keys-to-unlocking-creativity">Dual keys to unlocking creativity</h2>



One prevailing hypothesis suggests that flow might stem from an intense concentration or hyperfocus, where distractions are eliminated, allowing for superior task performance. 



Another theory posits that flow arises when the brain's default-mode network, responsible for daydreaming and introspection, generates ideas under the direction of the executive control network, which filters and guides these ideas.



Contrasting with these theories, Kounios's study supports the notion that flow results from a combination of acquired expertise and the conscious decision to "let go," enabling a specialized neural circuit to produce specific ideas effortlessly. 



This "expertise-plus-release" model indicates that without sufficient experience or the ability to relinquish control, achieving a deep state of creative flow may be challenging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-flow-insights-from-jazz-improvisation">Creative flow insights from jazz improvisation</h2>



The researchers tested their hypothesis by analyzing the brain activity of 32 jazz guitarists of varying experience levels as they improvised music.



The intensity of their flow experiences, rated by the musicians themselves, was then correlated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-air-quality-influences-creativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a> assessments from jazz experts and electroencephalogram (EEG) data. 



Findings showed that musicians with more experience not only entered flow states more frequently but also experienced them more intensely, highlighting the importance of expertise in achieving flow. 



Yet, expertise alone wasn't enough; the pivotal factor was a reduction in activity within the brain's executive control regions, suggesting that letting go is essential for flow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-neuroscience-of-creative-flow">Understanding the neuroscience of creative flow</h2>



This study provides scientific validation for the "expertise-plus-release" theory of creative flow and offers practical applications for enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-is-far-better-than-drugs-to-spark-creativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a> through structured practice and the strategic relaxation of control. 



Kounios emphasizes the significance of consistent practice to develop expertise in one's creative field, followed by a conscious effort to relinquish control, thereby allowing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microdosing-mushrooms-solving-creativity/">creative process</a> to unfold more naturally and fluently.



Echoing the words of jazz legend Charlie Parker, Kounios advises aspiring creatives to diligently hone their skills and then, in the moment of creation, to let go and simply "wail." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-path-to-uninterrupted-creativity">Practical path to uninterrupted creativity</h2>



In summary, Drexel University's new study illuminates the intricate dance between experience and the art of relinquishing control as the cornerstone of achieving creative flow. The research team provides a scientific basis for this fascinating phenomenon, which is long celebrated in various disciplines. 



By dissecting the neuroimaging of jazz improvisation, the research validates the theory that specialized brain networks foster creativity with minimal conscious oversight while providing a practical roadmap for individuals aiming to unlock their creative potential. 



Emphasizing the importance of dedicated practice followed by a conscious effort to "let go," this study inspires a reevaluation of our approach to creativity, advocating for a balanced synergy between mastery and freedom that can propel us into the zenith of creative expression.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028393224000393?via%3Dihub">Neuropsychologia</a>.



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Being in the zone: The neuroscience of creative flow

In the quest for peak productivity and creativity, achieving a...

Imagine waking up from a winter nap to find that it's already spring. This has become the reality for many bats thanks to rising temperatures and climate change. 



A study from the <a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/web/ub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Barcelona</a> shows how bats are adjusting to shorter winters. This affects their sleep patterns, where they travel, and their job as nature's pest control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-bat-hibernation">Climate change and bat hibernation</h2>



Many bat species living in areas with moderate climates use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hibernation-may-be-key-to-extraordinary-longevity-in-bats/">hibernation</a> as a way to survive the winter. This is a difficult time for bats because their usual food source, insects, are not readily available. To deal with this, bats enter a state called torpor.&nbsp;



In the state of torpor, the bats' body functions slow down significantly. Their body temperature drops, and they use much less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-power-has-won-the-prize-to-become-earths-main-source-of-energy/">energy</a> than usual. This allows the bats to live off the fat they stored up before winter and survive the cold months without needing to find food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schreiber-s-bent-winged-bats">Schreiber's bent-winged bats</h2>



The Barcelona team studied Schreiber's bent-winged bats for 20 years to see how they cope with rising temperatures. They tracked the bats' weight and fat content throughout their hibernation cycle.&nbsp;



The researchers observed that these bats entered and exited hibernation weighing less over time, even though winter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a> became warmer during the study period. Interestingly, despite this weight loss, the bats didn't lose a significant amount of fat reserves.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earlier-spring-activity">Earlier spring activity</h2>



As the Earth's temperature rises, winters are becoming milder and springs are starting earlier. This has led bats to wake up from their winter sleep sooner than usual. While this change might seem like a good thing at first, allowing them to be active for a longer period, it also comes with risks.



“The fat reserves they accumulate should be large enough to survive the whole winter without eating. However, due to shorter winters and higher temperatures, bats are not fattening up in autumn as they used to do years ago, because they do not need that much fat to get through the winter," explained Professor Jordi Serra-Cobo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-are-hibernating-in-warmer-caves">Bats are hibernating in warmer caves</h2>



In the past, bats preferred the cooler, deeper parts of caves to hibernate during winter. However, due to rising global temperatures, these areas are losing their coolness. As a result, bats are being forced to find cooler spots closer to cave entrances for their hibernation. 



The shift in location exposes them to greater danger from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-use-visual-and-behavioral-mimicry-to-avoid-predators/">predators</a>, like genets, who can more easily access these areas near the cave opening. This new challenge makes it even harder for bats to survive the winter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-pest-control">Potential impact on pest control</h2>



As previously mentioned, bats are very important for keeping insect populations, including harmful pests and insects that spread diseases, under control.&nbsp;



Waking up early in spring could have a big impact on the life cycle of the insects they eat. If both the bats and the insects wake up earlier at the same time due to warmer weather, it might not affect how well the bats control pest populations.&nbsp;



This suggests that there is a complex balance in nature where changes in one animal's behavior due to climate change can affect other things in the environment, like pest control. However, unpredictable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/">weather</a> - especially an unexpected cold snap in the spring - could be dangerous for bats that wake up early because they won't have enough stored fat to survive.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-impacts-across-all-bat-species">Varying impacts across all bat species</h2>



The experts found that different bat species are affected by climate change in different ways. Bats that live in areas like the Mediterranean, which are already warm, seem to be better able to handle climate change than bats in colder regions. This shows that climate change can have complicated effects on wildlife, with some animals being able to adapt to new conditions more easily than others.&nbsp;



The study serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching effects of climate change, even on resilient creatures like bats. As the world warms, understanding and addressing the complex challenges they face will be crucial to ensure their survival in a rapidly changing environment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52459-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Climate change is waking bats up from hibernation too early

Imagine waking up from a winter nap to find that...

Artist's impression of the surroundings of the supermassive blac

In a remarkable discovery, astronomers have utilized the unparalleled capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-of-water-vapor-may-be-involved-in-planet-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a> and young planet-forming discs.



For the first time, researchers, including Naman Bajaj from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> and Dr. Uma Gorti from the <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a>, have captured images of winds emanating from an aging yet still young planet-forming disk, offering vital clues on the dispersal of gas crucial for the formation of planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-a-planet-forming-disk">Glimpse into a planet-forming disk</h2>



At the center of this research is TCha, a young star surrounded by a disk marked by a significant dust gap. This disk, situated about 30 astronomical units from its star, is now known to release winds that carry gas away -- a process observed using the emissions of noble gases neon (Ne) and argon (Ar). 



Remarkably, one of these emissions marked the first-ever detection of its kind within a planet-forming disk. These findings not only highlight the disk's erosion but also signify a crucial step in understanding the disk's life cycle and its impact on the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary systems</a> similar to our Solar System.



Naman Bajaj explains, "These winds could be driven either by high-energy stellar photons (the star's light) or by the magnetic field that weaves the planet-forming disk." 



This distinction is critical for understanding how planetary systems evolve from dust and gas into the complex arrangements of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-revelation-new-image-sheds-light-on-the-birth-of-giant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>, asteroids, and comets we observe in our own Solar System and beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-gas-dispersal">Importance of gas dispersal</h2>



Dr. Uma Gorti, a veteran in the study of disk dispersal, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I'm excited to finally be able to disentangle the physical conditions in the wind to understand how they launch." 



This research addresses a longstanding question in astronomy: how do planet-forming disks, initially rich in gas, evolve to host systems dominated by rocky bodies? 



Understanding the timeline and mechanisms of gas dispersal is key to solving this puzzle, as it determines the material available for forming planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-photons-and-disk-evolution">Stellar photons and disk evolution</h2>



Further exploration by Dr. Andrew Sellek of <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/astronomy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden Observatory</a> and his team, involving simulations of gas dispersal driven by stellar photons, complements these observational breakthroughs. 



By comparing these models with actual <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a> observations, they concluded that dispersal by high-energy stellar photons is a viable process, evidenced by the significant amounts of gas being expelled from the disk annually -- an amount comparable to the mass of the moon. 



“We first used neon to study planet-forming discs more than a decade ago, testing our computational simulations against data from Spitzer, and new observations we obtained with the ESO VLT,” explained Sellek.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-transformative-power-of-jwst">The transformative power of JWST</h2>



This result underscores the critical role of JWST in advancing our comprehension of planetary system formation. The JWST has revolutionized our ability to study planet-forming disks, as highlighted by Professor Richard Alexander from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>. 



He reminisces about the limitations of previous observations and celebrates the JWST's capability to resolve disk winds in detail, expressing anticipation for future discoveries that will deepen our understanding of young planetary systems.



"We learned a lot, but those observations didn’t allow us to measure how much mass the discs were losing. The new JWST data are spectacular, and being able to resolve disc winds in images is something I never thought would be possible. With more observations like this still to come, JWST will enable us to understand young planetary systems as never before," Alexander concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-planet-forming-evolution-in-real-time">Observing planet-forming evolution in real time</h2>



An intriguing aspect of this research is the observation that the inner disk of T Cha is evolving over remarkably short timescales, as evidenced by differences between its JWST spectrum and earlier observations from the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/spitzer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spitzer Space Telescope</a>. 



Chengyan Xie of the University of Arizona notes the possibility of witnessing the complete dispersal of dust from T Cha's inner disk within our lifetimes, a testament to the dynamic nature of planet-forming environments.



In summary, the collaborative efforts of these researchers have provided unprecedented insights into the processes that govern the birth and evolution of planetary systems. 



By mapping the winds that erode planet-forming disks and pinpointing the mechanisms of gas dispersal, this study enhances our understanding of our cosmic origins and sets the stage for future explorations into the mysteries of the universe with the James Webb Space Telescope.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad22e1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a>.



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Cosmic winds from planet-forming discs seen for the first time

In a remarkable discovery, astronomers have utilized the unparalleled capabilities...

Ever felt like that doughnut might come back to haunt you later? Well, new research suggests it might not just affect your waistline, but also your love life. A study by the <a href="https://www.umontpellier.fr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montpellier</a> found that people who consumed a diet high in refined carbs were rated as less attractive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refined-carbs-and-attractiveness">Refined carbs and attractiveness</h2>



Refined carbohydrates are foods that have been processed to remove most of their natural fiber, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-d-reduces-risk-of-skin-cancer/">vitamins</a>, and minerals. These include white bread, pasta, pastries, white rice, table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and many packaged snacks and drinks.



Foods with refined carbs cause blood sugar to rise quickly and then drop, making you feel hungry again soon. Because they lack nutrients, they are linked to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.



For your skin, refined carbs can worsen acne by increasing oil production. They can also speed up aging by damaging collagen and elastin, which are proteins that keep your skin firm. Additionally, they can cause inflammation, leading to redness and puffiness. Since refined carbs are linked to weight gain, they can also change your appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refined-carbohydrates-at-breakfast">Refined carbohydrates at breakfast</h2>



The study suggests that what we eat for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakfast-lowers-the-risk-of-behavioral-problems-in-children/">breakfast</a> can impact how attractive we are perceived to be by others. People who consumed refined carbs breakfasts that caused their blood sugar to rise quickly, like sugary cereals or white bread, were rated as less attractive compared to those who had other breakfasts.&nbsp;



The study highlights that even the first meal of the day can influence how others perceive our attractiveness, suggesting a link between our dietary choices and physical appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snacking-between-meals">Snacking between meals</h2>



People who regularly snack on refined carbs were also perceived as less attractive. The study suggests that for men, this effect might be linked to their physical activity levels and how "masculine" they are perceived to be.&nbsp;



Men who exercised less tended to eat more refined carbs between meals, which seemed to influence the masculinity they portrayed and subsequently reduced their attractiveness.&nbsp;



For women, snacks with refined carbs might make them look older than they actually are.&nbsp; “Facial attractiveness, an important factor of social interactions, seems to be impacted by immediate and chronic refined carbohydrate consumption in men and women,” noted the researchers.



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



In the past, people ate foods that wouldn't cause blood sugar spikes very often, except for occasional treats like fruits or honey. Today, however, we have constant access to foods that cause blood sugar spikes.&nbsp;



This means these foods no longer signal that they are good sources of energy, unlike what might have been true in the past. Eating a lot of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-foods-seem-irresistible-the-answer-is-in-your-gut/">sugary foods</a> has led to health problems, and this seems to also affect how attractive people find others.



The study argues that our bodies haven't evolved to keep up with the modern diet, which is full of refined carbohydrates. The mismatch between our bodies and what we eat can lead to health problems and also affect how attractive we find each other.&nbsp;



Since being considered attractive is important in social interactions, these findings suggest that what we choose to eat can influence our social lives in unexpected ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-that-can-make-you-more-attractive">Foods that can make you more attractive</h2>



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/">healthy diet</a> that supports overall health can indirectly contribute to a more youthful and radiant appearance.



This includes:



<ul>
<li>Fruits and vegetables: They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help protect the skin from damage and aging.</li>



<li>Whole grains: These provide fiber for digestion and sustained energy, contributing to a healthy look.</li>



<li>Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and may contribute to a healthy glow.</li>



<li>Lean protein: Sources like chicken, turkey, tofu, and legumes help build and maintain muscle, and provide nutrients that can enhance skin health and overall appearance.</li>



<li>Water: Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and health, which can impact perceived attractiveness.</li>



<li>Tea: Green and white teas contain antioxidants that may help combat skin aging and contribute to a healthy glow.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sweet-discovery-eating-chocolate-can-add-years-to-your-life/">Dark chocolate</a>: In moderation, dark chocolate can improve circulation and help protect the skin from sun damage due to its flavonoid content.</li>



<li>Spices and herbs: Many spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can support skin health.</li>
</ul>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298984" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Eating refined carbs can make you less attractive

Ever felt like that doughnut might come back to haunt...

Lactating mothers who receive the COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccines-linked-to-neurological-blood-and-heart-related-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">booster shot</a> can pass protective antibodies to their infants through breastfeeding. This pioneering research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (<a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UF/IFAS</a>) and the <a href="https://med.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UF College of Medicine</a> underscores the potential for breastfed babies, who are too young for vaccination, to gain a layer of protection against the virus.



This investigation marks the third in a series aimed at understanding the transfer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-iron-may-be-a-key-driver-of-long-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> antibodies via breast milk. Initially focusing on the antibodies generated after the primary vaccination series, the research has now advanced to explore the impact of the booster shot. 



The findings, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, were supported by funding from the <a href="https://www.gerberfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gerber Foundation</a> and the <a href="https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Children's Miracle Network</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-power-of-breastfeeding-against-covid-19">Protective power of breastfeeding against COVID-19</h2>



Dr. Vivian Valcarce, a pivotal figure in this study and now an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.uab.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama at Birmingham</a>, emphasized the critical nature of breast milk in safeguarding infants, particularly in their first six months.



“We think that breast milk may play an important role in protecting the infants during the first six months of life from COVID. We continue to see babies being hospitalized from COVID-19 infections," Valcarce said.



Despite ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfizer-predicts-24-covid-vaccination-decline-this-fall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaccination efforts</a>, infants continue to face hospitalization risks due to COVID-19, making the role of breast milk even more vital. The study delved into how the introduction of the COVID-19 booster shot affects the presence and efficacy of antibodies in breast milk.



Joseph Larkin, a UF/IFAS associate professor of microbiology and cell science, highlighted the dual importance of the research. 



First, it demonstrates that breastfeeding offers a way to provide infants with COVID-19 antibodies. Next, it shows that these antibodies, which naturally wane over time, are replenished following a booster shot, extending the protective benefits for breastfed babies.



“When babies are born, they have an immature immune system, so they rely heavily on mom’s immune system,” Larkin explained. “Breastfeeding can serve as a gap in between while babies are building their own immune system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-path-of-antibodies">Tracing the path of antibodies</h2>



Researchers engaged in a comprehensive analysis, tracking 14 lactating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccination-timing-can-change-menstrual-cycle-length/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mothers</a> and their infants from pre- to post-booster shots. 



This included testing the mothers’ blood and breast milk for antibodies and analyzing infants' stool samples to confirm the transmission of these protective agents. 



A novel aspect of the study involved testing the functionality of breast milk antibodies against a laboratory-safe strain of COVID-19, revealing that these maternal antibodies are capable of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-future-covid-19-outbreaks-will-require-frequent-booster-shots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutralizing the virus</a>.



Lauren Stafford, a UF/IFAS graduate research assistant, and Ph.D. candidate, along with Dr. Josef Neu, a professor of pediatrics within the division of neonatology at the UF College of Medicine, contributed significantly to the study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-breastfeeding-and-covid-19">The future of breastfeeding and COVID-19</h2>



The magnificent work of these scientists underscores the invaluable role of breastfeeding in bolstering infant health, particularly during a pandemic.



Their findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding as a protective strategy against COVID-19 for infants and reinforces the critical role of booster vaccinations for lactating mothers. 



By providing an additional layer of defense through breast milk, mothers can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their infants' health during these challenging times.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1289413/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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Breastfeeding after receiving COVID-19 booster shot gives babies immunity

Lactating mothers who receive the COVID-19 booster shot can pass...

Biofilm,Of,Antibiotic,Resistant,Bacteria.,Rod-shaped,And,Spherical,Bacteria.,Escherichia

Scientists from Mass Eye and Ear and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have made a significant leap in our understanding of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, specifically within the Enterococcus genus. 



This research has uncovered 18 previously unknown species of enterococci, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-meditation-transforms-gut-microbes-for-optimal-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbes</a> prevalent in most land animals, and has identified hundreds of new genes. 



These discoveries provide critical insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, a global health crisis that is projected to rival cancer as a leading cause of death by 2050.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enterococci-frontline-antibiotic-resistance-foes">Enterococci: Frontline antibiotic resistance foes</h2>



Enterococci are notorious for causing multidrug-resistant infections, especially in hospital settings post-surgery, posing lethal risks and imposing over $30 billion in additional healthcare costs annually. 



This study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), expands the known diversity of enterococcal strains by more than 25% and suggests that insects and other invertebrates are major natural reservoirs for these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>, including naturally antibiotic-resistant species.



"Over the past 75 years, antibiotics have saved hundreds of millions of lives and have been pivotal in all types of surgery," stated Michael S. Gilmore, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at <a href="https://masseyeandear.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mass Eye and Ear</a> and director of the <a href="https://eye.hms.harvard.edu/idi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infectious Disease Institute</a> at Harvard Medical School. 



Gilmore emphasized the crisis proportions reached by antibiotic resistance in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need for a deeper understanding of how resistance genes spread to hospital bacteria, threatening human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-soil-to-science-origins-of-antibiotics">From soil to science: Origins of antibiotics</h2>



The origins of antibiotics trace back to the 1920s, with compounds like penicillin produced by soil microbes. These antibiotic-producing microbes, thriving in rotting plant matter, contribute to the distinct smell of forest soil. 



The study led by Gilmore and <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/bios/ashlee-earl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashlee Earl, PhD</a>, director of the Bacterial Genomics Group at Broad, involved an international team, including elite adventurers, collecting a diverse range of samples from remote global locations. 



These efforts previously revealed that Enterococcus bacteria emerged approximately 425 million years ago, suggesting a long evolutionary battle with antibiotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-may-hold-a-secret-weapon-against-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resistance</a>.



"Until recently, most of what we've understood about the genetics of enterococcus come from those that make us sick, and that's a problem -- like trying to understand darkness without ever seeing the light,” said Earl. 



“Expanding our view to include those from outside of hospitals, with the help of citizen scientists, gave us the contrast we needed to identify how they make people sick in the hospital, and also gives the public the chance to co-own solutions," she concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-the-hidden-allies-of-antibiotic-resistance">Insects: The hidden allies of antibiotic resistance</h2>



This research posits that insects, by consuming rotting plant material laced with natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a>, have played a significant role in the evolution of antibiotic resistance within gut bacteria like Enterococcus. 



Such resistance predates human antibiotic use, dating back to when antibiotics were first introduced in the 1940s and '50s, suggesting that these resistances were already embedded in the environment.



“The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that nature contains many infectious risks for humans,” Glimore reflected. 



“This study shows that insects and their relatives in nature are a large and uncharacterized reservoir of undiscovered genes in microbes closely related to those that cause some of the most antibiotic resistant infections," he concluded.



Through these findings, scientists are broadening our genetic database of enterococci and stepping closer to unraveling the complexities of antibiotic resistance. 



This knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to combat one of the most pressing health threats of our time, offering hope for future breakthroughs in preventing and treating antibiotic-resistant infections.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2310852121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Looming global crisis: Rising tide of antibiotic resistance

Scientists from Mass Eye and Ear and the Broad Institute...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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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

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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

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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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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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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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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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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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...